After serving with the Illinois Housing Development Authority for more than four years, Executive Director Mary Kenney will step down from her role on Friday.
During her time with the IHDA, Kenney led the effort to advance the agency’s goal of financing affordable housing across the Illinois. Kenney in early 2013 led the agency’s efforts to assist homebuyers and homeowners affected by the foreclosure crisis. At the time, Illinois had the third-highest foreclosure rate in the county. Since then, the IHDA has provided mortgage assistance to nearly 7,000 families.
Kenney received the Community Sustainability Award from Holsten Human Capital Development in October 2013 for her work helping low-income families, people with disabilities and seniors find affordable housing.
In a statement to the Daily Whale, the IHDA said, “Mary Kenney served as the Authority's guide in both challenging and exciting times, shaping the strategies that promote affordable housing and community development throughout Illinois. Under her leadership, IHDA took on new roles and fought tirelessly on behalf of the state's partners to protect the resources that support homebuyers, homeowners and renters.”
The IHDA went on to thank Kenney for her hard work as the agency’s executive director. “After some of the most difficult years in our state’s history, Mary leaves the Authority stronger than ever, with an upgraded credit rating and new tools that spur the development of affordable housing opportunities in every market.”
Kenney will next serve as director of U.S. government affairs for BMO Harris Bank.
-Katie Cliff