J. Wayne Leonard (1950-2018) was an influential American business executive best known for his tenure as chairman and chief executive officer of Entergy Corporation, a major U.S. utility company focused on energy production and distribution. Leonard spent nearly 15 years as Entergy's CEO, beginning in 1999. He played a key role in transforming the company's financial stability, ensuring its place among Fortune 500 corporations, and advancing environmental stewardship in the power industry. Under his leadership, Entergy became a leader among utilities in advocating for cleaner fuels and addressing climate change. Leonard was considered a pioneer for pushing the energy sector toward policy solutions addressing environmental issues, and he frequently spoke and advocated for action on climate change. Leonard was also widely known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to social justice, contributing time and substantial financial resources to numerous causes, focusing heavily on poverty alleviation. His legacy in Louisiana includes the J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center, supporting economic opportunity and financial education. Leonard's commitment extended beyond business to humanitarian causes, earning him numerous awards such as Georgetown University's Business Leader of the Year (2003) and induction into Ball State University's College of Business Hall of Fame. In addition to his work at Entergy, he served on the boards of energy companies Emera and Tidewater. He died on September 18, 2018, after a long battle with cancer.