Leepson: A Distinguished Career in Journalism and History
With a career spanning several decades, Leepson has established himself as a versatile writer, historian, and dedicated community leader. From the fast-paced environment of political reporting in Washington, D.C., to the meticulous research required for world-renowned encyclopedias, his professional journey reflects a deep commitment to factual storytelling and historical preservation.
Key Facts
- Staff Writer: Served at Congressional Quarterly from 1976 to 1986.
- Long-term Editorial Role: Senior Writer, Arts Editor, and columnist for The VVA Veteran since 1986.
- Academic Contribution: Taught U.S. history at Lord Fairfax Community College (now Laurel Ridge Community College) from 2008 to 2015.
- Professional Leadership: Served as Treasurer for the Biographers International Organization (BIO).
- Award Winner: Recipient of the 2019 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution History Award Medal.
Journalistic Career and Media Presence
Leepson began his professional trajectory as a staff writer for Congressional Quarterly, a nonpartisan publication focusing on the US Congress, where he worked between 1976 and 1986. Following this tenure, he transitioned into full-time freelance writing, a path he has maintained since 1986.
His editorial influence is most prominent in The VVA Veteran, the official magazine of the Vietnam Veterans of America. In this capacity, he has served as a columnist, Arts Editor, and Senior Writer for nearly four decades.
Beyond specialized publications, his work has been featured in prestigious mainstream outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and The Baltimore Sun. He has also contributed to specialized magazines such as Smithsonian, Preservation, and Military History.
Leepson's expertise has made him a frequent guest on global media platforms. His interviews have aired on major networks including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC Newshour, and CBC (Canada), as well as various NPR programs such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Contributions to Reference Works and Academia
A significant portion of Leepson's career has been dedicated to the curation of knowledge through reference literature. He is a contributor to the Encyclopædia Britannica and has authored entries for several other authoritative sources, including:
- Encyclopedia Americana and its Yearbook
- Oxford Encyclopedia of American Political and Legal History
- Dictionary of Virginia Biography
His passion for history extended into the classroom, where he taught U.S. history at Lord Fairfax Community College (now Laurel Ridge Community College) in Warrenton, Virginia, from 2008 to 2015. Additionally, he served as a Scholar in Residence at the Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Savannah, Georgia, in May 2017.
Civic Leadership and Professional Affiliations
Since the early 1990s, Leepson has been heavily involved in the non-profit sector, particularly in Virginia. He has held various leadership roles, including serving as President and Vice President of the Middleburg Library Advisory Board and Treasurer of the Library of Virginia Foundation.
His commitment to regional heritage is evident through his work with the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association, where he served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He has also contributed to the Loudoun County Library Board of Trustees and the YMCA of Loudoun County.
Professionally, he is a member of The Authors Guild. In 2013, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Biographers International Organization (BIO), subsequently becoming the organization's Treasurer in 2014.
| Category | Key Affiliations / Achievements |
|---|---|
| Journalism | Congressional Quarterly, The VVA Veteran, The New York Times |
| Reference Works | Encyclopædia Britannica, Oxford Encyclopedia of American Political and Legal History |
| Education | Lord Fairfax Community College, Mikveh Israel Synagogue |
| Non-Profit/Civic | Library of Virginia Foundation, Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association |
| Awards | 2019 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution History Award Medal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Leepson start his professional writing career?
Leepson began his career as a staff writer at Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C., from 1976 to 1986.
Which major encyclopedias has he contributed to?
He has contributed to the Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopedia Americana, the Encyclopedia Americana Yearbook, the Oxford Encyclopedia of American Political and Legal History, and the Dictionary of Virginia Biography.
What is his relationship with The VVA Veteran?
Since 1986, he has served as the Senior Writer, Arts Editor, and a columnist for The VVA Veteran, the magazine of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Has Leepson held any academic positions?
Yes, he taught U.S. history at Lord Fairfax Community College (now Laurel Ridge Community College) from 2008 to 2015 and was a Scholar in Residence at Mikveh Israel Synagogue in 2017.
What leadership roles has he held in professional organizations?
He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Biographers International Organization (BIO) in 2013 and served as its Treasurer starting in 2014.