Transparency & Governance
Accountability. Stewardship. Responsible Growth.
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, Inc. is committed to responsible nonprofit governance, financial transparency, and accountability to the community we serve.
As our organization grows, we are building the leadership, policies, partnerships, and resources necessary to responsibly advance our mission and develop future sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation capabilities in Southwest Florida.
Our Organization
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, Inc.
Founded: June 25, 2025
Organization: Florida nonprofit corporation
Federal Tax Status: IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity
Florida Registration: CH79478
Fiscal Year: January 1 – December 31
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue was established to advance sea turtle conservation, environmental education, and community engagement in Southwest Florida while working toward the development of dedicated rescue and rehabilitation capacity for the region.
EIN: 39-2991529
Board of Directors
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for organizational oversight, financial stewardship, governance, and advancing the organization’s mission.
Rhianna Botelho
Treasurer
Rhianna Botelho serves as Treasurer of Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, providing financial stewardship and operational expertise to support the organization’s growth and long-term mission. With more than eight years of experience as a U.S. Army Finance Officer, Rhianna brings a strong background in financial management, accountability, and operational planning to SWFLSTR’s conservation and education efforts and the development of future sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation capabilities in Southwest Florida.
Her experience also includes service as a Disaster Finance Manager with the American Red Cross, where sound financial stewardship supports effective response in complex and rapidly changing environments. Rhianna holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Tampa and a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from the University of South Carolina. She expects to complete her Master of Emergency and Crisis Management (MECM) degree in December 2026.
By bringing her professional expertise together with her commitment to animal welfare and conservation, Rhianna helps ensure SWFLSTR has a strong financial foundation as the organization grows and works toward its long-term vision.
Celine Marx
Founder, President, and Executive Director
Celine Marx is the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue. She founded SWFLSTR in 2025 with the goal of strengthening sea turtle conservation, education, and community engagement in Southwest Florida while working toward the development of dedicated rescue and rehabilitation capabilities for the region.
Celine holds a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Environmental Science and Forensic Science. Her professional background includes healthcare and laboratory medicine, and her wildlife experience includes volunteering with the Gulfarium CARE Center’s sea turtle rehabilitation program and participating in sea turtle nesting-season conservation efforts in Southwest Florida. She has also represented SWFLSTR through community events, environmental education, public presentations, and media outreach.
As Executive Director, Celine leads SWFLSTR’s organizational development, conservation initiatives, partnerships, fundraising, grant development, and long-term planning. Her focus is on building a responsible and sustainable organization capable of creating lasting benefits for sea turtles and the coastal communities that share their habitat.
Collin Ray
Secretary
Collin Ray serves as Secretary of Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, bringing extensive expertise in nonprofit operations, organizational administration, and environmental stewardship to support our mission. With over eight years of experience across several issue areas - including current roles as Finance & Operations Administrator with Earth Innovation Institute and Assistant to the Executive Director at The International Focusing Institute - Collin brings a strong background in operational governance, digital archiving, data integrity, and cross-functional administrative management to our board leadership.
His background spans key issue areas such as rainforest conservation, advocacy, and community outreach, providing him with a global perspective on environmental protection, transparency, and sustainable governance. Collin holds an M.S. in Management & Leadership from Western Governors University, a B.A. in Art History and Peace & Social Justice Studies from Berea College, a certificate in Spanish Studies from the University of Salamanca, and is currently studying for his ACCA qualification in accounting. Combining his operational rigor and commitment to organizational excellence with a lifelong passion for animal welfare and conservation, Collin helps ensure that Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue maintains the strong administrative framework necessary to advance its mission.
Governance & Accountability
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue is committed to maintaining responsible governance practices as our organization grows. Our Board of Directors provides oversight of organizational activities, finances, policies, and long-term development while helping ensure that SWFLSTR operates in accordance with its nonprofit mission and applicable state and federal requirements.
Board Oversight
Our volunteer Board of Directors provides organizational and financial oversight and meets regularly to conduct nonprofit business and guide long-term development.
Financial Stewardship
Organizational finances are documented and reviewed as part of board oversight, with records maintained to support responsible use of charitable funds.
Florida Registration
SWFLSTR maintains its charitable solicitation registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Board members and organizational leadership are expected to disclose potential conflicts of interest and act in the best interests of SWFLSTR and its mission.
Federal Compliance
SWFLSTR maintains its federal tax-exempt status and completes applicable annual IRS filing requirements.
Organizational Records
Corporate, governance, financial, and regulatory records are maintained to support continuity, accountability, and responsible organizational management.
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue is committed to responsible stewardship of the charitable funds entrusted to our organization. Financial records are maintained throughout the year and reviewed as part of the Board of Directors’ oversight responsibilities. SWFLSTR completes applicable state and federal reporting requirements and is committed to responsible, transparent financial management as the organization grows.
Financial Stewardship
SWFLSTR operates on a January–December fiscal year and completes applicable annual federal and state nonprofit reporting requirements.
Annual Reporting
2025 IRS Form 990-N
Required annual filing completed.
Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration
Registration maintained with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
Transparency Recognized by Candid
2026 Candid Gold Sea of Transparency
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue has earned a 2026 Candid Gold Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to sharing meaningful information about our mission, programs, leadership, goals, and organizational development.
Organizational Documents
Key organizational documents are available to support transparency and provide additional information about Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue.
Questions About our Organization?
We welcome questions from donors, grantmakers, community partners, and members of the public about Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, our governance, and our work.