C. Ned Lester retired as President of Global Opportunities, Inc, an International trade consulting firm.  He also retired from Virginia Tech where he served as professor, Associate Dean and Director of the University Extension, Continuing Education and Outreach Division.  He also served as Director of Continuing Education and Outreach.

Ned received BS and MS degrees from Virginia Tech.  He holds a doctoral degree from Florida State University.

Ned joined the Christiansburg-Blacksburg Rotary Club in 1970 and has since served and continues to serve on committees at the club, district and international levels.  He was President of his club, Assistant Governor and District Governor for District 7570 in 2006-07.  Ned has worked with the Youth Leadership Seminar (RYLA) since its inception in 1980, serving as co-chair or chair for 25 years.  Ned is a multi Paul Harris Fellow, member of the Bequest Society, a Skelton Fellow, and a Major Donor. 

Ned is also active in community and professional associations including the New River Valley Friends of the Roanoke Symphony, the Chamber of Commerce, and is an elder in the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.

Ned and his wife, Rosalyn who is also a Rotarian, have two married children and two grandchildren.  Ned enjoys golf, traveling, music and painting.