2026 -- S 3283

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LC006459

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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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

     WHEREAS, Julie Leddy, Executive Director of the Coventry Housing Authority, is

retiring after an extraordinary twenty-nine years of dedicated service, during which she

demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to expanding

affordable housing opportunities for the residents of Coventry; and

     WHEREAS, The Coventry Housing Authority was established in 1963 to provide safe,

decent, and affordable housing opportunities to low-income households in the Town of Coventry,

and has since grown into a highly respected public housing agency consistently recognized as a

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development “High Performer”; and

     WHEREAS, The Authority’s early development included the construction of Knotty Oak

Village in 1967 as its first public housing community, followed by additional growth in the

1980s, including John O. Haynes on Carley Drive in 1980 and the North Road Terrace

developments beginning in 1983 and expanding further in 1989, reflecting a sustained

commitment to meeting the evolving housing needs of the community; and

     WHEREAS, In 2001, the Coventry Housing Authority distinguished itself as the first

public housing authority in Rhode Island to have a participant successfully close on a home

through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, further demonstrating its

leadership in expanding pathways to homeownership; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Julie demonstrated unwavering professionalism,

compassion, and visionary leadership while overseeing affordable housing programs serving

seniors, disabled households, families, and veterans throughout the Town of Coventry; and

     WHEREAS, Under Julie’s leadership, the Coventry Housing Authority maintained its

status as a HUD-designated “High Performer,” reflecting her commitment to excellence, fiscal

responsibility, innovation, and effective management despite changing federal regulations and

funding challenges; and

     WHEREAS, Together with her team and Board of Commissioners, Julie played an

instrumental role in expanding affordable housing opportunities within the community,

developing new housing units for families, supporting homeownership initiatives, fostering

community partnerships, and ensuring that residents receive comprehensive programs and

services designed to enhance their quality of life; and

     WHEREAS, Julie consistently emphasized the importance of strong leadership,

teamwork, communication, professional development, efficiency, and meaningful relationships

with residents, helping to create a culture of dedication and service within the Coventry Housing

Authority; and

     WHEREAS, The Coventry Housing Authority received numerous awards and accolades

recognizing the outstanding work accomplished under her stewardship, while continuing its

mission of providing affordable housing opportunities and comprehensive programs to those most

in need; and

     WHEREAS, Julie Leddy’s tireless efforts, integrity, and steadfast commitment to public

service have left a lasting and positive impact on the Coventry community and the State of Rhode

Island; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors and

congratulates Executive Director Julie Leddy upon her retirement after twenty-nine years of

exemplary service to the Coventry Housing Authority, and extends its sincere gratitude and very

best wishes for continued happiness, health, and success in all future endeavors; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Julie Leddy.

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LC006459

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