SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JULIE LEDDY UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-NINE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COVENTRY HOUSING AUTHORITY, the official text

S3283 2026 -- S 3283 ======== LC006459 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N HONORING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JULIE LEDDY UPON HER RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-NINE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COVENTRY HOUSING AUTHORITY Introduced By: Senators Raptakis, Rogers, Gallo, Burke, Appollonio, Famiglietti, Valverde, Patalano, Thompson, and McKenney Date Introduced: May 12, 2026 Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar 1 WHEREAS, Julie Leddy, Executive Director of the Coventry Housing Authority, is 2 retiring after an extraordinary twenty-nine years of dedicated service, during which she 3 demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to expanding 4 affordable housing opportunities for the residents of Coventry; and 5 WHEREAS, The Coventry Housing Authority was established in 1963 to provide safe, 6 decent, and affordable housing opportunities to low-income households in the Town of Coventry, 7 and has since grown into a highly respected public housing agency consistently recognized as a 8 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development “High Performer”; and 9 WHEREAS, The Authority’s early development included the construction of Knotty Oak 10 Village in 1967 as its first public housing community, followed by additional growth in the 11 1980s, including John O. Haynes on Carley Drive in 1980 and the North Road Terrace 12 developments beginning in 1983 and expanding further in 1989, reflecting a sustained 13 commitment to meeting the evolving housing needs of the community; and 14 WHEREAS, In 2001, the Coventry Housing Authority distinguished itself as the first 15 public housing authority in Rhode Island to have a participant successfully close on a home 16 through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, further demonstrating its 17 leadership in expanding pathways to homeownership; and 18 WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Julie demonstrated unwavering professionalism, 19 compassion, and visionary leadership while overseeing affordable housing programs serving 1 seniors, disabled households, families, and veterans throughout the Town of Coventry; and 2 WHEREAS, Under Julie’s leadership, the Coventry Housing Authority maintained its 3 status as a HUD-designated “High Performer,” reflecting her commitment to excellence, fiscal 4 responsibility, innovation, and effective management despite changing federal regulations and 5 funding challenges; and 6 WHEREAS, Together with her team and Board of Commissioners, Julie played an 7 instrumental role in expanding affordable housing opportunities within the community, 8 developing new housing units for families, supporting homeownership initiatives, fostering 9 community partnerships, and ensuring that residents receive comprehensive programs and 10 services designed to enhance their quality of life; and 11 WHEREAS, Julie consistently emphasized the importance of strong leadership, 12 teamwork, communication, professional development, efficiency, and meaningful relationships 13 with residents, helping to create a culture of dedication and service within the Coventry Housing 14 Authority; and 15 WHEREAS, The Coventry Housing Authority received numerous awards and accolades 16 recognizing the outstanding work accomplished under her stewardship, while continuing its 17 mission of providing affordable housing opportunities and comprehensive programs to those most 18 in need; and 19 WHEREAS, Julie Leddy’s tireless efforts, integrity, and steadfast commitment to public 20 service have left a lasting and positive impact on the Coventry community and the State of Rhode 21 Island; now, therefore be it 22 RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors and 23 congratulates Executive Director Julie Leddy upon her retirement after twenty-nine years of 24 exemplary service to the Coventry Housing Authority, and extends its sincere gratitude and very 25 best wishes for continued happiness, health, and success in all future endeavors; and be it further 26 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 27 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Julie Leddy. ======== LC006459 ======== LC006459 - Page 2 of 2