Mike Manatos, one of the most prominent Greek-Americans, has been named the new Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative (THI), effective May 1st, the organization announced on Thursday.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am excited to welcome Mike Manatos as our new Executive Director,” said THI Co-Founder and Board President George P. Stamas. “Having spent his entire career working with the leadership of the global Greek diaspora and promoting Greece around the world, Mike brings to this role unique and valuable experience, relationships and passion.”
The Hellenic Initiative is a global nonprofit that unites diaspora Greeks and philhellenes to invest in the future of Greece and Cyprus through economic development, entrepreneurship, and crisis relief.
Manatos brings over 35 years of experience in government relations, public policy, and strategic consulting. He is the third generation of the Manatos family to specialize in these areas and has built trusted relationships with policymakers.
His previous leadership roles include serving on the boards of numerous Greek and non-Greek nonprofits, such as Leadership 100 and the National Hellenic Society. He co-founded and served as executive director of the Washington Oxi Day Foundation, creating the world-renowned OXI Courage Awards and Service Awards. He also served as chairman of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, where he has been involved in various capacities for 26 years, personally raising over $2 million for the organization. The foundation has granted over 250 children their wishes.
“I have been blessed to have spent my entire professional and personal life promoting Hellenism and Orthodoxy while working closely with the most successful and philanthropic diaspora Greeks, many of whom serve on the THI Board,” Manatos said. “Having the opportunity to continue and even amplify this service as THI Executive Director is a dream come true. I am grateful to THI’s Board for this remarkable opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
The Hellenic Initiative raises millions for Greece each year
Founded in 2012, THI is a global, nonprofit, secular institution mobilizing the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic recovery and renewal for the Greek people.
THI’s programs address crisis relief through strong nonprofit organizations and build entrepreneurial skills for a new generation of business leaders. Since its founding, THI has raised more than $37 million and has grown to be the largest Greek diaspora organization in the world.
Each year, it hosts its Annual New York Gala, which is the most highly anticipated and successful fundraising event among the global Greek diaspora. Funds raised at the Gala support THI’s vetted humanitarian partners and economic / entrepreneurial development in Greece.
In December 2024, the sold-out Gala at Cipriani 55 Wall Street in New York City, hosted more than 800 dignitaries and guests from the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia, including Gala Co-Chairs John and Joanne Koudounis and Michael G. and Robin Psaros.
Marianne and Dean Metropoulos were honored for their contributions to Greece and recognized for their worldwide philanthropy. Notably, they have joined The Giving Pledge, a movement of philanthropists who publicly commit to donating the majority of their wealth so as to address society’s pressing problems.
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