Paul is the former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Habitat for Humanity International where he provided day-to-day direction and management of the global Christian nonprofit homebuilder. He held a variety of executive positions with the John Crosland Company from 1974 to 1987, including serving as president. He joined Centex Real Estate Corporation in 1987, when Crosland sold its home building company to Centex. He retired as executive vice president of Centex in 1995.

Leonard is active in community service ranging from serving on the Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors to serving as a Trustee of Davidson College. He holds a bachelor's degree from Davidson College, a B.D. degree from the University of Chicago, and an M.B.A. from Emory University.