Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis honored prominent Greek-Americans during an event in New York on Wednesday.
Mitsotakis addressed the Fourth Annual “Oli Mazi” Luncheon organized by 28 Greek-American organizations. During his speech, he highlighted Greece’s significant progress across key sectors, including robust economic growth, energy independence, and enhanced national security.
The event was hosted by Greek-American businessman and philanthropist John Catsimatidis, who delivered the introduction for the Prime Minister. Mike Manatos, Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The Greek American honorees
PM Mitsotakis highlighted the efforts of the Greek American Diaspora and said that the life stories of the four honorees are representative of the excellence of the community. The honorees were:
- John Calamos: Global financial leader and Founder, Chairman, and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a United States Air Force Bomber Pilot and Forward Air Controller, logging more than 900 combat hours. He is also Chairman of the National Hellenic Museum, which is dedicated to sharing Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story. The museum reaches thousands of students, members, and visitors each year through its exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.
- Nicholas Gage: Author of the memoir Eleni, which describes the life of his family in Greece during the Second World War and Greek Civil War. Gage’s mother, Eleni, was executed for arranging the escape of her children from their Communist-occupied village. Decades later, as an adult, Gage sought out those responsible for her death.
- Nick Mitropoulos: A prominent Democratic Party strategist, who recently passed away, Mitropoulos was included in a list of presidential candidate Michael Dukakis’s closest advisers during the 1988 campaign. The honor was received by his close relatives.
- Paulette Poulos: With a long and distinguished career of service that began in 1965, she has devoted more than fifty years to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the broader Greek-American community. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, Inc., a prominent charitable membership organization that supports the Greek Orthodox Church in America and advances Orthodoxy and Hellenism.
- Dean Metropoulos: A Greek-born investor and turnaround specialist, has built his reputation by reviving some of America’s most iconic brands. After immigrating to the United States at age 10 and earning degrees from Babson College, he founded Metropoulos & Co. in 1993 and went on to oversee more than 80 acquisition. Metropoulos remains active in business and philanthropy alongside his wife Marianne and their two sons.
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