Leon Bailey came to The Community Foundation with accomplishments in both the public and private sectors. In social services, Bailey has a record of starting and directing innovative community-based programs. His work with nonprofits includes forming the first Family Planning Clinic for men in New Jersey and developing a community-based alternative to incarceration for children in New Jersey.

In the private sector, Bailey was a partner in the optical industry with the franchising chain American Vision Centers and served as Vice President of Franchising. He developed operational processes that led to this company's success and ultimate sale. American Vision Centers acquired regional chains across the country and converted the stores into owner-operated franchises. The growth of this company led to being purchased by Pearl Vision Centers.

Before joining The Community Foundation, Bailey was Vice President of Human Resources for Dianon Systems in Stratford, an anatomical laboratory specializing in cancer diagnosis. At the height of Dianon's growth, there were 3,000 employees nationally.

Bailey holds a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University in Psychology, a Masters in Public Administration from New York University, a Masters of Divinity, and a Doctorate of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary.