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Alumni of the Year is presented yearly to alumni who recently have made a significant contribution through service in their community, profession, family or church. Recipients are selected from nominations made by LM alumni, Alumni Association, faculty, board of directors and other friends of LM.
Recipient of the 2023-24 LM Young Alumni of the Year Award, BEN LESHER ‘05, is the President & Founder of Parcel B Development Company, a real estate development firm that focuses on multi-family and urban redevelopment projects in South Central Pennsylvania. Through his work with Parcel B, Ben places an intentional emphasis on buildings that promote economic vibrancy, sustainability, and enhance the community. Prior to starting Parcel B, Ben worked for an affordable housing developer, a creative land development and reuse firm in Lancaster, and consulted on projects with multiple municipalities.
In addition to bringing value to his community through his work, Ben demonstrates compassion and global citizenship through his commitment to address homelessness and affordable housing needs in Lancaster. He currently serves on the Board of Chestnut Housing Corporation, a faith-based nonprofit which provides affordable rental housing for families experiencing homelessness in Lancaster City. This winter, the City of Lancaster, the Lancaster County Food Hub, and the Lancaster County Housing & redevelopment Authority, Homelessness Coalition had an emergency need for a location to house their emergency shelter and Ben worked with them to quickly make one of his future development properties available. He also seeks to make a lasting impact by advocating for regulatory changes that would help bring additional affordable housing to the Lancaster community. Ben also sits on the Landis Home and Community Based Services Board.
Ben is a second generation LMH alumnus, his mother, Ruth Detweiler Lesher ‘71 also attended LMH. Ben and his wife Rachel (Moffett) Lesher ‘05 met while students at Lancaster Mennonite School. They live in Lancaster City with their two children, who both attend Lancaster Mennonite School, in Spanish Immersion second grade and in PreKindergarten. Rachel currently works at LM as an Elementary Aide. They are active members of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church. In his free time, he enjoys cars, cycling and watching college basketball
Join Us to Celebrate
This year, our Alumni of the Year presentation will be held during our World Changers Gala. Come celebrate LM and show your support for our young world changers. To learn more about the event and register for the Gala click the link below
