Administration
Hester served as Jacksonville Mayor Hans Tanzler's chief administrator from 1968-1975. During that time, according to The Florida Times-Union, his guidance "provided for a better and more effective fire and rescue service, with unified command, control and coordination throughout the city and county." Hester was known for his shrewd negotiations and the impartial hiring standards employed under his consolidation. This ended the cronyism and nepotism present in prior administrations.
In 1975, Hester accepted the job as county administrator for Broward County for a substantial increase in salary. He stayed for three years before returning to Jacksonville in an unsuccessful campaign for mayor in early 1979. At the start of that summer, he was hired by then Governor Bob Graham to run the state energy office. He later spent several years administrating Orlando's city government, followed by another term in Broward County.
In 1991, Jacksonville's newly elected Mayor Ed Austin hired Hester to return to Jacksonville, in spite of recession offering him a substantial 42% raise in his previous salary to match the pay he had been receiving in South Florida. Austin, who later praised Hester's integrity and proficiency, credited Hester for substantial contributions to the River City Renaissance. In addition, Hester contributed to a number of civil projects and improvements under mayors Austin and John Delaney, including the Jacksonville Children's Commission. and the Better Jacksonville Plan.
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