Welcome new team members!

Mark Loren, Trustees of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

Mark Loren is no stranger to our community with his creative style & passion for community swooning over major fundraising efforts all over town. We are thrilled to have his leadership and commitment now as part of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. Trustees.

Mark Loren has devoted a lifetime to the craft of jewelry-making. Today, he works out of his Fort Myers studio, where you can shop his gallery of outstanding work. He began his career in Chicago where he attended Gem City College and eventually began a jewelry apprenticeship that led to his work being in fine jewelry stores across the Chicago area.

 

Brian & Kim Rist, Trustees of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

Brian Rist is the former Executive Chairman of The Smart Companies, of which Storm Smart is the largest subsidiary. After 26 years of growing Storm Smart to be the largest manufacturer of storm protection products in the United States and being a well know businessman in his community it was time to focus on giving back.
Brian and Kim enjoy spending time at their summer home on Cape Cod as well as spending the rest of the year on Sanibel Island. While Kim enjoys the arts, Brian enjoys golfing and they both unwind by taking the time to relax and take in the beautiful sights of both coastal views.

 

Susan DeSantis, Director of Development & Major Gift Officer of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan DeSantis as its new Director of Development and Major Gifts as of Sept. 11, 2023.  In her new role, Susan will be responsible for spearheading a new major gift initiative and helping to grow the organization and its future endeavors. Susan brings a wealth of experience to SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., having spent over 25 years in financial and resource development, most notably during her eight-year tenure at Florida SouthWestern State College. Susan and her husband, Robert DeSantis, served as Trustees for SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. for prior to her employment. 

 

Hannah Howard, Public Relations Intern with SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

Hannah is a PR intern with SWFL Children’s Charities this semester and is on track to graduate in May of 2024 with a degree in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations. She dreams of one day being a PR professional for a business she finds herself having a passion for and she wants to live in Southwest Florida as she ended up falling in love with the area when she moved here for college in 2021. In her spare time she enjoys the beach, watching sunsets, shopping, creating social media content, and trying new coffee shops.

 

Madison DeSantis, Public Relation Intern with SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.

Madison is an intern at SWFL Children’s Charities this semester and is currently on track to graduate spring of 2024 with a degree in communications. She dreams of one day being a pharmaceutical sales representative. During her spare time, she volunteers at Fort Myers Middle Academy, and enjoys working with children. She works part-time as a bartender because she has a passion for working and interacting with people. Madison also enjoys playing pickle ball on the weekends.