James S. Marcelli has been the CEO of Lightwave Logic, Inc. since August 2008, leading the company through significant changes in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. He's not just a figurehead; he has real skin in the game, shown by...

James S. Marcelli has been the CEO of Lightwave Logic, Inc. since August 2008, leading the company through significant changes in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. He's not just a figurehead; he has real skin in the game, shown by his substantial insider trading activity. In just one month in mid-2023, he sold shares worth around $11.5 million, showcasing his confidence in the company's growth. Marcelli's approach to compensation is interesting. In 2023, he earned $1,083,850, significantly up from previous years, thanks to his performance meeting key strategic goals. His base salary was $367,500, but most of his earnings came from stock options, indicating a strong belief in long-term value creation for shareholders. As a business consultant before his CEO role, he advised various start-ups, gaining a wealth of experience that informs his current strategies. He was initially hired to shepherd the company during its early development stage, making his long tenure all the more notable. James Marcelli is a CEO who's actively engaged in the company's performance, aligning his interests squarely with those of its investors.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Lightwave Logic, Inc. CEOs

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James S. Marcelli

Ex-CEO of Lightwave Logic, Inc.

Sector of Economy

Basic Materials

CEO of Lightwave Logic, Inc. for

14 years 8 months (Aug 2008 - Apr 2023)

Previous Experience

President and Chief Operating Officer of Lightwave Logic, Inc.

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of James S. Marcelli

Holdings

See how much did James S. Marcelli make over time.

James S. Marcelli's holdings in Lightwave Logic, Inc. are significant and have seen major fluctuations over recent years. In the second half of 2021, he sold shares totaling approximately $13 million as the stock was on an upward trend, reflecting...

James S. Marcelli's holdings in Lightwave Logic, Inc. are significant and have seen major fluctuations over recent years. In the second half of 2021, he sold shares totaling approximately $13 million as the stock was on an upward trend, reflecting confidence in the company's trajectory. In 2023, his stock sales peaked, amassing around $70 million by year-end. These holdings indicate that he has considerable faith in the firm's potential, especially considering the spike in his stock sales in mid-2023, where he sold shares worth between $10 million and $15 million per month. This suggests a strategic approach to maximizing his position while still believing in the company's future performance. Interestingly, Marcelli’s peak net worth appears closely tied to the company's stock valuation, showcasing how his wealth and the company's performance are interconnected.

Mar 11, 2025

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shares

LWLG @ $1.39

Total Stock Sold

$262.20K

LWLG

$262.20K

57,000 LWLG shares

What if they kept their stock?

If James S. Marcelli didn't sell their stock, today they would have:
Extra LWLG57,000 shares worth $599.64K.
This is 128.7% and $337.44K more than what they got when they sold the stock.

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of James S. Marcelli.

LWLG

$260.26K

LWLG at $4.57/share

May 15, 2023

Sale

LWLG

$5.00K

LWLG at $0.75/share

Jul 11, 2014

Purchase

Compensation History

See how much did James S. Marcelli make over time.

In 2023, James S. Marcelli earned a total compensation of $1,083,850. This is a substantial leap from previous years, showing how his role has evolved as the company grew. His base salary comprised $367,500, but what stands out is the cash bonus of $58,984 he received for reaching specific performance metrics. The vast majority of his compensation comes from vested stock worth around $678,782, highlighting his focus on long-term equity incentives. This compensation philosophy aligns his interests with those of the shareholders, making him accountable for the company's success. Marcelli’s journey through years of fluctuating compensation shows that in the fast-paced tech world, adaptable and performance-driven compensation packages are vital for retaining leadership talent while pushing for company growth. He's not just a CEO; he's a player in the company’s success story.

Year

2023

Total Compensation

$1.11M

Salary

$367.50K

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy aims to attract, retain, and motivate talented executives, aligning their interests with those of shareholders through a mix of base salary, cash bonuses, and long-term equity compensation.

Bonus

$58.98K

Board Justification

The cash bonus for 2023 was determined based on the achievement of certain financial, strategic, and operational goals set by the Compensation Committee.

Other

$3.02K

Board Justification

Other compensation includes a salary gross-up for long-term disability premium payments.

Restricted Stock

$678.78K(160K common stock)

Board Justification

The stock options granted to Mr. Marcelli on March 16, 2023, included 40,003 shares that vested immediately, with the remaining options vesting in equal monthly installments beginning on April 1, 2023.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics considered for determining the compensation included financial, strategic, and operational goals achieved by the Company.

Other Lightwave Logic, Inc. CEOs

Here are other CEOs of Lightwave Logic, Inc.

Dr. Michael S. Lebby

Ex-CEO of Lightwave Logic, Inc.

May 2017 - December 2024