Python Software Foundation Staff
Deb Nicholson
Executive Director
Deb Nicholson joined the PSF in April 2022. She is an experienced non-profit professional and passionate open source community builder who has worked at the Open Source Initiative, Software Freedom Conservancy and the Open Invention Network. She is also a founding organizer of the Seattle GNU/Linux Conference, an annual event dedicated to surfacing new voices and welcoming new people to the free software community. She'll be building on the PSF's existing work to strengthen and diversify the global Python community, identifying new education and outreach opportunities and increasing technical and organizational capacities. She is a sci-fi nerd who lives with her partner and her lucky black cat in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Loren Crary
Director of Resource Development
Loren joined the PSF in November 2021 to grow and diversify the PSF’s base of financial support. She will work with members, donors, sponsors, grant-awarding organizations, and the Board of Directors to expand the resources available to run our programs and strengthen the long term sustainability of the PSF. Loren has a B.A. from Amherst College and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. Prior to the PSF, she spent seven years leading fundraising and strategic revenue growth for Educate!, a non-profit social enterprise serving youth in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Outside of work, Loren enjoys solving cryptic crosswords, writing fiction, and playing with her rescue pup.
Ee Durbin
Director of Infrastructure
Ee joined the PSF after years of volunteering with the PSF Infrastructure Working Group, PyPI, and PyCon US. They support Python community infrastructure such as www.python.org, pypi.org, and mail.python.org collaborating with volunteers from from around the globe. Internally, Ee takes responsibility for evaluating, strengthening, and implementing systems used by the PSF staff and board of directors to fulfill our mission. Outside of the PSF Ee enjoys making and consuming tacos, riding their bikes, and convincing themself that their cats love them.
Phyllis Dobbs
Controller
Phyllis joined the PSF in January of 2017. She is a CPA in the state of Illinois, has a B.S. in Accounting from Clemson University, and an M.B.A from Duke University. After beginning her career in public accounting, she worked in educational publishing for over 14 years including supporting Ed Tech group. In 2015, she switched to supporting small non-profits in accounting, tax, budgeting, payroll, and human resources matters. In her spare time, Phyllis enjoys practicing yoga, reading, traveling, and serving as a Library Board Trustee.
Olivia Sauls
Program Director
Olivia joined the PSF in August 2021 to assist in the planning of PyCon US and provide administrative support. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked in various roles throughout the nonprofit sector. When she’s not working, Olivia can be found attempting and failing DIY projects, hiking with her dog, or spending time with friends and family.
Joe Carey
Accounting Manager
Joe joined the PSF's accounting team in 2019 to support the accurate recording and reporting of the PSF's activities. He is a CPA who has been using Python to make accounting easier since 2016, and he holds a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington. In his spare time he builds things and dreams up plans for additional entrepreneurial pursuits.
Laura Graves
Senior Accountant
Laura joined the PSF in February 2019 to assist with processing grants and donations, tracking expenses, and other general accounting functions. She has her Master's of Accountancy from the University of Alabama, and has worked in various accounting roles across many industries. When she's not working, Laura can usually be found reading, scuba diving, or petting a nearby dog.
Chloe Gerhardson
Infrastructure Engineer
Chloe joined the PSF in May of 2022. She holds an A.S. in Computer Programming from Springfield Technical Community College, where she spent time working as tutor as well as a Supplemental Instructor. In addition to her technical work, Chloe is also a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher. After having completed her training in 2019, she’s spent time both paid and unpaid teaching yoga to her community. In her off time, Chloe enjoys falling down on her skateboard, playing fetch with her dog, traveling, and listening to live music.