Our Team - Advisors, Board Members & Contributors | Prison Professors

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Founder

Michael Santos

While serving 26 years in federal prison, Michael drew inspiration from Frederick Douglass, Socrates, Mahatma Gandhi, and others. Their teachings equipped him with the tools to overcome adversity and succeed after release.

Today, Michael leads Prison Professors with a mission to share actionable strategies that anyone can use to recalibrate and succeed—regardless of past decisions or present circumstances.

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Team Members

Our advisors and contributors bring diverse expertise to support our mission. Click on any team member to learn more about their story.

Sponsor Board Member

Michael Santos

Team Member

Michael began building pathways to success while in solitary at the start of a 45-Year Prison Term.

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Administrator

Carole Santos

Team Member

Married Michael on 6/24/03, while he was in his 16th year of imprisonment. Worked alongside him through his final decade in confinement. Read more about Carole on Founder’s Page.

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Sponsor Board Member

Bill McGlashan

Team Member

Bill McGlashan is the founder and former CEO at TPG Growth and The Rise Fund. He is an initial sponsor, board member, and advisor to Michael Santos in building the nonprofit organization.

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Sponsor Board Member

Peter Hardin

Team Member

Peter Hardin, a board member, is founder of Hardin Defense. He has 15 years experience, a former Judge Advocate in US Marine Corp, Deputy District Attorney, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.

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Sponsor Advisor 2

Justin Paperny

Team Member

Justin Paperny is the founder of White Collar Advice, and a sponsor of our nonprofit. He assists with fund raising and serves as an ambassador for our messaging, as well as an advisor.

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It Advisor

Jonathan Rotert

Team Member

Jonathan Rotert is our graphic designer and video editor. He assists us with the production of daily content and the development of our messaging on the need to build more mechanisms to incentivize a pursuit of excellence.

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It Advisor

Steve Shickles

Team Member

Veteran and Alaska Fairbanks grad, Steve Shickles led an IT firm for 12 years before focusing on AWS, IaC, and AI automation. He now builds secure, scalable Prison Professors platforms to empower justice-impacted lives.

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Sponsor Advisor 2

Greg Reyes

Team Member

Greg Reyes, the former CEO and Founder of a Nasdaq listed technology company, began sponsoring our nonprofit while he served time alongside Michael Santos. He received a pardon from President Donald Trump.

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Sponsor Advisor 2

Jerry Lundergan

Team Member

Jerry Lundergan, a founding sponsor to our nonprofit and trusted advisor to Michael Santos, played an influential role in helping us get off the ground. He is the founder of several businesses, and received a pardon from President Joe Biden.

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Sponsor Advisor 2

Chris Lischewski

Team Member

Chris Lischeewski is the former CEO of Bumble Bee Seafoods. Under Chris’ leadership, the company grew sales to more than $1 billion. He is an advisor to Michael Santos in building bridges to the employment sector.

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Sponsor Advisor 2

Lee Nobmann

Team Member

Lee Nobmann is the founder of Golden State Lumber and other companies in Northern California. He is a self-made entrepreneur, and he has been an advisor to Michael Santos since Michael served his time in prison.

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