Interview by Jonathan Kersting
What does designing airfields for the Wright Brothers have in common with AI-powered data centers and digital twins?
More than you think.
In this episode, Woolpert CEO Neil Churman shares how a 115-year-old engineering firm has evolved into a global leader in geospatial technology, AI, infrastructure design, and data center development — with its global AI innovation hub right here in Pittsburgh.
Neil walks through:
How Woolpert uses lidar and AI to prevent landslides and protect critical infrastructure
Why Pittsburgh is uniquely positioned to lead in the AI and data center economy
What it takes to scale a 3,100-person global firm across six continents
How culture, collaboration, and curiosity drive smart mergers and acquisitions
Why AI won’t replace engineers — but will make them better
You’ll also hear how Neil’s Western Pennsylvania roots — and a family legacy in the steel mills — shape his leadership philosophy today.
This conversation is about more than technology. It’s about building responsibly, growing globally, and positioning Pittsburgh alongside Silicon Valley, Boston, and Austin in the innovation conversation.
If you're interested in AI, infrastructure, data centers, engineering leadership, or the future of tech in Pittsburgh, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Plus, discover the correct way to pronounce "Latrobe"...
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