Phil Friedman

Phil Friedman was born and raised in the former Soviet Union. After spending 12 years in numerous positions in the electronics industry, he immigrated to the U.S. and settled in New York City. In addition to his degrees in Electrical Engineering, Economics and Finance from his native country, Mr. Friedman also studied Information Systems in the U.S.

In 1984, Mr. Friedman founded Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), a diversified IT solutions and services company providing software, consulting, systems integration, training and help desk support. Today, with close to 8,000 professionals and a global presence spanning North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, CGS maintains a leadership position delivering end-to-end, award-winning solutions in 48 countries around the globe.

Under Mr. Friedman’s leadership, CGS has been recognized by Inc. Magazine, Deloitte & Touche and Crain’s New York Business, among others, as one of the fastest growing privately held technology companies in the U.S. Mr. Friedman has expanded CGS through organic growth as well as the successful integration of several acquisitions.

In 1996, Mr. Friedman was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, Inc., Inc. Magazine, Merrill Lynch and the City of New York. In 2007, he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Mr. Friedman’s contribution to the U.S. economy and society were twice recognized by the U.S. Congress.

In 2011, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Yeshiva University.

Mr. Friedman served as the President of the American Committee of Shaare Zedek Hospital. He also serves as a Trustee, member of the Executive Committee and Vice Chairman of Yeshiva University. In addition, he serves on the board of the Tom Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Tom Lantos Institute. Mr. Friedman serves on the Board of American Society of Yad Vashem, as a Governor of LSS, Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board. He is a Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association and serves as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce International Policy Committee.