Harley Lippman Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Age, Wife, Religion, Education, Career, Businesses, Family

Harley Lippman is a prominent American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and foreign policy expert, best known as the founder and CEO of Genesis10. Launched in 1999, Genesis10 has grown into one of the largest IT consulting and staffing firms in the United States. Before this, he founded and sold Triad Data Inc. Lippman is recognized in the business world for his leadership, with Genesis10 frequently appearing on lists of top workplaces and being noted for its high employee satisfaction and work-life balance. Notably, Lippman is neurodivergent and has integrated this perspective into his company’s culture, viewing neurodiversity as a “multiplier” for success and innovation.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Lippman is a significant figure in international diplomacy and humanitarian work. He has been appointed by multiple U.S. presidents—including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden—to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. In this capacity, he has spearheaded extensive efforts to locate and memorialize mass graves in Poland where Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. His dedication to this cause led to the award-winning PBS documentary Safeguarding Memory and earned him the “Guardian of National Memorial Sites” medal from the Polish government in 2023.
Lippman’s influence extends into Middle Eastern policy and global peace-building. In 2022, President Biden appointed him to the USAID Partnership for Peace Fund (MEPPA) advisory board, which focuses on building economic and social ties between Israelis and Palestinians. He is a frequent commentator on international affairs, appearing on major networks like CNBC, Fox News, and various international outlets in the Middle East and Asia. His philanthropic reach is also global; for over 20 years, he has personally funded an orphanage and educational centers in Cambodia, supporting dozens of children through their university education.
Early Life and Childhood: Overcoming Early Labels
Harley Lippman was born and raised on Long Island, New York. His childhood was marked by being a “quiet child” who often flew under the radar. In school, he faced significant challenges; his teachers often characterized him as inattentive and struggled to see his potential. In a defining moment of his youth, his high school guidance counselor actively discouraged him from even applying to college, believing he wasn’t “intelligent enough” for higher education.
These early labels, however, became the fuel for his lifelong mission to “prove people wrong.” Despite the lack of support from his academic mentors, Lippman’s innate curiosity and persistence led him to pursue a path that would eventually take him to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
Family Background and Religion
Harley Lippman comes from a Jewish background, a heritage that deeply informs his philanthropic work and foreign policy interests. His family life faced a tragic turning point when he was a young adult studying abroad. His father unexpectedly collapsed and died, leaving the family on the brink of financial ruin and burdened with a failing, debt-ridden business.
As the new patriarch of the family, Harley returned home and gave himself a “crash course” in business management. Through sheer determination, he stabilized his father’s company, paid off the debts, and eventually sold it for a profit, securing his family’s future and proving his business acumen for the first time.
Education: A Global Academic Journey
Lippman’s academic record is a stark contrast to his high school counselor’s predictions. He attended The State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook for his undergraduate degree. His passion for international relations then led him to Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where he was awarded a prestigious scholarship and graduated third in his class with a Master’s degree in International Affairs.
His education was truly global:
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Poland: He was the first American exchange student to study Political Science in Poland since World War II. During this time, he befriended Lech Walesa during the rise of the Solidarity movement.
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Harvard University: He received a scholarship to study at the Ukrainian Institute at Harvard.
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Manchester University: He also spent time studying in the UK before his father’s passing.
Career: The Rise of an IT Powerhouse
Harley Lippman’s career is defined by two major entrepreneurial ventures that solidified his status as a leader in the technology services industry.
The Success of Triad Data Inc.
In 1986, after gaining experience at an IT outplacement firm, Lippman founded Triad Data Inc. He grew the company into a highly successful IT consulting firm with an exceptional reputation for repeat business and high profit margins. In 1998, he sold Triad Data for 15 times its earnings—a massive achievement given the industry standard at the time.
The Founding of Genesis10
The transition from Triad Data was not without its hurdles. Lippman initially took his payout in stock, which crashed, leaving him to start over from scratch. In 1999, he reached out to 12 former colleagues; 10 of them agreed to join him, leading to the name Genesis10 (signifying a “new beginning” with 10 people).
