James Casey Kenny James C. Kenny, United States Ambassador to Ireland, presented his credentials to the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, at Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin, on October 31, 2003. James C. Kenny has been Executive Vice President of Kenny Construction Company and President of Kenny Management Services. Kenny Construction Company is a 75 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. Mr. Kenny has also 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 him to the National Corporation for Housing Partnerships. He also served on the transition teams for Illinois Governors Edgar (1991) and George Ryan (1998-1999), and for President George W. Bush (2000-2001). Ambassador Kenny was a member of President Bush's first overseas delegation in February 2002, traveling to Nicaragua for the inauguration of President Bolanos. Directorships have included the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Bradley University, Children’s Memorial Hospital, and the Illinois Business Roundtable. Several business and community service awards include 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 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.