The Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) has appointed Joe Salazar as its acting chief executive officer, ensuring leadership continuity as the organization advances major economic development initiatives and begins the search for its next permanent CEO. Salazar officially assumed the role on September 9, succeeding Teclo Garcia, who retired after four years as CEO and more than 19 years of municipal service in South Texas. Mission EDC has played a key role in supporting business growth, attracting investment and strengthening the city's economy through partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, workforce organizations and government agencies. As acting CEO, Salazar will lead those ongoing efforts while working closely with the Board of Directors, City leadership and community stakeholders. A Mission resident with more than 15 years of public-sector financial experience, Salazar joined Mission EDC in 2024 as financial officer after spending 13 years as an accountant with the City of Mission. In his current role, he has overseen budgeting, financial compliance, investment management and long-term financial planning for the organization's economic development projects and programs. Salazar is also completing the Texas Certified Public Manager Program through UTRGV Professional Education & Workforce Development, further strengthening his leadership and public management expertise. "I am grateful to the Mission EDC Board of Directors for their trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting CEO," Salazar said. "While the Board searches for a permanent CEO, I'm excited to work alongside our team as we continue moving forward with the projects, programs and partnerships already underway." …
The Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) has appointed Joe Salazar as its acting chief executive officer, ensuring leadership continuity as the organization advances major economic development initiatives and begins the search for its next permanent CEO.
Salazar officially assumed the role on September 9, succeeding Teclo Garcia, who retired after four years as CEO and more than 19 years of municipal service in South Texas.
Mission EDC has played a key role in supporting business growth, attracting investment and strengthening the city’s economy through partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, workforce organizations and government agencies. As acting CEO, Salazar will lead those ongoing efforts while working closely with the Board of Directors, City leadership and community stakeholders.
A Mission resident with more than 15 years of public-sector financial experience, Salazar joined Mission EDC in 2024 as financial officer after spending 13 years as an accountant with the City of Mission. In his current role, he has overseen budgeting, financial compliance, investment management and long-term financial planning for the organization’s economic development projects and programs.
Salazar is also completing the Texas Certified Public Manager Program through UTRGV Professional Education & Workforce Development, further strengthening his leadership and public management expertise.
“I am grateful to the Mission EDC Board of Directors for their trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting CEO,” Salazar said. “While the Board searches for a permanent CEO, I’m excited to work alongside our team as we continue moving forward with the projects, programs and partnerships already underway.”
He added that Mission EDC remains focused on supporting the local business community, attracting new investment and creating opportunities for residents.
“We have a talented and dedicated staff, and together we will remain focused on supporting our business community, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for Mission,” Salazar said.
Mission EDC enters the leadership transition following several years of economic development activity under Garcia’s leadership. With its existing team remaining in place, the organization is expected to continue advancing projects and partnerships aimed at supporting Mission’s long-term economic growth while the search for a permanent CEO moves forward.
