Marcia Lesky
About Marcia Lesky
Marcia Lesky serves as the Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Volunteer Cultivation at Optica, where she has worked since 2019. With a background in environmental science and extensive experience in outreach and advocacy, she has held various leadership roles in organizations focused on conservation and community engagement.
Current Role at Optica Publishing Group
Marcia Lesky serves as the Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Volunteer Cultivation at Optica, a position she has held since 2019. In this role, she is responsible for managing and overseeing volunteer events and activities. Lesky acts as a liaison between Optica's business units, its membership, and the broader optics and photonics community. She has developed and implemented the organization-wide diversity and inclusion vision and strategy, working closely with the executive team, volunteer committees, and the Board.
Previous Experience at Optica
Before her current position, Marcia Lesky worked at Optica as the Deputy Senior Director of Business Development and Science Programming from 2012 to 2019. In this role, she contributed to various initiatives within the organization. Her extensive experience at Optica spans over seven years, during which she played a significant role in advancing the organization's goals.
Professional Background in Conservation and Advocacy
Marcia Lesky has a diverse professional background in conservation and advocacy. She served as the National Outreach Director at Defenders of Wildlife from 2005 to 2012. Prior to that, she worked at the National Parks Conservation Association as the National Campaign Field Manager for Americans for National Parks from 2001 to 2003 and as the Associate Director of Outreach Advocacy from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, she was a Population Policy Analyst at the National Wildlife Federation from 1999 to 2001.
Educational Qualifications
Marcia Lesky holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Forestry with a focus on Environmental Studies, Policies, and Management from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she studied from 1992 to 1995. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from The Johns Hopkins University, completing her studies from 1997 to 1999.