James R. Lester
James R. Lester
Principal | Lester Consulting LLC
An accomplished political management and fundraising figure passionate about people and public service, James R. Lester prepared for his career by interning for U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions before earning a Bachelor of Arts in history, with minors in political science and religion, from Huntingdon College. He began as a field director for the Congressional Leadership Fund and a deputy campaign manager for Georgians for Belle Isle. Between 2019 and 2021, he was active as the regional political director for Byrne for Senate and a political strategist for The Lukens Company.
Since 2016, Mr. Lester has found success as the principal and founder of Lester Consulting LLC, a firm that provides such services as copywriting, email marketing, database management and analysis, major donor strategy and cultivation, event planning and management, PAC fundraising, and more. In this capacity, he’s utilized more than a decade of expertise, namely his ability to adapt and raise funds for clients across different states; he previously managed 10 congressional clients, including a successful grassroots campaign for Karen Handel’s 2017 race in Georgia, despite the significant resources invested by other parties.
Looking ahead, Mr. Lester aims to grow his company’s revenue and hire additional associates. He also intends to outsource some of the work to better focus on client satisfaction and the efficient operation of the business. Upon reflecting on his career, he credits his success to resilience, believing there are more challenges than victories in life and that facing and overcoming difficulties is essential for personal growth. Navigating through tough times, he said, has been crucial to shaping his path to success.
In addition to his primary endeavors, Mr. Lester is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the American Association of Political Consultants, serves on Huntingdon College’s Alumni Board of Directors, and is active at Waterfront Church and Be the Edge ministry.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors James R. Lester for Political Consulting and Fundraising Expertise
Jamey Lester is an expert in political consulting and fundraising with more than a decade of experience.
ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 22, 2024 /24 — Jamey Lester has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected based on current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all considered during the selection process.
Mr. Lester is a distinguished professional in political consulting and fundraising, currently serving as the principal and founder of Lester Consulting, LLC. With more than a decade of experience, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise and dedication to his profession. He has been at the helm of Lester Consulting, LLC since 2016, where he works with federal super PACs, political campaigns, and non-profits on their fundraising efforts.
In addition to maintaining his consulting firm, Mr. Lester held the position of major gifts officer at National Right to Life from 2023 to 2024. In this role, he led all fundraising operations for the nonprofit, marking a major accomplishment in his career where he helped raise more than a million dollars in 7 months. From 2021 to 2023, he served as manager of development at the American Legislative Exchange Council, where he honed his skills in strategic development and donor relations.
Mr. Lester’s career also includes tenure as a political strategist with The Lukens Company from 2019 to 2021. During this period, he managed numerous congressional clients simultaneously, showcasing his exceptional multitasking abilities. In 2019, he was the regional political director for Byrne for Senate, further solidifying his reputation in political management. His earlier roles include deputy national field director at the Congressional Leadership Fund in 2018 and deputy campaign manager for Georgians for Belle Isle from 2017 to 2018. Additionally, he served as a field director for the Congressional Leadership Fund in 2017 and as a junior consultant for Jeb 2016 from 2015 to 2016. His career began with internships at the Family Research Council in 2015 and with U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions in 2014.
Mr. Lester’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in history and double minors in political science and religion from Huntingdon College, where he graduated in 2015. His resilience and ability to navigate through challenges have been pivotal to his success. He attributes his professional growth to overcoming difficulties and maintaining a balance between daily tasks and long-term goals, as well as to his faith and family.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Lester is an active member of several industry-related organizations. He has been involved with the American Association of Political Consultants and the Direct Marketing Association of Washington.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lester has achieved numerous milestones, including being recognized as an academic all-American by the Golf Coaches Association of America in 2014. His ability to adapt and raise funds across different states has been a testament to his versatility and dedication to his clients’ success.
Mr. Lester’s civic involvement includes membership in the Sons of the American Revolution since 2015, volunteering with Be the Edge ministry, attending Waterfront Church, and serving on the Alumni Board of Directors at Huntingdon College from 2021 to 2024.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Lester enjoys playing golf and is an avid football, baseball, and basketball fan. He also plays the guitar and loves traveling and spending time with his family. Looking ahead, he aims to grow his company’s revenue and plans to hire additional associates while outsourcing some work to focus on client satisfaction and efficient business operations.
