GEORGE BEHRAKIS ELECTED L100 CHAIRMAN, STEPHEN YEONAS ELECTED VICE CHAIRMAN

Key Biscayne, Florida - The Board of Trustees of Leadership 100, meeting at its 15th Annual Conference, elected George D. Behrakis of Lowell, MA as their new chairman, filling the vacancy left by John A. Payiavlas of Warren, OH, who stepped down after serving two years. Stephen G. Yeonas of McLean, VA, was elected vice chairman, filling the vacancy left by Behrakis who had served in that capacity for two years. Constantine Caras of Greenville, DE was elected treasurer and Mark Stavropoulos of Bloomfield Hills, MI secretary.

Behrakis, a graduate of Northeastern University, who had also studied at Boston University, is a recognized leader in the pharmaceutical field who began his career at McNeil Laboratories (Division of Johnson & Johnson) and later founded Dooner Laboratories which, during this time, developed and manufactured the leading asthma drug in the United States. In 1978, he purchased Muro Pharmaceutical, Inc., which he sold in 1997. He retired as President/CEO in June of 1998. A recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to business, science and the arts and his support of the Greek Orthodox Church, he has served on the boards of Northeastern University, Tufts Medical School, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He and his wife, Margo, have established chairs and scholarships at various universities and medical facilities. He is a member of the Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee and is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Stephen G. Yeonas, a graduate of the American University, the Catholic University of America – Columbus School of Law – and a member of the Virginia Bar Association, has been a leader in Washington D.C. area real estate for five decades. He founded and served as President of the Yeonas Company, the largest builder of new homes in the Washington metropolitan area. He is a member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He and his wife, Thelma, reside in McLean, Va.

A record of more than 400 people attended the conference in Key Biscayne, Florida. John Catsimatidis led a Business Forum in which talked about entrepreneurial skills and the various businesses he has been engaged in, as well as the importance of values, faith and family. Barbara Spyridon Pope, who held high positions in the administrations of Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, led a Workshop for Women.

The day ended with an orientation for new members and a welcome reception hosted by Andrew and Dr. William Athens, the host co-chairmen of the conference