John M. Costilla

John Costilla is a seasoned marketing leader with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of K–12 education, technology, and workforce development. His career began in the classroom as a middle school English teacher and curriculum specialist, eventually evolving into leadership roles across professional development, sales, marketing, and state-level consulting.

John has held key marketing and sales positions at both start-ups and established organizations, including Lightspan, Pearson, WeAreTeachers, Renaissance, and most recently, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at Capstone Publishing. In each role, he has focused on bridging gaps in instructional support, funding, programmatic impact, and equitable access to education.

Currently, John serves as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for the Buda Economic Development Corporation (EDC), where he advances brand strategy and drives the execution of key performance goals.

Throughout his career, John has remained deeply engaged in education and community development. He is a former board member and past president of Friends of Texas Public Schools, a contributor to the Literacy First advisory board, and an active participant in state and national education associations.

A proud graduate of Texas Tech University, John is committed to fostering innovation, equity, and collaboration in education and workforce initiatives. He has lived in Hays County for more than 15 years with his wife, America, five children, and two grandchildren.