Killeen Appointed New City Manager Following Search
Local business operators will see a leadership transition in November as Dr. Marie Peoples takes the helm.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in People
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The Killeen City Council voted 6-1 to appoint Dr. Marie Peoples as the new city manager following a nationwide recruitment search. She will take over operations on November 9, 2026.
Why it matters
The change in city leadership signals a shift in the administrative priorities governing local business permits, infrastructure projects, and city-led economic initiatives. The council initiated this search process after the announced retirement of the long-standing city manager.
The city received 118 applications for the position, with 41 candidates meeting minimum qualifications before the council selected four finalists. The appointment was finalized with a 6-1 vote tally by the city council.
The players
Dr. Marie Peoples
An administrator holding a Ph.D. in public health epidemiology who is transitioning into the Killeen city manager role.
Kent Cagle
The outgoing city manager whose retirement triggered the formal executive search process.
Laurie Wilson
The assistant city manager who will serve as the interim leader during the transition period.
The details
The council utilized a formal, nationwide search process that narrowed the candidate pool from 118 applicants down to nine semifinalists and finally four finalists. These candidates underwent formal interviews with the council on September 22-23. The transition period involves outgoing city manager Kent Cagle concluding his service on October 9, followed by an interim tenure for Assistant City Manager Laurie Wilson.
Timeline
September 22-23, 2026: Council interviewed finalists.
October 8, 2026: Council appointed Dr. Marie Peoples.
October 9, 2026: Kent Cagle concludes his service.
October 10, 2026: Laurie Wilson begins as interim city manager.
November 9, 2026: Dr. Marie Peoples begins as city manager.
Market Landscape
This appointment concludes the executive search cycle prompted by the retirement of Kent Cagle. The decision follows a standard municipal hiring pattern where the council acts to ensure administrative continuity through an interim period.
Operators should prepare for a potential shift in administrative processes or policy emphases once the new manager settles into the office in November. Monitor upcoming city council agendas for signs of changing regulatory or economic priorities.
The takeaway
The incoming manager brings a background in public health epidemiology, which may signal a shift in the city's focus regarding municipal programs. Business owners should review the November city council calendar to engage early with the new administration.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KWKT - FOX 44.
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