Candidate for
State Senator; District 23; Republican Party

Leonard M. Lanzi has 24 years of non-profit organization management and fund development experience. Currently he is the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Venture Association. In his capacity at LAVA, Leonard works with the LAVA board of directors to direct the strategic plan and organize educational and informational programs about the venture business environment in the greater Los Angeles region.

Prior to LAVA, Mr. Lanzi was employed as the Senior Vice President of Development for Junior Achievement of Southern California. His responsibility included management of a six person development team responsible for $2.8 million of corporate fund raising in Los Angeles County.

Leonard brings a well-rounded knowledge from such diverse human service organizations as the Community Kitchen of Santa Barbara, Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Boy Scouts of America while serving as their Executive Director. As Scout Executive/CEO for the Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America, Len gained extensive experience and demonstrated successes in endowment development and management, annual fund raising campaigns, direct mail solicitation and grant procurement. His comprehensive management of strategic planning and board development processes is an additional area of expertise.

Politically, Leonard is active in grassroots Republican politics. Leonard was the Republican nominee for the California 23rd District State Senate race in 2004. As an active member of the California State Republican Party and the Los Angels County Republican Central Committee., Leonard serves on the LA County voter integrity committee and has campaigned for various Republican candidates.

Currently Leonard is on both the Los Angeles Log Cabin Chapter Board and on the California Log Cabin Republican Board of Directors and is a national trustee of the Log Cabin Republicans. His involvement with Log Cabin began over 17 years ago in San Diego.

Leonard graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica. Leonard also enjoys the sport of rugby and serves on the board of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Football Club.

Leonard and his domestic partner of 18 years, Russell Nelson, live in Topanga Canyon, California.