Hellenic Foundation Elects Executive Officers and Hosts Annual Foundation Meeting with Metropolis Philoptochos Board

May 24, 2025 – Chicago, IL

The Hellenic Foundation proudly hosted its Annual Foundation Meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Hellenic Foundation offices. The evening began with the scheduled Board of Directors Meeting, that included the election of Hellenic Foundation’s Executive Committee.  The Board Meeting was immediately followed by the formal Annual Foundation Meeting, which welcomed special guests from the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board.

Election of the New Executive Committee

The Board of Directors elected officers to Hellenic Foundation’s Executive Committee for the upcoming term. The following officers were re-elected to their current positions, reaffirming the Board’s confidence in their continued leadership:

• Demetrios P. Soukoulis, President

• Hon. Louis G. Apostol, Vice President

• Bill J. Vranas, Treasurer

• Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos, Assistant Treasurer

• Dorian L. Bezanis, Secretary

Two new officers were also elected to the Executive Committee:

• William P. Vranas, past president, was elected as Grant Chairman, a newly created position on the Executive Board. While the Grant Chair role previously existed as part of the general board, its elevation to the executive level underscores the importance of the Hellenic Foundation’s Grant Program. William will continue his leadership in this area, having previously co-chaired the Grant Committee alongside Nicholas Geroulis. The Hellenic Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to Nicholas Geroulis for his dedicated service, leadership, and long-standing commitment to advancing the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts.

• Joanne Stavrakas was elected Assistant Secretary, becoming the first female Executive Board Member in the Hellenic Foundation’s history—underscoring her dedication and commitment to the organization. Her election was especially meaningful, given her extensive service with both the National Philoptochos and Metropolis Philoptochos Society, and the presence of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board at the meeting.

Annual Foundation Meeting

Following the elections, the Hellenic Foundation welcomed members of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board for the Annual Foundation Meeting. The program began with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos. President Demetrios P. Soukoulis offered opening remarks, expressing gratitude to all those in attendance and highlighting the value of collaboration. Executive Director Peter E. Valessares followed with a presentation outlining the Hellenic Foundation’s Grant Program efforts, new 2025 Initiatives, and community impact throughout the past year. Treasurer Bill J. Vranas then presented a financial report, reaffirming the Hellenic Foundation’s ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship and transparency.

Pictured: James Gatziolis, Michael Chioros, Anna Duros, Dr. Gregory Amarantos, Kathy Walstrom, Pat Gerbanas, Kathy Katrakis, Wanita Loupakos, Dena Pavlopoulos, Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos, Dorian Bezanis, William P. Vranas, Front Row: Bill J. Vranas, Katherine Stamatis, Demetrios P. Soukoulis, Peter E. Valessares, Joanne Stavrakas

The evening concluded with fellowship and refreshments, providing attendees an opportunity to celebrate and continue building momentum toward a meaningful and growing partnership between the two organizations.

For more information on the Hellenic Foundation, please visit www.hellenicfoundation.org.