HONOREE

RUSS LESSER, PRESIDENT OF DIVE N' SURF
LONG-TIME PRESIDENT OF BODY GLOVE
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Leadership Award

Although he helped to grow Body Glove into an international brand, served as an elected official and worked in the buttoned-up accounting industry, Russ Lesser still describes himself as a “beach guy.”

Growing up in Manhattan Beach, Russ went to school with many of the early surf legends and was known to hop on a board whenever he could. While studying at Cal State Long Beach, Russ met Bill and Bob Meistrell, who pioneered and perfected wetsuits for surfing—an important development that led to the next wave of Southern California surf culture. In 1966, Russ became Body Glove’s accountant and helped the company expand their brand worldwide. He became Body Glove president in 1990 and oversaw its sale to Marquee Brands late last year.

Russ’s connection to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium goes way back to when his great aunt brought him here to explore the tidepools in 1947. For many years, Russ’ wife Charlotte served as a docent, guiding children through the Aquarium. When Russ and Charlotte realized how many kids live a stone’s throw from the beach yet never get a chance to dip their toes in the water, they began sponsoring buses to bring children to the Aquarium. They also support educational programs that inspire exploration, respect and conservation of Southern California Marine Life.

Russ served eight years on the Manhattan Beach City Council, including two terms as Mayor. As an elected official, Russ always wanted visitors to have a great impression of his city and often added quarters to parking meters to keep people from getting tickets. In 1978, Russ co-founded the Manhattan Beach 10K Run, one of the most successful in the country. Russ and Charlotte have been married for over 50 years and have three grown children and six grandchildren. Russ, along with his sons Tim and Greg, granddaughters Allegra and Caroline, friends Pat Dietz, Rich Wenzel, Evan Calbi, Bill Severance, and Sarah Ramsey-Duke formed the Folk/Rock Band Thin Ice. They will be performing at the Gala. Thank you Russ for all you do for Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the ocean environment and the South Bay community!