Our Firm – Executives
WILLARD L. UMPHREY, JD, CFA
Chairman and co-founder of the Pear Tree Funds
Director of Pear Tree Advisors, Inc
Chairman of U.S. Boston Capital Corporation
Mr. Umphrey is the President, Trustee and co-founder of the Pear Tree Funds, Director of Pear Tree Advisors, Inc., Principal of US Boston Growth Capital, and Director of U.S. Boston Capital Corporation. Mr. Umphrey founded the affiliated group’s predecessor in 1969 and has over fifty years of experience in the finance and investment management business.
Mr. Umphrey’s role is to provide overall management and direction for the affiliated group.
Mr. Umphrey obtained his JD from Harvard Law School, an LLM in taxation from Boston University School of Law, a Masters in Personnel Administration from George Washington University, and a BS with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He has held the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation since 1992. Mr. Umphrey holds his Series 7, 27, 63, 65 and 24 securities licenses.
Prior to founding U.S. Boston, Mr. Umphrey served in the United States Navy as a nuclear submarine officer.
Mr. Umphrey enjoys solving problems for businesses. He has been an active member of Vistage Group 140 – a leadership organization of chief executives – for over thirty years. Mr. Umphrey served for several years on the board of Selfcare, Inc, a public company, Atlantic Bank and Trust Company, as well as various private companies.
When not working on business matters, Mr. Umphrey takes on personal challenges of all sorts. He has run multiple marathons, sailed at a regional competitive level, and tackled many of the world’s challenging mountains as a skier and snowboarder. His uncooperative knees have forced him to take up biking, cross country skiing, and golf. Mr. Umphrey enjoys adventure travel and has spent significant time with his family in Australia. He spends much of his free time with his wife, Anne, and his two daughters, one son and one grandson.
LEON OKUROWSKI, MBA
Vice President of Pear Tree Advisors
Co-founder and Vice-President of the Pear Tree Funds
Mr. Okurowski is the Vice President of Pear Tree Advisors and the co-founder and Vice-President of the Pear Tree Funds. He is also Vice President and Treasurer of various U.S. Boston entities. Mr. Okurowski has over forty years of experience in the finance and investment management business. He has extensive experience in structuring and raising capital, as well as the management and sale of ventures dealing with both the public and private sectors.
Mr. Okurowski provides direction and management control for US Boston and its affiliated entities. Mr. Okurowski also retains a wealth management practice with existing clients and their families.
Mr. Okurowski obtained his MBA from the Whittemore School of Business at the University of New Hampshire, his MS in taxation from Bentley College, and a BS from the United States Naval Academy. Mr. Okurowski holds his Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses and is a MA licensed insurance agent. He has served on the boards of several high-tech companies, and he was a co-founder and served on the board of Atlantic Bank and Trust Company, a public company.
Prior to joining U.S. Boston, Mr. Okurowski served in the United States Navy as a nuclear submarine officer. Over the years he has been active in sports and outdoor activities, and has been involved with various veteran, educational, medical, and conservation charities.
