R. Lamar Vest Biography

President and Chief Executive Officer 

"As the American Bible Society approaches 200 years of Bible ministry, I find its mission and message more critical than ever for today's complex world."

- R. Lamar Vest

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R. Lamar Vest Quick Facts

• American Bible Society
• President, 2009 - present
• Board member, 1991 - 2006 (Chairman 2001 - 2006)
• Executive Vice President, Global Scripture Ministries, 2006 - 2008

• Prior posts:
• Chairman of National Association of Evangelicals
• Executive committee for United Bible Societies Global Board
• Executive leader of the Church of God
• President of Lee University, Christian liberal arts college, Cleveland, Tenn. 
• Author of five books (published by Pathway Press): What a Life (1973), The Church and Its Youth (1980), Spiritual Balance-Reclaiming the Promise (1994),  Spiritual Renewal-The Pain and the Glory (1996), and Reclaiming Your Testimony: Your Story and the Christian Story (2002)

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Lamar Vest assumed the role of president of the American Bible Society, one of America's oldest charities, on Jan. 1, 2009, after 17 years of service to the organization.  With a commitment to the organization's mission to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, Vest has worked to extend the reach of Scripture globally and encourage engagement with its life-changing message.

Under Dr. Vest's leadership, the 195-year-old American Bible Society is working to maximize new opportunities for delivering Scripture where it is most needed including anytime, anywhere access to Scripture through MP3, web, print, email and mobile technologies.

Prior to his appointment as president of the American Bible Society, Vest served the organization as executive vice president of Global Scripture Ministries and chairman of the American Bible Society's Board of Trustees.  Vest also served as a member of the executive committee of the United Bible Societies Global Board.

Vest holds a bachelor's degree from Lee University and a master of arts from the Church of God Theological Seminary.

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