By Staff
What inspired you to return to Gary, IN, and get involved in local government after establishing a career in the financial industry?
Gary, Indiana, has always held a special place in my heart. It was the city that gave me my first big break into the financial industry when Horizon Bank announced its expansion into Gary. Leading their Community Lending and Development department gave me an opportunity to directly impact local neighborhoods and connect with the people of this city in a meaningful way.
From there, I sought to broaden my expertise by joining a Fortune 500 bank, Huntington National Bank. At Huntington, I honed skills in community development and gained a deeper understanding of how large financial institutions leverage innovative and complex tools to drive growth in low-income communities. I witnessed firsthand how cities like Detroit used these strategies to revitalize entire neighborhoods.
It was then that I realized: I didn’t want to use these skills solely for personal advancement—I wanted to bring them home to Gary, a city that has given me so much. My journey into local government stems from a deep desire to channel my financial background and leadership experience into creating a more inclusive and thriving community. This city’s potential is boundless, and I’m committed to working toward a brighter future for every resident of Gary.
How has your background in finance influenced your approach to your role on the City Council?
My financial background, particularly my concentration in community development, shapes my approach to City Council in profound ways. I view my role as an opportunity to empower Gary by leveraging our city’s greatest assets: our proximity to the waterfront, our potential as a hub for mass transportation, and our abundance of real estate.
Rather than solely relying on state or federal assistance, my goal is to equip our community with the tools and strategies needed to take control of our present and future. By applying innovative financial solutions and fostering partnerships, I aim to transform these assets into drivers of sustainable growth and opportunity. This approach aligns with my belief that true empowerment comes from building the capacity to uplift ourselves as a community.
What are the most pressing issues facing Gary, and how do you plan to address them through your work on the City Council?
One of the most pressing issues in Gary is the overwhelming number of vacant, abandoned, and dilapidated residential and commercial buildings. These properties not only pose serious safety risks and encourage crime but also hinder our ability to generate much-needed tax revenue—the lifeblood of our city’s finances. We cannot expect a single occupied home on a block of six vacant properties to bear the tax burden for their entire community.
To address this, I plan to work closely with the Gary Housing Authority and the Gary Redevelopment Commission to facilitate tax credit opportunities that will help create a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. This will not only bring families and businesses back to our neighborhoods but also boost our tax base.
Additionally, I want to explore innovative financial strategies, such as leveraging our land assets to form securities, which could generate capital for future development projects. By implementing these and other initiatives, we can create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth and build a brighter future for Gary.
Can you share a bit about your journey from growing up in Gary to becoming a leader in the financial sector?
My roots in Gary run deep. My grandmother was an educator at Roosevelt High School, my mother followed in her footsteps as an educator and now serves as a Scoutmaster at St. Timothy, where I earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and my father is a pastor in the city. We originally lived in the Aetna neighborhood on the far east side of Gary, and at the time of my birth, Gary held the unfortunate title of murder capital of the world.
Concerned for my safety and future, my mother sent me to a different school district, where I was often the only Black student in my classes. It was there that I developed a love for math and was introduced to the world of investing, learning to trade stocks at the age of 15. For a teenager from Gary, this felt like a game-changer—almost like I had unlocked a hidden path. It reminded me of the hustlers I grew up with, doing corner-store math to survive.
The more I learned, the more I realized the parallels: the same sharp minds hustling on the streets could thrive in the financial world if given the opportunity. This realization fueled my passion to hone my craft and use it to empower my community. It became clear to me that many of the opportunities we lacked in Gary were not due to a lack of talent or ambition, but a lack of access. This understanding has driven my journey, from trading stocks as a teen to leading community development efforts in the financial sector, always with the goal of bringing those opportunities back to the place I call home.
What personal experiences have shaped your commitment to helping revive Gary?
It’s hard to pinpoint specific experiences because Gary is woven into every aspect of who I am. It’s in my walk, my speech, and my work ethic—that signature Gary grit. Simply put, Gary made me.
