The Lesher Foundation is pleased to announce that Steve Lesher has become the organization’s third board President, succeeding his aunt Cynthia Lesher who has been the longest serving leader, having been in the role for 27 years.  She is stepping down from her role as Board President but remains an active board member.

“Serving on the Lesher Foundation Board has been the honor of my life and having the opportunity to be Board President is one for which I’m extremely grateful,” said Steve.  “The Foundation belongs to the community and we are merely stewards of it.  I’m excited about working with my fellow board members, our amazing staff, and our extraordinary grantee partners to continue this vital work in this important place.”

Steve has been a member of the Board for over 25 years, most recently serving as its Vice President.  Steve’s signature project with the Foundation is Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series.  The lecture series has brought notable figures to the community including First Lady Laura Bush, primatologist Jane Goodall, author Amy Tan, and basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  In addition to promoting public discourse, Newsmakers promotes the East Bay’s nonprofit community by selecting a nonprofit partner for each lecture.  Steve has also served on the boards of several civic and nonprofit organizations including the East Bay Leadership Council, Diablo Regional Arts Association, and California Symphony.

In addition to his work with the Foundation, Steve serves as the Manager of Corporate and Government Relations, U.S. West for Shell USA.  He is a native of Walnut Creek where he lives today with his wife Mackenzie and their two sons.  Steve and Mackenzie are active in their community, serving as Co-Chairs of Walnut Creek’s Centennial Celebration and Co-Chairs of the Lesher Center for the Arts’ 20th Anniversary Gala.  Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern California and a Masters in Leadership Studies from Saint Mary’s College.

The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation was founded in 1989 by Steve’s grandparents Dean and Margaret who set up the organization to improve the quality of life in their beloved Contra Costa County through the support of arts & culture, education, and children & families.  The Lesher Foundation has given more than $100 million in grants over the course of its 30-year history.