Gerry Leonard graduated from North Kingstown High School in 1983. Leonard served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 30 years and reached the rank of colonel. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hartwick College in 1987, a master’s degree from Marine Corps University, and a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Leonard’s career experience includes working as a vice president of operations, the chief of staff and COO with the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve, and the chief of plans and chief strategy officer of the NATO International Security Assistance Force.