Fred Leonard Bio
Fred Leonard is a servant leader who makes a positive difference in his community. Throughout his life, Fred has demonstrated strong leadership and servitude. Recognized as a man from humble beginnings, he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, life coach, mentor, motivational speaker, business consultant, and community leader.
He is involved in a variety of community causes and non-profit organizations that are too extensive to list them all. He is the past President of West Memphis Rotary Club, serves on the board of directors for Southland Casino, is the vice-president of Workforce Development of Eastern Arkansas, and is the President-elect and Leadership Chairman of West Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
Fred is also the Vice-Chair of the Arkansas Imagination Library and an affiliate for Crittenden and St. Francis Counties.
Starting with State Farm as a Fire Claim Representative as an ambitious young man, Fred quickly climbed the corporate ladder by utilizing skills and resources he gained and developed throughout his life. Fred has been employed with State Farm for 28 years serving as a Claims and Public Affairs Representative in AR. He’s served in agency leadership as a Consultant, Executive, and Administration Leader in TN. He served as an Agent in Jonesboro, Forrest City and West Memphis.
Prior to joining State Farm Insurance Company, Fred was a Counselor and Manager (Youth Home Inc.), Program Developer (Pulaski County Government), and Director of Future Builders Incorporated II (Non-Profit Organization) and daycare worker.
Fred was born in Warren, AR and is a 1980 graduate of Little Rock Hall High School. He played football in high school and earned All-State.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He played college football and was All District 17 in 1984. Leonard currently holds a Chartered Leadership Fellow Designation from The American College and attended Mid America Theological Seminary.
Fred uses his competitive sports experience by working with young people. He coached AAU Basketball, served as a graduate assistant for college football, and has officiates many high school basketball games.
Fred has served on numerous businesses, civic, education, literacy and social boards just to name a few: Cleveland Hall Homeowners Association; March of Dimes of Middle Tennessee (Wilson County – TN); Boys and Girls Club; Community Executive for Multicultural and Diversity; Literacy Council (AR & TN); Central AR Major Sports Association; Booster Club President; Sports Broadcaster; Free and Accepted Mason (Prince Hall) and Kappa Alpha Psi Life Member (National & Southwestern Province).
He has served as an Interim Pastor and associate minister since 2008 and currently serves as an associate minister at Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in West Memphis, AR.
Fred is married to Janene Leonard, his high school sweetheart of 43 years, and they have two children and four granddaughters. They are members of Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.
He’s an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He enjoys reading, traveling, coaching, teaching, and helping others to be their best in life.