Bill Lester

Joined AIAIA Board: 2019

Education:

  • Carroll College Helena, MT

  • Degree: BA, Philosophy and French

  • University of St Thomas MA French Education

Career Summary:

  • 25 years as Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission which owned and operated the HHH Metrodome, home of the Vikings, Twins, Gophers plus thousands of amateur sports, civic and community events

  • 11 years as Special Assistant to the Chair of the Metropolitan Council

  • 9 years as part time adjunct professor in evening MBA Program at the University of St Thomas

  • 6 years as French teacher at Hill-Murray High School & English at Lycée Fatma N'soumer, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria

​Awards and Recognitions:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stadium Managers Association

  • Extensive involvement as a volunteer with Special Olympics, French Immersion schools and other non-profits

  • Served as Head Coach of the Gold Medal Team Minnesota in the USA Games

  • Served two terms as a member of the Board of Trustees of Carroll College

  • Elected to two terms as a District 622 School Board Trustee

Why I’m Proud To Be A Trustee Of Arm In Arm:

  • From 1971-73 my wife, Judie, and I served as teachers in Algeria, North Africa This sparked a lifetime interest in the issues and challenges faced by Africans. We spent one week with Arm in Arm last year and look forward to participating in the full program this year.

  • I fell in love with the people we met in the Gugulethu Township. The mission and the vision of AIAIA is consistent with my own vision of service and special affection for the people of Africa.

  • It is a distinct honor to be invited to join the AIAIA Board of Trustees.