Who Is Tiffany Henyard? Age, Wiki, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Parents, and More

Tiffany Henyard is a politician and activist who made history in 2021 by becoming the first and youngest woman mayor of Dolton, Illinois, a village with a population of about 23,000 people. She is also the first African American Supervisor of Thornton Township, which covers 17 municipalities and unincorporated areas in Cook County. But who is Tiffany, and what is her story? In this article, we will explore her background, education, career, family, achievements, controversies, and more.

Early Life and Education

Henyard was born in 1984 and grew up in Dolton, Illinois. She attended Thornridge High School, where she graduated with high honors. She then pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University, graduating with the highest honor, summa cum laude. She also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Henyard has always been passionate about her community and involved in various service and leadership activities. She has received several awards and recognitions for her work, such as the Community Service Award from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, the Leadership Award from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and the Woman of Excellence Award from the Chicago Defender.

Tiffany Henyard Wiki/Bio

Political Career and Achievements

Henyard started her political career in 2013 when she was elected as a village trustee of Dolton. She served in that position for eight years, during which she advocated for fiscal responsibility, transparency, public safety, economic development, and youth empowerment. She also spearheaded several initiatives and programs, such as the Dolton Youth Council, the Dolton Beautification Committee, the Dolton Senior Citizens Advisory Board, and the Dolton Business Association.

In 2021, Henyard decided to run for mayor of Dolton, challenging the incumbent Riley Rogers, who had been in office since 2013. Henyard ran on a platform of change, promising to restore trust, integrity, and accountability in the village government. She also pledged to address the issues of crime, infrastructure, education, and health in the community. She won the election with a landslide, receiving 82% of the vote and becoming the first and youngest woman mayor of Dolton in its 130-year history.

Henyard was sworn in as mayor on May 10, 2021, in a historic ceremony that was attended by several dignitaries and celebrities, such as U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and actor and comedian Deon Cole. Henyard delivered an inspiring speech, saying:

“Today is a new day in Dolton. Today marks the beginning of a new era of leadership, a new era of vision, a new era of hope. Today, we are making history, not only as the first woman mayor of Dolton, but as the youngest woman mayor in the state of Illinois. Today, we are sending a message to the world that Dolton is ready for change, ready for growth, ready for greatness.”

Rise To Fame

As mayor, Henyard has been working to fulfill her campaign promises and improve the quality of life for the residents of Dolton. She has launched several initiatives and projects, such as the Dolton COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Dolton Summer Youth Employment Program, the Dolton Police Reform Task Force, the Dolton Economic Development Plan, and the Dolton Infrastructure Improvement Plan. She has also secured millions of dollars in grants and funding from various sources, such as the American Rescue Plan, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to being the mayor of Dolton, Tiffany Henyard is also the supervisor of Thornton Township, which is the largest township in Illinois and the second-largest in the nation. She was elected to that position in April 2022, becoming the first African American supervisor of the township. As supervisor, she oversees the General Assistance program, which provides financial and social services to low-income residents, and manages the township’s department heads, employees, programs, and operations. She also serves as the chair of the township’s board of trustees, which is composed of four other elected officials.

Henyard’s achievements and leadership have earned her the respect and admiration of many people, especially women and minorities. She has been featured in several media outlets and publications, such as Essence, Ebony, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, WGN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. She has also been invited to speak at various events and forums, such as the National Association of Black Journalists Convention, the Illinois Municipal League Conference, the Women in Government Leadership Program, and the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.

Husband & Kids

Tiffany Henyard is married to Dwayne Henyard, who is a business owner and a former professional basketball player. They have two children, a son and a daughter, who attend public schools in Dolton. Henyard is a devoted mother and wife, who balances her personal and professional responsibilities with grace and dedication. She is also a woman of faith, who attends the New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson, Illinois.

Henyard is very close to her parents, who have been her role models and supporters throughout her life. Her father, James Henyard, is a retired firefighter and paramedic, who served the Dolton Fire Department for 30 years. Her mother, Patricia Henyard, is a retired educator, who taught at the School District 149 for 35 years. Henyard credits her parents for instilling in her the values of hard work, education, service, and excellence.

Physical Stats

Net Worth and Salary

Henyard’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed, but according to some sources, she earns a combined income of about $300,000 per year as the mayor of Dolton and the supervisor of Thornton Township. This is significantly higher than the median income in Dolton, which is about $24,000 per year.

Henyard has been criticized by some of her opponents and peers for her lavish spending habits, such as traveling in business class, staying in five-star hotels, and dining in expensive restaurants. Henyard has defended her expenditures, saying that they are necessary for her work and that she is transparent and accountable for every dollar she spends.

Controversies and Challenges

Henyard’s political career has not been without controversies and challenges. She has faced opposition and resistance from some of the village trustees, who have accused her of misusing public funds, violating the Open Meetings Act, and abusing her power. Henyard has denied these allegations, saying that they are false and motivated by personal and political agendas. She has also sued some of the trustees for defamation and harassment, claiming that they have tried to undermine and sabotage her administration.

In June 2022, Henyard became the subject of a recall referendum, which was initiated by a group of residents who were dissatisfied with her performance and conduct as mayor. The recall petition gathered more than 2,000 signatures, which was enough to put the question on the ballot for the statewide primary election on June 28, 2022. Henyard challenged the legality and constitutionality of the recall process and filed a lawsuit to stop the vote from happening. However, the Illinois Appellate Court ruled that the vote could proceed, but the results could not be certified until the court made a final decision on the case.

The recall vote took place on June 28, 2022, and the unofficial results showed that 55% of the voters favored recalling Henyard, while 45% opposed it. Henyard issued a statement, saying that she was confident that the Appellate Court would affirm that the recall initiative was unconstitutional and that she would continue to serve the people of Dolton as mayor. She also said that the vote had divided the community more than ever and that she hoped to heal the wounds and move forward together.

As of February 9, 2024, the Appellate Court has not yet issued its final ruling on the recall case, and Henyard remains in office as the mayor of Dolton. However, her political future is uncertain, as she faces legal battles, public scrutiny, and potential challengers for the next mayoral election in 2025.

Tiffany Henyard is a trailblazing and controversial figure in Illinois politics. She is the first and youngest woman mayor of Dolton, Illinois, and the first African American supervisor of Thornton Township. She has achieved a lot in her career, but she has also faced a lot of challenges and criticisms. She is a leader who inspires some and infuriates others. She is a woman who defies stereotypes and expectations. She is a person who has a story worth telling.

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