Dr. John Grossomanides Re-elected Supreme President of AHEPA at 90th Convention

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The delegates of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage, and Philhellenes, re-elected Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides at its 90th Annual Supreme Convention in Las Vegas.

Dr. Grossomanides, a 28-year member, ran unopposed in elections that were held Thursday, July 26, 2012. Formal installation ceremonies were held Friday, July 27, 2012. "I am honored and humbled to be re-elected supreme president of AHEPA,” he said. "We continue to face many important challenges as the need for community service is more in demand than ever, both in the United States and abroad. Obviously, we will continue our commitment to provide the people of Greece with humanitarian aid through Apostoli Mission during this unprecedented economic crisis. The geopolitical importance of the Republic of Cyprus—a nation that remains divided after thirty-eight years—is rising as its assumes the rotating presidency of the EU and pursues hydrocarbon reserves within its sovereign borders and the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (in Constantinople, Turkey) persists.” He continued, "I look forward to working with our seasoned Supreme Lodge and our membership to overcome these challenges, address new ones that will emerge, and keep AHEPA on the steady path set forth by my predecessors in a spirit true to our mission.”

The 90th Annual Supreme Convention culminated with the Grand Banquet, which was held July 26, 2012—exactly 90 years since the date of AHEPA’s founding and close to 800 persons attended. Longtime Las Vegas TV News Anchor (for 22 years) Sue Manteris emceed the banquet program.

A video tribute to AHEPA’s community service work was also shown during the cocktail hour that highlighted natural disaster relief efforts, programs that honor and assist veterans, support of domestic violence shelters, and work with various charitable foundations and community service organizations such as The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

The audience was treated to a video montage of interview clips of the surviving AHEPA past supreme presidents who reflected on the topics ranging from what it means to be an Ahepan to memorable moments during their AHEPA career to how the organization can remain an important factor to the community in the future.

A final video presentation was made that offered greetings on the occasion of AHEPA’s 90th anniversary from members of Congress, including: U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and U.S. Reps. John Sarbanes, Niki Tsongas, Gus Bilirakis, Carolyn Maloney, and Shelley Berkley.

Dr. Grossomanides, who hails from Westerly, R.I., is a member of Rose of New England Chapter 110, in Norwich, Conn. He has served AHEPA in numerous leadership positions including two terms as supreme vice president and supreme secretary and all offices at the district and chapter levels. As supreme president, Dr. Grossomanides' responsibilities include being the chief executive officer, and principal spokesperson, of the entire AHEPA domain, which includes the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus.

The supreme president is a senior clinical pharmacist at Advanced Pharmacy Concepts, North Kingstown, R.I. He served as president of the Rhode Island Pharmacist Association from 1995 to 1996 and served two years as grand regent of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Dr. Grossomanides earned both his undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island. He is a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Norwich. He is the son of AHEPA Life Member John G. and Celia Grossomanides and he is newly-married to the former Anna-Helene Panagakos from Brooklyn, N.Y., who was elected Grand Vice President of the Daughters of Penelope at its convention proceedings.
The AHEPA Supreme Lodge is the international governing body of the organization. The 2012-13 Supreme Lodge is comprised of: Supreme Vice President Anthony Kouzounis, Houston; Canadian President George Vassilas, Montreal, Quebec; Supreme Secretary Phillip T. Frangos, East Lansing, Mich.; Supreme Treasurer Anthony Drakos, Ambridge, Pa; Supreme Counselor George Loucas, Brecksville, Ohio; and Supreme Athletic Director Ike Gulas, PSP, Birmingham, Ala. The eight Supreme Governors are: Region I: Dalton Respass, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Region II: Ed Guminski, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Region III: James Kokotas, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Region IV: John Tanionos, East Sandwich, Mass.; Region V: Socrates Kolitsos; Region VI: Nick Kavadas, Schererville, Ind.; Region VII: James Peros, Denver; and Region VIII: Chris Mellas, Yerba Linda, Calif. Re-elected to positions on the Board of Trustees were: John Galanis, Elm Grove, Wisc., and Constantine Calliontzis, Dedham, Mass. Christopher Gallas, Brooklyn, N.Y., was re-elected to a term on the Board of Auditors.

The organizations that comprise the AHEPA Family also held elections. Joanne Saltas, Salt Lake City, Utah, was elected Daughters of Penelope Grand President; Michael Michalopulos, Norman, Okla., Sons of Pericles Supreme President; and Angela Armstrong, Chandler, Ariz., Maids of Athena Grand President.

The Installation Ceremony of newly elected officers officially concluded the 90th AHEPA Supreme Convention, which began Sunday, July 22 and celebrated the organization's historic 90th anniversary. The 2013 Supreme Convention will convene in Orlando, Fla., at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination.

To learn more about the AHEPA their website is visit ahepa.org

©2012 NEOCORP MEDIA




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