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 serves as city commissioner, previously 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.

Cayetana Polanco serves as city administrator for Starbase, Texas, bringing strategic operations expertise and a proven track record in scaling innovative organizations to support the city's rapid growth. She previously served as assistant city administrator.

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.

Max Levin is executive director of the Starbase Type B Economic Development Corp.

He holds a law degree from Georgetown University and has more than a decade of experience leading large-scale economic development programs in Africa and Latin America, most recently with the federal government.

At the Millennium Challenge Corp., he helped oversee more than $500 million in economic development programs in Morocco and Togo. His work included coordinating Morocco’s first public-private partnership for industrial parks and designing and launching an energy infrastructure project in Togo valued at more than $300 million.

A Starbase resident, Max co-founded the Starbase Community Library and serves on its board of directors.

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Gretchen Norton brings nearly two decades of combined experience in education and administration to her role as 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 in Starbase with her husband.

Keila Tuttle serves as data governance and project manager for the City of Starbase. With more than eight years of leadership experience in operations, risk management, compliance, and organizational strategy, she brings deep expertise in building robust systems that ensure data integrity, regulatory adherence, and efficient project execution.

She specializes in developing and implementing standard operating procedures, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and delivering data-driven recommendations that align operations with the organization's strategic goals. Her background leading multidisciplinary teams and overseeing complex compliance initiatives — most recently as Director of Operations – Safety & Risk Management at Texas Southmost College, where she directed safety programs, emergency preparedness, security infrastructure, and organizational compliance — enables her to strengthen the City’s data governance frameworks and deliver high-impact projects that enhance services for Starbase residents and stakeholders.

Keila resides in Starbase with her husband and their two young daughters.

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