Richard Leonard will be this year’s recipient of the Spirit of the Vineyard Award.

Born in Oak Bluffs, Mr. Leonard began working for the Edgartown National Bank when he was 15 years old, and became the president and CEO of the Martha’s Vineyard Cooperative Bank in 1989. He finished is banking career as the regional president of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank.

Mr. Leonard has a long history of giving back to the Island community as a coach, mentor and volunteer, serving on the boards of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and You’ve Got a Friend, among many others.

He and Patty Leighton began the school bank program that still runs in Island schools.

There will be a gathering to honor Mr. Leonard on Friday, May 19 at the PA Club on Oak Bluffs at 4 p.m.