Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce Hosts 73rd Annual Person of the Year Gala Honoring Dr. John Coustas

President Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper warmly welcomed everyone and acknowledged the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, Consul General of Greece in New York Ifigenia Kanara, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Kyriakos Pogiatzis, and Mayor Dean Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale as well as the Presidents of all the Greek organizations that were present.

She also thanked all the members of the Board of Directors of HACC by name and John Catsimatidis member of the advisory Board who was present at the event.

Special thanks were extended to the Executive director Alexandra Mitsakis for her dedication and meticulous efforts in bringing the evening to life.

Honoring Dr. John Coustas

Dr. Coustas was introduced by his dear friend Alexandra Palli Giannakopoulou and his business associate Simon Rose. Dr. Coustas was recognized for his visionary leadership in the maritime industry, his commitment to innovation, and his notable achievements that continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Special Performance by Anna Vissi

Internationally acclaimed singer Anna Vissi traveled from Greece to perform share in the celebration and honor her friends Dr. John Coustas and his wife, Mrs. Dimitra Coustas and gave a spectacular live two and a half hour performance.

Strengthening a 78-Year Legacy

Founded 78 years ago, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce continues its mission to advance economic, educational, and cultural ties between Greece and the United States. For the past 32 years, HACC has hosted its renowned HACC–NACC Shipping Conference, honoring its maritime roots.

Leadership Acknowledgements

The President acknowledged all members of the Executive Board, Advisory Board, Board of Directors, sponsors, and guests for their commitment to the Chamber’s work.

Executive Board (2025–2026):

Chairman: Nick Katsanos, Esq.

President: Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper

Executive Vice President: Peter T. Bazos, Esq.

Vice President: Humera Ahmed, Esq.

Treasurer: Antony Contomichalos

Secretary: Daniel A. Tadros

Executive Director: Alexandra Spyrou-Mitsakis

Advisory Board – Co-Chairs:

Clay Maitland, Esq.

Nancy Papaioannou

Advisory Board members also include John Catsimatidis, Angeliki Frangou, Peter C. Georgiopoulos, William Rudin, John C. Stratakis, Nikolas P. Tsakos, among others.

Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors includes Hercules Argyriou, Olga Bornozi, Sophia H. Brown, Greg Chase, George T. Constantin, Brian P. Devine, Demetrios Diakolios, Kleon Diamantopoulos, Markos L. Drakotos, Esq., Maria Kalamidas, Marina Hadjipateras, Todd Johnson, Esq., Giorgos Korres, James A. Mercadante, Alexander T. Maimis, Fred Gordon, John Papaspanos, Esq., Chris Papavasiliou, George R. Pierot, Michael Psyllos, Leonidas Tzonis, Matthew Thomas, George N. Zapantis, Esq., and Alexander Constantin.

During her remarks, President Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper extended her special thanks to Olga Bornozi for her wholehearted engagement for the success of the gala.

Acknowledging the Master of Ceremonies

The President also warmly acknowledged John C. Stratakis, who served as Master of Ceremonies, past President, and member of the Advisory Board, for skillfully guiding the evening’s program and keeping the proceedings running smoothly.

Community Partners Present

The President further acknowledged leaders from: the Cyprian Federation of America, the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic American Bankers Association (HABA), the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, the Chian Federation, and the Hellenic Teachers Federation. She also acknowledged presidents and officials from American banks and members of the Greek-American media for their ongoing support.

A Celebration of Excellence and Unity

“The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce 73^rd Person of the Year Gala reflects our community’s enduring spirit, shared values, and commitment to progress,” said President Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper. “Honoring Dr. Coustas is a celebration of the achievements of Hellenes and Philhellenes across the United States and Greece.”

About the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1946, the HACC promotes economic and cultural ties between Greece and the United States through major conferences and educational webinars on trade and investment opportunities and promoting growth and collaboration across industries. Major annual events are the “Person of the Year” Gala and the HACC–NACC Shipping Conference.  The Chamber is looking to enhance the HACC Innovators Network, Presence and Impact through multiple events of their own.