California Coastal Commission Names Executive Director

The state agency that oversees coastal development and beach access appointed a new executive director Thursday with degrees in geochemistry and law.

The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously in closed session to appoint Charles Lester as the agency's fourth executive director since its creation in 1972, said Sarah Christie, a spokeswoman for the commission. Lester had been serving as the acting executive director since former director Peter Douglas announced in August that he was retiring to battle lung cancer.

Lester, who began working with the commission in 1997, has served as its senior deputy director. He earned a bachelor's degree in geochemistry from Columbia University, a doctorate in jurisprudence and social policy from UC Berkeley and a law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law. He also was a former assistant professor of political science at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

“I am deeply committed to implementing the Coastal Act, but I am also a problem-solver, and I look forward to bringing people together around environmentally sustainable solutions that protect coastal resources and provide maximum public access to the coast for all Californians," Lester said in a statement.

Douglas had a profound impact on California's 1,100-mile coastline, helping craft Proposition 20, which was approved by voters in 1972 and created the Coastal Commission. He also authored the Coastal Act, which was signed into law in 1976 by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, and was appointed as the commission's third executive director in 1985.

“The entire Commission recognized and appreciates the unique experience, unwavering integrity and clear vision Dr. Lester brings to this position. While Peter Douglas leaves very large shoes to fill, Charles fits into them quite comfortably,” said commission Chairwoman Mary Shallenberger in a statement.

Lester will not have a vote on the 12-member Coastal Commission, but will lead a staff of 142 that makes recommendations to the commissioners. The commission's annual budget is roughly $16 million.