As President and Founding Partner of Tripp Umbach, Paul Umbach has spent nearly four decades transforming ideas into action for communities across the country and around the world.

An economic geographer by training, Paul’s career began in urban planning and economic development before co-founding Tripp Umbach in 1990. Since then, he has guided the firm from its first projects in Pittsburgh to thousands of consulting engagements, generating more than $100 billion in impact. Today, he continues to shape the firm’s vision and legacy, ensuring its values and innovative spirit endure for generations to come under Julie Chmiel’s leadership.

Among his proudest achievements is a 15-year partnership with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, helping bring to life a new medical school dedicated to training doctors of color to serve under-resourced communities. The pioneer of economic design thinking, Paul holds a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design through its prestigious APMD program in planning, design, and economic development. Outside the office, his energy is boundless—whether sprinting, playing cello, or saying yes to new adventures.