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Community Corner

Rotary Club of Glenview Sunrise Program Speaker Thursday April 7, 2011

The Rotary Club of Glenview Surnise program speaker for Thursday, April 7, 2011 will be James Kenny, the former US Ambassador to Ireland. 

Ambassador Kenny served as US Ambassador to Ireland from 2003 until 2006.  Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Kenny was Executive Vice President of Kenny Construction Company and President of Kenny Management Services.  Kenny Construction Company, founded in 1927, is involved in building projects across the United States.  Kenny Management Services is a new division that has overseen large, complex construction projects such as the Chicago Midway Airport expansion, New Orleans Airport, CTA’s Capital Program and the stadium for the Chicago Bears football team.

 

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In addition to his involvement in the construction industry, Ambassador 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 Ambassador Kenny to the National Corporation for Housing Partnerships.  He served on the transition team for President George W. Bush (2000-2001).  He also advised the Obama transition team on transportation.

 

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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 serves on the boards of directors for Chicago Archdiocese School Board 2008 to present; International Board of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin Ireland 2007 to present.

 

Ambassador Kenny received several businesses and community service awards before his appointment as Ambassador, among them the Hispanic American Construction Association’s Contractor of the Year. He was also selected as one of Crain’s Chicago Business “40 Under 40” Outstanding Executives. 

 

After his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the Ambassador 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 the American College Dublin also awarded Ambassador Kenny an honorary “Doctor of Humane Letters” in 2005.  Ambassador Kenny received Bradley University’s Centurion award in 2008 and is a member of Council of America’s Ambassadors.

The meeting and program will be held at the Glenview Park Golf Club Cafe at 800 Shermer Road in Glenview, Illinois beginning at 7am and ending at 8:15am.  The Rotary Club of Glenview Sunrise is affiliated with Rotary International and is involved in numerous community and international service programs.  The club invites members of the public interested in community service and Rotary Club membership to attend this free program.  For more information, contact Richard Hill at 8475620199 or visit the club website at  www.rotaryglenviewsunrise.org

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