Our Leadership

At Wells of Life, our leadership is rooted in service, guided by faith, and committed to lasting impact. Each member of our Executive and Advisory Boards brings a deep sense of purpose, professional excellence, and a heart for humanity.

Michelle Jordan, CEO

Michelle Jordan brings a passion for service, leadership, and community impact to her role as CEO of Wells of Life. Since joining the Wells of Life Executive Board in 2011, she has played a pivotal role in fundraising, strategic planning, and expanding the organization's reach. In addition to her work with Wells of Life, Michelle is a trained mediator, family coach, and passionate advocate for families navigating high-conflict situations. Her expertise in business management, fundraising, and community engagement strengthens Wells of Life’s mission to serve those in need.

Michelle leads Wells of Life with unwavering dedication, ensuring that every well drilled is a source of hope, health, and transformation for generations to come.

Nick Jordan, Founder

August 6, 1958 - May 27, 2025

Nick, originally from County Wexford, Ireland, immigrated to the United States in 1986 and built a successful career in real estate. His deep commitment to philanthropy led him to fund the construction of four schools in East Africa, where he witnessed firsthand the urgent need for clean water. In 2008, he founded Wells of Life, dedicated to providing sustainable borehole wells to rural Ugandan communities. Under his leadership, the organization has built and restored over 1,400 wells, transforming the lives of more than 1.4 million people. Though he left this world on May 27, 2025 and has gone to be with the Lord, his spirit and legacy live on through the efforts of the organization.

Executive Board

Our leaders are visionaries, problem-solvers, and faithful stewards of the mission. They are united by one goal: to end the water crisis one well, one village, one life at a time.

Pete Callahan

Chairman and President

Pete is the Chairperson of the Executive Board and former founder of a 45-lawyer law firm. After a skeptical investigation of Wells of Life in 2013, he was moved to dedicate his retirement to serving the mission. Pete draws from decades of legal and nonprofit expertise to support governance, compliance, and strategic direction.

Sr. Joan Hogan (In Memoriam)

Sr. Joan Hogan is a member of the Sisters of the Holy Faith and has dedicated her life to education, ministry, and service. After decades of catechetical and pastoral leadership across Los Angeles and beyond, she was introduced to Wells of Life and found a new mission. A passionate advocate for clean water, Sr. Joan has visited Uganda and continues to fundraise and raise awareness, driven by her deep faith and commitment to human dignity.

Michael & Karen Mudgett

Karen and Michael bring a shared heart for service and global missions to Wells of Life. Karen has spent her life serving in schools, churches, and homeless ministries, and has traveled to Uganda with Pepperdine law students to support communities in need. Michael, a former Navy JAG, civil litigator, and retired Presbyterian pastor, brings decades of leadership experience in law, church ministry, and organizational administration.

Mike Murphy

Treasurer

Twins Mike and Pat Murphy founded Murphy, Murphy & Co. in 1980 after starting out at Big 8 accounting firms. They built their business from the ground up—literally working out of their car trunks in the early days. Later, they merged with their father’s firm to create Murphy, Murphy & Murphy CPAs. Mike has supported Wells of Life since 2015 and became Executive Board Treasurer in 2025.

Tom Zigterman

Secretary

Tom is a civil engineer specializing in water systems, with a career focused on sustainable water supply and infrastructure. He joined the Wells of Life board in 2024 to apply his expertise in well development and distribution. Tom is a devoted family man, church leader, and passionate advocate for water access in Africa.

Bruce Birkeland

Born in Memphis in 1945 and raised in California, I earned a Bachelor’s and MBA in finance from USC while working at Hughes Aircraft. I served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a linguist and cryptanalyst in Vietnam and Asia. After military service, I completed a Master’s in Entrepreneurship at USC and launched several commercial real estate ventures, including Discovery Properties and Enterprise Property Company, which I sold before retiring in 2018 to focus on Christian charity work.

Advisory Board

Dave + Gisele Anderson

Captain Dave and Gisele Anderson run Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point, CA. Dave is a marine naturalist, award-winning filmmaker, author, and whale disentangler featured on major media for his conservation work. Together, they support global causes and have helped pack over a million meals for children. Gisele leads their team and helped establish Dana Point as the Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World.

