Background

Kendall Abernathy brings more than 25 years of experience in housing, community development, finance, and public administration. Prior to co-founding Economic Leadership in 2013, she served in a variety of local and state government leadership roles in Maryland and North Carolina, including overseeing housing finance programs, downtown development initiatives, and affordable housing efforts.

As Housing Director for the City of Durham, North Carolina, Kendall developed programs to expand affordable housing opportunities, improve housing quality, and strengthen neighborhood revitalization efforts. She has also managed a private real estate company specializing in the renovation and leasing of historic residential properties in Durham for more than 20 years.

Work

As a Partner at Economic Leadership, Kendall oversees the firm's administrative and financial operations while contributing research and analysis to client projects. Her expertise in housing, real estate, community development, and public finance provides valuable perspective for strategic planning, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives.

Throughout her career, she has worked with local governments, housing organizations, financial institutions, and community stakeholders to develop practical solutions that support economic growth and community vitality.

About

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Kendall earned a bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland with concentrations in finance and accounting.

Outside of work, Kendall enjoys birdwatching, cross-stitching, and spending time outdoors. She and her husband, Ted, live in a small town on the North Carolina coast, where they share their backyard with hundreds of sea birds and quite a few alligators.