She was the first woman FDA commissioner, from 1998 to 2001, and led academic health science centers at University of Cincinnati and University of New Mexico. Other positions include FDA deputy operations commissioner, University of Kansas vice chancellor for health programs, and National Cancer Institute deputy director. Henney was appointed home secretary of the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine in 2014. Other board service includes The Commonwealth Foundation, China Medical Board, Monell Center for Chemical Senses, and several corporate boards. She is the recipient of a number of awards.