About Leona Barr-Davenport

I-2029

Leona Barr-Davenport has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Business League (ABL) since 1997, leading the historic organization with a vision to advance African American business and economic empowerment. A native of Johnsonville, South Carolina, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Benedict College and a master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University. After beginning her career in the private sector, she joined the ABL, where her leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission led to her appointment as CEO. Under her direction, the ABL has strengthened its role as the nation’s oldest continuously operating affiliate of the National Negro Business League.

Throughout her career, Ms. Barr-Davenport has been recognized for her collaborative leadership, expertise in organizational management, fundraising, and community engagement. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and has received widespread recognition, including being named among Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and one of Georgia’s most influential leaders by Georgia Trend and Atlanta Magazine. Her interview is archived in the Smithsonian Institution’s The HistoryMakers collection, reflecting her enduring impact on business, civic leadership, and the Atlanta community.