Shaping Communities
for Nearly 40 Years

As Managing Partner and Executive Vice President of Tripp Umbach, Julie Chmiel brings more than two decades of national experience in economic impact analysis, strategic planning, and medical education consulting. She has led large-scale studies for major higher education systems including the University of Minnesota, University of Pittsburgh, Tufts University, and the University of Alabama System, helping institutions quantify their economic and social impact and guide multi-billion-dollar initiatives and policy decisions. Julie also plays a key leadership role in medical school development, advising clients through feasibility, accreditation, and business planning for new programs such as the Wake Forest University School of Medicine – Charlotte, Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine, UNLV School of Medicine, and the University of Northern Colorado College of Osteopathic Medicine, among others. Known for her analytical expertise and collaborative leadership, Julie is dedicated to turning data into actionable insights that drive growth, strengthen communities, and expand access to healthcare and education nationwide. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Statistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Counseling from Adams State University. Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and exploring new destinations—often cheering from the sidelines of her children’s sporting events or dance performances.

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

As Senior Principal at Tripp Umbach, Ha Pham brings a distinguished record of experience working with health systems, hospitals, healthcare institutions, and universities across the country. She provides strategic leadership on a wide portfolio of engagements, including community health needs assessments, strategic planning, Graduate Medical Education and workforce studies, and higher-education feasibility analyses. Ha is known for her ability to transform complex data, stakeholder perspectives, and environmental insights into clear, actionable strategies that strengthen organizational performance and expand access to care, education, and opportunity. With deep expertise in community engagement, research methodology, and multi-sector collaboration, Ha excels at connecting people, data, and ideas to drive measurable impact. Her thoughtful, solutions-focused approach ensures that every project advances institutional goals while elevating the voice of the communities served. In addition to her project leadership, Ha oversees Tripp Umbach’s marketing initiatives, guiding the firm’s communications, messaging, and brand visibility. Ha holds a degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where she built a strong foundation in program development, research, and stakeholder collaboration. Outside of her professional work, she can often be found outdoors from sunup to sundown, gardening, hiking, or exploring new trails, and finding calm in the simplicity of a well-organized space.

As Project Director at Tripp Umbach, Julia Muchow leads consulting projects across higher education, healthcare, and economic development industries—helping clients bring bold ideas to life through thoughtful research and strategic insight. Since joining the firm as an intern while attending the University of Missouri, Julia has grown into a trusted project lead known for her adaptability, initiative, and collaborative spirit. She has managed a wide range of engagements, from economic impact and feasibility studies to community health assessments and strategic plans for universities, health systems, professional sports programs, and other community organizations. Julia’s leadership also extends beyond client work; she oversees Tripp Umbach’s marketing initiatives, strengthening the firm’s brand presence and digital outreach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with minors in Business and Psychology, along with multiple certificates in Multicultural Studies, Sales, and Public Service Leadership. Outside of work, Julia is an avid traveler and sports enthusiast who’s happiest discovering new destinations, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, or spending time with her dog, Lambeau.

As a Market Research Analyst at Tripp Umbach, Matilda Kudaya combines technical precision with a passion for purpose-driven data. She conducts research and analysis across all areas of the firm’s work—including market assessments, economic impact studies, feasibility analyses, and strategic planning for clients in healthcare, higher education, and economic development. Among her notable projects serving as lead project manager, Matilda spearheaded two feasibility studies focused on improving healthcare access by expanding the availability of nurses in Nebraska and Georgia helping identify service gaps and support nursing workforce development in underserved communities. Before joining Tripp Umbach, she built a strong foundation in research and analytics through roles at Park University and Secure Pensions Trust Limited in Ghana, where she developed data systems, managed client portfolios, and supported strategic growth initiatives. She holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics from Park University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communication Studies from the University of Ghana. Known for her curiosity and collaborative approach, Matilda is dedicated to continuous learning and using data to drive meaningful change. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and friends, mentoring young professionals, and exploring new experiences.

Dr. David Jeck is a respected educational leader and strategist with more than 30 years of experience guiding schools and districts toward academic and organizational excellence. Before joining Tripp Umbach, he served as Superintendent of Fauquier County and Greene County Public Schools and as Director of Secondary Education for Falls Church City Schools, where he led initiatives that improved graduation rates, expanded early learning access, and strengthened advanced academic programs. His leadership has been recognized with honors including Region IV Superintendent of the Year and the Governor’s Award for Excellence and Innovation in Education. A former adjunct professor at George Washington University and James Madison University, Dr. Jeck continues to champion leadership development and equitable education for all students. He holds a PhD in Education from the University of Virginia, a Master of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Arts from Nyack College. At Tripp Umbach, he contributes his expertise to strategic planning and educational consulting initiatives nationwide.

As a Research Associate at Tripp Umbach, Mai Regoli brings exceptional organization and initiative to every project she supports. Known for her attention to detail and proactive approach, she plays a key role in coordinating project activities, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring deadlines are consistently met with efficiency and accuracy. Before joining Tripp Umbach, Mai managed a team of more than 50 employees, overseeing training, scheduling, safety and sanitation compliance, and performance management to enhance productivity and operational excellence. Her background in operations, leadership, and process management strengthens her ability to anticipate project needs, solve problems quickly, and foster collaboration across teams. Mai is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Hospital Administration and Hospitality Management and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. This diverse academic foundation enhances her strengths in communication, client service, organizational systems, and stakeholder engagement. Dedicated and adaptable, Mai is driven by a commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for helping deliver high-quality results that advance client goals and organizational success.

Stone Cole is a skilled graphic designer known for creating visually compelling, strategically driven design solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, he develops creative assets that elevate brands and communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. His expertise spans report design, advertising, marketing, web design, social media, print, and video production, supported by advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and web design languages such as HTML and CSS. Whether designing sleek digital layouts, crafting memorable logos, or producing dynamic marketing materials, Stone approaches every project with creativity, precision, and purpose. His process is deeply collaborative—grounded in research, thoughtful conceptualization, and an understanding of client goals—to ensure each final product resonates and performs.