Basinger Retires After Almost Fourteen Years at The Alliance

Brent Bowles, Chairman of the Economic Development Alliance for Brazoria County and Principal/Owner of iAD  Architects, announced the retirement of Gary Basinger from his position as President and CEO of The Alliance.  Gary has elected to retire effective December 31, 2021 after serving The Alliance since April 2008.  “Although Gary will be sorely missed for the commitment and dedication he has brought to Brazoria County and The Alliance, we are excited and happy for him at this time to transition into his retirement and wish him all the best” Bowles commented.

Gary has served in an economic development role for thirty years.  He served the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, The Research Valley Partnership, Inc., and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation before coming to Brazoria County.

As a Certified Economic Developer, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, both from Texas A&M University, Gary brought a high level of expertise to the organization.  The CEcD Program is the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession, is recognized around the world, and is the only certification program for economic development in the U.S.

“I have worked with Gary since day one of my involvement with The Alliance over ten years ago” said Jim Russ, Immediate Past Chairman of The Alliance.  “As one of the most kind and gentle souls one could ever know, I was truly honored when Gary accepted the position of being the President and CEO of The Alliance in 2018.  Gary’s love for Brazoria County and The Alliance was clearly evident by how he executed his duties since the first day he joined The Alliance team.  The residents and business partners of Brazoria County, as well as myself, benefited exponentially from Gary’s association with and leadership of The Alliance through the tenure of his career.  I am truly honored to call Gary a great friend and I wish him and his bride the absolute very best in the next chapter of their life in retirement; or as others call it, living a life of all Saturdays” added Russ. 

“Gary has been a great resource, advocate, and promoter of sustainable economic growth in Brazoria County.  Is has been a pleasure working with him over the last thirteen plus years.  I wish him the best in his upcoming retirement” said Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta.

Gary has made numerous contributions to The Alliance.  Since March of 2018, he has served as President and CEO, during which time he brought the organization to a financially stable position.  Gary also produced five Brazoria County promotional videos, designed a new website that incorporated a commercial real estate listing and a job search engine.  He is leaving the organization in a better position than it has ever been.