Alexis Christoforous of Market Watch emceed the event and Bishop Andonios of Phassiane offered the benediction. It was a splendid evening that brought together notable members of our community to celebrate another year of HANAC’s public service and to honor the new generation of Greek Americans who are carrying the torch to new heights in the person of a young lawyer who started as a member and rose all the way up to the AHEPA’s supreme presidency. By receiving the award, Karacostas joined a coveted group of remarkable people such as the late Archbishop Iakovos, John Sununu, George Paraskevaides, and the honoree’s uncle Philip Christopher and aunt Fannie Petallides-Holiday, who attended the evening and did a moving introduction.

“This evening we are here to celebrate and congratulate HANAC’s 2010 ‘Man of the Year’, Nicholas Karacostas, a brilliant attorney and the Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA, for his outstanding leadership, his achievements and unwavering commitment to give back to his community,” Evangeline Douris, the organization’s Chairman of the Board stated in her remarks. She went ahead to thank all the participants and all people that make possible HANAC’s mission.

The organization was founded in 1972 to serve the needs of vulnerable populations throughout New York City. Its mission is to develop and administer the operation of essential social services including youth, senior and immigrant services, employment and education programs, counseling and affordable housing, for the betterment of the community. HANAC presently sponsors over 40 programs located in 17 sites throughout the four boroughs. With an affiliate, Home Services Systems, Inc., we serve over 30,000 clients annually and employ a staff of 2750.

Nicholas A. Karacostas, is senior vice president of Arch Insurance Group, New York City. Prior to this position, Nick was serving as Vice President of Litigation Management and Vendor Services since October 2002 when he joined Arch. Before that, he worked at Zurich North America in various capacities from May 1996 – October 2002. His positions included Director of Claims Marketing and Customer Service, Director of Staff Counsel Customer Service, and Senior Trial Counsel. Before joining Zurich, Nick served four years as Trial Attorney for General Accident Insurance, Co., and two years as Special Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York.

He holds a J.D. degree from the City University of New York Law School and a B.A. degree from New York University. He is currently in his second term as the Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA, the largest and oldest association of American citizens of Greek heritage and countless Philhellenes. Nick has also served the Order as Supreme Vice-President and on its Board of Directors and he played soccer with the Pancyprian Association of America, Inc. He is a member of the Board of HANAC, Inc., and Chairman of its subsidiary, Home Services Systems.

Nick resides in Bayside, N.Y. with his wife Anna and daughters Georgia and Andreana.