Council Members

Troy Smith was elected to the Keene City Council in 2024 as the Place I representative. Originally from Southern California, he later moved to Boise, Idaho, where most of his family still resides. In 2020, he and his family relocated from Crowley, Texas, to Keene, where they quickly discovered what he describes as a hidden gem in Johnson County.
Councilmember Smith is the second of 13 children and is proud to be part of a large, close-knit family. He and his wife have seven children, all of whom were actively involved in a variety of sports while growing up. He earned an associate degree in business management and has owned and operated his own painting business for more than 30 years.
Although relatively new to the community, Councilmember Smith became actively involved in local service soon after arriving in Keene. He served on the Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type B) Board for more than a year before becoming the Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission. His commitment to serving the community ultimately led him to run for City Council.
Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, Councilmember Smith enjoys playing golf, hockey, and pickleball. He appreciates the unique challenges each sport offers and enjoys continually improving his skills. He values the caring, supportive, and genuine people who make up the Keene community and especially enjoys seeing neighbors come together to make community events and initiatives successful.

Samantha Gillin serves on the Keene City Council as the Place II representative and Mayor Pro Tem. She has lived in Keene since 2004, and has made the community her home.
Councilmember Gillin has been a business owner in Johnson County and the Keene community since 2005, when she established Gillin Realty. She first obtained her relators license in 1984, and has been in the real estate business ever since. Throughout her years in Keene, she has dedicated herself to serving individuals, organizations, and the community; always looking for ways to make a positive difference and help those in need.
Councilmember Gillin has served on the Keene Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Membership Director and has served as both a member and President of the Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A) Board. Her dedication to community service has been recognized through several honors, including the Keene Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 2018, Keene Citizen of the Year in 2021, and the 2026 Woman of Influence: Women Owned Business Award from Zonta.
Outside of her work and council responsibilities, she enjoys reading and volunteering whenever she can. She also loves spending time with her dogs, Reese May and Winnie the Pooh. Councilmember Gillin is honored to serve the residents of Keene and remains committed to helping the city grow while ensuring it remains a community where people care for and support one another.

Bob Chapman was elected to the Keene City Council in 2024 as the Place III representative. He moved to Keene in 2022 and quickly grew to love the community. He enjoys the small-town country atmosphere that the city offers its residents and visitors.
Councilmember Chapman was born in Newport Beach, California. Growing up, he lived in 11 different states in the United States, and several Marine Corp bases due to his family's Military background. After graduating from East High School in Denver, Colorado, Councilmember Chapman attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in Petroleum Land Management with a minor in Political Science. He started working in the oil and gas business after graduating and later transitioned to finance where he remained for the rest of his career.
Outside of his service on the City Council, Councilmember Chapman has an enduring passion for motocross and enduro riding. After a successful career in finance that included opportunities to travel the world and experience different cultures, he is proud to call Keene home and serve the community he has come to appreciate.

Rob Foster has served on the Keene City Council since 2018 as the Ward I representative. Serving the residents of Keene is one of the greatest honors of his life, and he does not take the responsibilities of serving on the City Council lightly.
Born and raised in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, Councilmember Foster moved to Keene shortly after graduating from high school to attend Southwestern Adventist College, now known as Southwestern Adventist University. While attending college, he met and married the love of his life, and together they built their life in Keene. They have three children and seven grandchildren.
One of Councilmember Foster's favorite things about Keene is seeing the American flags displayed along Old Betsy Road. They give him a sense of pride to be part of this community and this great nation. During his many years in Keene, he has come to believe that the city's greatest strength is its people and that its brightest days are still ahead.
When he is not serving the community or spending time with his family, Councilmember Foster enjoys fishing from his kayak, searching for a golf ball in the rough, or finding new ways to serve others.

Johnny Shaw was elected to the Keene City Council in 2024 as the Ward II representative. A lifelong Keene resident, he values the city's small-town atmosphere and the sense of community that comes from knowing your neighbors.
After graduating from high school, Councilmember Shaw attended trade school to study diesel mechanics. He is a licensed gas and diesel mechanic and has previously served as a Peace Officer, Firefighter, and Fire Marshal. He dedicated 20 years of service to the Keene Fire Department and also served his country for three years in the U.S. military.
Councilmember Shaw enjoys spending time with his family and serving the community. He has seven children and ten grandchildren, and his mother still resides in Keene. He was one of the original founders of the Keene Chamber 4th of July Parade and continues to volunteer for city events like Starfest and the 4 of July Celebration. In his free time, he enjoys restoring old cars and taking his Harley out for a ride.

Charles Ellis Easley was first elected to the Keene City Council in 2023 as the Ward III representative. Prior to serving on council, he served on the Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board).
In 1954, Councilmember Easley’s grandparents moved to Keene so their children could attend schools within the Adventist education system. His parents met at Southwestern Adventist Junior College, now known as Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU), and were married in 1970. Councilmember Easley attended Keene Adventist Elementary School and Chisholm Trail Academy before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He worked for his father’s construction company for several years before branching out on his own in 2005.
Growing up in Keene, Councilmember Easley developed a deep appreciation for the small-town community while also enjoying easy access to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Throughout the years, he has dedicated considerable time and service to the community, contributing to projects such as the Chan Shun Centennial Library, the SWAU Dinosaur Science Museum & Research Center, Keene ISD construction projects, and numerous home remodels and repairs. He has also worked on several notable projects throughout Johnson County, including the Alvarado SDA Church’s new sanctuary, the Gone with the Wind Museum and Guest House, the Wright Building, Caddo Street Grill (Our Place), Chaf-In, Oakland Ranch, and more.
Outside of work and city service, Councilmember Easley can often be found helping with youth ministry at his church, Jeeping with friends in the mountains, traveling, or exploring buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With deep roots in Keene and a lifelong connection to the community, Councilmember Easley is proud to serve the city he and his family have called home for generations.