Classically trained in music, Michael Herriman was first attracted to the rich musical culture that Haiti had to offer in 2002. Becoming a resident in 2011, Michael worked for the first 4 years of his time in Haiti as a Music and English teacher for the school Complexe Educatif Saint Antoine while also holding the positions of Liaison and Coordinator of Operations for the American Haitian Foundation. Looking to move forward in helping the country on a grander scale, Mr. Herriman became interested in joining Gift of Water in 2015 and was taken on as Program Manager. Michael’s language and cultural fluency, management skills, and personal motivation are key elements for why he is so successful in a challenging environment. Michael is married to a beautiful Haitian woman named Therese and now lives in San Diego with his son Raymond.
Pete Murphy is an Indianapolis-based businessman. Most recently, Pete was the General Manager of the consumer products division of a multinational safety products company. When Pete became aware of the potential demise of Gift of Water, he jumped in with both feet to ensure that the program lived on. Pete’s extensive management background, coupled with a fluency in French, make him an excellent resource to help lead the efforts of Gift of Water.
Brian is an Assurance Senior at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis. He earned his CPA in 2012, and graduated from Indiana University in 2010 with a B.S. in Accounting & Finance. Brian enjoys travel, European soccer, live music, running and skiing.
Tony Maurelli is Professor of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions. He obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. His laboratory studies the genetics of Shigella, the bacterium that causes dysentery, and Chlamydia, the leading bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. Tony made his first trip to Haiti in 2008 and started a Gift of Water project in Baradères, the Sister Parish community of his church in Silver Spring, MD. In his position at the University of Florida, Tony has expanded his work to study water quality in Haiti. His laboratory also conducts surveillance for infectious disease agents, particularly SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater. He is also currently conducting a surveillance of sexually transmitted infections in the adult population in Gressier and Baradères, Haiti.
Eric Murphy is a 2013 graduate of Indiana University with degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. He has been involved with Gift of Water as a volunteer and marketing consult since 2010, and was invited to join the Board in 2016.
Kevin is an attorney at the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic, a legal clinic at Notre Dame Law School that investigates and litigates wrongful conviction cases. Prior to working at the Clinic, Kevin was an associate at the law firm Jenner & Block in Chicago for several years and clerked on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Kevin received his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 2014, and received his B.S. in Accounting & Finance from Indiana University in 2011.
Kevin has been involved with pro bono legal work throughout his legal career and has participated in mission trips to Haiti.
Therese is a mother of two and has the heart, desire, and perseverance to move Haiti out of poverty so her children can experience her home country in all its glory. Mrs. Herriman graduated top of her class and went on to receive higher education diplomas in English and Computer Science. An avid musician and seamstress in her free-time, Therese believes that clean drinking water is the basis for a healthy, productive society. She is proud to work for Gift of Water; moving her country towards advancement into the developed world.
Jacsonn started out as a technician in the small mountain town of Jeannette over 12 years ago. Over the years he has grown into our Principle Trainer who conducts both small onsite and large group seminars to teach new and advanced technicians how to be successful in their work. Also a Community Auditor for the southern half of the country, Mr. Leger is a star member of our team that continues to produce amazing technicians who then translate their training into good works throughout the country.
Yves Antoine worked alongside Gift of Water for years as a translator and guide. When the job opening for Warehouse Manager came up, he was a perfect fit. A current resident of Port-au-Prince, Mr. Bissereth is well versed in transportation logistics throughout the country and enjoys working hard to better benefit his Haitian people. He is often heard saying "travay se liberte" or "work is freedom."
Mr. Philogene has been working for Gift of Water since 2013 and started as a local community technician in The community of Fort Saint Michel located within Cap Haitian in the Northern Department. Over the years, through merit and perseverance, Michel was recognized and promoted to Community Auditor position and now assists with training seminars.
He loves working for Gift of Water because he knows how important clean drinking water is for families. In his spare time, Michel enjoys sports, music and spending time with his 3 children. Mr. Philogene is an aspiring electrician and continues to work for GoW so that one day he can realize his dream.
Michael Swann received his Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from California State University Chico, and graduated from the Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Arts in New Jersey. Since then he has been residing in California’s North Valley as a working artist, done both set/prop design and building for several local theaters, participated in historical re-enactments, and become a board member of the Bidwell Mansion Association in Chico, to help preserve local history.
A long time friend of Haiti and avid online promotional director, Jeffrey helps to spread the word of Gift of Water's good works throughout the internet and beyond.
With your generous donations, you will help us to improve our program and to provide clean water for families across Haiti.
11956 Bernardo Plaza Drive #231 San Diego, CA 92128
Gift of Water is a 501(c)(3) organization