FRIDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. John Mark Reynolds
serves as President of The Saint Constantine School and as a member of the Board of Directors of Orthodox Christian School Association (OCSA). Dr. Reynolds is a faculty member of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and a Fellow of the Center For Science and Culture at The Discovery Institute. He was former Provost of the Houston Christian University and Founder and Director of Torrey Honors College, the Socratic-centered honors program at Biola University. Dr. Reynolds has authored several titles: When Athens Met Jerusalem: An Introduction to Classical and Christian Thought, and serves as Editor of The Great Books Reader. He is a frequent blogger and lecturer on a range of topics that include philosophy, classical and home education, public service and faith.
Dr. Reynolds received his Ph.D in Philosophy from the University of Rochester. His current projects and research focus on cultural apologetics, philosophy, history, philosophy of education, and classical education.
Dr. Reynolds received his Ph.D in Philosophy from the University of Rochester. His current projects and research focus on cultural apologetics, philosophy, history, philosophy of education, and classical education.
FRIDAY NHS TALKS
DR. ZOE RAGOUZEOS
serves as the President of The Mary Christie Foundation, a national thought leadership organization dedicated to behavioral health wellbeing of teenagers and young adults. She helps guide its educational programming, outreach initiatives, and research agenda.
Dr. Ragouzeos is also the Executive Director of Counseling and Wellness Services at New York University (NYU), launched NYU’s Wellness Exchange catering to the needs of NYU students, and established the NYU Counseling and Wellness Service office and Center for Sexual Misconduct Support Services. She is considered a pioneer for her work at NYU and a national spokesperson for mental health and wellness efforts on campus and nationwide. Dr. Ragouzeos serves on the Mary Christie Foundation Board of Directors and is involved with a host of other groups. She received her PhD in Philosophy and Social Work from NYU.
Dr. Ragouzeos is also the Executive Director of Counseling and Wellness Services at New York University (NYU), launched NYU’s Wellness Exchange catering to the needs of NYU students, and established the NYU Counseling and Wellness Service office and Center for Sexual Misconduct Support Services. She is considered a pioneer for her work at NYU and a national spokesperson for mental health and wellness efforts on campus and nationwide. Dr. Ragouzeos serves on the Mary Christie Foundation Board of Directors and is involved with a host of other groups. She received her PhD in Philosophy and Social Work from NYU.
ELIAS SPIRTOUNIAS
serves as Executive Director of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). During his leadership the AHCC has expanded its presence and impact in the U.S. as a catalyst that brings business leaders and their respective projects towards successful fruition. AHCC’s prominence and standing in Europe is exceptional. In Europe, Elias brings his skills to the American Chamber in Europe where he serves on the prestigious body's Executive Committee.
Elias previously worked for a large private sector non-profit, Foundation for the Hellenic World, and Director of their Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center, which is a technology-based theme park in Athens.
Elias previously worked for a large private sector non-profit, Foundation for the Hellenic World, and Director of their Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center, which is a technology-based theme park in Athens.
NIKOLAOS BAKATSELOS
serves as President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and is a founding Board member of the Council on Competitiveness in Greece. He serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pyramis Metallourgia AE and Pyramis Deutschland GmbH. He has held executive leadership positions in Northern Greece Publishing S.A., Imperium AEEX, Egnatia Bank Securities S.A. and Attica Bank.
Nikolaos is also a Trustee of Anatolia College, and on the Boards of several civic, educational and professional organizations. His vision, leadership and experience has greatly contributed to Greece’s rebound from austerity to prosperity.
Nikolaos is a graduate of the University of Reading and received his MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School.
Nikolaos is also a Trustee of Anatolia College, and on the Boards of several civic, educational and professional organizations. His vision, leadership and experience has greatly contributed to Greece’s rebound from austerity to prosperity.
Nikolaos is a graduate of the University of Reading and received his MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School.
Dr. Katherine Kaye
is a Consultant and Advisor to New York City’s Bureau of Equitable Health Services analyzing several programs ranging from New York City’s nursing home population and better ways to handle systemic challenges to promoting health aging. She served as the Medical Director of New York City’s Medicaid Managed Care Department, Associate Commissioner of Medical and Professional Education and Training, and as an Epidemiologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University.
