Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born, raised and am a lifetime resident of the Washington, DC suburb of Bethesda, Maryland.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My family and my faith. I owe all that I have achieved and my profound happiness to the constant, rock-solid support and guidance they provide.
How did you get into your present work?
I was heavily influenced by my grandfather and father. My papou was the first Greek-American to work in the White House, as Senate Liaison to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. My father was the highest-ranking Greek-American in the Carter Administration. Both spent decades leading the fight in Washington, DC, for Orthodox and Hellenic issues with U.S. policymakers. It’s in my blood and I was immersed in it growing up. So like any good Greek boy (especially the oldest of 4 sons), after my last exam in college, I went into the family business and I’ve been there ever since. But instead of working the cash register in the family diner, I’m working the halls of Congress for the family lobbying firm. I’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with my father for 20 years now. We are proud to contribute our time and that of our firm’s, on a daily basis, to promoting Orthodoxy and Hellenism with U.S. policymakers.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why L100?
Leadership 100 provides a unique opportunity to support some of the most meaningful and effective efforts to strengthen our church in the United States. It also uniquely offers the chance to meet and develop personal relationships with many of the most successful Greek-Americans from across the country. By doing these things, one can more fully celebrate and embrace what it means to be a proud Greek Orthodox Christian in America.
How would you evaluate so far your experience in the organization?
Beyond my already high expectations. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly in recent years as the rolls have exploded with members in their 30’s and 40’s.
As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the future of Leadership 100?
I am very excited about the future of Leadership 100, particularly because of the recent influx of members in their 30’s and 40’s. It not only breathes new life into an already very vibrant organization, but it is also engaging a whole generation of Greek-Americans who are, as I like to say, “off the radar.” Most of the first 500 members of Leadership 100 were primarily those participating in the traditional Greek-American organizations. This younger swath of Greek-, who have joined in recent years, however, are successful Americans proud of their Greek Orthodox faith and their Greek heritage, but many are not members of the traditional Greek-American organizations. Leadership 100 is uniquely attracting these Greek-Americans in their 30’s and 40’s and, in doing so, doing a very valuable service to the survival of our faith and our heritage in the US.
How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in other activities of your life?
It has brought into my life great new friends, business contacts and role models.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Humility, faith, always putting family first, pursuit of excellence.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
There are a number of things I’ve worked very hard for in my life – from getting into and graduating from Princeton University, to raising $380,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation over the last 12 years and granting the wishes of 55 children, to completing an Ironman 70.3 Triathlon last year (a 6 hour race). However, I would consider my greatest achievement the happiness of my family. While I know this is something that I cannot completely control and that it changes with every day, there is nothing I work harder for or value more.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My father and mother. My father is the ultimate role model, teacher, business partner and, most importantly, father. My mother is truly the most kind and loving person and devoted mother that I know. They both spend 99.9% of their time thinking of what they can do to improve the lives of their family members and they do it without ever asking for anything in return.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Every spare second with my girls – my wife and two little girls – and the rest of my family. I also train for triathlons, having completed over 30. Another passion is my involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic – as a wish granter, fundraiser, race director and a board member.
What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis?
During these challenging times where everyone is sacrificing in some way – either by choice or circumstance – I turn to the words of the Holy Apostle Paul. Facing Roman persecution he said, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us...” (Romans 5:3-5)
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
As profoundly happy as I am today, but with 20 more years experience that would allow me and my family to even more fully experience a life rich in family, faith, charity and excellence.
What is your idea of happiness?
It is very simple, yet affects me deeply: seeing a bright smile on the face of a loved one. Few things bring me greater joy.
