Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is comprised individuals with unique and diversified talents, drawing on their experience in multiple careers as well as successful backgrounds. However, the most important attribute each brings to the Foundation is a deep respect and commitment to the passions and ideals that Jimmy Miller held dear. It is the goal of the Board to benefit others by translating his core values, including his belief in the therapeutic benefits of the ocean.

Jim Miller

Professional:
President, MWRC Internet Sales
Former Regional Counsel, United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Organizations/Service:
Director, the Reef Check Foundation
Founding Director, International SeaKeepers Society
Consultant, Special Projects, Body Glove International
Consultant, Special Projects, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society
Author, FINAL JUSTICE, THE CONVERGENCE

Personal:
Married to Nancy for 38 years. “Pops” to Jeffrey and his wife Alissa.
Resides in Manhattan Beach.

Connections to JMMF:
Jimmy wrote in one of his regular newspaper columns that he surfed “because
my Dad is, and has always been, a surfer and a waterman.” The teacher became
the student. I will always try to use what Jimmy taught me about his love
for the ocean to help others through the work of what is truly Jimmy’s
Foundation.

Nancy Miller

Professional:
Nancy is the Associate Editor of WellBella Magazine and writes about the Mind/Body Connection, Bella Bodies and Healthy Travel
Nancy specialized in charity event production and cause-related marketing for several non-profit organizations including the Elton John AIDS Foundation. She co-produced the annual EJAF Oscar Night Viewing Party and coordinated their cause-related charity events.
She was also Special Projects Coordinator for Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Future Society and produced “An Evening with Keiko, Cameron & Cousteau” and created fund-raising opportunities for Ocean Futures Society around the world.

Organization/Service:
South Bay Youth Project, Women at Risk, Richstone Family Center, Sandpipers, Women in Film Philanthropy Board Member, EJAF, Ocean Futures Society

Personal:
Wife, mother, “nanny nancy” to Riley, sister, friend, traveler, scuba-diver, surfer, “beach mom and water person. Learned to surf at age 50. Practices yoga and Pilates. Power walks on the strand by the ocean.

Connection to JMMF (sigh)
This is how I honor my son’s life. Jimmy’s pure love of surfing and his ability to teach others is an inspiration. The foundation is a way to keep Jimmy’s spirit alive and help others experience the healing power of the ocean.
Nancy worked with non-profits most of her professional life. With the love and support of family, friends and community, Nancy has facilitated and coordinated volunteers and communications for the JMMF Foundation. “I believe we are healing others and ourselves, “one wave at a time,” through the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation.

Jeff Miller

Professional:
Jeff is the National Sales and Marketing Manager for MWRC Internet Sales, LLC, an e-commerce software provider for large and small brands located Redondo Beach California that focuses on channel conflict in the e-commerce world. Jeff also works as an interactive marketing consultant for Body Glove International and as a part-time Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard. Prior to working with MWRC Jeff worked as a surf guide at an Eco-resort in Samoa and as a middle school teacher in San Francisco, CA and Redondo Beach CA.

Organizations/Service:
Jeff worked 6 years as a LA County Junior Lifeguard Instructor and also worked for the LA County WATER Program teaching Ocean Safety to kids throughout LA County

Personal:
-Jeff is married to wife Alissa has a daughter Riley, and they are expecting their second child in May of 2010
-Interests: Surfing, traveling, volleyball, cooking
- Jeff graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in History and has earned his Master’s in Educational Technology and California Teaching Credential from the University of San Francisco

Connections to JMMF:
Jim’s only brother, Jeff was Jim’s first student and looked up to Jim his entire life. Jeff followed in Jim’s path in so many ways- from Pacific Elementary School, to 4th St, to Mira Costa, to Cal, to San Sebastian, to lifeguarding, to traveling the globe with a surfboard and back home to Manhattan Beach.

Kevin Barry

Professional:
-Kevin is a general partner of Memphis Cafe in Manhattan Beach, Sangria Restaurant in Hermosa Beach and M Cafe at South Bay BMW in Torrance.
-He is a limited partner of Falcon Restaurant in Hollywood, Pearl Dragon Restaurant in Pacific Palisades and Anisette Brasserie in Santa Monica.
-Kevin is also an Ocean Lifeguard and a Junior Lifeguard Instructor for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Organization/Service:
-Board of Directors:
Jimmy Miller Foundation
Downtown Manhattan Beach Business Association (President)
Dig for Kids Foundation
Downtown Hermosa Beach Business Association
-Kevin has produced numerous fundraising events at his restaurants, bringing in almost three million dollars for local and national foundations and charity organizations
like the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Leadership Manhattan Beach and the Surfrider Foundation.
-Organizing Committee and MC for the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race.
-Occasional Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for Los Angeles County.
-Honored in Bank of Manhattan’s Celebration of Entrepreneurship 2009: Distinguished Philanthropic Event for JMMF Surf Fiesta at Sangria Restaurant!

Personal:
-Kevin is the proud father of Brynn & Grace with his wife, Shelby.
-He loves to surf in Hawaii and Fiji and to play volleyball with his friends in local tournaments.

Connections to JMMF:
-Kevin was a friend, a lifeguard and a Jr. lifeguard instructor with Jimmy and always looks forward to working on the beach and hanging out with his brother, Jeff.
-He has been the host and auctioneer for the annual JMMF Surf Contest and Fundraising Parties.
-Just like the Miller family, his love of community service and the gift of helping others is one of the greatest joys in his life!
-Kevin is a general partner and the managing director of Memphis Restaurant in Manhattan Beach and Sangria Restaurant in Hermosa Beach.
-He is a limited partner of Falcon Restaurant in Hollywood and Pearl Dragon Restaurant in Pacific Palisades.
-Kevin is also an Ocean Lifeguard and a Junior Lifeguard Instructor for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Chris Brown

Professional:
-Chris is the Executive Director of Campsurf/Pure Surfing Experience, a full service surf school, located in Manhattan Beach, California.

Previous professional experience includes:
-Owner/General Manager of Peninsula Surf, a retail surf shop located in Rolling Hills Estates.
-Marketing Specialist for Anheuser Busch.
-Tournament Director, U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball. 2007-Present.

Organizations/Service:
-Current President of the California Beach Volleyball Association.
-Member, Heal the Bay-a Santa Monica Bay based environmental organization.
-Usher, Manhattan Beach Community Church.
-Member, United States Volleyball Association Nominating and Governance Committee.

Personal:
-Very Single
-Interests: Surfing, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Travel, Music, Coaching

Connections to JMMF:
-Grew up with Jimmy playing soccer and surfing.
-Traveled the world together.
-Jim, Nancy, Jeff and Alissa are considered part of my family.
-It is my sincere hope that the Foundation’s work will help to keep Jimmy’s spirit alive and acquaint many more to the ocean’s healing powers.

Brent Broza

Professional:
Sales Manager for Chamers & Chamber Wine Merchants, Maui

Organizations/Service:
Organizer- Winter Bocce Ball Tournament – proceeds to JMMF

Personal/Interests:
Surfing, volleyball, reading, visiting friends and family in the South Bay

Connection to JMMF:
Brent Broza and Jimmy became friends in elementary school and shared life together while growing up in Manhattan Beach. Through surfing, volleyball, travel and modeling, they became the best of friends. Brent traveled to Hawaii with the Millers in the ‘80’s and vowed to return. True to his word, Brent now makes his home in Maui.

Stephen Chabre

Professional:
Steve is President of TCC, Inc., a private investment firm. Prior to TCC, Inc., he was President of Bionutrics, a biopharmaceutical company that specialized in proprietary products that addressed heart disease and strokes; President/CEO of MJJ Enterprises, with P&L and management responsibility for all corporate entities including music publishing, concert tours, record label, licensing, 2900 acre ranch and two charitable foundations; President/CEO of The Chabre Company, a sports marketing company specializing in consulting and sponsorships with professional teams and leagues, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and the PGA; and Chief Operating Officer of Dailey & Associates, an advertising agency with clients that included Ford, Honda, Nestle, Lipton and the California State Lottery.

Organizations/Service (Past & Present):
Civilian Council for the Secretary of Defense,
Advisory Board for the Secretary of the Air Force
Advisory Board for the University of Arizona School of Business
Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission

Personal:
Married and resides in Beverly Hills, California

Connection to JMMF:
Member of the Miller Family and strong belief in the goals of the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation

Andy Dellenbach

Professional:
-Andy is current owner and managing partner of Mind Over Eye Inc., a full-service digital studio located in Santa Monica offering production, postproduction and interactive/web services including editorial, broadcast design, visual effects, sound and audio and mastering for TV programs, commercials, videos and feature films.
-Prior to forming Mind Over Eye, Andy managed advertising sales for various magazines and brands for Petersen Publishing including the Latin America territory for Skin Diver (scuba diving), the Action Sports Group (Surfer, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Powder and Bike) and the NBC-televised action sports festival, the Gravity Games.

Organizations/Service:
-Past Chairman of the South Bay Chapter, Surfrider Foundation
-Current Advisor to the South Bay Chapter, Surfrider Foundation
-Founder & Past Chair of CREW, Young Adults Group at Manhattan Beach Community Church
-Finance Board Chair, Social Action Board, Manhattan Beach Community Church
-Mission Leader, Casa de Paz & Door of Faith Orphanages, Baja
-Usher, “Church on the Beach”, Kings Harbor Church

Personal:
-Married to wife Jena for 13 years, daughter Amanda Joy (2008) and two labs Maya & Tibu living in Redondo Beach
-Surfing, Snowboarding, Volleyball, Friends, Family, God

Connection to JMMF:
-Grew up with Jimmy at 4th St in Manhattan Beach surfing, volleyball, friends
-Attended UC Berkeley with Jimmy, Roommates in college
-Family friends with Jim, Nancy, Jeff & Alissa
-Desire to share my and Jimmy’s love of surfing and therapeutic nature of the ocean with those less privileged and those that have sacrificed for our country

Tom Houston

Professional:
-Tom is the senior attorney for Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck LLP representing companies involved in green technologies and renewable energy. Prior to returning to the practice of law, Tom was the President or CEO of three start-up environmental technology companies whose products are designed to save rainforests and create carbon credits, eliminate pollutants from storm drains, and streamline municipal sewage treatment. He has had a long career in practicing law and in government service having served as a senior partner in the Carlsmith Ball Law Firm in Los Angeles, as Deputy Mayor & Chief of Staff of the City of Los Angeles, and as a cabinet official for the State of California in the administration of Governor Jerry Brown.

Organizations/Service:
-Founding President & CEO, International SeaKeepers Society
-Member, Board of Trustees, Waterkeepers Alliance
-CEO and Board Member, Children’s Health Environmental Coalition
-Chief Operating Officer, Josephson Institute of Ethics & Character Counts! Coalition
-Member, Board of Directors, Alternative Living for the Aged, Los Angeles Actors Theater, Monarch Bay International Institute

Personal:
-Divorced two children living in Playa Del Rey, CA
-Interests: scuba diving, ocean protection activities, international travel, African safari guide

Connection to JMMF:
-Long time friend of the Millers
-Greatly admired Jimmy Miller and his loving, enthusiastic spirit
-Desire to share spiritual and healing aspects of our beautiful oceans.

Charlotte Lesser

Professional:
Retired Health Education and Promotion Administrator, Beach Cities Health District

A graduate of UCSB in Analytical Biology, Charlotte has worked to provide health education and prevention techniques through her community outreach programs at BCHD. Here she utilized her skills as a retired Medical Technologist to offer health fairs, screenings and established a health resource center.

Organizations/Service:
Director of Manhattan Beach Neighborhood Watch, which she founded more than 30 years ago.
Past Chair of the LA County Commission of Women

Board of Directors: Friends of the South Bay Youth Project, the El Camino College Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Junior League of Long Beach, Friends of 1736 Family Crisis Center, the SB Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth Coalition, and the International Surf Festival. Past chair of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and sits on the Policy Board of the Office of Women’s Health for the county.

Personal:
Charlotte is married to community activist Russ, has three married children and five grandchildren. She enjoys reading, hiking, scuba diving, swimming, and skiing. Her past time is spent in volunteer activities.

Connection to JMMF:
Charlotte is a long time friend of the Miller family, meeting them when sons Greg Lesser ( age 8 ) and Jimmy Miller ( age 7 ) swam together on the Surfside Swim Team in 1976. Charlotte joined the foundation board at its inception with a commitment to support the mission of the JMMF and carrying on Jimmy’s legacy.

Russ Lesser

Professional:
President, Body Glove International, 1990 to present
Windes & McClaughry, Certified Public Accountants, 1964 to 1990, including Managing Partner, 1986-1990

Organizations/Service:
City Councilman including two terms as Mayor, City of Manhattan Beach, 1978 to 1986

Planning Commissioner, City of Manhattan Beach, 1973 to 1978

Founder, Manhattan Beach 10K Run Committee, 1978 to present

President and Member of the Board of Directors, Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce

Numerous other Boards of Directors for Community, Charitable and Environmental Organizations, including,
Reef Check International, South Bay Free Clinic, 1736 Crisis Center, Torrance-South Bay YMCA, Grand Beckstrand Cancer Foundation,
Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, American Heart Association, Mira Costa High School Bond Oversight Committee, and St. Cross Episcopal Church Vestry.

Personal/Interest:
Married to Charlotte for over 40 years, Father of Greg, Valerie, and Tim and grandfather of four.

David Peters

Professional:
David Peters is co-founder of Regency Affiliates, a diversified group of real estate companies which acquire, market, develop and manage residential, industrial and retail properties in the western United States. He is a graduate of Pomona College and of the Coro Foundation Internship in Public Affairs. He holds a master’s degree in urban studies from Occidental College.

Organizations/Service:
In the community, David has served as a mediator with the Centinella Valley Juvenile Diversion Project and in business as a mediator and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. He is presently a director of the Richstone Family Center, the Community Foundation Land Trust, Beverly Hills Land Company, and the Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation. He is former chairman of The California Community Foundation, Coro Southern California, and Liaison Citizens. He was a founder and board member of Leadership Southern California and has also served on the board of governors of Genesis LA and the Warren Christopher Scholarship Fund.

Personal/Interests:
David and his wife, RL, were introduced to each other by Nancy Miller in 1986. They live in Manhattan Beach and have three adult children, a granddaughter and two grandsons.
David’s personal interests include traveling, painting, grandchildren, golf, skiing, fly fishing, stand-up paddle boarding and volunteering with non-profits.

Connections to JMMF:
I met Jimmy when he and my son David played AYSO Soccer. Jim and I coached the boys together and our families have been friends for over 35 years. I have always admired Jimmy’s waterman’s passion, his sense of adventure and his spirituality. Having tremendous respect and love for Nancy and Jim it is an honor to be a board member and participate in the wonderful work of JMMF.

Carly Rogers

Professional:
Carly Rogers, MA, OTR/L is the Director of Programs for JMMF and is the creator of the Ocean Therapy program used by JMMF, which facilitates improved self-esteem and self-efficacy in individuals with disabilities through the adapted sport of surfing. Carly is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy at USC, where she created the Ocean Therapy program while earning her Master’s degree in 2004. Carly also has a BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara in Psychology. Carly continues to be an honorary speaker at USC, inspiring therapists in creating community-based programs that facilitate healing through occupation, such as the Ocean Therapy program. She has worked at Pediatric Therapy Network of Torrance and is currently working for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.

Organizations/Service:
Carly has been a Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard since 1994, working as an Ocean Lifeguard, Public Educator and as a Youth Program’s Instructor with the Junior Lifeguard Program and the W.A.T.E.R Program. She has been a Certified Emergency Medical Technician since 1999 and has been teaching surfing and other ocean related activities since 1996. She is a member of the Surfrider Foundation, California State Parks, Heal the Bay and the Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard Association. She is also a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the USC Occupational Therapy Alumni Board. She was a Distinguished Service Award Recipient by the Los Angeles County Fire Department: Lifeguard division in 2009, for assisting in successfully resuscitating a man while off duty.

Personal:
Carly currently lives across the street from the beach in Hermosa Beach, where she grew up. She enjoys any activity related to the ocean including surfing, paddling, bodysurfing, spear fishing, scuba diving, and surf skiing. She has traveled to over 20 countries with Chile, Australia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica being strictly for surfing. She also enjoys hiking, yoga, running, rock climbing and snowboarding.

Connections to JMMF:
Carly’s connection to JMMF began when she was in her Rookie year with the LA County Lifeguards. Jimmy Miller was one of the first lifeguards she worked with who went on to mentor her as a surfer, lifeguard, teacher and friend…truly, every important aspect of her life. Her role in the JMMF is an honor and a tribute to Carly’s mother and Jimmy.

Mark Gerold

Professional:
Associate Broker, AON Risk Services
Director of Operations, Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation
Partner, Campsurf

Personal:
- Interests: Surfing, traveling, Ocean activities
- Mark graduated from CSULB in 2003 and has been with the Pure Surfing Experience, Campsurf, and JMMF family since the beginning.

Connections to JMMF:
Mark met Jeff and Jimmy Miller while in Junior Lifeguards. After learning how to surf from Jimmy, Mark started working for Jimmy and Pure Surfing Experience in 1997 as a Junior Surf Instructor, Head Surf Instructor, and eventual partner in Campsurf. Mark has been with the PSE, Campsurf, and JMMF family since the beginning and loves to share his love and stoke of surfing and the ocean.