Dr. Kaye is the publisher of Sailing with the Wind of Freedom which is a story inspired by one of Dr. Kaye’s heroines: Laskarina Bouboulis, referred to as Bouboulina. Laskirina Bouboulis was born in Constantinople to an affluent family, and developed a love of sailing that was supported by her stepfather’s progressive views of women being able to achieve what they set out to do. Bouboulis used her inherited wealth as a widow to build and sail three vessels as a Greek naval commander and heroine in the Greek War for Independence in 1821. Bouboulis is considered to be the first woman to attain the rank of Admiral.
Dr. Kaye received her BA from Princeton and MD and Masters in Public Health from Columbia University. She has participated and authored a long list of medical journals, books and reports and played an important role in New York City’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Kaye is the publisher of Sailing with the Wind of Freedom which is a story inspired by one of Dr. Kaye’s heroines: Laskarina Bouboulis, referred to as Bouboulina. Laskirina Bouboulis was born in Constantinople to an affluent family, and developed a love of sailing that was supported by her stepfather’s progressive views of women being able to achieve what they set out to do. Bouboulis used her inherited wealth as a widow to build and sail three vessels as a Greek naval commander and heroine in the Greek War for Independence in 1821. Bouboulis is considered to be the first woman to attain the rank of Admiral.
Dr. Kaye received her BA from Princeton and MD and Masters in Public Health from Columbia University. She has participated and authored a long list of medical journals, books and reports and played an important role in New York City’s emergency response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FRIDAY BuSINESS PANEL
DORETTA MISTRAS
oversees the Health Investment Banking Division of Citigroup’s coverage of the Healthcare Technology and Outsourcing Practice. Prior to joining Citigroup, she was one of the youngest Managing Directors at Goldman Sachs in the Healthcare Group focusing on Mergers and Acquisitions, and advised on $200+ billion of mergers and acquisitions for Healthcare clientele, including several Fortune 100 companies.
Doretta is a mentor to young professionals, especially in the Greek American community, and serves on Citigroup’s Professional Women’s Network. She serves on the National Hellenic Society Board, The Hellenic Initiative New Leader team and PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation.
Doretta earned a dual degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in Economics, and BA in Spanish and International Studies from Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences. Doretta’s family have been important supporters of the NHS’s mission, vision and efforts to preserve, celebrate and pass on Hellenic heritage to the next generation.
Doretta is a mentor to young professionals, especially in the Greek American community, and serves on Citigroup’s Professional Women’s Network. She serves on the National Hellenic Society Board, The Hellenic Initiative New Leader team and PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation.
Doretta earned a dual degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in Economics, and BA in Spanish and International Studies from Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences. Doretta’s family have been important supporters of the NHS’s mission, vision and efforts to preserve, celebrate and pass on Hellenic heritage to the next generation.
Chrysanthy Demos
is the Founder and President of WellCent, Inc., the first startup company to emerge from the UC Davis Health CoLab Innovation Technology Incubator. WellCent has developed a platform that allows patients and caregivers to use validated medical devices from the comfort of the patient’s home in a seamless, easy to use, and understandable manner.
Previously, Chrysa served as President and CEO of AKT Investments Inc., a real estate development company that has developed 60,000+ homes, 30 million square feet of office space, and commercial space and oversight of 20,000+ acres of farmland throughout Northern California. Now, she serves on the California Volunteers Commission, UC Davis Foundation Board, Sacramento Zoo Board, Friends of St. Nicholas, and Leadership 100.
Chrysa is a graduate of the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and received her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Previously, Chrysa served as President and CEO of AKT Investments Inc., a real estate development company that has developed 60,000+ homes, 30 million square feet of office space, and commercial space and oversight of 20,000+ acres of farmland throughout Northern California. Now, she serves on the California Volunteers Commission, UC Davis Foundation Board, Sacramento Zoo Board, Friends of St. Nicholas, and Leadership 100.
