The Executive Committee of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, Inc. has officially appointed a new Executive Director, marking a new chapter for one of the most prominent organizations in the Greek-American community. The unanimous decision was made during the committee’s meeting on July 17, 2025, following the consensus of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the recommendation of the Search Committee, chaired by Leadership 100 Chairman Emeritus Argyris “RJ” Vassiliou.
Penny Panayiota Deligiannis, a seasoned nonprofit leader with nearly four decades of international and domestic experience, will assume her new role in February 2026.
“We are delighted and grateful to the Search Committee for their recommendation of the outstanding Penny Panayiota Deligiannis as Executive Director,” said Demetrios “Jim” G. Logothetis, Chairman of Leadership 100. “Her leadership abilities and proven track record won full support from the Executive Committee. We are confident that she will continue the legacy of Paulette Poulos in leading us into a promising future.”
RJ Vassiliou elaborated on the rigorous selection process undertaken by the Search Committee, which began on March 12, 2025. “We considered twenty-seven candidates, including ten women and two Orthodox priests. After a thorough review of qualifications, we narrowed the field to seven semi-finalists, who were interviewed in depth. From there, three finalists were further vetted. Ultimately, the committee unanimously agreed that Penny Deligiannis was the most suitable choice to lead Leadership 100.”
In addition to Vassiliou, the Search Committee included Maria Allwin, Leadership 100 Secretary; Constantine G. Caras, Chairman Emeritus; Emanuel J. Cotronakis, Executive Committee Member and Legal Counsel; and Board of Trustees members Patsy Kouvas and Dimitra Manis.
Deligiannis brings with her extensive educational and professional credentials. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Currently serving as President of Hellenic Heartbeat International in Chicago and as an advisor to Mission Tanzania Water Projects in California, her career spans over 38 years. She has worked as a management consultant on nonprofit and corporate projects throughout the US, and has served overseas in key leadership roles.
Notably, she served as Country Director of Diaconia Agapes in Albania, working closely with the late Archbishop Anastasios, and led ACT network efforts in Albania and Kosovo. She has also directed development initiatives across Southeast Asia and refugee programs on Samos, Greece.
Outgoing Executive Director Paulette Poulos, who will retire in February 2026, expressed her enthusiastic support. “Penny Deligiannis is an excellent choice. Her experience is the perfect fit for Leadership 100—but, more importantly, so is her love for the Church. I look forward to supporting her as she prepares for this important role.”
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