GARY LEONHARDT
Inducted May 25, 2023

Education

Gary Leonhardt was a graduate of Morganton High School. He received degrees from Western Piedmont Community College and Caldwell Community College before graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration from Appalachian State University.

1968-2016








1974-1977
1974-1985

1977
1981-1985

1985
1985-2005
1987-2016
1993
1993-2013
1999
2002-2011
2006-2007
2011-2016
2013-present







1985

1995
1998
2009
Employment

City of Morganton
During that time he worked in the Maintenance Department, was an Assistant Center Director, Athletic Director, Assistant Recreation Director and Director. He served as Recreation Director from February 3, 1992 to his retirement in March of 2016.


Service to Community

Chairman of NCRPA Statewide Activities Committee
Board of Directors NC Amateur Softball Association and District Commissioner
Founder and President of Western Youth Athletic Association
NC Fast Pitch State Commissioner (Tournament Director for 8 State Championship `Tournaments and 3 Regional Tournaments)
Member of Optimist Club and Soap Box Derby Committee
Morganton Rotary Club (President 1994/1995)
July 4th Celebration Committee
Founded and Chairman of Burke County Sports Hall of Fame
City of Morganton Human Relations Commission
Chairman of Host Town Committee for Special Olympics World Games
President Morganton Little League
Founding member and President of the Men’s Club of Morganton
President of Burke County Fair Association
Christmas Cheer Committee (President 2013-2016)

Also served on Boy Scouts Scouting Campaign, Committee for Troop 184 and Eagle Scout Board of Review for Troop 184. Has worked with Lions Club, Optimist Club, Kiwanis and many other Civic Organizations over the years.

Honors and Awards

Honored by NCRPA with Special Citation for work in raising funds for college scholarship in the name of Morganton for a Recreation Major
Honored by Morganton Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow
Named Morganton’s Man of the Year
Meritorious Service Award for NCRPA