Perhaps my commitment comes from the pain of losing friends to senseless violence or seeing the guys I grew up playing basketball with at Ironwood or the gravel courts of Roosevelt end up incarcerated, forced into tough choices just to provide for their families.
But it goes deeper than that. My wife and I are preparing to welcome our first child this year, a baby boy, and I want him to have opportunities I didn’t. I want him to grow up in a Gary where he can walk down the street without looking over his shoulder, pump gas at any station in the city without fear, and enjoy simple joys like catching a movie on Broadway. I want him to grow up in a community where we celebrate more weddings than mourn at funerals.
These experiences and aspirations fuel my drive to help revive Gary, creating a city where families can thrive and every resident feels safe and supported.
How do you balance your responsibilities in the financial industry with your new role as a City Council member?
The reality is, I work seven days a week—but I’m fortunate to have an incredible support system that keeps me grounded. My wife is amazing; she takes so much off my plate and helps me stay focused. I’m also blessed with a loving and supportive family that constantly encourages me.
To maintain balance, I make my mental and spiritual health a priority. I see a therapist twice a month and attend church every Sunday, which helps me stay centered and grounded in my purpose. With this support system, along with God’s grace, the workload feels less like a burden and more like a fulfilling lifestyle.
Even with my busy schedule, I make it a point to cherish the moments I get to spend with my wife and our dog. Those moments remind me why I do what I do, and they recharge me to continue serving both my city and my career.
What initiatives or projects are you most passionate about for the future of Gary?
One initiative I’m particularly passionate about is the Think B.I.G. (Beauty in Gary) project, part of the city’s new Center for Workforce Development program. Blight has been a longstanding challenge in Gary, but this initiative takes a fresh approach by linking workforce development with community transformation.
In collaboration with the Center of Workforce Innovations, Ivy Tech Community College, and Goodwill, Think B.I.G. aims to create over 100 jobs for Gary’s unemployed and underemployed residents. This program, inspired by a successful model in Detroit, will equip participants with foundational skills for immediate employment and long-term career growth.
Spearheaded by Mayor Eddie Melton and initially energized by community activist Markael Watkins, Think B.I.G. is more than just a jobs program—it’s a pathway to revitalizing Gary by investing in our residents and eliminating skill gaps. Recruitment is already underway for a project manager and career advisors to ensure the program’s success.
I’m excited about this initiative because it directly addresses two critical needs: creating opportunities for our residents and improving our city’s infrastructure. It’s a tangible step toward building a stronger, more vibrant Gary, and I’m committed to supporting its success.
How do you engage with the community to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process?
I’m committed to maintaining an open line of communication with the people of Gary. I’m currently building out my social media platforms to provide a space for real-time feedback from constituents. Beyond that, I’ve made my cell phone number available on the City Council’s website, ensuring that anyone can reach me directly.
I also prioritize face-to-face interactions. I sit on several boards in the city, attend as many community events as my schedule allows, and make it a point to shop and dine locally. These interactions often lead to spontaneous, meaningful conversations. It’s not uncommon for residents to pull up a chair while I’m having breakfast and share their concerns or ideas.
By staying accessible and engaged, I can ensure that the voices of Gary’s residents are not only heard but also reflected in the decisions we make to move our city forward.
What do you believe are the keys to creating sustainable economic growth in Gary?
The key to sustainable economic growth in Gary lies in taking control of our future and leveraging our strengths. We can’t rely solely on state or federal assistance; instead, we need to use our assets strategically. This includes staging both commercial and residential properties for redevelopment, making them attractive to potential investors and developers.
Additionally, we can maximize our development budget by using existing capital to secure tax credits or grant opportunities, effectively turning every 10 cents into a dollar. Creating jobs is another critical component—particularly in sectors like distribution, data centers, and renewable energy. These industries offer high growth potential and would bring stable employment to our community.
