Leon M. Smith II
Vice Chairman, Marketing & Social Media Chair
Mr. Leon M. Smith II has established himself as a scientist, entrepreneur, leader, mentor, and servant of his community. Mr. Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (concentration in Biochemistry) from Clark Atlanta University and a Masters of Science degree in chemistry (concentration in Organic Chemistry) from Tennessee State University. Professionally, he is an accomplished medicinal chemist and has participated in drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas, including central nervous system, metabolic diseases, oncology, and cardiovascular disease areas for nearly 25 years with the world’s most preeminent pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. In fact, his research efforts have resulted in over 40 patents and peer-reviewed publications, of which, he is the primary author/inventor of several. Furthermore, he has directly contributed to three small molecules progressing into human Phase I-III clinical studies in cardiovascular disease and oncology including Amgen’s first internally developed small molecule to undergo clinical evaluation (AMG706, a selective inhibitor of kinases involved blood vessel formation and evaluated for treatment of imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (Phase III). Currently, he is a Senior Research Scientist for Bristol Myers Squibb where his research focus has been on the discovery of novel small molecules as potential treatments for thromboembolic diseases and heart failure.
For almost 30 years, Leon has been a loyal and dedicated son of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was initiated while as an undergraduate at CAU, Beta Psi Chapter and is a Life Member (LM#6331). Currently, serves as State Representative of New Jersey of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and has served as past Basileus (or President) Omicron Chi Chapter. Under his leadership, the chapter was recognized twice as the International Large Graduate Chapter of the Year (2015-16 & 2017-18).
While attending Clark Atlanta he met the love of his life. In 1996, he married Kristine D. Mitchell. From their marriage, beautiful and amazing twin daughters were born: Kiara Nia and Kiana Imani.