The Federal Food Symposium, slated for April 1-2, 2025, has announced that the event will feature Keynote Speaker William J. Kenny.

The Federal Food Symposium, hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, the Office of Senator Ted Budd, the North Carolina Military Business Center and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects the Department of Defense and federal subsistence buying and R&D agencies with food producers, growers and R&D entities in the southeast. 

William J. Kenny is the Executive Director and Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) at the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support. DLA is a Department of Defense Combat Support Agency.  DLA Troop Support annually buys $20 billion worth of food, clothing and textiles, construction and equipment, medicines and medical supplies and repair parts in support of America's warfighters and other valued customers worldwide. Under Mr. Kenny's leadership, DLA Troop Support has forged long-term strategic relationships with its key industry partners and customers. Mr. Kenny is a member of Senior Executive Service (SES) within the Department of Defense.

Mr. Kenny holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University as well as a Master of Science in Management from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Professional Contract Manager and a recognized Fellow by the National Contract Management Association. Mr. Kenny has attended the Federal Executive Institute and graduated from the Office of the Secretary of Defense Senior Executive Leadership Program. He is a recipient of the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award (SES), Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, the DLA Exceptional Civilian Service Award, the DLA Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the Vice President's Hammer Award for government reinvention of acquisition.

He has attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Executive Business Program, the University of Virginia Darden School Executive Business Program and the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Center of Excellence in Logistics and Technology.  He is a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Senior Managers Program.

Mr. Kenny was also recognized by Harvard University Ford Foundation for his participation in the development of the DLA Prime Vendor program and is the recipient of the David Packard Acquisition Excellence Award for his Department of Defense strategic sourcing efforts. He has also been recognized by the United States Army Association of Quartermasters as a member of the Distinguished Order of St. Martin.

Make plans to attend the event on April 1 and 2 at Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Tony Rand Student Center. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit https://food.ncmbc.us/ for further details.