Dr. Leon received his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Washington in 1984. Over the next 15 years he directed the Center for Community Development & Design at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and taught in the departments of Geography and Environmental Studies, Ethnic Minority Studies, and the Graduate School of Public Affairs. His research and teaching always stressed practical applications of knowledge for the improvement of community organizations. His Center completed over 300 research and community development projects for non-profits, neighborhoods, schools, school districts and agencies in all levels of government throughout Colorado. Dr. Leon and his staff won numerous awards from national, state, and local organizations and the University of Colorado. He recently developed and managed international and statewide student service learning efforts for the University of Washington as the Director of Outreach of the Geography Department.

Dr. Leon is an innovator in university outreach through applied research and community work and knows how to help many kinds of organizations blend service, education and research activities to enhance outcomes and improve their organizational structures and performance. He has managed projects involving community building, citizen participation, and evaluation research in numerous fields including environmental management, natural hazard mitigation, community design, economic development, planning, education, social services, and social research. He is an experienced trainer and has coached many organizations in the development of research and action plans that have enhanced their functions and productivity in ways that also supported the development of staff, clients, and partners of those organizations. He is also an active member of local, national and international organizations that encourage appropriate environmental and human development.