Mathis, Texas – As the Mathis Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) heralds a new era of growth and prosperity, it welcomes Sabas Encinia Jr. as its newly appointed Director. A Mathis native, Encinia brings a wealth of experience from the oil and gas industry, construction, and business management to the role formerly held by Doug Dowler, who made significant contributions to the city’s development during his five-year tenure.
Following a commendable period at Halliburton, where Encinia’s career flourished through times of boom, he later navigated the company through the challenging phase of an industry bust, overseeing the sale of assets. His versatility was further proven in management roles at construction firms during a period of industrial growth in San Patricio County, including a pivotal role in constructing the Steel Dynamics Inc. facility with ATS Industrial.
In a recent shift towards serving his community, Encinia reflected, “I decided about six months ago when everything was kind of at a standstill as far as what I was doing. So this position opened up for the Mathis EDC director and I got some information from a friend who said, ‘Hey, I think you’d be a great ambassador for Mathis.’ I said I’d check it out and threw my name in the hat. After the MEDC board interviewed me, now I’m here.”
Encinia takes the helm at a time when Mathis, despite its potential, has often been overlooked amidst the county’s industrial surge. He aims to elevate the city’s profile, advocating for its inclusion in broader economic discussions. “My first job is to bring awareness to Mathis. I want to tell the industry, ‘Don’t forget about us, we’re here, too,’” Encinia asserts.
Encinia’s immediate focus includes promoting the 121 acres earmarked for development in Mathis, reinvigorating plans that had stalled due to the pandemic and the absence of an EDC director. He is passionate about showcasing Mathis not just as a site for industry but as a vibrant community, noting the city’s culinary fame with two barbecue joints listed in the Texas Monthly Top 50 and its suitability as a place to raise a family.
With his appointment, Encinia is already engaging with county officials and setting the stage for Mathis to secure its slice of the regional growth. His hands-on approach is evident in his diligence, as he immerses himself in the work, stating, “It’s very exciting to be here. It’s a totally different path, but I have great people surrounding me. I believe that with the EDC board at my side, we’ll make a great team and make things happen here in Mathis.”
As he embarks on this new journey, Encinia’s commitment to hard work and his vision for Mathis are clear. The MEDC and the community of Mathis stand ready to support him in filling the big shoes left by his predecessor and in forging a path of renewed growth and opportunity for the city.
