Local project manager receives 2013 Distinguished Instructor Award from UCLA

CAMARILLO, Calif. - May 17, 2013 - PRLog -- The University of California, Los Angeles honored Sean Leonard, president and founder of S.L. Leonard & Associates, a Camarillo-based project management firm, with the 2013 Distinguished Instructor Award. Leonard was one of 18 instructors in UCLA’s Extension program recognized for their exemplary teaching, professional knowledge and outstanding commitment to students. With more than 2,000 active instructors in the UCLA Extension program, the award is a significant honor.

Interim Dean Michelle Stiles presented the Distinguished Instructor awards on May 14 at ceremony held in UCLA’s De Neve Plaza.

“Sean has been instrumental in keeping the curriculum up-to-date over the years and has helped recruit new instructors,” said Stiles “His involvement in our curriculum design and development, informational sessions, and dedication to his students’ success makes us fortunate to have him.”

A graduate of UCLA’s civil engineering program, Leonard has more than 35 years’ experience in Southern California’s real estate development and construction industry. Prior to forming his firm 10 years ago, he spent more than five years as the senior vice president of project management for the owners of the world-acclaimed Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry. He has taught at UCLA Extension since 1994 and helped develop the program’s Construction Management certificate. This certificate is the UCLA Extension engineering departments most popular and has the largest number of students, said Stiles.

“Being passionate about the subject matter you’re speaking about is so important,” said Leonard of teaching. “My everyday life is immersed in project management. I’m able to share real-life experience with my students, which is an invaluable teaching tool.”
S.L. Leonard & Associates is a comprehensive real estate development and project management firm based in Camarillo and regional offices in Torrance. The firm has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the VCCF Nonprofit Center, Camarillo Public Library, the California Endowment’s Headquarters and Conference Center, the City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Replacement Hospital, the mixed-use Working Artists Ventura development, the Museum of Ventura County expansion, Charles Drew University’s Life Sciences and Nursing Education building and multiple affordable housing projects totaling almost 2,000 units. For more information, call (805) 445-4668 or visit www.slleonard.com.