George W. Lester, II

George W. Lester, II is an industrial engineering Cum Laude graduate of North Carolina State University. Currently semi-retired and Co-Chairman of the Board since 2019, he had been President and CEO of The Lester Group, Inc. since 1983, and President of Lester Development Corporation since 1975. Mr. Lester is Past Chairman of the Martinsville/Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Past President of IBSA (Independent Builder’s Supply Association), the Virginia Forest Association, and VBMA (Virginia Building Materials Association), as well as Past Chairman of the United Way of Martinsville & Henry County and the Martinsville/Henry County Economic Development Corporation. He was one of the organizers of Carter Bank and is now retired from the Board of Directors. He is also Chairman of Safety/Link, Inc., an organization formed to promote the construction of I-73. Mr. Lester’s entire career has been involved in building materials for the retail consumer and professional builder, the manufacture of related forest products, management of forestlands, land conservation, real estate development and management. He is married (Lee) and has five children. He joined the Lester Group Board in 1957.