People from PSF: Meet Christopher Neugebauer

Welcome to our “People from PSF” interview series! This series introduces the individuals behind the Python Software Foundation, exploring their unique journeys, community contributions, and insights. Today, we are excited to feature Christopher Neugebauer, Vice Chair of the PSF Board of Directors and Senior Tech Lead at Maribel Health.

Let’s get to know Chris better!

Can you tell us a little about yourself? (Your background, hobbies, education, etc.)

I’ve been a Python programmer for almost 20 years, starting in high school and continuing through my degree at the University of Tasmania—even though Python wasn’t taught there. These days, I live in Petaluma, California, with my husband Joshua and our two cats, Pico and Astra. I enjoy cooking, traveling, and supporting fellow community organizers.

How did you first get involved with the Python community?

My journey with the Python community started in 2008 as a tutor at the University of Sydney’s National Computer Science School, a week-long intensive camp for high school students. There, I met Anthony Baxter, who was Python’s release manager at the time. That experience showed me how welcoming and impactful the Python community is, leading me to get involved with Python Australia later that year—and I’ve been engaged ever since!

What personal or professional projects are you currently focused on?

I currently run North Bay Python, a boutique one-track conference held in a barn near the Petaluma River. It’s a unique event that helps me stay connected with my local Python community.

Professionally, I work as a Senior Tech Lead at Maribel Health, where we develop a software platform for home-based healthcare delivery. My focus is on backend engineering (Django) and infrastructure. When I get the chance, I also contribute to the Pants Build system, though I’ve been less active in recent months.

What PSF activities are you involved in, and which working groups are you contributing to?

I serve on multiple PSF working groups and committees, including:

Grants Work Group – Reviewing grants for conferences and workshops worldwide
Executive Committee & Membership Committee – Supporting governance and community growth
PyCon US Committee – Helping shape one of the largest Python events
Additionally, North Bay Python is fiscally sponsored by the PSF, so my work there also contributes to the foundation’s mission.

What advice would you give someone considering running for the PSF Board of Directors?

1️⃣ Start by serving the community in other ways. There are limited board seats, but many opportunities to contribute through PSF working groups, PyLadies, or local meetups. A strong record of community service helps raise your profile.

2️⃣ Think about what unique skills you bring to the PSF. The foundation is constrained by staff size and funding, so we often need board members who can maximize impact with limited resources.

3️⃣ Board service is slow-moving but rewarding. It requires patience and the ability to build consensus. The big changes take time, but when they happen, they can be incredibly satisfying. If you enjoy strategic decision-making and guiding long-term initiatives, this role may be for you.

If you’re unsure how to get started, I highly recommend joining the PSF’s Office Hours to learn more about ongoing initiatives, working groups, and ways to get involved. There are many opportunities to contribute beyond running for the board!

📌 Connect with Christopher:
🔗 GitHub: github.com/chrisjrn
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisjrn/