Behrakis First Recipient of Nicholas J. Bouras Award
The Order of Saint Andrew announced that Archon Depoutatos George D. Behrakis, Chairman Emeritus of Leadership 100, has been named the first recipient of the “Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship.” A special tribute dinner dance will be held on June 5, 2011 at the Metropolitan Club in New York.
Catsimatidis To Be Honored By PAL
The Police Athletic League (PAL) will honor John A. Catsimatidis as PAL’s 2011 Superstar at its 39th Annual Superstar Dinner Thursday, June 16, 2011, at The Pierre in New York City. Chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, Catsimatidis is a long-time member of the Board of Trustees of Leadership 100 and serves on its Executive Committee, as well as a member of the PAL Board of Directors since 1984.
Koumantzelis to be Honored by Alpha Omega
Arthur G. Koumantzelis, a member of Leadership 100, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alpha Omega Council on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. A native of Lowell, Massachusetts and prominent business leader, he is one of the original founders of Alpha Omega Council, which is dedicated to uniting Americans of Hellenic ancestry to promote and encourage American patriotism while cultivating the ideals of Hellenism. He is being honored for his “uncompromising integrity and true professionalism.”
Leadership 100 Supports National Clergy Retreat
The Leadership 100 Executive Committee unanimously agreed to underwrite the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council National Clergy Retreat in the amount of $45,000. According to Constantine G. Caras, Chairman of Leadership 100, this award is intended “to continue support of our clergy whose ministries are essential to our spiritual growth and that of our families, which has been an integral part of Leadership 100 grants since our founding.” The organization has provided more than $17 million in grants to various programs related to Greek Orthodox clergy over that period.
Leadership 100 Conference Marks Growth
Constantine G. Caras, Chairman, delivered the good news to more than 400 members and guests of Leadership 100 at its 20th Annual Conference at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, from February 24 to 27, 201l, that the organization had rebounded with growth in membership, contributions and the value of its portfolio, allowing an increase in grants.
AHI Foundation Names New President
The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) announced the selection of Dr. Spiro Spireas as its president, effective January 1, 2011. Dr. Spireas succeeds AHI Foundation President and AHI Founder Gene Rossides, who will remain on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Both are members of Leadership 100.
Missions Institute Established At Hellenic College/Holy Cross
The Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity was established last year at Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology with an initial endowed gift of one million dollars from EFOM (the Endowment Fund for Orthodox Missions) presented to the Reverend Nicholas Triantafilou, President of HC/HC, by EFOM’s Board President, Helen Nicozisis, a long-time member of Leadership 100.
Countdown to Gabby Awards Launched
The countdown to the 2011 Gabby Awards was officially launched in November of 2010 at a private event for donors and supporters of the Greek America Foundation, headlined by Fox Films Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, who is also one of the Honorary Co-chairs of the 2011 Gabby Awards, along with his wife Ann.
Helen Abadzi Active in Education
The University of Texas at Arlington featured one of their alumna, Helen Abadzi, who with her husband, Theodore Vakrinos, are members of Leadership 100, in an article in the UT Arlington Magazine some years ago noting that she holds five college degrees, including two doctorates, and speaks numerous languages, the article highlighted her achievements in exploring solutions to educational problems facing low-income countries.
Featured Speakers at 20th Annual Leadership 100 Conference
Ted Leonsis, one of the country’s premier business entrepreneurs, Peter Diamandis, the celebrated space pioneer, John McKesson Camp II, noted archaeologist, and Michael Psilakis, Executive Chef, are the featured speakers at the 20th Annual Leadership 100 Conference at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, February 24-27, 2011.
Leadership 100 Sunday Observed
Leadership 100 Sunday was observed in hundreds of Greek Orthodox parishes across the country on Sunday, October 17, 2010, its second national observance. Parish Priests read the Encyclical issued by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and members of Leadership 100 spoke of the National Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, for whose support Leadership 100 was founded in 1984.
Mary Jaharis Center Opens at Hellenic College/Holy Cross
The Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture was inaugurated October 3, 2010 on the campus of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios presided over the inaugural ceremonies for the new Center which began with a $3 million donation from The Jaharis Family Foundation two years ago. The Center will serve as a premier international research center for the promotion of Byzantine Art and Culture and will host a series of academic programs including seminars, conferences, visiting scholars, special events and art programs.
100-Year-Old Grandfather Honored With Leadership 100 Membership
Symeon Kefalidis of Alexandroupolis, Greece, who celebrated his 100th birthday this past October, and his wife of 75 years, Kerasia, received a special gift from their daughter-in-law and three of their grandchildren: a new and fulfilled membership in the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund!
George D. Behrakis Honored By Ahepa
George D. Behrakis, Chairman Emeritus of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, was presented with the 2010 Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) on November 20th at the Northeast Regional Biennial Banquet of the organization at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, Connecticut, outside of New Haven.
George Chryssis Named President of Benjamin Franklin Institute
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology has named George C. Chryssis, a long-time member of Leadership 100, as its next president effective January 1, 2011. "George Chryssis is ideally prepared to lead the school into the future," said Board of Trustees Chair, Anne Bailey Berman.
Nicholas J. Bouras Designated Life-Time Board Member
The Leadership 100 Board of Trustees voted unanimously at their meeting in New York September 10, 2010 to designate Nicholas J. Bouras, one of the first members to join, and a member of its Board of Trustees since 1997, “Honorary Life-Time Member of the Board of Trustees.” His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and Leadership 100 Chairman, Constantine G. Caras, along with Acting Executive Director Paulette Poulos traveled to the offices of Bouras Properties in Summit, New Jersey to bestow upon Bouras the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Excellence for his extraordinary service and philanthropy.
Archbishop Demetrios Presented with Check for Holy Cross Scholarships
Constantine G. Caras, Leadership 100 Chairman, presented His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios with a check for $500,000 for Holy Cross Scholarships at the Board of Trustees meeting September 10, 2010 in New York.
Manatos Family Celebrates 100th Anniversary
The Manatos family recently celebrated three important milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the arrival of their family in the United States. The celebration was covered by US News & World Report, Politico, The Hill, Roll Call and NBC Washington.
Rumpakis Supports Creation of Hellenic Studies Program
E. John Rumpakis, a member of Leadership 100 and prominent businessman, helped establish the Hellenic Studies Program at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. A long-standing supporter of the school, he donated $250,000 to initiate the program last July. The mission of the new program is to strengthen the relationship between the Portland region “and the people, culture and businesses of Greece and the Greek Diaspora” with classes in language, history, culture and current affairs and internships, study abroad opportunities, lectures and performances by visiting scholars, authors and artists.
Harry Wilson Joins Leadership 100
Harry Wilson, a prominent business analyst and investment advisor, who is the son and grandson of Greek immigrants, has joined Leadership 100. Born and raised in Johnstown, New York,and a graduate of both Harvard University and Harvard Business School, his career of assessing institutional investors and fund managers involved stints at Goldman Sachs, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and The Blackstone Group. He was the 2010 Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller.