George Tsunis Receives Pheidippides Award for Contributions to Greek American Relations and U.S.-Greece Diplomacy
By Fotis Kaliampakos and Aphrodite Kotrotsios – Special to the Hellenic News of America
Former Ambassador of the United States to Greece, George Tsunis is presented with the prestigious Pheidippides Award by Cosmos FM Greek-American radio station in New York City.
George Tsunis, the distinguished Greek American and former U.S. Ambassador to Greece, was honored with the 30th Annual prestigious Pheidippides Award by Cosmos FM Greek-American radio station in New York on April 9, 2025. The award recognized Tsunis’s significant contributions to Greek American relations, philanthropy, and his impactful role in advancing the U.S.-Greece partnership. He is a distinguished member of Leadership 100.
Ambassador Tsunis is renowned for his rapid rise in both the business and political arenas. His tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Greece from 2022 to 2024 marked a period of strengthened ties between the two nations. Tsunis was widely admired in Greece, not just for his political efforts but for his commitment to Greek culture, business collaboration, and philanthropic initiatives within the Greek American community.
Tsunis’s diplomatic journey was shaped by his deep connection to Greece. He was instrumental in enhancing U.S.-Greece relations, focusing on key sectors like shipping, energy, tourism, and education. During his tenure, Tsunis was warmly embraced by the Greek public, with his efforts to support Greek American initiatives gaining widespread respect and admiration.
At the award ceremony, Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, spoke fondly of Tsunis, praising his unwavering dedication to humanitarian efforts and his role in the Holocaust Memorial project for Thessaloniki’s Jewish community. Bourla, a longtime friend of Tsunis, also highlighted Tsunis’s contributions to strengthening Greek American ties, particularly in promoting Greek heritage and cultural diplomacy between Greece and the United States.
Bourla remarked, “Greek heritage, Greek cultural traditions, and values are the greatest that any nation can claim. George’s work exemplifies these ideals, from supporting the Greek American business community to spearheading efforts to preserve our history.”
Ambassador Tsunis began his speech with a humorous reflection on how his parents, who emigrated from Platanos, a small village in Naupaktia, Greece, had instilled in him the values of hard work and community. He shared a touching story about his parents’ journey from a simple village with no running water to making a significant impact in the United States. He recalled how his mother never imagined that one day her son would be presented to the President of the Hellenic Republic.
He also shared how his diplomatic experience in Greece was a profound journey of self-reflection and reconnection with his Greek roots. It allowed him to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape his identity.
In conclusion, Ambassador Tsunis emphasized the importance of Greek American relations, stressing the opportunities for further collaboration between the two nations. He also defended the importance of supporting immigrants, highlighting the struggles of millions who seek a better life in the U.S., just as his parents did. “Immigrants come to America not to harm society, but to escape hardship and seek opportunities,” he said. He reflected on the importance of embracing Greek American values and the vital role of the community in shaping future generations. He expressed his gratitude to all who supported him throughout his tenure and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing Greek American unity and cooperation.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Greek Consul General Ifigenia Kanara, and key leaders from Leadership 100, AHEPA, PSEKA, and other organizations. The Senate Resolution honoring Tsunis for his diplomatic work was presented by Irini Stathatou, on behalf of New York State Senator Michael Gianaris.
