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Paula Hurd Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 1, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth1962

Age63 Years (as of 2025)

BirthplaceUnited States of America

ProfessionBusinesswoman, Philanthropist, Event organiser

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusWidowed

SpouseMark Hurd (married 1990; passed away October 18, 2019)

FamilyDaughters: Kelly Hurd, Kathryn Hurd

Paula Hurd Biography

Paula Hurd is an American businesswoman, philanthropist and event organiser known for her long involvement with technology companies early in her career, a

Early life and background

Paula Hurd, born Paula Kalupa in 1962, is an American businesswoman who studied at the University of Texas at Austin and earned a BBA in marketing. She later maintained close ties with Baylor University, where she and her late husband became prominent supporters of athletics and campus projects. Her listed height is 1.68 m (5'6"), with moss-green eyes and dark brown hair.

Career

Hurd’s early professional life included a long tenure at NCR (National Cash Register) Corporation, where she began working in 1984 in roles that involved managing sales and alliances. She spent roughly 17 years at NCR before leaving the company in 2001. Afterward she transitioned into roles that combined consulting, event organisation and philanthropy.

From November 2011 until December 2021 she worked as a consultant for Club 127. Her LinkedIn profile describes her as an event organiser who plans medium- and large-scale events for personal, corporate and charitable occasions. In October 2019 she was identified as an MPH portfolio manager at Hurd Family Investments.

Philanthropy and Baylor University

Paula Hurd and her husband, Mark Hurd, were significant benefactors to Baylor University. The university named a tennis complex the Hurd Tennis Center in 2011 in recognition of their support; the facility went on to receive high rankings within college tennis circles. The couple co-chaired Baylor’s Give Light campaign in 2018, and Paula later gave a $7 million donation to that effort. She also contributed $7 million to the Baylor Basketball Pavilion and participated in the groundbreaking for the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center in February 2020.

In May 2020 she joined Baylor University’s Board of Regents. Her philanthropic work has focused on education, health and the arts, and she has funded and supported multiple charitable organisations. In March 2022 she partnered with Universal Tennis to launch the Universal Tennis Hurd Awards, a program that from 2023 planned annual grants for professional tennis players demonstrating sportsmanship and potential for success at the BNP Paribas Open.

Personal life

Paula R. Hurd was married to Mark Hurd, the former CEO of NCR and later CEO of Hewlett-Packard, in 1990. They met while both were working at NCR. Mark Hurd passed away on October 18, 2019; Paula is described as widowed. The couple had two daughters, Kelly Hurd and Kathryn Hurd.

Public profile

In public life Paula Hurd is known for her philanthropic leadership, event organising and support of collegiate athletics. Her name is frequently associated with Baylor University through donations, named facilities and board service. She has been publicly visible at tennis events and other sporting occasions tied to her philanthropic interests.

Relationships and public appearances

Reports indicate that Paula Hurd and Bill Gates began a relationship in 2021. Media coverage notes occasions when they attended tennis events and other public gatherings together, including appearances at the BNP Paribas Open, a WTA semi-final and high-profile tournaments such as the Laver Cup and the Australian Open. Observers have noted their shared interest in tennis and philanthropy.

Latest updates

In recent years Hurd remained active in philanthropy and athletics-related initiatives. Her work at Hurd Family Investments, continued engagement with Baylor University governance, and the launch of the Universal Tennis Hurd Awards are among the developments highlighted in her recent public profile.
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Recent Work

Consultant at Club 127

Consultant role from November 2011 to December 2021, providing event and organisational expertise.

2011–2021
MPH portfolio manager, Hurd Family Investments

Listed role at Hurd Family Investments as of October 2019.

2019
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Career Highlights

  1. Long tenure at NCR (1984–2001) managing sales and alliances
  2. Co-chaired Baylor University’s Give Light campaign and major donor to Baylor athletics and facilities
  3. Named to Baylor University’s Board of Regents in May 2020
  4. Launched the Universal Tennis Hurd Awards with Universal Tennis in 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Paula Hurd born?

1962

What is Paula Hurd known for?

Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Event organiser

What is Paula Hurd’s marital status?

Widowed

Who is Paula Hurd married to?

Mark Hurd (married 1990; passed away October 18, 2019)