When Avery Durrill Reny reflects on her career, she often thinks of the footsteps she’s following. Her grandfather and father poured decades of passion and vision into Corpus Christi, building not only businesses but community landmarks—places where music, food and connection thrive.
Stepping into the family business wasn’t always her plan. After earning a communications degree from Texas A&M University – College Station, Reny launched her career in Fort Worth. But coming home to Corpus Christi and finding her place within Durrill Properties has become one of her most fulfilling decisions.
“I didn’t think I would come home and work with the family business,” she admitted. “But it’s been incredibly rewarding. I know I have big shoes to fill, but it’s an honor to carry forward the reputation and the legacy my dad and grandpa built.”
That sense of legacy and responsibility now fuels her daily. Balancing tradition with innovation, Reny has emerged as a leader in her own right. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Management District, co-chaired the 2025 ArtRageous event for the Art Museum of South Texas and sits on the museum’s board of trustees.
Her leadership journey began with humility. When she joined Durrill Properties in 2022, she shadowed her father for six months, learning the ins and outs of businesses like Brewster Street Icehouse, Concrete Street Amphitheater, and the Devary Durrill Foundation. At first, she wasn’t sure her background would fit. Soon, though, she saw how her communications and branding expertise could make a real and impactful difference.
“I realized I could contribute by elevating the way we connect with the community,” she recalled. One of her earliest goals was to unify branding and marketing across the properties so people would recognize a cohesive voice reflecting Corpus Christi’s spirit.
Success isn’t just about running businesses for Reny; it’s about creating experiences. She is especially proud of her work at Concrete Street Amphitheater, where she’s overseen everything from booking national acts to ensuring flawless concert execution.
“From the first conversations with an artist’s team to the moment the crowd walks through the gates, every detail matters,” she said. “I always tell my team, ‘Imagine this is someone’s first concert. We get to usher them through this experience and make it one of the most memorable nights of their lives.’ That’s what motivates me.”
Her vision has paid off. Concrete Street continues to draw high-profile acts and remains a premier South Texas music destination. Just as importantly, concertgoers leave with stories that keep them coming back.
While her role carries visibility, Reny doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous parts of the job. She often pitches in behind the scenes, believing leadership is about participation, not position. “It’s important to know what every employee does,” she explained. “When you understand the work, you can jump in when needed. It also shows your team that you’re willing to do the work with them, not just direct from the sidelines.”
That hands-on approach has earned her respect across the organization. Wearing many hats—marketer, planner, brand strategist, motivator and so on—has taught her resilience and adaptability.
In Corpus Christi, Reny is recognized not only for her professional drive but also for her community commitment. She believes deeply in the city’s momentum and the leaders working to help it thrive. “Speak up when you have something to say,” she advised. “This community is one that will listen. Together, we can make Corpus a place where young people want to stay, build their roots and build their futures.”
That belief in Corpus’ potential keeps her energized, even when challenges arise. Obstacles are natural, she said, but focusing on the bigger vision helps her push through.
As a “Rising Star,” Reny knows this recognition isn’t just about her accomplishments so far, it’s about what’s ahead. In the coming year, she hopes to continue strengthening Durrill Properties’ brands and expanding the reach of its venues. Looking further out, she envisions Corpus Christi as a cultural hub where world-class music, food and community converge.
Her hope is to inspire others, especially young professionals, to see leadership as both accessible and influential. “If I can show that you can step in, work hard and make a difference, even early in your career, maybe it opens doors for others to do the same,” she reflected.
Receiving the 2025 HER Award for “Rising Star” is humbling for Reny but also motivating. It’s recognition of the path she has forged and a reminder of the legacy she carries. But most of all, it symbolizes the future: the opportunities to keep shaping experiences, building community and proving that the next generation of leaders is ready to rise.
“I care so much about our brand, our businesses and this city,” she said. “This award means a lot personally, but it also reminds me of the responsibility I have to keep pushing, keep growing and keep contributing to Corpus Christi.”
With her reverence for the past and vision for the future, Avery Durrill Reny is doing just that. Lighting the way for others while making her own mark as one of Corpus Christi’s brightest rising stars.
