LEADERSHIP 100 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO GO TO GREECE’S MINISTER OF TOURISM
Dimitris Avramopoulos
New York, NY -- The Leadership 100 Award for Excellence will be presented to Dimitris L. Avramopoulos, Greece’s Minister of Tourism and former Mayor of Athens at the 15th Annual Leadership 100 Conference, February 9-12, at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in Key Biscayne, Florida, according to John Payiavlas, L100 Chairman.
Dimitris L. Avramopoulos was born in Athens in 1953. He studied State Law and Political Science at the University of Athens and pursued post-graduate studies. He joined the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Academy in 1980 and, subsequently, Greece’s diplomatic corps, serving in a variety of diplomatic posts in Greece and throughout Europe, ending his diplomatic service as Director of Constantine Mitsotakis’ diplomatic office in 1993. He was elected Mayor of Athens in 1994, supported by the New Democracy party, repeating his victory in 1998. He left the mayor’s office in 2002. In the 2004 Greek legislative election, he was elected MP in Athens under the flag of New Democracy leader and Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis, who selected him for the office of Minister of Tourism.
One of the most popular political figures in Greece, Avramopoulos is widely respected and known for his sober yet innovative approach to problems, his ability to build coalitions and his internationalism.
Alex Rodriguez
The Leadership 100 Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding Greek Orthodox and Greek American leaders who have excelled in their vocation and who are committed to the advancement of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in their professions and in their lives. The Award is a commemorative honor that acknowledges the recipients’ achievement and gift of leadership.
The Leadership 100 Conference will feature the New York Yankee third baseman and power hitter, Alex Rodriguez, who will lead a Workshop on Sports and an “All Star” roster of speakers, led by famed author Nicholas Gage and his daughter, Eleni, who will jointly lead the Forum on Hellenism. John Catsimatidis, long-time Leadership 100 member and entrepreneur, will conduct the Business Forum, and Barbara Spyridon Pope, former high-ranking U.S. government official and businesswoman who served three U.S. Presidents, will lead a Workshop on Women.
Since his debut in Major League Baseball, Rodriguez has received many awards, shattered MLB records, and become one of the premier baseball players in the league. In addition to winning the 2005 American League MVP, he also won the award in 2003. He is a nine-time All-Star, with seven Silver Slugger and two Gold Glove awards. He is one of only three players in the 40/40 Club -- 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. He has hit over 400 homeruns in his career, reaching the 300th and 400th milestones faster than any other player in the history of Major League Baseball. 2005 was a banner year for Rodriguez. In addition to winning the MVP title, he won the AL home run title, and ranked among the Top 5 in every other batting category.
Leadership 100, formally named The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund in recognition of the late Archbishop Iakovos’ vision, is a separately incorporated endowment fund supporting the priority needs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, but broadly dedicated to advancing the Orthodox faith and Hellenic ideals in America, disbursing grants ranging from scholarship funds for individuals studying for the priesthood, building an information infrastructure and Internet ministries for the Archdiocese, promoting Home Mission and providing assistance to emergencies such as September 11, earthquakes and medical needs.
With the initial goal of 100 members in 1984, it soon surpassed that and grew progressively to 300, 500, and, today, 700 members. The membership includes a broad spectrum of Greek Orthodox leaders in business and the professions, men and women of all ages from every field.
