Marty Lester is the Executive Director for Mentor Iowa and has held this role since 2003.  Mr. Lester received his Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State University in Leisure Studies.  His previous experience in working with at-risk populations includes several positions within Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  The last position he held was Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Central-Southwest Iowa.

Mr. Lester is a graduate of the 2005-2006 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Community Leadership Program class.  In 2008, he was selected by the Des Moines Business Record as a member of the Forty under 40 class.

He also is a certified official through the Iowa High School Athletic Association and is licensed to officiate football.

Mr. Lester lives in Ankeny and is the proud father of two children, Dawson and Kinsey.  He is originally from Slater, Iowa.

 

 

Karen Hall is the Match Manager for Mentor Iowa. She grew up in Mapleton, Iowa and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Iowa State University. While raising her three sons, she enjoyed volunteering in the schools which led to becoming a mentor with a school-based mentoring program. She was hired by the non-profit organization she was volunteering with, holding positions in Prevention and eventually heading the mentoring program. Most recently Karen has been living overseas as an Active Duty Air Force spouse, continuing her volunteerism by serving the military community. Her husband Ben is retiring after 24 years of military service, and they are both happy to be back in their native Iowa and close to family.

Karen is a yoga and meditation teacher and enjoys traveling, hiking, walking her dog and reading.

 

 

Sue Hatling is the Special Events Coordinator for Mentor Iowa.  She has spent forty five plus years in the retail industry.  Most recently Sue worked for Deck the Walls as a designer for fifteen years. Previously she was a district supervisor for Weiss and Neuman Shoe Co.

Sue brings an enthusiastic spirit to volunteering for events.  She has been involved with the O”Donnell & Friends Charities for twenty years and sits on their board of directors.  She has assisted with Community Youth Concepts holiday parties and Spotlight events.  Sue has been a volunteer for Mentor Iowa for many years and has helped with the Back to School Bash, Holiday parties and chairing the Mentor Iowa auction. Sue has a passion for making Mentor Iowa events memorable and rewarding for all those in attendance.

Sue and her husband, Tim, have been married for thirty five years.  They enjoy spending time with their son, daughter- in-law and two granddaughters.  Her hobbies include retail therapy, walking, reading and yoga.