Paul Supowitz is the Director of the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy. In this role, he oversees a variety of programming honoring the late Dick Thornburgh's legacy of good governance and dedication to the rule of law. The Forum also provides annual awards recognizing outstanding contributions in student achievement, faculty excellence, and disability advocacy across Pitt's main and regional campuses.
During his 27-year career at Pitt, Supowitz served in several leadership and high-level roles. He began his career at Pitt in 1997 as associate general counsel before joining the Office of Community and Governmental Relations in 2002 as associate vice chancellor for commonwealth and city and county relations. In 2006, he was named vice chancellor for community and governmental relations. Over the next 15 years, in his role as vice chancellor for community and government relations, Supowitz led the University’s interactions with all levels of government—federal, state and local, as well as its community relations and engagement. Supowitz then served as a special assistant in the Office of the Chancellor, and as interim secretary of board of trustees.
Supowitz earned his J.D. from Pitt’s School of Law and practiced environmental law and litigation for eight years before joining Pitt’s legal department.
Supowitz is the immediate past chair of the Oakland Task Force; a board member at Allegheny Regional Asset District, Local Government Academy and 3 Rivers Wet Weather; a former board member at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and Oakland Business Improvement District; and an emeritus board member at Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh.