Lanny Hester was born in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated in 1964 from Abilene Christian University. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of business experience. His early career days included starting, operating and selling over twenty businesses including campgrounds, dialysis clinics, agricultural operations and the Bristol Raceway. His most recent business endeavors have been focused on residential real estate development, commercial development and investments. He founded Morningside Development Corporation, a company which specializes in building residential communities and commercial office buildings and has completed seven subdivisions in Middle Tennessee.

At age 66, he tells his family: “My business endeavors are rather shallow when compared to the mission of Mercy Ministries.” He continues, “I am genuinely excited and happy to serve on the Board of Mercy Ministries because I believe its purpose transcends that of any business. It is a real privilege for me to spend my time and energies toward that purpose.”

Lanny and his wife, Kathy, have been married 44 years, and have three children and four grandchildren.