Chrysa is a graduate of the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and received her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
is President and CEO of ECOS®, and leads the strategy and production of environmentally friendly cleaning products, including the ECOS®, Baby ECOS®, ECOS® Pets, and ECOS® Pro product lines. She has been internationally recognized for her highly effective leadership and influential voice in the green and sustainable movement, and implementing corporate social responsibility starting with her own company and emulated by scores of manufacturers and businesses.
Kelly oversees four sustainable manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and a global sales team. Under her leadership, ECOS® became the first company to achieve the “trifecta” of sustainable manufacturing: carbon neutrality, water neutrality, and the TRUE Zero Waste Platinum certification.
As a woman of African American and Greek heritage, Vlahakis- Hanks promotes a corporate culture of diversity and empowerment, with women representing more than 50% of her C-Suite and top executives. She has been featured on network television programs and a host of newspapers and magazines and the recipient of dozens of awards for her leadership. Her commitment to principles and values have been passed down from her ancient Greek forebears. Kelly is a graduate of UCLA and Chapman University’s Argyros School of Business and Economics.
Kelly oversees four sustainable manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and a global sales team. Under her leadership, ECOS® became the first company to achieve the “trifecta” of sustainable manufacturing: carbon neutrality, water neutrality, and the TRUE Zero Waste Platinum certification.
As a woman of African American and Greek heritage, Vlahakis- Hanks promotes a corporate culture of diversity and empowerment, with women representing more than 50% of her C-Suite and top executives. She has been featured on network television programs and a host of newspapers and magazines and the recipient of dozens of awards for her leadership. Her commitment to principles and values have been passed down from her ancient Greek forebears. Kelly is a graduate of UCLA and Chapman University’s Argyros School of Business and Economics.
ALEXIS PHYLACTOPOULOS
served as President of College Year in Athens (CYA) for over three decades. He was recently appointed to serve as CYA’s Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees. As the Executive Chair, Dr. Phylactopoulos will serve as the public face of CYA: representing the institution in Greece and abroad as he has done successfully as CYA’s legendary President.
Dr. Phylactopoulos served as Director of Press and Information of the Greek Embassy in Washington D.C. and Mexico City. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Athens College, and is a member of the Greek Archaeological Society, Hellenic Canadian Chamber Board of Directors, and Board member of the European Association of Study Abroad. He is President Emeritus of the Princeton Club of Greece and on numerous educational and business Boards. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Athens, and postgraduate degrees from Princeton University and University of Cambridge.
Dr. Phylactopoulos served as Director of Press and Information of the Greek Embassy in Washington D.C. and Mexico City. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Athens College, and is a member of the Greek Archaeological Society, Hellenic Canadian Chamber Board of Directors, and Board member of the European Association of Study Abroad. He is President Emeritus of the Princeton Club of Greece and on numerous educational and business Boards. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Athens, and postgraduate degrees from Princeton University and University of Cambridge.
Peter Chrysanthakes
serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Anatolia/ American College of Thessaloniki and on the President’s cabinet. He oversees both Institutions’ branding, marketing and development teams and respective efforts. He is an Adjunct Professor of finance and entrepreneurship in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Peter has held several positions in finance as an analyst in the real estate capital markets sector, middle market private equity and hedge funds. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and holds an MBA from Penn State and Marketing BS degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Peter has held several positions in finance as an analyst in the real estate capital markets sector, middle market private equity and hedge funds. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and holds an MBA from Penn State and Marketing BS degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Friday Lunch Keynote Speaker
DR. CHRYSOSTOMOS LOIZOS (MAX) NIKIAS
serves as the Malcom R. Currie Technology Chair at the University of Southern California (USC) and is a USC Life Trustee. Dr. Nikias work began at USC as a Professor and later Founder of the Integrated Media Systems Center. He served as Dean of USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, Provost, and then President of USC.
Dr. Nikias' accomplishments at USC led to the establishment of low-income student enrollment pathways, an expansion of USC’s campuses, and ranking of USC within the top 3% echelon of universities nationwide.
