Mission
At Marine Cleanup Initiative, our mission is to safeguard the pristine beauty and ecological health of marine environments for present and future generations. We are a dedicated non-profit organization committed to creating lasting positive change.
Our primary goal is to combat the pressing issue of marine debris and pollution through proactive cleanup efforts, comprehensive education, and community engagement. We believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among local residents, businesses, and visitors, we can together restore and maintain the natural splendor of our coastal ecosystems.
Through regular beach and waterway cleanups, we work tirelessly to remove litter and pollutants that endanger marine life and threaten fragile ecosystems. By raising awareness we empower individuals to make mindful choices that prevent pollution at its source.
Marine Cleanup Initiative is dedicated to collaboration, partnering with governmental agencies, other non-profits, schools, and local businesses to amplify our impact. We actively seek out opportunities to influence policies, advocate for sustainable practices, and support research aimed at reducing marine pollution. Our efforts extend beyond cleanup events, as we strive to cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship among citizens of all ages.
As residents of Florida’s Treasure Coast, we envision a future where our beaches are free from the blight of litter, where our waters are teeming with vibrant marine life, and where our community stands united in its commitment to preserving the natural wonders that make our city unique. Through persistent action and unwavering dedication, Marine Cleanup Initiative is determined to make this vision a reality and inspire a global movement for cleaner, healthier waterways.
Together, we clean, educate, and transform for a brighter marine future.
Board of Directors
Arnie Stirzinger
As current President of Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc., 501C3, Arnie Stirzinger brings 30 years of experiences and aspirations in preserving Captain Don Voss’s vision for the Treasure Coast having clean waters. His Associates in Management/Marketing degree is from University of Michigan followed by real estate/life/health insurance/geothermal licenses, and a certificate for Dale Carnegie radio/tv broadcasting. His executive and entrepreneurial skills came from The Detroit Athletic Club, his limousine and landscaping companies. Then he created companies for glues, geothermal conduction installations, a trucking company and via a waterway cleanup used cold fusion to invent a new cleaning agent.
Susan Howells
Operations & Logistics Coordinator The elegant anchor behind the action
Graceful, worldly, and quietly powerful, Susan Howells has been the steady hand behind Marine Cleanup Initiative, Inc. since 2021. Now residing in Fort Pierce, Susan made her way up Florida’s coast from Fort Lauderdale—bringing with her a global upbringing, deep-rooted love for the water, and a timeless elegance that’s as present in the boardroom as it is on the shoreline.
Born in London, Susan was raised across Jamaica, Germany, the UK, and the Bahamas. Her father, a cruise director sailing between the Caribbean and the Bahamas, introduced her to the ocean at an early age. From the turquoise waters of the islands to the banks of South Florida, Susan grew up water-friendly and worldly—her life shaped by sun-drenched ports, gentle tides, and island traditions.
Though she prefers to work off-camera, Susan is at the core of MCI’s operations—from coordinating vessel deployments and cleanups to managing the many moving parts that make each project possible. Her refined strength and calming presence balance the bold energy of Christa Stone—earning her the unofficial title of “the better half” of the dynamic duo behind MCI.
“I enjoy being behind the scenes,” Susan says. “You may not see me, but you’ll find me on the banks, helping turn vision into action.”
Whether she’s reviewing logistics, supporting acquisition strategy, or rolling up her sleeves beside the team, Susan is the one you want at the table. Not a pirate—but the person you’d love to have dinner with. Her leadership is soft-spoken, her impact unmistakable, and her presence deeply valued in everything MCI stands for.
Gregory (Greg) Welling
Greg joined the board of the Marine Clean-up Initiative because of its commitment to clean water and community engagement.
Greg is the co-owner and co-president of Rabbit Hole Brew Station and Rock Road Farm. The other co-owner/co-president of these organizations is his brother, Bryan (a long-time Fort Pierce entrepreneur). Rabbit Hole Brew Station currently works out of the Sunshine Kitchen (an innovative culinary business incubator) on Pruitt Research Road. It produces Sour Sea Cow Sour Ciders and Thirsty Dragon Meads. The goal is to move production to Rock Road Farm (just down the road). Rock Road Farm is an experiment in different forms of sustainable agriculture with a future focus on education and community outreach.
Greg is originally from Michigan, but has lived and worked in a number of places. Before moving to Fort Pierce, Greg was a teacher in Loudoun County, Virginia. Prior to that he worked with an organization that conducted CPR and First Aid training in the greater DC area. Prior to that, he lived and worked in the former Soviet Union (1.5 years in Russia and 8.5 in Ukraine).
Greg has a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of ASU) a BA from the University of Michigan (concentration in Economics).