Paul Leonard has a MBA from Emory University. He organized Charlotte Fair Housing and served as its first president. He then worked for the John Crosland Company and Centrex Real Estate Corp. After retiring, he served as Chairman of the Board for Habitat for Humanity International and as the Interim CEO of Habitat for Humanity. Currently, he is a member of the US Council for Habitat for Humanity International, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Crosland Interests, LLC, and a director for Crowder Construction. He has led seminars for businesses, churches, and nonprofits on the topics of leadership, faith, and strategic planning.