Robert N. Chester

From the 1970’s, Robert N. Chester practiced entertainment law in Los Angeles, representing clients in music, film and television. In 1981 he was appointed general counsel at Lions Gate Films, advancing to Chairman and CEO.  He sold the company in 1986, after which he resumed his law practice and also spearheaded several entrepreneurial business ventures. Throughout his career, Chester has played a leadership role in non-profit organizations. In 2012, he stepped down as President of Barton Healthcare --- a not-for-profit system with hospitals and facilities at South Lake Tahoe, California, and in Northern Nevada, and continues to serve as Director Emeritus.  Until recently, Chester sat on the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU Foundation Board.  He continues to serve on its Investment and Audit Committees.  Chester recently completed nine years as President of the ACLU of Nevada.  He was married for 43 years to Annetta Rosenhaus Chester until her death in 2013.  He now lives with his wife, artist Jennifer Trask-Chester, in Rosendale, in the MidHudson Valley of New York.  

Chester received an A.B. from Princeton University, his J.D. from New York University School of Law, and studied at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.