Briefly introduce yourself. (please include your major, graduation year, career status)
I’m John Leonard, Public Policy Master of Arts 2006, International Commerce & Policy. I am a Senior Advisor at the law firm of Kim & Chang.
Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at GMU?
I’ll share two, both involving travel. My major, International Commerce & Policy, offered study abroad trips to Mexico City (focus was the NAFTA free trade agreement, now USCMA) and Oxford, England (focus was on US – EU trade). I was lucky enough to attend both and they were amazing experiences!
Can you share your career journey and how did your experience at GMU prepare you for your career?
I came to GMU for grad school in the evening when I was mid-career at age 37. I was working at US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) HQ. Mason helped turbo-charge my professional development and I went on to become Area Port Director of San Francisco, CBP Attaché in Singapore and finally Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner before retiring from government service in 2024.
What advice would you give to current Mason Korea students or recent graduates?
Your Mason network will become a resource for you in the years and decades to come. Keep in touch with your classmates – they will help you!
What are your future career or personal goals?
International trade and customs is a dynamic field that is currently undergoing a seismic shift. I’m constantly trying to stay ahead of changes to help our clients. On the personal side, learning Korean is a very important goal for me.
July 21, 2025