Nathan Burkhart, vice president for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, is a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award. The biennial award recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International and Jorgenson Pace Inc. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.

Burkhart he leads efforts at BCIC to strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem and drive economic growth. A Brownsville native, Burkhart returned to his hometown after working in Austin’s startup sector and the Texas Legislature. Under his leadership, BCIC has expanded initiatives such as the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, and StartUp Texas.

The award winners were recently announced at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council 2025 Leadership Summit, the only conference exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession.