Gilberto ‘Gil” Salinas is the Chief Strategy Consultant at GS Concepts LLC, a premier firm specializing in economic development and providing strategic site selection support to expanding companies, with a particular focus on foreign direct investment. Based in the Brownsville-Matamoros Borderplex, Salinas has played a pivotal role in numerous high-impact projects, notably collaborating with SpaceX and its visionary founder, Elon Musk, on the construction of the world's first commercial rocket launch site at Boca Chica Beach in South Texas.

A recognized leader in economic development, Salinas was chosen to share his insights in a Ted Talk-style presentation at the IEDC 2017 Going Global Conference in Toronto, recounting the success story of the SpaceX project. Appointed by Governor Gregg Abbott to the Texas Aerospace & Aviation Advisory Committee, Salinas actively contributes to shaping strategies for attracting companies and capital investment in the aerospace and aviation sector in Texas.

Salinas's impressive career includes spearheading the creation of a new economic development organization for the City of Brownsville, leading to the establishment of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. His prior role as Executive Vice President at the Brownsville Economic Development Council saw him manage a portfolio of projects valued at $13 billion, working on corporate recruitment, local business expansion, and overall economic growth in the Greater Brownsville-Matamoros Borderplex.

A distinguished professional, Salinas has been featured in national media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Forbes Magazine, offering expert insights on industry and economic trends. He has also shared his expertise on Univision's 'Despierta America' and participated in interviews with Senior Correspondent Maria Antonieta Collins.

With a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas–Pan American, Salinas is a sought-after speaker at conferences on economic development, community building, and economic trends in North America and Latin America. Currently serving on the board of the International Economic Development Council and as a founding member of the Mexican and Americans Thinking Together nonprofit organization, Salinas continues to be a driving force in shaping economic landscapes and fostering international collaboration.

In his downtime, Salinas adds a touch of versatility to his profile, showcasing his acting skills in Texas-based films, including notable roles in "A Night in Old Mexico" alongside Academy Award Winner Robert Duvall and the USA Network show "Queen of the South."