About KEDC

The Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) works to strengthen the local economy by supporting business growth, job creation, and long-term investment in the Killeen community. As the city’s primary economic development organization, KEDC partners with businesses, site selectors, and regional stakeholders to position Killeen as a competitive location for expansion and innovation.

KEDC focuses on attracting new industry, supporting existing employers, and developing business-ready sites that align with the city’s long-term economic goals. 

What We Do

KEDC supports economic development efforts across several key areas, including:

  • Business recruitment, retention, and expansion

  • Workforce-focused economic growth

  • Incentives and project support for qualifying businesses

  • Partnerships with education, workforce, and regional organizations

These efforts are designed to help businesses move efficiently from interest to operation while supporting long-term community success.

Our Team

The KEDC team brings experience in economic development, business support, and community partnership. Working closely with the City of Killeen, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and regional partners, the team provides hands-on assistance throughout the site selection and development process. 

From initial inquiries to project completion, the team serves as a single point of contact, helping businesses navigate available sites, workforce resources, incentives, and local connections.

roni-nail.jpeg

Roni Nail

Program Manager

tyler-robert.jpeg

Tyler Robert

Vice President of Economic Development

roni-nail.jpeg
Roni Nail
Program Manager

Roni Nail serves as the Program Manager and Military Relations Representative for the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Emlenton, Pennsylvania, she is a graduate of Allegheny Clarion Valley High School. Raised with a love for gardening, hunting, and food preservation, Roni still enjoys processing game meat today.After high school, Roni joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany with the 299th A Co, 1st Infantry Division, deploying to Bosnia from 1995–1996. Following her enlistment, she continued serving the military community as a spouse, FRG Leader, and Treasurer while raising her family.
Before joining the Chamber, Roni worked in behavioral health, supporting active-duty soldiers and their families in developing wellness and recovery plans. In her spare time, Roni enjoys crafting and breeding and showing rabbits across Texas and nationwide with her daughters.

tyler-robert.jpeg
Tyler Robert
Vice President of Economic Development

Tyler Robert was born in Dallas and raised in Northeast Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Texas Tech University. Tyler has also completed additional professional courses through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Community Development Institute (CDI), and Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL).
Before his work at the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, Tyler held economic and community development roles at various levels, including city, county, nonprofit, and foreign organizations. His professional experience includes leading public-private partnerships, managing complex development initiatives, and securing state and federal funding to support long-term community investment.
Tyler is passionate about the economic viability of the communities he works in and approaches development through a strategic, data-driven lens that balances business growth with workforce development and quality-of-life outcomes. He is committed to building durable partnerships that position communities for sustainable, inclusive growth.

Board of Directors

KEDC is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Killeen City Council. The Board is composed of local leaders who represent a range of professional backgrounds and perspectives, helping ensure economic development efforts align with community priorities and long-term goals.

The Board provides strategic oversight and policy direction while supporting responsible stewardship of public resources.

Disclaimer: Per the KEDC By Laws approved by the city council, Article III.Directors: Section 3.03. Appointment. The nine (9) directors shall be appointed by the Governing Body as provided for herein. There shall be three (3) directors nominated by and representing each of the following organizations: Three (3) from the City of Killeen Mayor and City Council, three (3) from the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, and three (3) from the Killeen Industrial Foundation. 

Amy Milsap

Treasurer

Term Expiration

2024-2027

Anthony Kendrick

Board Member

Term Expiration

2025-2028

Curt Gaines

Board Member

Term Expiration

2025-2028

Riakos Adams

Board Member

Term Expiration

2024-2027

Jose Guzman

Board Member

Term Expiration

2023-2026

Kelly Brown

President

Term Expiration

2024-2027

Jessica Gonzalez

Board Member

Term Expiration

2023-2026

Scott Cosper

Board Member

Term Expiration

2025-2028

Todd Fox

Vice President

Term Expiration

2023-2026

amy-milsap.jpeg
Amy Milsap
Treasurer

Amy was born and raised in Killeen and graduated Killeen High School in 1979. She married James Millsap in 1979 and today has 3 grown children and 4 grandsons.Amy attended Central Texas College and received her Real Estate License in 1992, her brokers license in 1997. She worked for Barry's Dept. Store, CTC and Centel Phone Company, before starting at Morris Real Estate in 1987. She took over the company from Jack Morris in 2002.Amy is on the Board of Directors with the Killeen Food Care Center and the Killeen Rotary Club. She is a member of The American Business Women's Association, the Fort Hood Area Board of Realtors and AUSA.

document-(3).jpg
Anthony Kendrick
Board Member

Kendrick mentors local teenagers, supports small businesses, and engages with residents through neighborhood visits, city department ride-alongs, and community clean-ups. Originally from Sylvester, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988 as an Armor Crewman and served 21 years, completing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian missions. After retirement, he managed aviation fuel logistics in the Middle East. As a community leader, Kendrick previously owned a Youth Sports Association and is the Central Texas Regional Director for Texas Youth Football All-Star. He is also involved with the Killeen Independent School District’s mentorship programs and health advisory council. A Killeen resident for over 25 years, his leadership has inspired many young men to achieve their goals.

