Leon Ford
Chief Executive Officer and President
Leon Ford is a nationally respected author, international speaker, social entrepreneur, and community leader whose work centers on resilience, justice, healing, and public safety.
A Pittsburgh native, Leon survived being shot five times by a police officer during a 2012 traffic stop, leaving him paralyzed at 19 years old. He transformed that experience into a lifelong commitment to strengthening communities, improving police-community relations, advancing mental health awareness, and promoting restorative justice.
Leon is the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President of The Hear Foundation, which brings residents, public safety professionals, community organizations, and civic leaders together to rebuild trust and strengthen community safety. The Foundation’s innovative work received a 2023 McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund award.
Leon is the author of An Unspeakable Hope: Brutality, Forgiveness, and Building a Better Future for My Son, selected as Pennsylvania’s 2024 Great Read for Adults for the Library of Congress National Book Festival. He has shared his story on Good Morning America and stages across the United States and internationally.
His honors include the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, Forbes 30 Under 30, President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, The Root 100, Pittsburgh 40 Under 40, and the National Urban League Community Service Award. Leon previously served on Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review Commission, contributing a community-centered perspective to statewide conversations on accountability and public safety.