Sergio Tito Lopez
Chairman
P.O. Box 4496
Brownsville , TX 78523-4496
Mobile phone: (956) 592-3722
Fax: (956) 831-5006
Email: stlopezjr@gmail.com
Sergio T. Lopez, owner of Jonick-Lopez International Transport with operations in Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, brings decades of experience and leadership in the transportation and logistics industry. First elected to the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners as Commissioner, Place 5, in 2008, he has played a vital role in advancing cross-border trade and strengthening economic ties between the United States and Mexico.
Throughout his career, Commissioner Lopez has served various local, regional, national, and international organizations focused on cross-border trade, transportation, logistics, infrastructure development, and economic growth. His extensive involvement in these organizations has provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with international commerce and supply chain connectivity along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Commissioner Lopez was appointed Chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners in May 2026. He previously served as Chairman from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2020 to 2022, providing strategic leadership during periods of significant growth and development for the Port of Brownsville.
His extensive industry knowledge and strong relationships within the transportation sector have helped expand business opportunities at the Port of Brownsville by fostering partnerships with international companies seeking access to U.S. markets. Commissioner Lopez holds a degree in Transportation from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).
Ernesto Gutierrez
Vice Chairman
1000 Foust Road
Brownsville , TX 78521
Office phone: (956) 831-4592
Fax: (956) 831-5601
Ernesto Gutierrez was elected as Commissioner, Place 1, on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners following his successful election in the May 4, 2024, general election.
Gutierrez graduated from Saint Joseph Academy high school before pursuing higher education at Southern Methodist University, where he earned a degree in Political Science.
With a focus on fostering economic growth and job creation, Gutierrez prioritizes the expansion of existing businesses and attracting new enterprises to the port.
Gutierrez brings a wealth of professional experience to his role, spanning sectors crucial to the port’s development. His professional background includes proficiency in international business, property development, warehousing, material handling, in addition to construction in the residential, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Gutierrez finds strength and inspiration in his family. He is happily married to his wife Paulina and is a devoted father to three daughters: Paulina, Cordelia and Clara.
John Reed
Secretary of the Board
1000 Foust Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
Office phone: (956) 761-8589
Mobile (956) 343-6415
With 35 years of banking experience, John Reed brings financial, managerial and leadership knowledge for the betterment of the Port of Brownsville. His combined experience in banking, civic involvement and business background has proven effective since he was elected as Commissioner, Place 3, in May 2008. Commissioner Reed has been instrumental in marketing the Port of Brownsville effectively and ensuring that it has the proper infrastructure in place to provide a pro-business environment for the port stakeholders and the community as well as for new businesses considering relocation or expansion in the area overall. This Brownsville native has been politically and socially active in this area for many years, serving on numerous committees and boards of trustees, including the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railroad, Southmost Regional Water Authority, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), Valley Regional Medical Center, Brownsville Boys and Girls Club and the Dean Porter Park Renovation Committee, to name a few. Commissioner Reed lives in Rancho Viejo.
David A. Garcia
Commissioner
1000 Foust Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
Office phone: (956) 831-4592
Fax: (956) 831-5006
Commissioner David A. Garcia is the Managing Partner of Real Strategic Solutions and a lifelong advocate for the advancement of South Texas. He was elected to serve as Commissioner for Place 2 on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners in May 2026.
With nearly three decades of experience in public service, government relations, economic development, infrastructure, and project management, Commissioner Garcia has played a leadership role in advancing initiatives that strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness and long-term growth.
His extensive experience includes work on initiatives involving the Port of Brownsville, Cameron County, and the State of Texas, with a focus on maritime development, energy and technology, industrial recruitment, transportation infrastructure, international trade, cross-border opportunities, and regional quality of life. As former Cameron County Administrator, he helped advance transformative projects and initiatives that have shaped the region’s economic and infrastructure landscape.
Commissioner Garcia also served on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Director and Senior Advisor, where he worked to advance federal policies, programs, and investments benefiting South Texas communities. His expertise in the federal authorization and appropriations process has enabled him to help public and private sector clients navigate complex governmental processes and strategically secure resources and solutions.
A certified Project Management Professional, Commissioner Garcia brings a results-driven approach to leadership, grounded in collaboration, strategic planning, and long-term regional impact. He remains committed to building strong partnerships, advancing economic opportunities, and helping ensure the Port of Brownsville continues to serve as a catalyst for investment, jobs, and prosperity for families and businesses throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Luis H. Villarreal, Jr.
Commissioner
1000 Foust Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
Office phone: (956) 831-4592
Fax: (956) 831-5006
Luis H. Villarreal, Jr. was elected as Commissioner for Place 4 on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners in the May 2, 2026, BND general election. Commissioner Villarreal is a lifelong resident of Brownsville, Texas, where he attended local public schools and graduated from Homer Hanna High School. Growing up in South Texas helped shape his strong connection to the community and his understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the region. He attended The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he earned degrees in Government and Public Service, along with a master’s degree in public policy and management. Luis also worked in the Texas Senate for seven years, gaining experience in public service and regional policy issues. He is happily married to his wife, Grecia.
Professionally, Luis has focused his career on commercial development, healthcare related initiatives, construction management, and business operations throughout South Texas. His work has included commercial projects, predevelopment planning, and community focused economic development efforts across the Rio Grande Valley. Known for his hands on approach and problem solving mindset, Luis is committed to supporting responsible growth, strengthening local infrastructure, and creating opportunities that benefit working families and the broader community.
Board Meetings
09-02-26
Agenda: Agenda PDF
Minutes: Not Available
No video available.
08-19-2026
Agenda: Agenda PDF
Minutes: Minutes PDF
08-19-2026 | 08-13-2026
Amended Agenda 08-05-2026
Agenda: Agenda PDF
Minutes: Not Available
No video available.
08-05-2026
Agenda: Agenda PDF
Minutes: Minutes PDF
08-05-2026 | 07-30-2026
07-15-2026
Agenda: Agenda PDF
Minutes: Minutes PDF
