TRIBUTE TO JULIE LEDDY

On 2026-06-03, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO JULIE LEDDY" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO JULIE LEDDY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2521] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO JULIE LEDDY Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Julie Leddy after an incredible 29 years of dedicated service as the executive director of the Coventry Housing Authority in Rhode Island. Julie has been a tireless champion and a respected leader. At the Coventry Housing Authority, she operated nearly 200 public housing units for elderly and disabled Rhode Islanders, oversaw another 260 Housing Choice Vouchers for other low-income individuals and families, and developed and attained an additional 121 affordable units in Coventry alone. Under Julie's leadership, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, designated the Coventry Housing Authority as a ``High Performer,'' a status reserved for Public Housing Authorities that meet stringent physical, financial, and service requirements. ``High Performer'' is exactly the best way to describe Julie. Julie didn't just master the nuts-and-bolts of public housing work; she implemented innovative ideas that expanded affordable housing opportunities in Rhode Island beyond standard programs. During Julie's tenure as executive director, Coventry Housing Authority became the first housing authority in Rhode Island to successfully implement the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, which helps first-time homebuyers use a Federal housing voucher to purchase a home. Julie also found creative ways to expand Rhode Island's affordable housing stock. She worked hard to connect two of Coventry's public housing developments to the municipal sewer system, which freed up land for 34 units of new affordable housing, and she partnered with the Smithfield Housing Authority--a separate Rhode Island public housing authority--to remediate and replace an old brownfield site with a new 42-unit community. This development, Georgiaville Village Green, was one of the first affordable housing developments for families in Smithfield. Julie's passion for expanding housing opportunities extended beyond her role in Coventry. She served as co-president of the Public Housing Association of Rhode Island, PHARI, where she advised Rhode Island's State and local leaders on how best to protect and expand affordable housing. Indeed, I have long relied on Julie's deep well of housing expertise while crafting policy in the Senate. She was particularly instrumental to my efforts to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency, FSS, program, which helps HUD-assisted households increase savings and become more financially independent. Julie's insights helped shape my Family Self-Sufficiency Act, which became law in 2018 and expanded FSS opportunities to more Americans, as well as my Helping More Families Save Act, which has passed both the House and Senate this Congress. While Julie's retirement is well deserved, she will be missed. Julie, thank you for decades of hard work for Coventry and Rhode Island. You have left an enduring mark on our State. I wish you and your husband Kevin the very best as you begin your next chapter and enjoy more time with your daughters Paige, Alicia, and Elizabeth, as well as your grandchildren. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement. ____________________