Matthew Gilbert Leopard

Matthew G. Leopard, 59 passed on Feb. 17, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A member of the federal Senior Executive Service, Matt directed the Office of Information Management within the Office of Mission Support at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As director, he led EPA’s information collection, management, and reporting activities, including technical support for the Exchange Network, E-Enterprise, and the Central Data Exchange. Matt was a thoughtful leader in promoting modern approaches to the use of data to support the health-and-environmental-protection goals of EPA and its state and tribal partners. Over a 30-year career, Matt worked his way up the agency ranks, from information policy staff to senior manager. Throughout, he was an innovator and driver, advancing the transformation of paper processes into digital workflows, electronic information exchange with states and tribes, electronic permitting, and geospatial analysis and data visualization. Universally recognized as a genuinely good guy, Matt was highly admired for his unique blend of qualities—leadership skills, intelligence, curiosity, dedication, good humor, compassion and kindness to his colleagues—that made him a delight to be around. Matt grew up in Buffalo, NY, the son of history professor and WWII author Donald Leopard and Barbara Jean Leopard, a Buffalo DAR genealogist and former social worker. He is a descendent of early American settlers and revolutionary war patriots. Passionate about the natural world, Matt earned a degree in marine biology from the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) and a master’s degree in biology from the SUNY Buffalo State College. Seeking the ultimate challenge, he took on Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, and proudly served his country. Matt enjoyed spending time and travelling with his family—they especially loved the Florida Keys, birding, fishing, running, mushroom and rock hunting, and discovering nature’s hidden wonders. Loving husband, father, brother and uncle, he is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Patricia, son, Thomas, daughter, Sarah, and sisters Ann (Vienna, VA) and Melissa (Buffalo, NY) and their families—his premature passing has left their hearts broken. A prayer service will be held at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 10:00 AM with Deacon Brian Majewski officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at Culpeper National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Friends of Bahia Honda State Park, Inc., P.O. Box 430403, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PLZXDDHLHYXSZW8L

Matthew Gilbert Leopard

December 1, 1960 - February 17, 2020