Leon Tillman is the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chesapeake Bay Coordinator in Annapolis, Maryland and has worked for NRCS for 15 years. Tillman is a Paola, Kansas native that was raised in Marietta, Georgia. He began his career with NRCS as an 1890 USDA Scholar and student intern working in several Middle Tennessee counties. After graduation, Tillman worked full-time as a Soil Conservationist in West Tennessee, eventually becoming a District Conservationist in East Tennessee, and later served as a State Program Manager for three years. Thereafter, he served several years as the Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations where he supervised, managed, and coordinated the development of complex activities, resource planning and management planning across a 22-county area. Throughout his career, Tillman has served in various temporary acting roles including Assistant State Conservationist for Programs and Field Operations having worked extensively with agriculture partners and employees providing technical assistance, financial assistance, planning, and policy guidance throughout Tennessee. He also served on temporary detail in NRCS National Headquarters as a Farm Bill Specialist on the Financial Assistance Programs Division staff, where he provided programmatic support, guidance and assistance to state program staffs.

Tillman received his Bachelor in Agricultural Sciences from Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources Systems Management at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is an active member of the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE). Tillman also serves on the Open Space Institute (OSI) Advisory Committee as an agency liaison providing guidance related to Appalachian landscape protection.

Tillman and his wife Monique are proud parents of their son, Liam. He enjoys woodworking, traveling, basketball, and spending quality time with family and friends.