NEW YORK, NY –
The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC) held its Annual Meeting on July 1, 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.
The 2025–2026 Highlights include:
The 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.
The 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 ofthe 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) and 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.