Today, Genesis10 is:
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One of the largest privately held IT staffing and consulting firms in the U.S.
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Home to over 2,500 employees and consultants.
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A partner to Fortune 100 companies across finance, healthcare, and energy.
Certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE): In 2023, reflecting Lippman’s own journey as a neurodivergent leader.
Personal Life: Wife and Children
Harley Lippman is married to Marie Lippman, who is a clinical psychologist of French origin. Marie has been a primary partner in Harley’s humanitarian efforts, particularly their work in Southeast Asia.
Together, they have three children, including their daughter Nina Lippman. The couple has intentionally raised their children outside of the “Manhattan bubble,” involving them directly in their charitable missions in Cambodia and Poland to ensure they understand the value of service and global perspective.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work
Lippman’s philanthropic portfolio is vast and deeply personal. He often quotes the Jewish concept of Tzedakah, specifically the highest form: providing someone with the means to support themselves.
The Cambodia Project: “Children First”
For over 20 years, the Lippman family has been the sole financial supporters of an orphanage and the Children First Center near Phnom Penh. They have:
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Funded the education of dozens of children from primary school through university.
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Personally paid for the college tuition of over 30 students to date.
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Supported English-language centers in Siem Reap to improve local employability.
Holocaust Preservation: “Safeguarding Memory”
Since 2009, Lippman has funded and spearheaded efforts to locate and commemorate mass graves in Poland where Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. His work led to the award-winning PBS documentary Safeguarding Memory. In 2023, the Polish government awarded him the “Guardian of National Memorial Sites” medal.
Foreign Policy and Presidential Appointments
Harley Lippman is one of the few individuals to maintain a “good relationship with both sides of the aisle” in Washington D.C. His expertise in the Middle East and technology’s impact on geopolitics is highly sought after.
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Presidential Commission: He has been appointed and reappointed by Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden to the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad.
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USAID MEPPA: In 2022, President Biden appointed him to the advisory board for the Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA), the largest U.S. investment in Israeli-Palestinian peace-building.
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Global Diplomat: He frequently meets with world leaders, including Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Turkey, to discuss regional security and economic ties.
Harley Lippman Net Worth
While Harley Lippman has not publicly disclosed his exact net worth, financial experts and industry analysts estimate it to be in the multi-million dollar range. His wealth is primarily derived from his 100% ownership of Genesis10, which generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue, and the successful sale of Triad Data Inc. Unlike many tech CEOs, Lippman has kept Genesis10 private, allowing him to maintain full control and focus on long-term stability over quarterly stock earnings.
Conclusion
The Harley Lippman Biography is a story of a man who transformed personal setbacks into global triumphs. Whether he is navigating the complexities of IT staffing or uncovering lost history in the forests of Poland, Lippman operates with a unique blend of “bottom-line” efficiency and deep-seated empathy. His legacy is not just the thousands of jobs created through Genesis10, but the lives changed in Cambodia and the historical truths preserved for future generations.
FAQs about Harley Lippman
Who is Harley Lippman?
Harley Lippman is a prominent American entrepreneur, CEO of Genesis10, philanthropist, and foreign policy expert.
What is Harley Lippman’s age?
While his exact birth date is not widely publicized to protect privacy, he founded his first major company in 1986 and is currently in his late 60s or early 70s.
What is Harley Lippman’s religion?
Harley Lippman is Jewish and is deeply involved in Jewish heritage preservation and Middle Eastern policy.
Is Harley Lippman still the CEO of Genesis10?
Yes, he remains the active founder and CEO, still personally interviewing many new hires.
Was Harley Lippman appointed by President Biden?
Yes, President Biden appointed him to the USAID MEPPA advisory board in 2022.
Where did Harley Lippman go to college?
He holds a BA from SUNY Stony Brook and a Master’s from Columbia University.
Is Genesis10 a public company?
No, Genesis10 is a privately held firm, entirely owned by Harley Lippman.



