Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Manhasset, New York, which is on Long Island.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My family members were the main influences in my life. I was blessed to grow up with two loving grandmothers who came to the United States from Greece as well as wonderful parents and an older sister. Each one of them played a unique role in making me the person I am today.
How did you get into your present work?
When I was a child, I saw first hand the impact that one person can have on the life of another. My father is a physician and his unyielding service to others was an enormous influence on me. I originally thought that I would follow in his footsteps and be a physician, however, when I was an undergraduate, I had the privilege of interning for then United States Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland. The Senator showed me that you can better people’s lives through professions other than medicine. Thus, it was with the inspiration of my father’s work and the example of Senator Sarbanes that I decided to go to law school and pursue a career as an attorney; hoping to help people by being their advocate and defending their rights.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why L100?
Growing up in a Greek-American household I learned that so much of our cultural identity is tied to the Church. I served as an altar boy and attended Greek School. Fellowship within the community and being active in Church affairs were, and continue to be, very important to me. L100's dedication to Orthodoxy as demonstrated through its support of the Archdiocese and the clergy played a prominent role in my decision to join the organization. In addition, I was intrigued by the opportunity to promote our culture by working with the best, brightest and most successful members of the Greek-American community.
How would you evaluate your so far experience in the organization?
My experience to date has exceeded any expectation that I had before I joined. Every member, from the founders and existing members, to Paulette Poulos and the L100 staff, have been extremely welcoming. In the short time that I have been a member, I have already made friendships which will last a lifetime. It is inspiring to witness first hand the difference that our commitment to Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America makes for our community.
As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the future of Leadership 100?
I believe that our organization has a bright future. One of the things I can do to ensure that L100 continues to thrive is to be active in membership recruitment and disseminating information to people so that they know the kind of work L100 does. For example, the contributions of L100 extend beyond financial, and include time and talent. Once people have a full understanding of our goals, I believe that our organization will continue to grow and be successful.
How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in other activities of your life?
L100 has enriched my life in many ways. Personally, the fellowship with the members, meeting people from all across the country and developing and strengthening friendships that will last a lifetime have made this experience. Professionally, being able to meet and speak with so many successful members of the Greek-American community has been invaluable for me as I continue my professional development.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Honesty and integrity are the qualities I value most in others.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
That is a very difficult question to answer. I have been blessed in all facets of my life. One of my greatest achievements was being selected to serve as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece. The State Department chooses a small number of interns from an extremely competitive field to represent the United States abroad. To serve in this role and in Greece no less, was an amazing opportunity. Observing the interaction between the U.S. and Greek governments was unique. I participated in the strengthening of ties and exchange of ideas between our two great nations, which helped me develop into the person I am today.
On a personal note, the experience afforded me the opportunity to live in Greece, develop a closer relationship with my relatives there (and I have a lot of them) and cultivate a love for our “patritha” that pervades my life to this day. The extended time I spent in Greece strengthened my love of my Greek heritage and is an important reason why I am a member of L100.
Who are your heroes in real life?
That is an easy question. My heroes are my grandparents and my parents. I never met my grandfathers but the sacrifices they made in coming to this country are something that I do not know if I will ever comprehend. My grandmothers inspired me throughout my life and showed me unconditional love. My mother is an absolutely remarkable woman. She always provided me and my sister with a loving home and made sure that we had everything that we could ever need. And my father, by far, the nicest human being I know, for setting an example that integrity, ethics and compassion are the foundations of professional and personal success.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend my time outside of work enjoying the company of my family and friends. I am blessed to have wonderful parents, a loving sister and brother-in-law and a loving grandmother close to me. I treasure the time I spend with yiayia. She is a source of strength and continues to enlighten me. I am also a new uncle. The joys of having my little nephew in my family are indescribable. In addition, I have the greatest group of friends anyone can ask for. They are loving and dedicated and I consider them an extension of my family.
In the community, I am committed to serving my home Church, the Archangel Michael in Roslyn, New York. I am active in raising funds for our new church complex, an undertaking which is critical to our Church's future. I also continue to serve the Johns Hopkins University as a member of the Alumni Council.
What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis?
These are dire times for many people both here and abroad. I have no doubt that this economy will turn around and we will emerge stronger and more productive than ever. It is a truly difficult time for all Americans but we are resilient and I know that we will recover.
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
Personally, I hope that my friends and family all are in good health and that I can continue to enjoy their company. By that time, I hope to have started a family of my own and to be able, with my loving wife, to pass on the traditions and love that I experienced growing up to my children. Professionally, I want to continue to serve the interests of others and hope to serve my community through a career in public service, playing an active role in government.
What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is a balance of personal and professional success. It is being surrounded by those you love. Having a strong family, grounded in the teachings of our Church and balancing that life with a challenging and dynamic career is my idea of happiness.