Dr. Braimah Apambire

Dr. Apambire is Senior Assistant to the President for Global Sustainability and Director of the Center for International Water and Sustainability at the Desert Research Institute. A global expert in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), he has led major programs at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and World Vision US. Earlier in his career, he helped build over 500 water systems in rural Ghana. Born in northern Ghana, he holds degrees from the University of Ghana, Carleton University, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Laurie Cadieux

Laurie Cadieux was born in Long Beach and grew up in Cypress and La Palma, later putting herself through college while working full-time and graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Kinesiology. She began her career in interior design, where she met her husband Jeff, and eventually became a full-time mom to their three children. Active in her church and community, Laurie has served on committees for Mission Hospital, Illumination Foundation, JSerra, and Wells of Life, primarily in fundraising roles.

Dan Carney

Founder of Pizza Hut. In 1958, the Carney brothers borrowed $600 from their mother and opened a pizza restaurant catering to students after a local real estate agent with an unrented building convinced them that pizza would be a promising business. Their first franchise opened in Topeka, Kansas, in 1959. By 1977, Pizza Hut had grown to 4,000 outlets and the brothers decided to sell the business to PepsiCo. Dan has been invested in Wells of Life since 2018, and in 2021 he became a part of the Legacy group here at Wells of Life, and is currently at the top of that group, the Diamond level.

Jim Cunningham

A Pasadena native now living in Laguna Beach, Jim brings decades of business and risk management experience to Wells of Life. A graduate of Occidental College and U.S. Army veteran, he has held key roles at CalFed, Wells Fargo, and in international construction. After meeting founder Nick Jordan through real estate, Jim became a founding supporter. He shares, “Of all the charities I’ve been involved with, none have had the impact Wells of Life has had.”

Sam Smith

Sam is a solar entrepreneur who shifted from personal success to service in 2020. As co-founder of MF TRYBE, he has raised over $300,000 for clean water, bringing solar power and access to over 30 villages. Sam empowers others to pursue purpose through fundraising, travel, and leadership.

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Bryan Miller

Bryan E. Miller is a film composer and founder of Sensory Overload Music whose scores have appeared in major films, television shows, and projects for studios including Disney, Lionsgate, and NBC Universal. In addition to his work in Hollywood, Bryan frequently lends his talents to humanitarian causes, believing music can connect people and inspire positive change.

Greg Dougherty

Gregory Dougherty was born in Waukon, Iowa, and raised on a family farm with nine siblings. He launched Greg’s Welding, Inc. in 1983 and has grown it over 41 years into a multi-division company serving the oil and gas industry. In addition to business ventures in construction, trucking, ranching, and even healthcare, Greg has been active in philanthropy, especially through community events and Wells of Life.

Patricia Doyle

Humanitarian, Influencer

Carol Fox

Carol brings over 40 years of sales and marketing experience and currently serves as a national and local sales director at the Orange County Business Journal. A dedicated Christian and member of Saddleback Church, Carol was drawn to Wells of Life for its mission and values. She supports fundraising and community branding, always eager to connect people to purpose.

David Feldman

Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at UC Irvine, David Feldman brings decades of expertise in water governance, sustainability, and global development. His academic insight helps guide Wells of Life’s long-term impact strategy.

Nancy Jernigan, PhD

Nancy is a leadership expert, executive coach, and global trainer in organizational health and wellness. As co-founder of the Hidden Value Group and Board Member of Olive Branch International, she trains leaders around the world. Nancy is passionate about multiplying impact through strong leadership and Christ-centered service.

Jeff Jernigan, PhD

Jeff is a retired hospital administrator, clinical psychologist, and pastor with decades of leadership in healthcare and nonprofit work. As co-founder and Board Chair of Olive Branch International, he has led over 44 missions in 40 countries. Jeff brings deep global and organizational insight to Wells of Life’s mission.

Charles Peter Mayiga

Serving as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga is a respected leader and advocate for education, cultural heritage, and community development in Uganda. He offers invaluable regional insight and vision to the Wells of Life board.

Father Max Ssekiwala

Father Max Ssekiwala earned degrees in philosophy, theology, social work, and business from universities in Uganda, Rome, and the U.S. He has served in pastoral and counseling roles in both Uganda and Chicago, and since 2013 has been pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Uganda. He has also maintained connections with Catholic communities in California. Father Max holds leadership roles in the Kiyinda Mityana Diocese and continues active service in his church.

Arthur R. Petrie II

Arthur R. Petrie II is an experienced business executive and practicing attorney with decades of leadership in corporate law, litigation, and organizational management. He currently serves as General Manager and General Counsel at RocketGate PR, bringing a strategic and legal perspective to guide growth, governance, and long-term success.