curt-gaines.jpeg
Curt Gaines
Board Member

Curt brings more than 30 years of experience in community banking, with a career defined by innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening local economies. He began as a commercial lender and most recently served as Market President and Chief Lending Officer of a $1.3 billion locally owned financial institution, where he also sat on the Board of Directors. A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a BBA in Finance, Curt furthered his expertise at the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, completing the program in 2015. Early in his career at Citi, he developed credit analysis templates that were adopted across Texas, and throughout his career, he has consistently advanced credit analysis functions, streamlining systems and embedding risk management practices in multiple financial institutions. Beyond banking, Curt is deeply invested in his community. With a passion for economic development, he has helped local Economic Development Corporations structure innovative deals that support growth and opportunity. For nearly 20 years, he has also dedicated his time and expertise to the Boys & Girls Clubs, serving on local boards and focusing his efforts on creating positive outcomes for youth.

document-(1).jpg
Riakos Adams
Board Member

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.

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.

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.

kelly-brown.jpeg
Kelly Brown
President

Kelly Brown is a Killeen, Texas native and graduate of Ellison High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and participated in an overseas study program in Morocco, which broadened his global perspective.Kelly began his banking career while in college and has spent more than 30 years in the industry, holding leadership roles with Bank of America, First National Bank Texas, and First Heroes National Bank. His experience includes serving as a Banking Center Manager, Commercial Lender, and Portfolio Manager. He currently serves as Community Bank President with Cadence Bank, focusing on relationship-based banking, community development, and sustainable growth. In addition to banking, Kelly and his family own Big Hoss BBQ, a local restaurant and catering business that has served the community since 2004. He is deeply involved in civic leadership and currently serves as Chairman of Seton Hospital, Armed Services YMCA, and the Killeen Economic Development Corporation, among other community roles. Kelly credits his success to the support of his wife of 14 years, Melissa.

document-(2).jpg
Jessica Gonzalez
Board Member

Jessica Gonzalez is a native of the Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas area. Her father, stationed at Fort Hood, was a Vietnam Veteran, Bronze Star & Purple Heart recipient and her mother, retired as a veteran teacher from the Killeen Independent School District. Together, they instilled in Jessica, a strong worldview, a principled work ethic, and a concern for the greater good. 

Living in her hometown of Killeen, Texas, she saw a need to put her skills to use in support of its citizens. Jessica is an active and positive representative for the City of Killeen, City Council. She firmly believes in and embodies the quote by Mahatma Gandhi,“Be the Change you wish to see in the world." 

A graduate of Killeen High School, Jessica González is a mother of three, one of whom is an active-duty service member in the United States Air force. She is also the grandmother of two little girls. 

Active in her community, Jessica received the coin of Service Excellence from the Deputy Commander of the Canadian Army, Brig. General Peter Atkinson and Colonel Miente of III Corps Phantom Warriors Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas. 

She has served in the capacity of Director of College Admissions with a private educational organization and as a former member of the Brazos Valley Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Committee and Hispanic Forum. She has completed Leadership Round Rock and several other volunteer fellowships and has traveled to D.C. as an advocate with a delegation from Texas A&M and local business leaders. 

Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez believes if people recognize their potential, supported with reliable resources, they can do more and be more than they may have ever imagined.  

She is a powerful advocate who has worked, in varying capacities, with Habitat for Humanity, LULAC, Clements Boys & Girls Club, NAACP and the Task Force against Family Violence to name a few. She has poured her creative focus with theater and film into telling compelling stories in an effort to raise awareness about important issues and causes. Jessica is energetically utilizing her voice to bring attention to human trafficking. She has truly found a way through art and advocacy to affect change. 

Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez has brought her vision and advocacy and spirit of community unity to District 1 of the City of Killeen. She has been a positive force for change, improved opportunities, positive economic growth for our Downtown revitalization efforts, and is diligently working to improve some of the challenges and quality of life for the citizens of District 1 and Killeen as a whole. She has true grit, resilience, and is dedicated to her city!

todd-fox.jpeg
Todd Fox
Vice President

Todd Fox is the President of First Heroes National Bank. He served in the US Army for 24 years and retired as a Colonel in 2018. His last assignment was Fort Hood, Texas where he served as the Garrison Commander for Fort Hood and the Chief of Staff for III Corps and Fort Hood.Fox received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, a Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy from the United States Army War College.He serves on multiple committees and boards in the community to include the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, Association of the United States Army Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter, the Armed Services YMCA Killeen, and the Texas Governor’s Committee to Support the Military.