Dr. Nikias is currently President of the Advisory Board for the Council of International Relations/Greece, and on the Board of Visions-Inc., a non-profit promoting multiculturalism, and is an expert of cybersecurity. Dr. Nikias is internationally recognized for his research on digital signal processing, digital media systems, and biomedicine. The Department of Defense has adopted a number of his innovations and patents in sonar, radar, and communication systems. He is a prolific author with 275+ journal articles, conference papers, three textbooks, eight patents, and is credited with mentoring 30+ Ph.D. and postdoctoral scholars.
Dr. Nikias' accomplishments at USC led to the establishment of low-income student enrollment pathways, an expansion of USC’s campuses, and ranking of USC within the top 3% echelon of universities nationwide.
Dr. Nikias is currently President of the Advisory Board for the Council of International Relations/Greece, and on the Board of Visions-Inc., a non-profit promoting multiculturalism, and is an expert of cybersecurity. Dr. Nikias is internationally recognized for his research on digital signal processing, digital media systems, and biomedicine. The Department of Defense has adopted a number of his innovations and patents in sonar, radar, and communication systems. He is a prolific author with 275+ journal articles, conference papers, three textbooks, eight patents, and is credited with mentoring 30+ Ph.D. and postdoctoral scholars.
Health & Wellness Panel
Dr. George Liakeas, MD
is a primary care physician in New York and received his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Liakeas is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has been in general practice for over 16 years. He is also the Medical Director of Lexington Medical Associates, and Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center. He is affiliated with Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital, and listed as one America’s Top Doctors®. Dr. Liakeas is also the recipient of many professional awards and honors including the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the AMA.
Dr. George enjoys sharing his passion for medicine, including in his past role as the President of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, as a Teaching Physician for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York Medical College, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, and Mercy College of Physician Assistants. He also served as the Medical Captain of the New York City Marathon.
Dr. George enjoys sharing his passion for medicine, including in his past role as the President of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, as a Teaching Physician for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York Medical College, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, and Mercy College of Physician Assistants. He also served as the Medical Captain of the New York City Marathon.
DR. ANTHONY POTHOULAKIS
is a cardiologist, internist, and interventional cardiology expert in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also certified in nuclear cardiology, and holds special status in echocardiography by the American Society of Echocardiography. Dr. Anthony received his medical degree from the University of Athens, and pursued postgraduate medical training with the two-year Emergency Medicine Residency in the United Kingdom followed by a residency in Internal Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and a Cardiology Fellowship in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Pothoulakis also worked as an interventional and general cardiologist in both the private and public sector with the Veterans Administration in Ohio.
In 2015, Dr. Pothoulakis launched Arteries in Harmony, and published two best-selling books based on his many years of practice and studies, Arteries in Harmony: Defending our Arteries, protecting our Lives, and Preserving our Happiness in the Era of Obesity and Diabetes. Dr. Anthony is a frequent Facebook contributor on leading health issues which include cardiometabolic disease and COVID-19.
In 2015, Dr. Pothoulakis launched Arteries in Harmony, and published two best-selling books based on his many years of practice and studies, Arteries in Harmony: Defending our Arteries, protecting our Lives, and Preserving our Happiness in the Era of Obesity and Diabetes. Dr. Anthony is a frequent Facebook contributor on leading health issues which include cardiometabolic disease and COVID-19.
Dr. George Cotsarelis
is currently Dermatology Chair at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Cotsarelis serves as a Professor of Dermatology at Penn, and is Director of University of Pennsylvania’s Hair and Scalp Clinic. He is also Assistant Director to the Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, and Director of the Program on Epithelial Regeneration and Stem Cells, Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Cotsarelis’ research focuses on stem cells, hair follicles, wounding, aging, and skin cancer with clinical expertise in alopecia.
He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and was a resident at Geisinger Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and was a resident at Geisinger Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Diane Kochilas
is a master chef and a leading authority on the Greek Mediterranean cuisine. She is the creator, producer and host of the award-winning series, My Greek Table. The series’ four seasons each have 13 episodes, and all are available online and on Amazon Prime. My Greek Table is a tour de force insider's look into the culture, traditions, and recipes from Greece’s diverse regions that range from mountain villages to seaside tavernas.
