Heide Lester

In their role as Development Director, Heide leads EqualityMaine’s fundraising efforts, securing support to protect and advance full equality for all LGBTQ+ Mainers. Prior to their tenure at EqualityMaine, they spent time in the tech sector working with a variety of nonprofits, focusing particularly on high-touch fundraising. Heide previously held fundraising positions at Maine Public, Tri-County Mental Health Services, and Bates College. They hold a B.A. in History and in German Studies from Wellesley College, studied at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Germany, and received a Certificate in Fundraising from the University of Southern Maine. Heide lives in the foothills of Western Maine with their wife and children.