Lester Bagley brings more than two decades of experience in the public affairs arena and serves the Vikings as Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development, his 4th year in that role. Bagley oversees public relations, public affairs, community relations and charitable giving for the Vikings.Bagley has been instrumental in the Wilf ownership group’s efforts to enhance the Vikings presence in the community and throughout the state. During the 2007 season Bagley helped develop the Vikings Board of Advisors, a club initiative aimed at increasing interaction with CEOlevel civic and business leaders in Minnesota. Bagley also leads the Vikings “You Made The Team” community visits, which are embraced by Vikings fans across the state as the club connects with areas outside of the Twin Cities. Along with a prominent role in external relations, Bagley oversees internal communications for the team and has led the efforts to restructure the Vikings Children’s Fund and enhance the team’s youth football programs.Bagley also continues to lead the team’s quest to finance and build a new home for Vikings football, which has become a priority for the National Football League. The Vikings have dedicated their stadium efforts to constructing a new facility in Minneapolis as part of a broader revitalization and economic development proposal for the area surrounding the Metrodome. Bagley oversees the team of architects, urban planners, NFL officials, financial analysts and public affairs professionals who are working diligently to bring a world-class multi-event venue to downtown Minneapolis.Before joining the Vikings, Bagley operated Bagley Public Affairs from 1999-2005. The Minneapolis firm specialized in issues management, public relations and public affairs. Consulting with the Vikings through his company, Bagley served as the team’s point person on stadium advocacy efforts from 2000-05.From 1993-99 Bagley helped lead the Minnesota Business Partnership, a public policy organization comprised of the chief executive officers of 100 of Minnesota’s largest companies, where Bagley served as associate director. He previously spent five years working in public affairs and public relations in Washington, D.C. A native of Barron, WI, Bagley began college at the University of Minnesota before graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He served as a White House intern and studied at Oxford University during his undergraduate days. Bagley serves on the boards of Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES), the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Vikings Children’s Fund.Bagley’s wife, Wendy, who has a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Catherine, has served on the staffs of three successive Minnesota governors. The couple resides in Minneapolis with their sons, Michael and Charles.