Argyris Vassiliou receives Chairman’s Award and wife, Ann receives Shining Star, center, from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, right, newly elected Chairman Demetrios Logothetis, second from left, and Paulette Poulos, Executive Director, far left.

The 31st Annual Leadership 100 Conference concluded on February 13, 2022, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at St. Katherine Church in Naples, Florida. The Conference took place from February 10th to 13th at The Ritz-Carlton Naples.

Chairman Argyris Vassiliou stated that this was a most successful Conference, attended by 480 members and guests who responded enthusiastically to a program that initiated the celebration of the Centennial of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

In addition, the Executive Committee approved $4,484,900 in grants for 2022. Demetrios G. Logothetis of Chicago was elected Chairman by the Board of Trustees, succeeding Vassiliou. Also elected was James Pantelidis as Vice Chairman and reelected were Kassandra Romas and Maria Allwin as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America shared his vision for the Archdiocese and the Church in America and worldwide in a Lecture on Friday, February 11th and at the Grand Banquet on Saturday, February 12th.

The Conference speakers were Dr. Alexander Kitroeff, Professor, Department of History, Haverford College, who addressed the history of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; George Yancopoulos, MD, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron, who spoke of his inspiration as a Greek American in leading the pioneering research to combat Covid-19; Dr. Lisa Liberatore and Dr. Dimitri Kessaris, who spoke of their motivation as founders of two nonprofit organizations, Luv Michael and US Autism Homes, along with Mark Biondi, Program Director of both organizations; Theo Nicolakis, Director of Information Technologies at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, who spoke on the modernization of the Archdiocese Technology; and Rev. Fr. Gary Kyriacou, Director of Ionian Village, who shared plans for its transformation. Although His Grace Bishop Andonios was unable to attend, a video on the plans for the new St. Michael’s Home was shown.

In addition, the Rev. Protopresbyter Andreas Vithoulkas, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, spoke on his newly appointed position as the Proïstamenos (presiding priest) and Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.

The Grand Banquet included the presentation of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Excellence to Dr. Kitroeff, Dr. Yancopoulos and, in absentia, to Christos Kyratsous, PhD, Vice President of Research, Infectious Diseases and Viral Vector Technologies at Regeneron. The Leadership 100 Achievement Award was previously presented to Dr. Liberatore, Dr. Kessaris, Mark Biondi, Theo Nicolakis and Fr. Gary Kyriacou. Vassiliou was presented with a special Chairman’s Award by His Eminence and Logothetis. Mrs. Ann Vassiliou was presented with the Shining Star Award by the Archbishop and Paulette.

Other events included a Welcome Reception on Thursday, a Hellenic Glendi on Friday, and Golf and Tennis Tournaments and Awards, along with a Walk/Run event on Saturday. In addition, there were two networking and social gatherings for over 120 Leadership 100 Young Professionals.