Killeen City Council Appointed New City Manager

The city council selected Dr. Marie Peoples to lead local government following a nationwide search process.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in People

Killeen City Council Appointed New City Manager

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The Killeen City Council has voted 6-1 to appoint Dr. Marie Peoples as the new city manager. She will take over the leadership role following the retirement of outgoing city manager Kent Cagle.

Why it matters

The appointment concludes an extensive recruitment process aimed at replacing the departing city manager. City leadership positions are critical for overseeing municipal operations and administrative strategy for the local community.

The search process involved 118 total applications, with 41 candidates meeting the minimum qualifications. The council selected four finalists for interviews before finalizing the appointment.

The players

Dr. Marie Peoples

She is the incoming city manager for Killeen who holds a Ph.D. in public health epidemiology.

Kent Cagle

He is the outgoing city manager of Killeen whose retirement prompted the search for a new leader.

Laurie Wilson

She serves as the assistant city manager for Killeen and will act as interim manager during the leadership transition.

Killeen City Council

This is the governing body for Killeen, Texas, responsible for legislative decisions and the hiring of the city manager.

The details

The Killeen City Council initiated a nationwide search to identify the successor to Kent Cagle. Dr. Marie Peoples, who holds a Ph.D. in public health epidemiology, was chosen from a final pool of four candidates interviewed by the council.

September 22-23, 2026: Council members conducted interviews with the finalists.
October 8, 2026: The city council formally voted to appoint Dr. Marie Peoples.
October 9, 2026: Kent Cagle concludes his service as city manager.
October 10, 2026: Assistant City Manager Laurie Wilson begins as interim city manager.
November 9, 2026: Dr. Marie Peoples assumes the duties of city manager.

Market Landscape

The appointment follows the professional recruitment standards established by the International City/County Management Association for municipal leadership. This selection mirrors a broader trend of local governments utilizing formalized nationwide searches to secure administrative expertise.

Residents can expect a transition in administrative leadership effective in November. This change may eventually lead to shifts in city department management or local policy priorities under the new city manager.

The takeaway

The appointment of Dr. Marie Peoples marks a significant transition for Killeen's municipal governance. Residents should watch for upcoming public meetings where the new administration may outline its long-term strategy for the city.