Diane is a New Yorker who lives in Greece on her native Isle of Ikaria, the legendary Isle where people forget to grow old. She runs a culinary and wellness school in Ikaria, and has published several award-winning cookbooks focused on wellness, fresh ingredients and culinary delights that are easy to implement in your life. Diane has served as a consultant to several top restaurants and college campuses. She has also been involved with NHS Culinary Legacy Fund at UNLV’s prestigious William F. Harrah College of Hospitality where she leads workshops for attending culinary arts students. Diane’s Greek America is her next series focusing on the Greek American culinary story that will also air on PBS stations.
Diane is a New Yorker who lives in Greece on her native Isle of Ikaria, the legendary Isle where people forget to grow old. She runs a culinary and wellness school in Ikaria, and has published several award-winning cookbooks focused on wellness, fresh ingredients and culinary delights that are easy to implement in your life. Diane has served as a consultant to several top restaurants and college campuses. She has also been involved with NHS Culinary Legacy Fund at UNLV’s prestigious William F. Harrah College of Hospitality where she leads workshops for attending culinary arts students. Diane’s Greek America is her next series focusing on the Greek American culinary story that will also air on PBS stations.
Dr. Chadwick Prodromos
is board certified in both Orthopaedic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine. He received his BA degree with honors from Princeton University and, his MD from Johns Hopkins Medical School. Dr. Prodromos completed his surgical internship at the University of Chicago, his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, and his Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine fellowship at the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Prodromos is the Editor of a major textbook The Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Reconstruction and Basic Science and President of the Illinois Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Centers where his patients include many professional athletes. He is the Medical Director of the Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine which conducts regenerative medical clinical research, and has served as Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University for nearly three decades.
Dr. Prodromos established The Prodromos Stem Cell Institute which has become an international leader in the use of stem cell and platelet rich plasma treatment. He is the Medical Director of The Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine that supports studies of over 4000 biologic treatments he performed.
Dr. Prodromos is the Editor of a major textbook The Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Reconstruction and Basic Science and President of the Illinois Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Centers where his patients include many professional athletes. He is the Medical Director of the Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine which conducts regenerative medical clinical research, and has served as Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University for nearly three decades.
Dr. Prodromos established The Prodromos Stem Cell Institute which has become an international leader in the use of stem cell and platelet rich plasma treatment. He is the Medical Director of The Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine that supports studies of over 4000 biologic treatments he performed.
Saturday Keynote Speaker
TIM KILDUFF
is the Founder and President of the 26.2 Foundation. He is also the driving force and vision behind the International Marathon Center, a living museum and center celebrating marathons globally. Tim served as Race Director of the Boston Marathon during its most difficult years, but his leadership, ideas, and passion brought the Boston Marathon back to successful vibrancy. Tim’s vision and efforts have elevated the Boston Marathon to global stature as one of the world’s preeminent marathon competitions.
Tim’s expertise in corporate affairs, management, philanthropy, community relations, and communications- especially in the technology sector- have contributed to the success of the Boston Marathon and this bodes well for the future of the International Marathon Center. Tim’s work has been recognized by several Presidential administrations on both sides of the aisle, and on the state and local level. The Alpha Omega Council honored Tim with the PhilHellene Award and he was the recipient of the prestigious College of Education Centennial Alumni Award from his Alma Mater, Kent State University.
Tim’s expertise in corporate affairs, management, philanthropy, community relations, and communications- especially in the technology sector- have contributed to the success of the Boston Marathon and this bodes well for the future of the International Marathon Center. Tim’s work has been recognized by several Presidential administrations on both sides of the aisle, and on the state and local level. The Alpha Omega Council honored Tim with the PhilHellene Award and he was the recipient of the prestigious College of Education Centennial Alumni Award from his Alma Mater, Kent State University.
Saturday Nhs Talks
THANASSI LEFAS
serves as President of Ingenia Polymers overseeing the Company’s North American operations in the chemicals/plastics industry. Thanassis’ experience with sales, marketing, strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions has helped propel Ingenia Polymers into a major supplier in the plastics industry. He received a chemical engineering degree at the University of Texas, Supply Chain Master’s Degree from Penn State and his MBA from Columbia University.
