OUR FOUNDERS
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Our Story
North Georgia Autism Foundation, Inc. (NGAF) emerged from the heartfelt vision of Tripp and Cathy Ritchie on September 20, 2018. Established as a registered charity in the state of Georgia, NGAF found its humble abode on the Ritchie's serene farm along Ritchie Creek Road in Blue Ridge, GA.
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Recognizing its commitment to serving the community, NGAF garnered approval from the Internal Revenue Service as a public charity exempt from federal income tax under IRS Code Section 501(c)3 on December 21, 2018. This designation, retroactive to September 20, 2018, enables donors to claim deductions for contributions made to NGAF from this pivotal date onwards.
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The inaugural gathering of the Board of Directors convened on November 28, 2018. Comprising esteemed individuals dedicated to the cause, the Founding Board of Directors includes: Tripp Ritchie, Chairman; Cathy Ritchie, Treasurer; Gini Tipton (Vice Chairman, NGAF Art Gallery Director, Special Ed Teacher); Keith Ledford (Parent); Sarah Rice (Speech and Language Pathologist); Jessica Ramirez (Special Ed Teacher); Christine Hinman (School Psychologist); Dillon Miller, MD (Medical Director); Jocelyn Miller (Parent); Alicia Baugh (Parent, Teacher); Sandi Malecki (Pediatric Occupational Therapist); Amy Price (Parent); William Turner (Retired Educator); Frank Wood (Attorney); Byron Ahrens (Pastor).
meet our founders
Tripp Ritchie
Co-Founder, Chairman Emeritus
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 finally became the Director of the Autism Center, Navicent Health, Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, GA. A highlight of his community service experience occurred in 1995, when Tripp received the "Jefferson Award" from the American Institute for Public Service, at the United States Supreme Court. His military-community team’s work supported low income, minority citizens with intellectual disabilities. Tripp earned his BA in Psychology from Eastern Washington University and MS in Logistics Management from Florida Tech.
“Do well by doing good.”
Cathy Ritchie
Co-Founder, Treasurer Emeritus
Cathy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up primarily in Tidewater, Virginia. She 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. Then being a Marine’s wife led to many moves and many adventures. Cathy enjoyed her banking experience and is thankful to be a retired Vice-President from an outstanding bank, BB&T. Cathy really appreciates coming home to Blue Ridge with her husband Tripp surrounded by good people, a few dogs and cats and living on a small farm in the mountains.