Accomplishments
Tiffany A. Henyard:
LEADERSHIP AND ACHIVEMENTS
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND HISTORIC FACTS
Tiffany A. Henyard was sworn in as Thornton Township Supervisor in April 2022, becoming the first woman and first African American to hold this office in the township's 173-year history. Henyard also serves as the Mayor of Dolton since 2021.
She brings a progressive and transformative approach to governance, leveraging her experience as a business owner, community organizer, and National Black Caucus Local Elected Officials Director at Large.
Henyard has received several accolades for her dedication to community service, including the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign Human Rights Defender Award, the Community Activist of the Year Award, and the Queens Award for Service to the Community during COVID-19.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE
Under Henyard’s leadership, Thornton Township has excelled in fiscal management, earning the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting in both 2022 and 2023.
Henyard’s administration successfully cut spending by 10%, saving taxpayers $3 million and securing over $9.2 million in grants.
Through careful budgeting and cost reductions, the township eliminated deficit spending and achieved surpluses in all funds. This financial success allowed for continued investment in community programs while maintaining a modest $24 million budget.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Henyard’s vision includes a strong focus on economic empowerment. She initiated the creation of a Jobs Posting Board on the township’s website to connect employers with qualified job seekers.
Job training initiatives were introduced to foster sustainable employment opportunities for residents, promoting both personal growth and economic development.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND EDUCATION
Henyard is deeply committed to empowering youth through expanded access to after-school tutoring, mentoring, and counseling programs.
She launched a Summer Enrichment Program and Youth and Family Services offering academic tutoring, wellness education, social skills development, and job training for young adults.
Her administration also hosted the inaugural Youth Summit, "Be Kind to Your Mind," which focused on mental health awareness, addressing issues such as bullying, anxiety, and social media pressures. The summit awarded 80 scholarships and provided CPR and AED training to over 400 students.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS INITIATIVES
Henyard has prioritized community health and wellness, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and general assistance for Thornton Township residents.
Regular health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) are available to seniors, along with annual flu shots and exercise classes led by certified instructors.
Henyard's administration launched a Mental Health Awareness Tour in local schools to break the stigma around mental health and offer support to students, with the goal of creating a mentally healthy community.
SOCIAL EQUALITY, JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
A strong advocate for social equality and justice, Henyard combats systemic discrimination, promotes poverty reduction, and strives to bridge gaps in resource access.
She actively engages the community through town hall meetings, educational events, and forums, encouraging input from residents to shape township policies.
Henyard’s administration has strengthened support for vulnerable communities by providing financial assistance through the General Assistance Program and helping families avoid eviction and utility shutoffs.
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Henyard emphasizes building a strong, unified community through events such as the World’s Largest Stepper Set & Cookout, which drew over 10,000 residents for a day of music, food, and entertainment.
Additional programs include the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Toy & Food Basket Program for families during the holiday season.
Henyard also celebrates the township’s diversity with events like Cinco de Mayo, Women’s Day Celebrations, and Black History Month observances.
AWARENESS AND RECOGNITION
Henyard’s administration has earned recognition for its financial stability and excellence, receiving the highest accolades from the GFOA.
Her leadership has transformed the township into a model of fiscal responsibility, while also expanding critical services for youth, seniors, and families.