With job creation comes the need for housing, and Gary already has the foundation for this with nearly 8,000 vacant properties. We have all the tools for success; now it’s about taking decisive action to bring these opportunities to life. By leveraging our strengths and prioritizing strategic development, we can build a thriving and sustainable future for Gary.
How do you stay connected to your roots while working on such a broad scale for the city’s revitalization?
That’s simple—at the beginning and end of the day, I’m still Kenny. You can still catch me hanging out with friends at Tiny’s or Dialogue on Lake Street, and in the summer, riding my Harley up and down Broadway. I’m at church every Sunday, starting with Sunday school breakfast and staying for morning service. I continue to volunteer with Troop 53 at St. Timothy on 25th and Grant, and I still hit the courts to hoop with the guys around Gary.
The reality is, I haven’t changed. I stay grounded in the same community that raised me, and everyone knows I’m just as approachable and committed now as I’ve always been. Staying true to my roots keeps me connected to the heartbeat of Gary, which is essential to the work I’m doing to help revitalize our city.
What advice would you give to young professionals from Gary who aspire to make a difference in their community?
Keep God first, and always remember where you came from and who you represent. It’s okay to seek education or opportunities outside of our community, but never forget to come back home and share your talents with the city that shaped you.
Take pride in being from Gary—wear it as a badge of honor. Let the world know that your greatness started here in the G. No matter where life takes you, stay rooted in your identity, and use your journey to inspire others. Our community thrives when its people give back, and you have the power to be a part of Gary’s revitalization.
How do you measure success in your efforts to help revive Gary, both personally and professionally?
To me, success is measured as an improvement over yesterday. I firmly believe that consistent effort overcomes all obstacles. While I have high aspirations—a vision of a vibrant and thriving community with endless amenities, top-tier environmental standards, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere—I also recognize that success comes in steps.
Every ordinance, every project, and every initiative that moves us closer to these goals is a victory. For instance, we recently began replacing over 1,000 light fixtures across the city, a seemingly small step but one that makes a tangible difference in safety and quality of life.
Whether it’s improving infrastructure, creating new opportunities, or simply making our city a little better each day, I see each milestone as a building block toward the Gary we know it can be. That, to me, is success.
What role do you see for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the revitalization of Gary?
Local businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of any thriving community, and their role in Gary’s revitalization is absolutely critical. Throughout my financial career, I’ve focused on supporting minority, veteran, and women-owned small businesses because I’ve seen firsthand how they drive local economies and create opportunities where they’re needed most.
Years ago, during my time at Horizon Bank, we made it a priority to invest in Gary’s small businesses because we understood their importance. They employ local residents, meet community needs, and keep resources circulating within our city.
As a councilman, I’m actively working to build on this foundation by seeking partnerships with foundations and other funding sources to provide more capital for existing and startup businesses in Gary. By empowering our entrepreneurs, we can foster economic growth, create jobs, and build a stronger, more resilient community.
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations you are pursuing to help achieve your goals for the city?
I’m actively working to establish partnerships with several banks operating in Gary to create a pipeline of community development corporations and facilitate direct access to the resources of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. In the past, I spearheaded initiatives with local banks to connect Gary residents with grant funding through the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Neighborhood Improvement Program, which helped revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life.
Moving forward, I aim to tap into local banks’ resources to develop affordable housing mortgage programs and increase access to capital for small businesses. This will not only support existing businesses but also attract new companies seeking to relocate or expand in Gary. By leveraging these collaborations, we can strengthen our local economy and create opportunities for growth and revitalization throughout the city.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work on the City Council and in the financial industry?
For me, it’s not about leaving a legacy. My goal is simply to inspire others to follow what God has called us to do: to help those who often can’t help themselves. Whether through public service or my work in the financial industry, I want my efforts to reflect a commitment to uplifting others and creating opportunities where they’re most needed. If I can encourage even one person to use their talents and resources to make a difference, then I’ve done my job.
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