James C. Kenny

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James C. Kenny is the outgoing United States Ambassador to Ireland. He presented his credentials to the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese on 31 October 2003. He is said to have raised over $ 100,000 for George W. Bush's presidential campaign.

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

Before his appointment, James Kenny was Executive Vice-President of Kenny Construction Company and President of Kenny Management Services.

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 between 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 Enrique Bolaños.

After his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. 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 the American College Dublin also awarded Ambassador Kenny an honorary “Doctor of Humane Letters” in 2005.

In June 2006 it was announced that Ambassador Kenny would step down and be replaced by Thomas C. Foley.

Preceded by Richard J. Egan

United States Ambassador to Ireland 2003 - November 2006

Succeeded by Thomas C. Foley