Leadership

Ty Bathurst

Chief Engagement Officer

Ty joined the SEAL Future Foundation in July of 2020 to lead the SFF’s external engagement efforts. Ty started and graduated with BUD/S class 230 and went on to serve nearly 21 years in the SEAL Teams. He deployed multiple times to CENTCOM, SOUTHCOM, EUCOM and PACOM and retired from SOCOM as the Chief of Human Performance as a Commander in Feb 2020. Ty earned a Bronze Star with “V” for Valor, a Purple Heart and many other personal and team awards during his service.

Ty received a MS in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota where he was a 12 time Academic and Athletic All-American swimmer who held NCAA and World rankings.

Paul Polakowski III

Chief Financial Officer

Paul Polakowski joined the SEAL Future Foundation in July of 2015 to assist with the SFF’s development and expansion. Paul has 20 years of experience in private equity and corporate finance. Mr. Polakowski is the founder of Ruby Street Capital (RSC), a private investment firm that invests in global credit and commodity markets as well as in early stage and emerging growth companies. Prior to founding RSC, Paul was an investment associate at DB Capital Partners (the North American private equity affiliate of Deutsche Bank) and an investment banker in the Global Communications & Media Group at Lehman Brothers.

Paul received a dual BA in Economics and Government from Connecticut College and holds a certificate in premedical sciences from Columbia University.

Joel Beam

Chief Operating Officer

Joel Beam joined the SFF in July 2020 to lead the SFF’s program activity and operations. Joel has been a longtime supporter and Advisor to the SEAL Future Foundation. He graduated with BUD/S Class 253 and served at SEAL Team One where he did two deployments as well as two augment deployments. Joel has held leadership positions in several companies from Fortune 500, to mid and small size companies. In his most recent role, Joel served as VP of Operations for a Global Technology leader in the IOT space, creating and leading multiple business units and scaling them globally. A member of the senior leadership team, he was influential in the growth of the company from 300 to 1,300 employees and introduced new technologies, competencies and structure.

Joel received an MBA from Drexel University, graduated from the Harvard Business School Program for Leadership Development and earned a BBA in entrepreneurship from National University.

Anne Marie Phelps

Director, Engagement

Anne Marie Phelps joined the SEAL Future Foundation in January of 2018 and brings with her a background in nonprofits, event coordination and special projects planning. Anne Marie realized her passion for nonprofits during a college internship at Best Buddies Arizona where she served on the event committee for 3 years. Prior to joining the SFF, Anne Marie was the Program Manager & Coordinator for the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation where she was proud to help coordinate major events. Between living on Coronado Island and having cousins who are Navy SEALs, Anne Marie has a strong connection to the SEAL Community and is honored to serve through the SFF.

Anne Marie received a BS in Business Management from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

Robert Ekoniak

Director, Health Support Program

Robert Ekoniak joined the SFF in November 2020 to lead the SFF Health Support Program.  Robert is a graduate of BUD/S Class 184 who retired after 25 years as a SEAL. As a Senior Enlisted Leader, he has deployed for Special Operations in support of USSOCOM, USCENTCOM, and USPACOM. He has conducted multiple strategic planning and tactical operations overseas with more than two and half decades as a leader specializing in cross-functional teams focused on solving global challenges and driving key policy initiatives through developing, building, and managing joint service and joint coalition forces.  Robert’s civilian career experience includes advising and assisting multiple non-profit organizations to help with military health care assistance, research, fundraising, public speaking and developing resources.