THE VILLAGES, FL, May 01, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Darren Ritch has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Ritch has established a distinguished career spanning 37 years in the technology and cybersecurity sectors, marked by progressive leadership roles and a commitment to service. Since early 2025, he has served as Director of Cybersecurity for The Villages, one of the world's largest retirement communities. In this capacity, Mr. Ritch leads all cybersecurity operations, leading a team of security analysts and senior engineers responsible for risk management, cyber awareness, compliance, vulnerability management, cyber resilience programs, incident response, data security and artificial intelligence governance. He provides executive leadership and oversees the Security Operations Center, ensuring the protection of residents and Villages infrastructure.

Concurrently, Mr. Ritch is also volunteer Chief Information Security Officer for Transitions Life Center in Ocala, a role he has held since 2021. He provides strategic oversight of technology and cybersecurity initiatives at the nonprofit organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mr. Ritch is also an accomplished certified Public Speaker, having spoken at leadership, business, and technology conferences over the last 15 years and given over 1,000 presentations throughout his career.

Before these positions, Mr. Ritch, after over 21 years of service, retired as Principal - Cybersecurity in the Chief Security Office at AT&T where he served from 2021 to 2024. During his tenure at AT&T, he was recognized for his ability to build and lead new teams and organizations. From 2019 to 2021, he was Associate Director of Cybersecurity at AT&T, where he managed a national team of Cybersecurity Technical Specialists who provided a consultative approach to helping AT&T's global business customers reduce overall cyber risk to their businesses. His earlier experience at AT&T includes technical sales and engineering leadership roles from 2003 to 2019, where he developed expertise in engineering client-facing secure solutions.

Mr. Ritch began his professional journey in technology with the Marion County School Board, Management Information Services Department, in 1989. Starting from entry-level positions, he steadily advanced through the ranks by demonstrating perseverance, patience and a passion for personal development.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ritch has been actively involved in industry organizations such as CISO ExecNet, ISACA, ISC2 Central Florida Chapter, ISC2 and InfraGard. His dedication to professional growth is further reflected in his numerous active certifications: CISSP (certified information systems security professional from ISC2); AC| CISO (associate certified chief information security officer from EC-Council); Certified Security Awareness and Culture Professional from H Layer Credentialing; Securing Artificial Intelligence: Cybersecurity Strategy from ISC2; Mindvalley Certified Business Coach; Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming from The American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming; Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Master Certification from the Professional Development Academy and InfraGard; Maxwell DISC Certified Consultant; Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker; eCertificate Leadership Program in Management and Supervisory Studies from Cornell University.

Mr. Ritch's influence extends beyond his professional achievements into significant civic engagement. He helped establish Transitions Life Center in Ocala in 2012, following recognition of a lack of opportunities for individuals with special needs within the community after they age out of the school system. Motivated by family ties, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law co-founded the organization, and he joined as a volunteer before becoming a Director on the Board. Serving as Board President for 9 years, Mr. Ritch has overseen remarkable growth: from an initial $1,000 investment to owning 22 acres of property with an 11,000-square-foot community center, outdoor fitness facilities, playgrounds designed for individuals with special needs, and a sportsplex with quad basketball courts and greenhouses. The organization now serves approximately 70 individuals per week, with a staff of 15.

His leadership at Transitions Life Center includes serving as Chief Information Security Officer, conducting executive committee meetings after hours, overseeing board meetings and providing bi-weekly coaching to the executive director. He volunteers hundreds of hours annually out of personal commitment to his nephews, who benefit from the center's services.

Mr. Ritch's outreach also includes mentoring students through university cybersecurity lectures while serving as vice president of AT&T Cybersecurity@Work employee network, where he developed cybersecurity curriculum and led training programs across 21 states and 5 countries. He is a member of several civic-minded organizations, including InfraGard Orlando IMA since 2018. He has held roles such as chief governance and compliance officer at Transitions Life Center from 2012 to 2016.

His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards: TLC Leadership Award from Transitions Life Center; multiple AT&T Make a Difference Awards; several AT&T Connection Awards; President's Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States of America across six years; membership in the AT&T Diamond Club for top leaders; and participation in fundraising events for prostate cancer research following his own diagnosis in 2008.

A cancer survivor who ran both the New York City Marathon and Disney Marathon in 2011 to raise awareness for prostate cancer research—ultimately raising $15,000—Mr. Ritch has completed more than 40 endurance events dedicated to advocacy.

Born in Ocala, Mr. Ritch credits his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Peggy, since their marriage in 1991, his son Tyler, his faith, and his commitment to continuous personal growth. He is a servant leader who is inspired by gratitude for the opportunities he has received and by witnessing others' success through mentorship.

Outside his professional life, Mr. Ritch enjoys mentoring young people interested in information technology careers—especially cybersecurity—coaching emerging professionals, saltwater fishing, beach outings, traveling with family and camping. He is also an active football season ticket holder for the University of Florida Gators with the University of Florida Gator Boosters since 1990.

Looking ahead, Mr. Ritch remains dedicated to advancing Transitions Life Center's mission by working toward building a respite home for families caring for loved ones with intellectual disabilities. Professionally, he is dedicated to continual development of a world-class Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at The Villages while supporting young people seeking opportunities in cybersecurity, helping them advance into meaningful careers in this vital field.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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