Leonard was born in Ft. Benning Georgia and raised in Albany, Georgia.  After graduating from Albany High School, Leonard joined the United States Marine Corps as a personnel clerk.  He served in New Orleans Louisiana, Marine Forces Reserve, Headquarters Battalion.  After being honorably discharged, Leonard returned home and enrolled in school and received a Bachelor of Social Work from Albany State University.  Prior to joining Home Base, Leonard worked for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as a probation officer.