Thanasi and his family established the Lefas Humitas Foundation, sponsors of the NHS’ Heritage Greece Program and other philanthropic activities involving heritage, culture, education and a keen interest in the repatriation and return of the treasured Parthenon Marbles. Towards that end, the Lefas Family helped establish the Parthenon Project which seeks a mutually beneficial cultural artifact exchange that would benefit both Greek and British Museums.
Thanasi and his family established the Lefas Humitas Foundation, sponsors of the NHS’ Heritage Greece Program and other philanthropic activities involving heritage, culture, education and a keen interest in the repatriation and return of the treasured Parthenon Marbles. Towards that end, the Lefas Family helped establish the Parthenon Project which seeks a mutually beneficial cultural artifact exchange that would benefit both Greek and British Museums.
Sarah Baxter
is a leading British Journalist and served as the Deputy Editor of The Sunday Times for several years. She started her career at Penguin Books as a Copywriter and then as Press Officer at Virago Press. From there she served as Editor at Time Out, Political Editor of New Statesman, and Senior Associate Editor at the renowned Observer Newspaper.
While at The Sunday Times, Sarah was Editor of the News Review, before moving to the United States and serving as the Washington D.C. correspondent. Sarah returned to London to become the Editor of The Sunday Times’ magazine. She serves on the Board of the Parthenon Project and is one of the most influential Philhellenic voices in the campaign to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece. Sarah attended the prestigious St. Hilda’s College at Oxford to study history.
While at The Sunday Times, Sarah was Editor of the News Review, before moving to the United States and serving as the Washington D.C. correspondent. Sarah returned to London to become the Editor of The Sunday Times’ magazine. She serves on the Board of the Parthenon Project and is one of the most influential Philhellenic voices in the campaign to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece. Sarah attended the prestigious St. Hilda’s College at Oxford to study history.
Entertainment Panel
Bill Antholis
has served as Director and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Virginia’s Miller Center of Public Affairs strengthening the Center’s position as a leading nonpartisan research institution focused on the American Presidency. Bill served as Emeritus Managing Director at The Brookings Institution, on the White House National Security Council and National Economic Council, and at the State Department. He was Director of Studies and Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and visiting Scholar at Princeton.
He is the author of several books, articles, and major newspaper opinion editorials and considered one of Washington’s leading foreign policy experts on several subjects. He received his BA with honors from the University of Virginia and PhD in politics from Yale University.
He is the author of several books, articles, and major newspaper opinion editorials and considered one of Washington’s leading foreign policy experts on several subjects. He received his BA with honors from the University of Virginia and PhD in politics from Yale University.
Kary Antholis
founded Crime Story Media in 2019 and serves as the platform’s Editor and Publisher. Kary was the former President of Miniseries and Cinemax Programming at HBO, and an Academy-Award winning documentarian and filmmaker for One Survivor Remembers film which was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2012. As an HBO Executive he oversaw the production of several critically acclaimed and award-winning series including John Adams, Generation Kill, Elizabeth I, Angels in America, The Corner, Wit, The Gathering Storm, From the Earth to the Moon, Educating Peter, and The Pacific to name a few.
Kary graduated from Bowdoin College, earned his Master’s Degree in History at Stanford University, and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. He serves on the Board of Visitors of the Georgetown University Law Center.
Kary graduated from Bowdoin College, earned his Master’s Degree in History at Stanford University, and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. He serves on the Board of Visitors of the Georgetown University Law Center.
Jim Gianopulos
took over the reins of the iconic Paramount Pictures as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer after a distinguished run at 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Fox 2000, Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions, and Fox Home Entertainment overseeing the production and distribution of entertainment generating $20+ billion in revenues including two of the all-time box office hit films, Titanic and Avatar.
