Fred Leonard seeks West Memphis mayor’s office

Fred Leonard seeks West Memphis mayor’s office

Committed to West Memphis: A mayoral journey rooted in service and spiritual conviction

Fred Leonard for Mayor From business executive to mayoral candidate, Fred Leonard is a servant-leader who makes an impact on every community he touches.

“As mayor of West Memphis, I will bring integrity, humility, and competence to our city. I think it takes someone with high moral and ethical values to serve as mayor. With my vision, West Memphis will serve as a regional hub for job creation, community progress, and early childhood literacy, with special emphasis on safe neighborhoods and small business development,” Leonard said.

He has taken the liberty of getting a lay of the land by meeting with the current mayor and previous predecessors.

“I’ve talked with them about our city to get a better understanding of what they have done during their administrations. I think it is prudent for one who wants to be mayor to have a thorough understanding of the position and job duties. My mission is to work closely with the people of West Memphis to identify programs and resources that make our city a great place to live, work, and thrive,” he said.

Born in Warren, Arkansas, Fred is a 1980 Graduate of Little Rock Hall High School, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1985. He earned All-AIC and All-District 17 in 1984 while playing football for the University of Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils.

After graduation, Leonard gladly accepted a management position with Youth Home Incorporated, a residential treat- ment facility for at-risk children, located in Little Rock. His career later led him to Pulaski County Government where he worked as a Developer. Afterwards, he transitioned to an executive-level position with Future Builders II Incorporated, a non-profit organization.

Fred quickly climbed the corporate ladder by utilizing the transferrable skills developed throughout his career

trajectory:

1995 State Farm, Claims Representative, Little Rock, AR 1997 State Farm, Public Affairs Representative 1999 Owner, State Farm Agency, Jonesboro, AR 2002 Agency Field Consultant, Memphis, TN 2003 Developmental Agency Field Consultant in Memphis/Murfreesboro, TN (started a Developmental Program for new agents) 2004 Agency Field Executive, Nashville, TN 2013 Agency Administration Leader, Murfreesboro, TN 2017 Owner, State Farm Agency, West Memphis, AR Insurance Licenses in Property and Casualty, Life and Health as well as Financial Securities Licenses Chartered Leadership Fellow Designation from The American College and has attended Mid America Theological Seminary “West Memphis needs someone with a business mind to run this city. We have to sale and service, we have to make sure we hit our budget, and we have to market. One person cannot change West Memphis. We have to work across party, racial, and county lines in order for us to thrive as a city,” Leonard said.

Fred has served on numerous business, civic, education,

literacy, and social

boards including:

March Of Dimes Middle

Tennessee, Board Of Directors

and Walk Chairman (Wilson County) Urban League Of Middle TN Boys and Girls Club of America Community Executive for Multicultural/Diversity Inclusion Literacy Council Board Of Directors Free and Accepted Mason (Prince Hall) Kappa Alpha Psi Life Member (National and Southwest Province) Sound leadership prowess, coupled with a commitment to serve selflessly, precipitated his desire to align himself with a litany of civic organizations and social causes upon moving to West Memphis. Leonard’s endless contributions to this community and undeniable commitment to lead, while serving in the following capacities, have not gone unnoticed: Associate Minister at Old Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church 2017 graduate of the Crittenden County Leadership West Memphis Chamber of Commerce Board Of Directors West Memphis Marion Achievement Foundation Chairman ASU Mid-South Foundation Board Of Directors AR Imagination Library Board Of Directors DeltaArts Board Of Directors CASAAdvisory Board Rotary Club Lions Club NAACP West Memphis/Marion Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter Partnership and Community Service Chairman Throughout his life, Fred has demonstrated strong governance and servitude. Recognized as a man from humble beginnings, he is a preacher, teacher, visionary, community advocate, and loving husband.

“My family and I want to contribute and give back to this community the way we have been blessed and how others have given and poured into us,” he said.

Fred is married to Janene Leonard, 38 years, has two children (Letrese and Fred II) and four granddaughters. The Leonards are raising granddaughter, Aryinna, 12, who is a proud student at West Junior High School.

“In my first 100 days as mayor, I will embark on a listening tour. I am anxious to hear from the citizens of this wonderful city to learn how we can collectively move West Memphis in a positive direction and capitalize on its greatest potential. My administration would be grounded in transparency, understanding that residents should always have a voice and be heard before the city makes any major decisions that may impact them. With this approach, and by working together as a city, I am confident West Memphis will unequivocally shine like the gem it is,” Leonard said.

West Memphians are invited to join Fred Leonard for a special meet and greet on Thursday, September 20, 2018, starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at his campaign headquarters located at 504 North Missouri Street.

Early voting starts October 22. Election Day is November 6.

www.fredleonardformayor.com #CommittedtoWestMemphis

By Lynn Lampkin, Campaign Manager