The Texas Department of Public Safety is shuffling its leadership deck, announcing key personnel changes that will reshape two critical divisions within the agency. The changes, revealed during a recent Public Safety Commission meeting, come as longtime Assistant Chief James Lopez retires after more than three decades of service.
Veteran Leader Departs After 34-Year Career
Lopez, who has served as Assistant Chief of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), officially retired on January 31, 2026, capping a remarkable journey that began in 1992 when he joined DPS as a clerk. Throughout his tenure, Lopez worked his way through multiple divisions including Capitol Police and Highway Patrol before landing at the OIG, where he’s served as Deputy Inspector General since 2018.
DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin praised Lopez’s service, emphasizing the human element that drives the agency’s success. “Our people are what make the Texas Department of Public Safety so incredible. That couldn’t be truer than with James Lopez,” Martin stated. “So, while we are sad to see him leave after more than three decades of honorable service to the state – no one deserves it more.”
New Leadership Takes the Helm
Who’s stepping into these crucial roles? The department didn’t waste time filling the vacancies.
Adam Kinslow has been appointed as the new Assistant Chief of the Office of Inspector General, effective immediately. Kinslow brings 27 years of DPS experience to the position, having worked across multiple divisions including Highway Patrol, Aircraft Operations, and Executive Protection. He most recently served as Equal Employment Opportunity Officer within the OIG.
Meanwhile, Roland D. Luna will take over as Assistant Chief of the Regulatory Services Division starting February 17, 2026. Luna’s background spans several state agencies, including positions at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Health and Human Services Commission OIG, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Before joining DPS, Luna served as Deputy Executive Director for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Regulatory Services Division position opened up when its previous Assistant Chief, Vanessa Mayo, was promoted to Chief of Finance in October 2025 – creating a domino effect that ultimately led to Luna’s hiring.
Building on a Legacy of Service
These leadership changes represent more than just new names on an organizational chart. They signal a continuation of institutional knowledge paired with fresh perspectives at an agency responsible for statewide law enforcement and regulatory functions.
“Fortunately, good people draw more good people,” Colonel Martin noted, “and we are excited about what the future holds for OIG and RSD with these two new assistant chiefs and the strong leadership, professionalism and expertise they bring.”
For an agency that prides itself on continuity and service, these appointments reflect DPS’s commitment to maintaining institutional strength while embracing new leadership – a balancing act that’s crucial for one of Texas’s most vital public safety organizations.
