He worked as a program director, dive instructor, and dive guide at the club until 1967. In 1971 he was awarded the Midwest Underwater Photographer of the Year award by the Universal Diving School of Chicago; in 1974, the Boston Sea Rovers “Diver of the Year” award; and in 1975, the “Our World” Underwater award.
McKenney was instrumental in initiating and instructing underwater photo classes in the early 70’s. McKenney had his work published in many different books and magazines including National Geographic. While Editor of Skin Diver Magazine, McKenney traveled around the world to report on dive conditions and activities. McKenney also published a book entitled Dive To Adventure. McKenney produced more than 30 underwater documentaries in his lifetime, five of which were for DEMA (Diving Equipment Manufacturers Association).
McKenney also worked as a stuntman and underwater cameraman for Hollywood movies such as Sharks Treasure and The Deep and produced a 13-part television series entitled Dive to Adventure, pioneering underwater programming for the Discovery Channel. McKenney made 50 dives on the sunken liner Andrea Doria and in 1981 was the lead underwater photographer for Peter Gimbel’s TV special.