Anthony J. Leonard

Senior banking leader with 23+ years leading commercial credit, special assets, enterprise risk, and banking operations at regional and mid-sized financial institutions — now driving generative AI strategy, governance, automation, and adoption inside a regulated bank. One of the few banking leaders combining hands-on credit and risk judgment with formal AI transformation credentials (Oxford, Microsoft, doctoral research) and registered AI intellectual property, including a multi-agent (agentic) AI system for commercial banking. Known for translating complex business problems into governed, data-driven solutions that improve decision-making, strengthen risk controls, and scale operations responsibly.

Special Assets Manager, Vice President - Atlantic Union Bank

(2021-08)

• Serve as senior risk advisor during elevated credit stress, influencing portfolio strategy, risk appetite, and recovery prioritization for executive leadership.
• Led $100MM+ in complex commercial workouts, reducing losses 15% and improving recoveries 73% through disciplined credit judgment and AI-informed analytics.
• Directed asset disposition and legal strategies with 100% regulatory compliance, accelerating resolutions 20%.
• Partner with Construction Finance and executive leadership to strengthen underwriting rigor and risk alignment.

Enterprise AI & Innovation Leadership (concurrent, cross-functional) - Atlantic Union Bank

(2021-08)

• Selected for enterprise AI adoption and innovation initiatives beyond primary role — one of a small group shaping how the bank evaluates, governs, and deploys AI.
• Contribute banking, risk, and operational expertise to AI governance, policy development, and responsible-use standards.
• Lead enterprise-wide AI Community of Practice education sessions on generative AI adoption, governance, and practical business application.

Chief Executive Officer - James and Valerie Leonard Foundation

(2020-04)

• Founded and lead a nonprofit serving under-resourced youth; programs reach 200+ children annually.
• Secured $10K+ in grants and partnerships, expanding outreach 10%; built governance frameworks, volunteer infrastructure, and operational controls, increasing organizational capacity 15%.

Workout & Resolution Manager, Vice President - BankUnited

(2019-01 - 2021-01)

• Directed the COVID Impact Team, resolving $300MM+ in troubled loans during the pandemic and fully liquidating the franchise and equipment finance portfolio.
• Managed repossessions, bankruptcy proceedings, and litigation coordination; delivered CECL-compliant reporting and coached cross-functional teams on risk management practices.
• Reduced charge-offs 15% through disciplined portfolio management and asset recovery strategy.

Special Assets Manager, Vice President - Old Line Bank

(2015-01 - 2019-01)

• Resolved complex problem loans explicitly identified in the Bay Bank acquisition agreement, leading high-stakes workouts and bulk loan sales to accelerate portfolio cleanup.
• Led loan quality, accrual status, and charge-off reporting, strengthening credit governance and executive decision-making.
• Supported the Bay Bank (2018) and WesBanco (2019) acquisitions, ensuring data integrity and credit oversight through integration.

Senior Credit Analyst, Vice President - Howard Bank

(2014-01 - 2015-01)

• Administered underwriting aligned with federal guidance; coached a team of five across asset recovery and portfolio management.

Senior Credit Officer, Vice President - Colombo Bank

(2012-01 - 2014-01)

• Directed credit decisions, built valuation and risk models, mentored junior analysts, and led a team of two achieving 15% loan growth in 12 months.

Portfolio / Relationship Manager, Vice President - Northwest Savings Bank

(2011-01 - 2012-01)

• Built a $10MM+ book of business in 12 months; established asset-based lending underwriting guidelines for the Maryland region startup.

Portfolio Manager, Vice President - Severn Savings Bank

(2010-01 - 2011-01)

• Managed distressed and performing loans; executed workouts, short sales, and foreclosure strategies.

Construction Finance Manager (contract) - Maryland DHCD

(2009-01 - 2010-01)

• Conducted public-sector credit reviews and compliance assessments for large multi-family construction projects.

Portfolio Manager, VP | Credit Analyst - Bradford Bank

(2002-01 - 2009-01)

• Progressed from branch intern to VP Portfolio Manager; underwrote construction and C&I loans; selected for the Management Training Program with formal RMA credit instruction.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Executive Strategic Leadership — dissertation research on AI-driven strategy and transformation in financial institutions - Liberty University (2027)

Graduate School Certification - ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking (2027)

Executive Leadership Certificate - The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (2025)

AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme - Saïd Business, University of Oxford (2025)

Dual M.S. - Accounting & Financial Management - University of Maryland Global Campus (2018)

Executive MBA - Jack Welch Management Institute (2008)

Dual B.S. - Business Administration & Economics (Minor: Mathematics) - McDaniel College (2005)