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WHITMAN APPOINTS SENIOR NEW JERSEY GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE TO LEAD REGIONAL OFFICE

Release Date: 10/19/2001
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Environmental News

U.S. Environmental Protection Administrator Christie Whitman today appointed Jane M. Kenny as the new regional administrator of EPA’s Region 2, based in New York.

“In her capacity, first as my Chief of Policy and Planning in New Jersey, then as Commissioner for New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs, Jane has proven herself to be a leader on many issues,” said Whitman. “As Region 2's new administrator, Jane will bring a clear understanding of government, policy, and the importance of teamwork in getting things done. Her efforts on brownfields redevelopment, urban revitalization, and sustainability have had a tremendous impact in New Jersey. That, along with her experience in both the private sector and senior levels of government, will serve the people in Region 2 well.”

Kenny will be responsible for Agency programs in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Prior to her appointment Kenny served in New Jersey as Commissioner for the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for five years. As Commissioner, Kenny oversaw 1,000 employees with a total budget of more than $1 billion and exercised regulatory and fiscal oversight over county and municipal governments, local authorities and special districts.

Kenny helped create the nation’s first state program to build “sustainable” affordable housing that meets top environmental and energy standards, an initiative that won a Clean Air Excellence Award from EPA in 2000. Kenny also helped develop a brownfields initiative to clean up and redevelop abandoned industrial sites. Commissioner Kenny has served as chairman of the state’s Brownfields Task Force and the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission which, under Kenny’s leadership, has taken the unprecedented action of preserving more than 1,700 acres of wetlands and uplands as open space.

Kenny has been honored with the National Public Service Award. She was selected by Governing Magazine as one of the nation’s nine Public Officials of the Year 2000. Kenny also received a 2000 Good Housekeeping Award for Women in Government.

Prior to heading DCA, Kenny served as Chief of Policy and Planning in the Office of the Governor under then Governor Whitman. Kenny was Vice President of Corporate and Community Affairs for Beneficial Management Corporation before joining Whitman’s office. She also served as the Cabinet Secretary for Governor Thomas Kean. Kenny holds a B.A. from Trinity College and a M.A. from Rutgers University.

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