James C. Kenny

James C. Kenny served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2003-2006.

James C. Kenny is Executive Vice President of Kenny Construction Company and President of Kenny Management Services. Kenny Construction Company is a 80 year-old firm, involved in building projects across the United States. Kenny Management Services is a new division which has overseen large, complex construction projects such as the Chicago Midway Airport expansion and the new stadium for the Chicago Bears football team.

In addition to his involvement in the construction industry, Mr. Kenny has found time to devote to public and community service. Illinois Governor Jim Edgar appointed him to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board in 1991. Former President George H.W. Bush appointed Mr. Kenny to the National Corporation for Housing Partnerships. He also served on the transition team for President George W. Bush (2000-2001). Ambassador Kenny received the Flax Trust Award in 2004. The Flax Trust was formed in Belfast in 1977 and is the largest community regeneration project in the whole of Ireland. Lynn University and American College Dublin also awarded Ambassador Kenny and honorary "Doctor of Human Letters" in 2005.

Ambassador Kenny was a member of President Bush's first overseas delegation in February 2002, traveling to Nicaragua for the inauguration of President Bolanos. He has sat on boards of directors for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Bradley University, Children's Memorial Hospital, and the Illinois Business Roundtable. In 2007, Ambassador Kenny was a bard member of the International Board, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.

Ambassador Kenny has been the recipient of several business and community service awards, among them the Hispanic American Construction Association's Contractor of the Year and a Salvation Army award for the Tree of Lights campaign in 2001. He was also selected as one of Crain's Chicago Business "40 Under 40" Outstanding Executives.

Ambassador Kenny received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He and his wife Margaret have four children.

Ambassadorial Post(s)

Ireland, (2003 - 2006)

Areas of Expertise