Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) has named Marina Yudborovsky, 39, as CEO. Marina has served as a longtime executive at GPG, drawing on her deep expertise in Russian-Jewish culture and communal work, which will guide her leadership of the organization as it enters its next chapter. Her appointment as chief executive officer comes after the tragic and unexpected death of GPG CEO Ilia Salita on June 29th.

Marina initially joined GPG in 2009 and served in a number of positions, the latest being Director of Strategy and Operations, responsible for the vision and implementation of a global portfolio of grants, as well as overseeing GPG’s operations around the world.

Born in Ukraine, in the former Soviet Union, Marina immigrated to the United States in 1989. After graduating summa cum laude from New York University, she worked for several years as a project management consultant for both nonprofit and commercial organizations. A trip to Israel in 2004 inspired her to rekindle her childhood involvement in Jewish causes, leading ultimately to her decision to join GPG, whose mission was so close to her heart.

“I thank the Board for the trust put in me to maintain and develop our global network of partnership and cooperation, and, together with GPG’s excellent team, to further advance the mission and vision of Genesis Philanthropy Group.” Marina told eJP. “After years of serving alongside Ilia, I am humbled by the opportunity to continue in his footsteps. As head of GPG, I will seek to build on his legacy, while creating new and innovative pathways to Jewish communal life at a time when this work couldn’t be more critical.”