Kenny Leonard

Credit Union Journals Trailblazer Executive Lender of the Year. He has put his education to work serving clients by opening the west Michigan office for one of the largest Small Business Administration processors in the country. Kenny was instrumental in the creation and expansion of what became one of the largest SBA lending community banks in Michigan, created and lead the Great Lakes Region for one of the nation’s largest SBA lenders, and created and expanded the Commercial Banking, Treasury Management, Small Business and Private Banking divisions at one of the state’s largest credit unions. Leonard drove growth and increased revenue through his commitment to borrowers, a collaborative team approach, and prudent strategic lending practices.

Through regional expansion and introduction of novel lending products including government guaranteed lending (SBA and USDA), small business divisions, private banking services, and treasury management, he offered solutions and products to meet the needs of his clients while ensuring the profitable growth of his organizations. Leonard’s lending philosophy is to focus on the story behind the numbers. Every business has a story and the numbers are only a part of that story. Kenny sees his client relationships as a chance to roll up his sleeves and dive in to advising, executing and supporting their endeavors.

Leonard also serves on the finance committee for Habitat for Humanity and has previously been a volunteer on boards or committees for the YMCA, Kalamazoo Rotary, The Adventure Centre at Pretty Lake, Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions, and the Michigan Credit Union League.

In his spare time Leonard enjoys traveling with his family. Leonard also enjoys golfing, attending auto racing events, baseball and football games, and playing tennis. At home you will often find him hanging out by the pool or gardening.