Coastal Commission Selects New Executive Director

The California Coastal Commission on Thursday in Crescent City voted unanimously to appoint Charles Lester as its new executive director. He had been serving as acting executive director since  after 26 years at the helm.

Lester previously served as senior deputy director for the commission, overseeing the North Central Coast Office. He began working for the commission in 1997.

"I am deeply committed to implementing the Coastal Act (the document containing the laws for coastal development), 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 prepared statement.

Lester 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.

Commission Chair Mary Shallenberger said in a prepared statement, "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."

The Coastal Commission is a 12-member panel that makes decisions on coastal development permits and other matters concerning California's 1,100-mile coastline. Lester does not have a vote on the commission, but he heads the staff that makes recommendations on all the items that go before the panel.

At its session next month in Huntington Beach, the Coastal Commission will vote on  at . The session will take place Oct. 5 to Oct. 7 at Huntington Beach City Hall. The agenda, including the staff report and session schedule, should be available later this month.