Russ Lesser

Russ Lesser

President, Body Glove International
1964, Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, CSULB

In 1990, Russ Lesser became president of Body Glove International, which has grown into a $100 million business. From 1970-90, he worked at the CPA firm Windes & McClaughry, first as a partner, promoted to managing partner in 1986.

He was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve’s Finance Corps from 1964-70. While attending college, he worked for the U.S. Post Office from 1960-64. Lesser’s ties to Manhattan Beach are strong, having served in the City Council (1978-1986), including two terms as mayor (1981 and 1984-85).

His participation on boards of directors included the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce (1989-95), acting as president in 1993-94; Independent Cities Association (1980-86); American Heart Association; and the environmental organization Reef Check, to name a few. Lesser co-founded the Manhattan Beach 10K Run in 1978, serving as chairman until 2002.

His support to CSULB includes donations to the College of Business Administration and President’s Scholars, as well as wetsuits and equipment to the Marine Biology Program.

In 1994, he and his wife of over 43 years, Charlotte, jointly received the South Bay Citizens of the Year award and, in 1992, accepted the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Rose and Scroll citizens of the year award. Together, they have a daughter, Valerie; and two sons, Tim and Greg, with whom Lesser and several friends formed the folk/rock band Thin Ice. In his spare time, Lesser enjoys running and scuba diving.