The following biography is largely attributed to the National Governor's Association:

Russell W. Peterson (born October 3, 1916) was born Russell Wilber Peterson in Portage, Wisconsin. Peterson received a B.S. in 1938 and a Ph.D. in 1942, both from University of Wisconsin, and became a chemist. Peterson, a Republican, only ran for public office twice, both times as governor of Delaware. He served from 1969 to 1973. A staunch environmentalist, Governor Peterson was the guiding force behind the Coastal Zone Act of 1972 which protected the state inland bays and waterways. This piece of legislation has since been used by other states to protect their shorelines. During his tenure as governor, Peterson chaired the Education Commission of the States from 1970 to 1971. He currently resides in Wilmington, Delaware.