William L. Lyles

1999 ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE

William Lyles is a recognized leader in the building industry, having served in top roles in many national, state and local organizations.

He is on the board of the National Association of General Contractors and the board of directors of the California State Chamber of Commerce. Lyles also has served on the Board of the Fresno Economic Development Corporation and as a member of the Board of Governors for the California State University, Fresno Foundation.

Lyles has been very active in community service, serving as board chairman of the Valley Public Television and the Fresno Regional Foundation, and as president of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Playland, East Fresno Rotary and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum's board of directors. He has also served on the board of directors for the Private Industry Council, the Fresno Philharmonic Association, the Purdue Alumni Association and the Fresno Opera Association.

Lyle's extensive community service was recognized in 2001 when the California State University and Fresno State awarded him with one of the highest honors, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

In 1999 he received the California State University, Fresno Foundation Service Award. The award is presented to an individual who has achieved stature in his or her field of endeavor that reflects favorably on the Fresno community and the university.

He has supported many other aspects of education in the region, including the San Joaquin College of Law, community colleges and public schools.

Lyles holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and served in the U.S. Navy Civilian Engineering Corps where he helped supervise construction of a power plant, roads, water system and building.