Leonard has worked at the The Second City since 1988, overseeing productions with such notable performers as Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Adam McKay, Seth Meyers, Rachel Dratch, Amy Poehler, Jason Sudeikis, Keegan Michael Key, Rachel Dratch, Amy Sedaris and a host of others.

Embarking on a new venture, Leonard will head a new development arm, Kelly Leonard Productions, which will continue to develop original plays and musicals. A new slate of shows is currently in development and set to be launched in partnership with The Road Company.

According to a press statement, he will also continue to provide ongoing creative and business consulting for The Second City, as well as workshop engagements.

"I feel extremely blessed to be able to seek out new opportunities for myself and Second City, while still staying connected to the day to day work at the theatre," Leonard stated.

Leonard co-founded Second City Theatricals, the division of the company that develops a diverse array of live entertainment all over the world. Recent productions include The Second City’s A Christmas Carol: Twist My Dickens with Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles and The Second City Guide to the Opera, featuring Renee Fleming and Patrick Stewart, with Lyric Opera Chicago. Under his leadership, The Second City also established full-time ensembles aboard six Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

The Second City was founded in Chicago 1959, with roots in improvisational comedy styles. Best known as the first-ever on-going improvisational theatre troupe in the U.S., it also has programs that run out of L.A. and Toronto. For more information visit SecondCity.