Meet Riakos Adams

Candidate for Mayor

Riakos L. Adams is a retired United States Army officer, disabled veteran, and lifelong public servant who has dedicated his career to leadership, accountability, and service to the community. After enlisting in the Army in 1994, he was later commissioned as an officer through Howard University ROTC in 2000. He retired in January 2017 as a Major after 22+ years of service, having served on around the world in combat, diplomatic, inter-agency, training, and armistice assignments.

During his military career, Adams earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal. His service instilled a leadership philosophy rooted in discipline, integrity, and mission-focused execution—values he continues to bring to public office.

Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of the District of Columbia, a master’s degree in Business Management from Webster University, and has completed doctoral coursework in Human Services at the University of Arizona Global Campus.

A firm believer that service does not end with retirement, Adams has remained deeply engaged in civic leadership. He serves as President of Killeen Volunteers, Inc. and Executive Director of the Central Texas Youth Volunteer Corps, participating and leading volunteer initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, support youth, and meet critical community needs. His past service includes the Bell County Child Welfare Board, Killeen ISD School Health Advisory Council (Co-Chair), Killeen ISD Education Foundation Board, Killeen Community Development Advisory Committee (Chair), Killeen Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission, and as a Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Adams was appointed to the Killeen City Council in 2022 and 2023 to fill vacancies, elected Council Member At Large in 2024, and elected Mayor Pro Tem in 2025. He represents Killeen on the Killeen–Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization, where he serves as Vice Chair of the Policy Board, and as an alternate to the Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Board. He also serves on the Killeen Sister Cities Board of Directors.

At the state and national level, Adams is a recognized leader in municipal governance. He serves on the board of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members, an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League, and served as Vice Chair of the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Federal Advocacy Committee and Vice Chair of the Military Communities Council. He is currently Chair of the National League of Cities Military Communities Council and serves as Director-at-Large for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.

Adams is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a Prince Hall Mason and Shriner, and a life member of numerous veteran service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of World Wars, Military Police Regimental Association, American Legion, and others. He has also held membership in Toastmasters, National Exchange Club, and Rotary International.

Riakos Adams brings proven executive leadership, real-world experience, and a steady hand to the work of city government. As Mayor, he is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure investment, and building a Killeen that works for every resident.

“Leadership is not a title — it is the responsibility to show up, listen, and do the work when it matters.”

Resume

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science — University of the District of Columbia
Master of Arts, Business Management — Webster University
Doctoral Coursework Completed, Human Services — University of Arizona Global Campus
U.S. Army Professional Military Education (multiple leadership and command courses)

Work Experience

Recreation Manager/Specialist, D.C. Department of Recreation and Parks – Aquatics (1991-2000)
- Pool Manager, Swim Team Coach, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer Instructor, Water Aerobics Instructor
United States Army (1994–2017)
- Enlisted Soldier (1994–2000); Commissioned Officer (2000–2017); Retired as Major
Killeen City Council — Council Member At Large (2022–Present); Mayor Pro Tem (2025–Present)
President, Killeen Volunteers, Inc. (2019 – Present)

Community Experience

Chair, Killeen Community Development Advisory Committee
Co-Chair, Killeen ISD School Health Advisory Council
Member, Bell County Child Welfare Board
Member, Killeen Planning & Zoning Commission
Member, Killeen Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
Board Member, Killeen Sister Cities Association
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Other Experience/Affiliations

Chair, National League of Cities Military Communities Council (2026)
Vice Chair, National League of Cities Military Communities Council (2025)
Vice Chair, National League of Cities Transportation & Infrastructure Services Federal Advocacy Committee (2025)
Director-at-Large, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (2026)
Region XI Director, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (2025)
Board Member, Texas Association of Black City Council Members (2024 – present)
Life Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Prince Hall Mason and Shriner
National Sojourner
Life Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of World Wars