IHDA Board Appoints New Executive Director

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board today appointed Mary R. Kenney as executive director of the state’s housing finance agency. Kenney succeeds Gloria L. Materre, who last month became executive director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC).

Kenney previously served as IHDA’s general counsel before taking on the role of acting executive director last month. An attorney with more than 14 years of experience in affordable housing lending, community development and municipal finance, Kenney immediately assumes her new position as Illinois’ chief affordable housing official.

“Developing more affordable housing opportunities throughout Illinois is an important part of supporting job growth and boosting our economy,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “Mary Kenney has devoted her career to working as an affordable housing advocate for the people of Illinois, and I thank her for continuing her public service.”

Kenney worked as an administrator of IHDA’s homeownership portfolio during the late 1980s before entering law school. She joined the law firm of Johnson & Bell specializing in litigation in 1994. In 2000, Kenney returned to become IHDA’s general counsel, a position she held for more than a decade.

“I thank the IHDA Board for the opportunity to lead the statewide efforts to finance housing for working families, seniors and persons with special needs,” said Kenney. “I am honored by this appointment, and I pledge my continued commitment to ensuring people across Illinois have access to a safe, decent and affordable home.”
 
Kenney holds a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul University, where she concentrated in real estate and graduated with honors.