Meet Ee Durbin

Welcome to our “People from PSF” interview series! In this series, we introduce the individuals behind the Python Software Foundation, exploring their unique journeys, contributions, and insights. Today, we are excited to feature Ee Durbin, the PSF’s Director of Infrastructure.

Let’s get to know Ee better!

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

I’ve been working with PSF for the past seven years as staff and for about six or seven years before that as a volunteer on the infrastructure team. I come from a background of systems administration, but over my career, I’ve built a stronger focus and development of tools and software to run infrastructure.
I studied physics and math at Case Western Reserve University, and my hobbies include things like bicycles and tools that make art.

Can you describe your role within the Python Software Foundation and the key responsibilities that come with it?

As director of infrastructure, my main responsibility is ensuring the time and availability of the volunteer led software projects that compose the Python Foundation and the community services we provide to the Python community worldwide.

What motivated you to get involved with the Python Software Foundation, and how has your journey been since you joined?

Initially, what I found the challenges of trying to support PyPI, python.org, and us.pycon.org as a volunteer really interesting. Since then, I’ve become much more involved with the community, including chairing PyCon US 2018 and 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio, and joining the PSF as a staff member.
Serving this community every day has meant so much to me and is provided a lot of opportunities to learn to connect to grow without the thumb of capitalism on my head, at least so directly.

Can you share a memorable project or initiative you’ve worked on at the PSF that had a significant impact on the community?

Infrastructure is tricky because most people don’t realize the impact it has as long as it’s working. But one of my most memorable weekends while I was still a volunteer was recovering mail.python.org with Mark Sapiro and learning the history and location of the folks in the community who had taken the initiative to take backups.

What advice would you give to individuals looking to contribute to the Python community or get involved with the PSF?

Get involved and talk to people doing things that interest you, listen and watch for opportunities rather than assuming a need.

Motivated people working on actual needs is the core of what an open source foundation needs to be doing, even if it’s not so visible.

📌 Connect with Ee:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewdurbin/

Thanks for doing the interview, Ee!