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ABOUT
US

Driven by ocean lovers turning passion into impact.

Meet The Team

jack

Jack Lighton
Executive Director
   

A self-described thalassophile, Jack’s fascination with the ocean and marine life began at an early age - and has shaped his life’s work in ocean conservation.

As Executive Director, Jack partners with the Board, donors, foundations, and corporations to advance the Foundation’s mission and significantly scale its impact on ocean-bound plastic pollution. His goal: to transform how the Foundation drives measurable change for our planet’s most important environmental resource - the ocean.

Previously, Jack served as CEO of SeaLegacy, leading global marine protection efforts through award-winning advocacy campaigns. He also spent nearly a decade as President & CEO of Loggerhead Marinelife Center, where he helped elevate the organization into one of Florida’s premier ocean conservation institutions.

Earlier in his career, Jack held leadership roles in global management consulting with Harris Interactive–Nielsen and J.D. Power & Associates, guiding international teams across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Jack is based in Palm Beach County, Florida, and serves on several nonprofit boards including Discover The Palm Beaches (Executive Committee) and Friends of Manatee Lagoon (Founding Board Member). Outside of work, he’s an animal rescue advocate who enjoys exploring the U.S. in his family’s motor coach - affectionately named Karl.

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Melinda Grenz
Associate Director of Development
   

Born and raised in South Florida, Melinda has long felt a deep connection to the ocean - a passion that has shaped her career and personal mission.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she brings 15 years of experience at the intersection of science education, institutional advancement, and environmental conservation.

Her career spans a myriad of roles at leading science centers and aquariums - from designing public programs at the Orlando Science Center to modernizing marketing at the South Florida Science Center. As Director of Philanthropy at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, she helped lead a $120 million capital expansion campaign, merging strategic vision with creative development. Most recently, Melinda was Partnerships and Development Director at Oceanic Global.

Now at 4ocean Foundation, Melinda supports a global movement to protect and restore the ocean while advancing impact in her own South Florida community - home to 4ocean’s headquarters. She’s a Leadership West Palm Beach graduate, passionate community advocate, and proud mom to a young son and daughter who inspire her daily to create lasting change.

Board of Directors

Alex Schulze - Board of Directors
Alex Schulze

Alex Schulze is the CEO and Co-Founder of 4ocean. With a business background and a strong dedication to sustainability, Alex has focused his career on innovative solutions to the ocean plastic crisis.

Under his leadership, 4ocean not only removes plastic and trash from our ocean and coastlines but also educates and engages individuals, communities, and businesses about plastic pollution, empowering them to make a difference. The company has become a recognized brand in ocean conservation and sustainability, collaborating with various organizations and businesses worldwide.

Outside of his work, Alex enjoys surfing, diving, and spending time with his family. He is also a frequent speaker on ocean conservation and the importance of using business as a force for good.

Mark Pathy - Board of Directors
Mark Pathy

Mark Pathy is an accomplished business leader who currently holds the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at Mavrik, an investment firm based in Montreal.

Mavrik Corp is renowned for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible investing. Additionally, Pathy serves as the Chairman of the Board at Stingray Group Inc., a publicly-traded company that specializes in music, media, and technology and is headquartered in Montreal.

Before founding Mavrik, Pathy served as the President and CEO of Fednav International Ltd., a prominent international dry bulk shipping company. He also held the role of co-CEO at Fednav Limited, the parent company of Fednav International Ltd., and continues to contribute as a member of the group's Board of Directors.

Pathy's educational background includes an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1993 and a Master's in Business Administration from INSEAD in 1998. In addition to his successful business career, Pathy is dedicated to philanthropy. He serves on the Board of the Pathy Family Foundation and plays an active role in the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, where he serves on the Board and Executive Committee. Furthermore, he is the Chairman of the Board for Dans la Rue, an organization that provides support to at-risk and homeless youth in Montreal, Canada.

Pathy achieved a notable milestone as the second Canadian civilian and the 11th Canadian overall to travel into orbit. He embarked on this extraordinary journey as a private astronaut on Axiom Space's Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station in April 2022. During his time in space, Pathy conducted health science research, technology demonstrations, environmental impact observations, and engaged in educational outreach, showcasing his dedication to exploration and knowledge advancement.

Shawn Zabartany - Board of Directors
Shawn Zarbatany

Shawn Zarbatany is a hospitality entrepreneur and seasoned developer with a passion for creating world-class resort and culinary experiences.

As President and CEO of Zardev Inc., he has led the transformation of Quebec’s iconic Estérel Resort through over $150 million in redevelopment, earning top honors from Tourism Quebec and Wine Spectator.

He previously launched and sold Kurban Tour and Travel USA, a destination management company based in Miami. Educated at the renowned Lausanne Hotel School and Lassalle College, Shawn is also an avid pilot, boater, and wine enthusiast. He serves on the boards of the Neuro Efficiency Foundation and 4ocean Foundation, and is a former Director of Make-A-Wish Quebec.

A Global Crisis
Requires Global Solutions

4ocean Foundation was established as a separate entity from the 4ocean Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), our for-profit counterpart. This strategic move was made to expand our impact on ocean conservation by accessing diverse streams of capital and resources. Our foundation focuses exclusively on partnering with captains and crews to clean plastic and trash from our ocean and creating educational campaigns that expand awareness.

By operating as a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we ensure that all contributions are 100% tax deductible, directly funding our mission to clean and preserve the marine environment. Though 4ocean Foundation and 4ocean PBC are separately managed organizations, each share a common bond and vision to accelerate the cleanup of plastic pollution.
Charitable Foundation
Board of Directors
Funding
Grants
Donations
Philantrophy

100% Invested
Public Benefit Company
Executive Leadership
Funding
Products
Partnerships
Global Ocean Cleanup
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Ocean Cleanups
 
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Awareness
 
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Restored Ecosystems
 

Just how much is 41 million lbs of trash?

1,970,000,000 Water Bottles

You could cover Central Park 7.5x

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Recent Cleanups

Tiny Plastics.
Massive Danger. 


Every minute, microplastics flood our oceans, silently infiltrating the bodies of marine life, poisoning ecosystems, and even making their way into our food and water. What we can't see is hurting everything we love about the ocean. The time to act isn’t tomorrow. It’s now.

DONATE TODAY
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Your Support Makes A Difference

Together, we can create a world free from ocean plastic.
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Dollars

4ocean Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. (EIN 88-2694307) Donations and contributions are tax-deductable as allowed by law. For more payment information click HERE

 

Our Work

Expand Existing
Cleanup Markets

The 4ocean Foundation is on a mission to end the ocean plastic crisis by removing plastic waste directly from the world’s ocean, rivers, and coastlines.

Through hands-on cleanups, sustainable partnerships, and global outreach, we work every day to restore the health of our blue planet and protect the ecosystems that depend on it.

 

SEE SOME OF OUR PROGRESS >
4ocean team removing plastic from the ocean

Create New
Cleanup Markets

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing our ocean today. At 4ocean Foundation, we are committed to raising awareness about the devastating impacts plastics have on marine life, coastal communities, and global food systems.

By sharing science-based knowledge and real-world stories, we’re helping people understand the urgency of the crisis—and what’s at stake if we don’t act.

SEE SOME OF OUR PROGRESS >
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Create and Distribute
Educational Campaigns

4ocean Foundation strives to raise global awareness about the urgent threat of ocean plastic pollution. By sharing educational materials, 4ocean Foundation highlights the critical need for immediate human intervention to protect marine ecosystems and human health. Our campaigns inspire collective action and sustainable practices to prevent plastic pollution from becoming an irreversible crisis.​

 
SEE SOME OF OUR PROGRESS >
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Our Commitment to Global Goals

At 4ocean Foundation, we proudly align our mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - specifically SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 14: Life Below Water. Through large-scale cleanup operations, education, and advocacy, we are actively working to mitigate the devastating impact of plastic pollution. Together, we're building a cleaner, more sustainable future for our planet.

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Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
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Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and its Impacts
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Conserve and sustainably use the ocean, sea and marine resources for sustainable development.

Financial Transparency

We are proud to be independently audited on an annual basis by BDO, an internationally recognized global audit firm.  In partnership with BDO, 4ocean Foundation ensures transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of financial stewardship.