Jim grew up in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Greek immigrants and his love of film started with his Pappou taking him to the movies. He attended Boston University, and received his law degree from Fordham and Masters of Law Degree from NYU’s School of Law. He was hired as a Director of Business Affairs to negotiate music rights deals for musicians and songwriters at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and then became Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Acquisitions at RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video. He was a pioneer in the home video industry negotiating the acquisition and production agreements for film works on video. He worked at Paramount Pictures Home Video and Pay Television Division and as a Senior Vice President position at Carolco Pictures, an independent film producer before joining Fox Studios.
Jim is the visionary behind the symbiotic relationship that brought Hollywood and Silicon Valley closer together with the launch of iTunes, Hulu and other streaming services. While at Paramount Pictures the studio had its most profitable year at the box office with box office hits such as Top Gun: Maverick, and Mission Impossible. His formula of producing content to protect theatrical releases, while creating and distributing films with shorter or direct releases is ubiquitous in the industry. Jim is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, The X Prize Foundation, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. He has received numerous awards including the Simon Weisel Center’s Humanitarian Award, and Producers Guild of America Milestone Award.
Jim grew up in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Greek immigrants and his love of film started with his Pappou taking him to the movies. He attended Boston University, and received his law degree from Fordham and Masters of Law Degree from NYU’s School of Law. He was hired as a Director of Business Affairs to negotiate music rights deals for musicians and songwriters at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and then became Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Acquisitions at RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video. He was a pioneer in the home video industry negotiating the acquisition and production agreements for film works on video. He worked at Paramount Pictures Home Video and Pay Television Division and as a Senior Vice President position at Carolco Pictures, an independent film producer before joining Fox Studios.
Jim is the visionary behind the symbiotic relationship that brought Hollywood and Silicon Valley closer together with the launch of iTunes, Hulu and other streaming services. While at Paramount Pictures the studio had its most profitable year at the box office with box office hits such as Top Gun: Maverick, and Mission Impossible. His formula of producing content to protect theatrical releases, while creating and distributing films with shorter or direct releases is ubiquitous in the industry. Jim is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, The X Prize Foundation, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. He has received numerous awards including the Simon Weisel Center’s Humanitarian Award, and Producers Guild of America Milestone Award.
Yelena Popovic
is an accomplished actress, screenwriter, producer and served as the screenwriter and Director of the critically acclaimed film, Man of God, a film account of the story of Greece’s beloved Saint Nektarios of Aegina. Man of God features Aris Servetalis as the Saint, and phenomenal actor Mickey Rourke.
Yelena was born in Serbia and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling and acting career. She studied at Playhouse West in Los Angeles. Since then, she has been a screenwriter, producer, and director of several projects including Man of God, which is available on streaming platforms. Yelena’s next project, Moses the Black is based on the life of a ruthless gang leader who, with several of his men, became monks and eventual martyrs. Audiences will be riveted by the story set within the context of modern-day gangs in Chicago.
Yelena was born in Serbia and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling and acting career. She studied at Playhouse West in Los Angeles. Since then, she has been a screenwriter, producer, and director of several projects including Man of God, which is available on streaming platforms. Yelena’s next project, Moses the Black is based on the life of a ruthless gang leader who, with several of his men, became monks and eventual martyrs. Audiences will be riveted by the story set within the context of modern-day gangs in Chicago.
Claudia Carydis
is Vice-President of Public Affairs at the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens and one of the architects of the highly successful NHS Heritage Greece Program. Claudia oversees ACG’s government relations initiatives in Greece and abroad and in cultivating key relationships with stakeholders in the public, private and alumni sectors. Claudia has supervised the efforts of ACG’s Institute of Global Affairs, Institute of Public Health and Center of Excellence in Sustainability.
Under her leadership, ACG has received numerous accolades and awards and she has played an important role in ACG’s success. She served as the Director of Alumni Relations and College Events and previously in communications and outreach for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several private sector companies. She is an alumnus of ACG and received her Master’s in International Relations and Communications from Boston University.
Under her leadership, ACG has received numerous accolades and awards and she has played an important role in ACG’s success. She served as the Director of Alumni Relations and College Events and previously in communications and outreach for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several private sector companies. She is an alumnus of ACG and received her Master’s in International Relations and Communications from Boston University.
