New York, NY | July 1, 2026 – The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC) held its Annual Meeting on July 1, 2026, celebrating another successful year of growth, financial strength, and impactful programming while electing its Executive Board for the 2026–2027 term.
President Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper reflected on an exceptional year highlighted by expanded programming, strengthened partnerships in the United States and Greece, and the continued success of the Chamber’s flagship events.
Treasurer Antony Contomichalos presented the Chamber’s financial report, reflecting another year of responsible fiscal management, organizational stability, and continued growth.
2025–2026 Highlights
73rd Annual Person of the Year Gala
One of the premier events of the Greek-American community, honoring Dr. John Coustas, President and CEO of Danaos Corporation, at a sold-out gala at Cipriani Wall Street featuring internationally acclaimed recording artist Anna Vissi.
32nd Annual HACC–NACC Shipping Conference
Organized jointly with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, welcomed senior executives and industry leaders from the international shipping, finance, legal, insurance, and maritime sectors, reinforcing its reputation as one of New York’s leading maritime forums.
Annual Vasilopita Celebration
The Chamber proudly spearheaded the Annual Vasilopita Celebration, bringing together 24 Greek-American organizations in a remarkable demonstration of unity and cooperation.
Memorandum of Understanding
The Chamber signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in Greece, strengthening cooperation through joint initiatives, educational programs, trade promotion, and member engagement.
Collaboration with the Consulate General of Greece
A successful “Taxes made easy” Forum was organized and hosted with the participation of the Head of the Greek Internal revenue office (AAEDE) and other expert professionals to discuss tax obligations for Greek Americans and investment opportunities, as well as tax incentives to work or retire in Greece.
Organized jointly a very informative Consular Information Session, providing practical guidance on citizenship, passports, legal documentation, and other consular services.
Organized Forum on AI affecting business and the medical field
2026–2027 Executive Board
Chairman: Nick Katsanos — Seward & Kissel LLP
President: Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper — Red Apple Group
Executive Vice President: Peter T. Bazos — Southern Star Shipping Co., Inc.
Vice President: Daniel A. Tadros — The American P&I Club
Treasurer: Antony Contomichalos — MacArthur Capital, Inc.
Secretary: Leonidas Tzonis — Hellenic American Union / Hellenic American University
Advisory Board
John Catsimatidis — Red Apple Group
Dr. John Coustas — Danaos Corporation
Angeliki Frangou — Navios Maritime Holdings
Peter C. Georgiopoulos — United Overseas Group
William Rudin — Rudin Management Company
John C. Stratakis — Poles, Tublin, Stratakis & Gonzalez LLP
Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos — Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd.
Co-Chairs
Clay Maitland — International Registries, Inc. (IRI)
Nancy Papaioannou — NAMA Financial Consulting
Board of Directors
Humera Ahmed — Liberian Registry LLC (LISCR)
Hercules Argyriou — Mega Contracting Group
Olga Bornozi — Capital Link
Sophia Helene Brown — International Registries, Inc. (IRI)
Greg Chase — Maritime Partners LLC
George T. Constantin — Heritage Realty Services, LLC
Brian P. Devine — Norton Rose Fulbright
Demetrios Diakolios — Sciens Capital Management
Markos Drakotos — M&N Management Corp.
Fred Gordon — Navios Maritime Partners L.P.
Marina Hadjipateras — TMV Logistics
Athas Ioannou — Constantine Designers & Builders Ltd.
Maria Kalamidas — Flagstar Bank
Alexander T. Maimis — Poles, Tublin, Stratakis & Gonzalez LLP
James A. Mercadante — Reed Smith LLP
Nancy Papaioannou — NAMA Financial Consulting
John Papaspanos — Kirkland & Ellis LLP
George R. Pierot — Pierot Shipping & Finance
Kleon Diamantopoulos — Pierot Shipping & Finance
Michael Psyllos — Alma Bank
Matthew Thomas — Blank Rome LLP
Todd Johnson — Watson Farley & Williams LLP
George N. Zapantis — Law Office of George N. Zapantis
About the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1947, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce is one of the oldest and most respected Hellenic organizations in the United States. Through business initiatives, educational programs, networking opportunities, and community engagement, the Chamber promotes stronger economic, commercial, educational, and cultural ties between the United States and Greece.
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