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
Deputy Executive Director
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 Digital & Ed Tech groups up to Senior Director. 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 and is the lead planner for the Python Software Foundation's annual flagship event, PyCon US. 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 skiing, hiking with her dog, or spending time with friends and family.
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.
Seth Larson
Python Security Developer in Residence
Seth joined the PSF in June 2023 as the Security Developer in Residence. He works on broadly improving the security posture of the Python ecosystem across many projects including CPython and PyPI.
Outside of work, Seth enjoys playing games of all varieties, tending to his garden, and eating at new restaurants in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mike Fiedler
PyPI Safety and Security Engineer
With over thirty years of software and systems experience, Mike is a seasoned professional who has accumulated extensive knowledge and expertise in the field. He has actively engaged with the Python community, contributing to open source projects and sharing his insights. His leadership roles at companies like Datadog, Warby Parker, and others have enabled him to mentor and guide others in the tech industry. Recognized as an AWS Container Hero and an avid open source maintainer, Mike's dedication to learning, problem-solving reflects his holistic approach to technology. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mike's personal life is just as vibrant. He has been a dedicated volunteer roller derby referee for the past 15 years, and he enjoys experimenting with various vegetarian dishes in the kitchen. Mike currently resides in New York City with his partner, Elyssa.
Marie Nordin
Community Communications Manager
Marie joined the PSF in October 2023 as Community Communications Manager to strengthen our communications, as well as enhance our support of Python community initiatives. She has a background in community architecture, program management, Code of Conduct, and graphic design. Marie's Open Source journey began as an Outreachy intern in 2013 for the Fedora Project, where she has continued to contribute and serve in various roles. She is also a founder of the Creative Freedom Summit, an annual event dedicated to sharing knowledge around creative free software, raising awareness, and connecting artists and designers. Outside of work, Marie enjoys making art, solving the hardest jigsaw puzzles she can find, and playing board and video games.
Jacob Coffee
Infrastructure Engineer
Jacob joined the PSF in July 2024 as an Infrastructure Engineer. With a passion for the Python community and open source in general, he brings valuable experience from his involvement in the greater Python ecosystem. He's also a maintainer in the Litestar organization, contributing to several popular packages. When not immersed in code, Jacob enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with his two daughters and various pets. Jacob is excited to turn his hobby into a career, supporting the Python community through his role at the PSF.
Maria Ashna
PyPI Support Specialist
Maria has recently worked at the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC working on research related to the impact of music and arts education on the brain and the neuroscience of creativity. Maria is also the founder of The Magic Light Bulb, Inc., a tech and product consulting firm. Previously, Maria has taught and worked as a lecturer in the School of Gerontology at USC, worked at The MIND Research Network, and had various roles in tech, from technical project specialists to product management. Maria is also a classically trained performer who has performed in numerous theater and film productions around the world. She received her first Master's degree in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University, and her second Master's in Neuroimaging and Informatics from USC. Maria studied neuroscience and theatre as an undergraduate at the University of New Mexico. Maria has also trained in theatre and performing arts with the Moscow Art Theatre School and American Rep Theatre faculty at Harvard University. She is always hunting for the best sweet potato fries in the land!
Jaime Barrera
Community Events Coordinator
Jaime joined the PSF in January 2025 as the Community Events Coordinator to assist in the planning and support of PyCon US. His relationship with the PSF started over 10 years ago as a vendor at PyCon US providing onsite support with registration and lead retrieval. He has an extensive background in trade shows and conferences from small to large scale across a broad range of industries. His past 3 years as an onsite organizer at PyCon US led him to join the PyCon US team full-time. When he’s not working, he spends his time with his two sons, collecting sneakers and looking for the world’s best taco.