Tiffany Henyard: Dolton Mayor’s Controversies, Salary, Age, and Latest News
Tiffany Henyard has been a prominent figure in Dolton, Illinois, serving as the village’s mayor since May 2021. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements and controversies, drawing praise and criticism from various quarters. This article delves into her background, political career, personal life, financial aspects, and the latest developments surrounding her administration.
Background and Early Life
Born on 18 June 1983 in Chicago, Illinois, Tiffany Aiesha Henyard was raised in Dolton, where she attended Thornridge High School. She claims to have earned a degree in business administration from Robert Morris University Illinois; however, investigations have been unable to substantiate this claim. Henyard’s early career included work on then-Governor Pat Quinn’s “Put Illinois to Work” initiative in 2011, providing her with initial exposure to public service and governance.
Political Career
Henyard’s political journey began in 2013 when she was elected as a trustee on the Dolton Village Board, a position she held until 2021. In October 2020, she announced her candidacy for mayor, campaigning on a platform that criticized the incumbent administration’s performance. She secured the Democratic nomination by defeating incumbent Mayor Riley Rogers in a four-way primary and won the general election in April 2021 with approximately 82% of the vote. Her election was historic, as she became the first female and the youngest mayor in Dolton’s history at 37.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Henyard’s tenure as mayor has been fraught with controversies and legal challenges. In February 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began probing allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within her administration. The investigation led to subpoenas for records related to her alleged misconduct. The Illinois Attorney General also ordered her charity to cease soliciting donations due to compliance issues. In January 2025, Henyard was found in contempt of court for failing to approve liquor licenses for a local establishment, further intensifying scrutiny of her leadership.
Personal Life
Henyard is a single mother linked to Kamal Woods, who has been identified as her boyfriend in various reports. In September 2024, Henyard and Woods faced eviction proceedings for allegedly failing to pay rent since August, despite their combined annual income exceeding $300,000 from taxpayer-funded salaries.
Financial Overview
As mayor, Henyard’s salary has been a topic of contention. Reports indicate that she proposed a nearly 90% cut to the mayoral salary—but only for successors, not during her tenure. This maneuver allowed her to retain a salary of $224,000, while future mayors would earn significantly less. Estimates of her net worth are not publicly disclosed, but her substantial salary and alleged misuse of funds have raised questions about her financial management.
Recent News and Developments
In February 2025, Henyard suffered a significant defeat in the Democratic primary, securing only 12% of the vote against challenger Jason House’s 88%. This loss followed revelations of alleged reckless spending, including claims that she spent $43,000 on Amazon in a single day using town funds. Additionally, federal authorities have sought records related to Henyard’s boyfriend and others concerning a development project in Dolton, indicating ongoing investigations into her administration’s dealings.
Conclusion
Tiffany Henyard’s tenure as mayor of Dolton has been a complex blend of groundbreaking achievements and contentious controversies. While she made history as the village’s first female and youngest mayor, her administration has faced numerous allegations of financial mismanagement, legal challenges, and public scrutiny. As investigations continue and new leadership prepares to take office, the residents of Dolton remain hopeful for a future marked by transparency and effective governance.
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