Jeffrey W. Leach has been recognized for his outstanding contributions and leadership in information technology, entrepreneurial achievement, and his deep commitment to community service.
With more than four decades of experience as an entrepreneur, system integration expert, and information technology leader, Leach retired from his professional endeavors in 2015 as the president and owner of Leach Company. As a multifaceted professional, his career stands out for its reliability, service, and high-level leadership, supporting several chief information officers at Fortune 500 companies. Notably, he worked as a private consultant in 2012, providing expertise in cloud integration services, artificial intelligence, mobile security, and Internet of Things architecture. Even in retirement, Leach continues to provide consulting services in these advanced technological areas.
"I aim to advance technology while maintaining a high level of service," says Leach. "This award is a reflection of those efforts."
Earlier in his career, Leach spent more than a decade at IBM as a senior software IT architect and WebSphere industry solution architect, where he was responsible for pre-sales, architectural, and technical support to prospective clients like Deloitte, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Capgemini, and Ernst & Young. From 1999 until 2012, he received numerous accolades, including the Technical Treasurer Award, the "Opportunity Noticer" Role Model Award, three Vice President Awards, multiple 100 Percent Sales Club Awards, a Director's Award, and a Team Award.
Leach's contributions to IBM also included an important moment in 2009 when he demonstrated the "iPhone Zos Modernization Demo," using an iPhone 10 to access and change data on a mainframe in a cloud in another state. This demonstration, presented at IBM's Global TechXchange Conference in Las Vegas, was also featured on YouTube, highlighting Leach's approach to bridging modern technology with legacy systems.
Leach laid the foundation for his career at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where he served as a senior systems analyst from 1992 until 1998. His achievements included designing data center monitors and implementing IBM's message and queuing system -- one of the first 10 in the world. He also designed, programmed, and maintained the conversion of the Data Collection and Trade Management System to IBM's WebSphere MQ, a groundbreaking accomplishment that set him apart in the industry. His work earned him the prestigious Computer World Smithsonian Award, and his designs are preserved at the Smithsonian Institution for future generations.
As a trusted thought leader, Leach was also asked to serve as a worldwide spokesperson for WebSphere MQ, where he addressed approximately 130 chief information officers in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of innovative middleware solutions in global industries.
"Throughout my career, I have always believed in optimism and continuous learning," said Leach. "These principles have guided me through challenges and successes alike."
In addition to his hands-on work, Leach has spoken at several key industry conferences, including IBM's Global TechXchange Conference, IBM's Modernizing and Optimizing the Enterprise Seminar, and IBM System Z: Lean and Green WebSphere Application Server Seminar, where he shared his insights on modernizing enterprise systems and driving efficiency through technology.
Born and raised in Port Washington, New York, Leach's family roots trace back to Anglo-Saxon Protestant ancestors who arrived in America from Wales in 1645. His lineage is recognized through his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. Leach is a graduate of Friends Academy in Locust Valley, New York, where his mathematics teacher inspired him to think outside the box and approach problems with creativity -- a cornerstone of his success.
Leach graduated with a bachelor's degree in managerial economics from Syracuse University in 1978 and pursued additional coursework in computer science at New York University. His commitment to remaining at the forefront of technology is exemplified by his membership in the Association for Computing Machinery and his role as an Apple Developer Beta tester.
Deeply invested in his community, Leach has participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk every year since 2013. Since 2015, he has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, providing administrative services and computer network consulting, and since 2018, he has packed meals for underprivileged youth through Feed My Starving Children.
A devout Christian, Leach has served as a deacon, trustee, and elder at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, Illinois, for more than 30 years. He continues to provide transportation for elderly members of the congregation, especially for Thanksgiving dinners, and has been a dedicated volunteer with the Arlington Heights Historical Society. Leach was also repeatedly asked to serve as a deacon due to his strong leadership and community spirit.
"Giving back to the community has been a cornerstone of my life. Helping others brings a sense of fulfillment that is unmatched," Leach says. He plans to continue his volunteer work, packing meals for children facing hunger and helping families in need.
Leach's career and personal achievements have been widely recognized in the media. He was featured as a Distinguished Business Leader in the Chicago edition of The Wall Street Journal in October 2023, chosen from a handpicked group of 1.5 million listees. In addition, his story appeared in Fortune magazine's April/May 2024 issue, where he was highlighted as one of the nation's top professionals.
Throughout his career, Leach has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Humanitarian Award, the Top Business Owner Award, and now the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy in both the business world and his community continues to inspire those around him.
Leach attributes much of his success to his family and the guidance of his mathematics teacher at Friends Academy, who helped shape his creative approach to problem-solving.