Leadership

Tripp is a retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel.  He retired after 25 years of military service with multiple command and combat tours.  For his second career Tripp chose community service. He co-founded the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Inc. then added Director of Family Support Services, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, and then became the Director of the Autism Center, Navicent Health, Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, GA. Tripp and Cathy Ritchie Co-Founded the North GA Autism Foundation, Inc.

Cathy is a graduate of Radford University. Cathy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 1983 which led to a 32-year career in banking. Cathy enjoyed her banking experience and is thankful to be a retired Vice-President from an outstanding bank, BB&T. Cathy and Tripp Ritchie Co-Founded the North GA Autism Foundation, Inc.

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Magdalena, originally from Poland, began her career in Germany before continuing her professional journey in the United States. She has worked with several Fortune 500 companies, most recently with Delta Air Lines. Her international experience, combined with an MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology, has shaped her disciplined and highly organized approach to working effectively across diverse systems, teams, and environments.

As Treasurer, Magdalena oversees the Foundation’s financial records and reporting. She is committed to ensuring accuracy, clarity, and transparency, supporting the board’s ability to make informed decisions in alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

Pastor Larry Russell is a native of McCaysville, Georgia. He attended Young Harris College and graduated from West Georgia College with a degree in Business Administration. He later earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Pastor Russell brings a diverse professional background spanning both business and education. He taught Business Administration at Pickens Area Technical College and served as a cashier for Hamilton National Bank in Copperhill. He then pursued a successful 25-year career in the poultry industry, where he held key leadership roles including Director of Accounting, Poultry Plant Manager, and Comptroller.

Answering his call to ministry, Pastor Russell became a Methodist pastor and has faithfully served multiple congregations throughout North Georgia. For the past seven years, he has led his home church, McCaysville Methodist Church (Independent), in McCaysville, Georgia.

Pastor Russell has a deep passion for serving children and families. He is honored to partner with the North Georgia Children’s Relief Foundation and is committed to working alongside the church community to support and care for children in crisis across North Georgia.