Kena Jo Mathews was raised in Orem, Utah and graduated from Orem High School. She received her associate degree in general education for Utah Valley Community College (now Utah Valley University), a bachelor's degree in political science and history from the University of Utah, and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University.
Ms. Mathews worked in the local non-profit and government sector for over twenty-five years before coming to Community Action Services and Food Bank as their new Housing Director. In the past, she worked as the Associate Director for Neighborhood Housing Services of Provo, as the Mentor Director for the Food and Care Coalition of Utah Valley, as the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Utah County for several years, and most recently as the Community Services Manager for the City of Orem. She feels fortunate to work in a profession where she can empower individuals and families in need and make a difference in people’s lives.
Ms. Mathews enjoys serving the community. She currently serves as the Board Chairperson for the Democratic Women of Utah County and for the Exchange Club of Utah Valley. She also serves in a board role with Utah Valley Interfaith Association, Fuller Center for Housing, BYU External Advisory Board for Civic Engagement, Vineyard Cares, and Intermountain Healthcare’s Orem Community Council and as a committee member on various other community committees, including the City of Orem Kindness Committee. She also volunteers her time at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo and with the Keeping the Faith campaign to restore the historic Provo Community Church in downtown Provo.
She is the daughter of Kenneth and Dana Mathews and has two nieces and six nephews.