City Commission and Staff

Robert “Bobby” Peden is the inaugural mayor of Starbase, Texas. Elected in May 2025, Bobby brings over a decade of experience at SpaceX, where he currently serves as Vice President of Texas Test and Launch. Bobby began his career at SpaceX in 2013 as a ground support equipment engineer at the company’s Rocket Development Facility in McGregor, Texas. He transitioned to Starbase in December 2023 to oversee testing and launch operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s in engineering mechanics from the University of Texas. A longtime Texas resident, Bobby lives in Starbase Village with his family.

Jordan Buss is helping shape the future of Starbase, Texas, as one of its first city commissioners. A seasoned environmental, health, and safety executive, Buss was elected in May 2025 to serve on the inaugural city government of the newly incorporated municipality built around SpaceX’s rocket development and launch complex near Boca Chica Beach. Currently serving as Senior Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety at SpaceX, Buss brings vast experience in risk management, emergency preparation and response, regulatory compliance, and partnership with local communities. He joined SpaceX in 2023 after building a career in the energy sector, where he held leadership roles in environmental, health, and safety functions both domestically and internationally. Buss earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and currently resides in Starbase Village with his family.

Lois Wallace was appointed as interim City Commissioner in January 2026. She holds a bachelor's degree in Genetics and master's in Medical Biochemistry & Cell Science and works remotely conducting clinical trials for a pharmaceutical company. A Texas native, Lois grew up near the SpaceX McGregor site and has excitedly followed the company's development.

Lois has lived at Starbase with her husband since January 2022. She has been involved in community initiatives including highway and beach cleanups, the Starbase Book Exchange, volunteering with Brownsville Life & Family Pregnancy Center and Harlingen Loaves & Fishes shelter. Lois cares deeply about the Starbase community, especially the families of SpaceX employees, and hopes to help make Starbase a welcoming community.

Dr. Kent Myers, PhD, is the inaugural City Administrator of Starbase and brings four decades of municipal leadership to the role. A FortWorth native, he began his career as Converse, Texas’s first City Manager andwent on to serve in Casa Grande, Arizona; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Port Angeles,Washington; and Fredericksburg, Texas, where he was City Manager for ten years.Dr. Myers holds a BA in from the University of Texas at Arlington, an MPA fromTexas Christian University, and earned his PhD in Leadership Studies from OurLady of the Lake University in 2021.

Cayetana Polanco serves as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Starbase, Texas, bringing strategic operations expertise and a proven track record in scaling innovative organizations to support the city's rapid growth.

With over a decade of experience in technology and entrepreneurship, she co-founded Keyo, a biometric identity platform, where she raised over $25 million, deployed more than 25,000 palm-recognition devices across payments, healthcare, and government sectors, and led cross-functional teams through product development, operations, and expansion. Her background at the intersection of hardware, software, and emerging technologies equips her to contribute effectively to Starbase's administrative and community initiatives.

A Starbase resident, Cayetana is deeply committed to building a thriving city. She serves on the Starbase City Public Library Volunteer Board and is passionate about fostering systems that support residents. She resides in Starbase with her husband and their two young daughters.

Gretchen Norton brings nearly two decades of combined experience in education and administration to her role as Assistant to the City Clerk and Municipal Court Clerk. A former teacher and GT liaison, she is skilled at managing records, coordinating programs, and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders. Gretchen has a strong background in maintaining compliance with state and district guidelines, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring accurate data management. Her work as an administrative assistant with Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps further strengthened her expertise in confidential recordkeeping, budgeting, and organizational support.

With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Gretchen is known for her attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication to efficient, service-oriented operations. In every role, she strives to create systems that are accurate, accessible, and aligned with legal and procedural standards. Gretchen currently resides at Starbase.