George Stephanopoulos, host of ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” and ABC News’s Chief Washington Correspondent, who was President Clinton’s senior political advisor and Communications Director; George Pelecanos, the award-winning author, film and television producer whose newest book, The Way Home, was on President Obama’s reading list this summer; and George Argyros, former United States Ambassador to Spain and one of America’s foremost real estate investors, will highlight the 19th Annual Leadership 100 Conference at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California, from February 4-7, 2010.
The three Greek Americans will be honored for their public service and creative and business contributions. “Our theme is ‘The Torchbearers of Our Faith and Hellenic Heritage: The New Generation of Leaders,’ which recognizes these extraordinary leaders who exemplify our Hellenic ideals from such diverse fields,” said Stephen G. Yeonas, Leadership 100 Chairman.
The program will also acknowledge the life-time achievements of two other outstanding individuals: Harry C. Cordellos, a world class athlete who overcame childhood visual challenges and Deborah Szekely, co-founder of the modern day health and fitness movement who is the founder of two leading destination spas, Golden Door and Rancho La Puerta, and is a noted philanthropist and public servant, who will relate their inspiring life stories.
In addition, the youngest leaders, Leadership 100 Partners, now numbering 86 young professional men and women, and younger new members as well as younger members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, will be recognized for their significant contributions to the 25-year-old mission of Leadership 100.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitans from throughout the country will join the conferees for an exciting program that includes the General Assembly and Grand Banquet and, a special treat, San Diego’s St. Spyridon Greek Dance and Choral School’s Aegean and Ionian Dance Groups who will perform Greek Folk Dances at the traditional Glendi on Friday night.
About Leadership 100
In 1984, under the guidance of Archbishop Iakovos, Leadership 100 was created as an endowment fund of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese through which Greek Orthodox leaders were asked to commit themselves to offer $10,000 a year for a total of $100,000 each to maintain the life-sustaining ministries of the Church.
Today, Leadership 100, renamed The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund in recognition of Archbishop Iakovos’ vision, is a separately incorporated endowment fund supporting the priority needs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, but broadly dedicated to advancing the Orthodox faith and Hellenic ideals in America.
Leadership 100 disburses grants ranging from scholarship funds for individuals studying for the priesthood, building an information infrastructure and Internet ministries for the Archdiocese, promoting the National Ministries and providing assistance to emergencies such as September 11, Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes and medical needs.
With the initial membership of 100 soon surpassed, Leadership 100 “raised the bar” and grew progressively to 300, doubling its membership to 600 in 2000 and now to more than 825 members as it marks its 25th Anniversary in 2009. The membership includes a broad spectrum of Greek Orthodox leaders, men and women of all ages from every field, as well as Leadership 100 Partners, young professionals who join at an affordable level as they progress in their careers.
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