Tribute to Paul Ritchie

This page is being created as a tribute to our former Executive Director, Paul Ritchie.

As per announcement on OWASP Leaders, OWASP Community, and OWASP Board mailing lists the morning of May 3, 2016:

OWASP Community

May 3, 2016

Dear Friends,

It is with great sorrow that I must write to report the sad news of the death of our Executive Director, Paul Ritchie, after a short illness.

Paul first joined OWASP in August of 2014 and became the full time Executive Director in May 2015. He has helped the organization to grow globally and has made an enormous difference in our community. He will be greatly missed. He brought order and professionalism. He raised our own high expectations and delivered on the things he set out to do. He made all of us that worked closely with him better and more effective. He helped to set long term strategic goals and managed OWASP’s fiduciary responsibilities with ease.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we will miss Paul for his leadership and friendly wry knowing smile as the board worked to make difficult choices. I doubt I can express my own sinking feeling of grief at the news, which came suddenly and too early.

Paul’s family asked that we direct those in the community that would like to show support or make a donation to do so in Paul Ritchie’s name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at https://www.themmrf.org.

Sincerely,

Matt Konda

On behalf of the OWASP Global Board

Paul meant a great deal to us as a leader and friend. Below, please share your sentiments, memories, and family condolences regarding Paul and at some point, we will make this link available to Paul's family as a lasting tribute. May you rest in peace!

-kevin w. wall