2014 – Stephen H. Lesnik

Location: Ala Moana Hotel (Hibiscus Ballroom)
Date: Friday, February 28, 2014
Emcee: Felipe Ojastro
 
STEPHEN H. LESNIK earned his Bachelor’s degree from Brown University and used his outstanding vision to create numerous ventures throughout his career. In 1978 he founded KemperSports Management, which has transformed into one of the largest golf course management companies in America. After subsequently founding KemperLesnik, he and his staff took on a new challenge by partnering with Chaminade University in 1990 to operate the EA Sports Maui Invitational. Following Chaminade’s upset over No. 1 Virginia in 1982, KemperLesnik took the tournament to new heights with its strong field of teams and incomparable atmosphere on Maui, and in the process earned the reputation as the best early season tournament in the country. With his many business accomplishments, Lesnik still has a deep passion in education, serving for more than a decade on the Board and Executive Committee of the noted Illinois Math and Science Academy. He was appointed by the Governor to be Chairman of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, which supervises all of the Universities and Community Colleges in Illinois. Lesnik also founded the First Tee of Chicago, a local chapter organization he created to provide funding for affordable golf facilities and learning programs and is an honorary member of the Illinois PGA.