BPUB GM & CEO Named STEM Woman of the Year

Marilyn D. Gilbert, General Manager & CEO of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), has been selected as the Amelia Earhart STEM Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club of Brownsville.

The award identifies a woman who has made significant contributions in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

“I am humbled and honored to be selected,” Gilbert said. “It’s crucial that we continue to empower women, helping them achieve their dreams through encouragement and by sharing our experiences. I look forward to continue to do the work that I love for the betterment of our community.”

Gilbert became the first woman to lead BPUB as its General Manager & CEO when she was appointed to the role in February 2023. She joined BPUB in 2000 where she served as Key Account Manager, Energy Risk Manager and Director of Energy Services until 2014. She returned to BPUB in 2022 after stints at Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) in New York and Imperial Irrigation District (IID) in California.

She currently serves as Board Member of the Texas Public Power Association (TPPA), and is a member of Region M of the Rio Grande Water Planning Group (RWPG). She has previously contributed to the Rio Grande Water Authority Group, National Association Transmission Forum North American Transmission Forum, Southern California Public Power Association, California Utilities Municipal Association, and Large Public Power Council.

Gilbert is also deeply involved with the Brownsville community and has served on numerous local boards, committees and volunteer groups, including the Brownsville Independent School District board of trustees, Girls Scouts of Greater South Texas STEM Advisory Committee and the North Brownsville Rotary Club.

The Zonta Club of Brownsville is a chapter of the Zonta International USA Caucus, an international membership organization dedicated to building a better world for women and girls by empowering them through service and advocacy.