New York, February 6, 2026 - The Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) welcomes Andria Aylyarov as its new Chief of Staff, reporting to Co-Founder and Chairman Stan Polovets. Now in its 13th year, the Foundation – best known for awarding the annual $1 million Genesis Prize and mobilizing tens of millions of dollars in global philanthropic giving – is strengthening its leadership team as it enters its next phase of growth.
In her role, Aylyarov will help drive the Foundation’s strategic priorities, including expanding the GPF brand among leading philanthropists and executives worldwide, positioning its digital channels as the definitive source for content on Jewish achievement, and advancing our cross-organizational initiatives such as American Friends of Isaac Accords (AFOIA).
“The Genesis Prize Foundation has awarded the ‘Jewish Nobel’ to outstanding laureates who have helped define how the world understands Jewish excellence and contribution,” said Stan Polovets, Co-Founder and Chairman. “As we continue to build on that legacy, Andria’s vision and proven leadership will help expand our reach to leaders and philanthropists who can amplify our impact.”
Aylyarov is an accomplished Jewish professional with leadership experience at premier Jewish organizations, including Masa Israel and, for the past eight years, the Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF). Most recently, as Vice President of Donor Experience, she oversaw BRIF’s 25th anniversary campaign, leading a national event strategy that engaged thousands of donors and alumni. She also worked closely with the executive team to help launch the Generations Campaign, a bold $650 million initiative aimed at bringing 200,000 new participants to Israel for a life-changing experience. Throughout her career, Aylyarov has demonstrated a strong track record in innovative marketing, high-impact event leadership, and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
“I attended a Genesis Prize Foundation event more than a decade ago while on Masa Israel,” said Aylyarov. “I felt fortunate to be among giants in the Jewish world – Shimon Peres z’’l and Natan Sharansky – two leaders I deeply admire. But it was 2015 Laureate Michael Douglas’ words on Jewish identity that resonated most. His personal journey affirmed something profound: that Judaism belongs fully to those who embrace it. That message continues to guide me, and I am honored to now support the work of The Genesis Prize Foundation in elevating the celebration of Jewish contribution and achievement.”
The Genesis Prize Foundation continues to build on the momentum of its past laureates, advancing its mission through work with 2026 honoree Gal Gadot, as well as the recently launched Isaac Accords initiative celebrating 2025 Laureate Argentina’s president Javier Milei.