Lester Bagley brings more than two decades of public affairs experience in his role as the Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development. Currently in his 7th year as a vice president, Bagley oversees the team’s public relations, public affairs, community relations and charitable giving initiatives. Along with a prominent role in external relations, he also directs internal communications for the team and plays a leadership role with the Vikings Children’s Fund and the team’s youth football programs.
Bagley also leads the Vikings quest to finance and build a new stadium, an effort that is a top priority for the team and the National Football League. With the Metrodome lease set to expire after this season, Bagley and the Vikings are working with elected officials, business, labor and community leaders in an effort to construct a new publicly-owned facility as part of a broader economic development proposal. In May 2011, the team announced its partnership with Ramsey County to build a new multi-purpose stadium on the former Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant (TCAAP) property in Arden Hills. The site – just 10 miles from both the Minneapolis and St. Paul downtown districts – offers tremendous benefits to the State, the County, the Vikings and the fans. The 260-acre site for the stadium and parking will bring the return of tailgating and result in an enhanced game-day experience that is so important to Vikings fans. The stadium will host national and international events, including NCAA basketball, a Super Bowl and concerts, as well as high school and amateur sports and other community events. Bagley is charged with overseeing the public affairs and stadium development team that is working diligently to bring Minnesota this world-class, multi-purpose venue.
Lester Bagley brings more than two decades of public affairs experience in his role as the Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development. Currently in his 7th year as a vice president, Bagley oversees the team’s public relations, public affairs, community relations and charitable giving initiatives. Along with a prominent role in external relations, he also directs internal communications for the team and plays a leadership role with the Vikings Children’s Fund and the team’s youth football programs.
Bagley also leads the Vikings quest to finance and build a new stadium, an effort that is a top priority for the team and the National Football League. With the Metrodome lease set to expire after this season, Bagley and the Vikings are working with elected officials, business, labor and community leaders in an effort to construct a new publicly-owned facility as part of a broader economic development proposal. In May 2011, the team announced its partnership with Ramsey County to build a new multi-purpose stadium on the former Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant (TCAAP) property in Arden Hills. The site – just 10 miles from both the Minneapolis and St. Paul downtown districts – offers tremendous benefits to the State, the County, the Vikings and the fans. The 260-acre site for the stadium and parking will bring the return of tailgating and result in an enhanced game-day experience that is so important to Vikings fans. The stadium will host national and international events, including NCAA basketball, a Super Bowl and concerts, as well as high school and amateur sports and other community events. Bagley is charged with overseeing the public affairs and stadium development team that is working diligently to bring Minnesota this world-class, multi-purpose venue.
Over the last several years, Bagley has been instrumental in the Wilf ownership group’s efforts to enhance the Vikings presence in the Twin Cities community and throughout the State. He leads the Vikings “You Made the Team” Community Tour, which connects the team with Vikings fans and charitable causes throughout Greater Minnesota. This ownership initiative has taken Vikings players and personnel into 14 different communities across the State over the past five years.
Before joining the Vikings, Bagley operated Bagley Public Affairs from 1999-2005. The Minneapolis firm specialized in issues management, public relations and public affairs. From 1993-99, Bagley served as associate director and helped lead the Minnesota Business Partnership, the public policy organization comprised of the chief executive officers of 100 of Minnesota’s largest companies. He also 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 currently sits on the boards of the Public Affairs Council, Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES), the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, Meet Minneapolis and the Vikings Children’s Fund.
Bagley’s wife, Wendy, who has a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Catherine, serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Minnesota State Senate. The Bagley’s reside in Minneapolis with their sons, Michael and Charles.
