Board of Trustees

2013 Executive Committee

	John P. Calamos, Sr., Chairman Chairman, CEO, CO-CIO, Calamos Investments John P. Calamos, Sr. is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-chief Investment Officer of the firm he founded in 1977, which he took public as Calamos Asset Management in 2004. A pioneer in investment strategies and techniques to help manage risk, Mr. Calamos created a reputation for using investment techniques to control risk, preserve capital and build wealth for clients over the long term. He brings this same passion to preserving his Hellenic heritage and maintaining it for future generations. His motto is, “You do not know where you are going unless you know where you have been.”
	Aristotle P. Halikias, Vice-Chairman Chairman of the Board, Republic Bank, President, Inter Continental Real Estate & Development Aristotle P. Halikias served as Chairman of the National Hellenic Museum Board of Trustees from 2005-2011, overseeing the successful completion of the new Museum building construction. Mr. Halikias is also Chairman of the Board of Republic Bank of Chicago which focuses on community and commercial lending, and real estate financing. He is also President of Inter Continental Real Estate & Development Corporation (ICD), an international full-service real estate development company with holdings in Chicago, Toronto, and Athens. In addition to his other responsibilities, Mr. Halikias is Executive Director of the Halikias Family Foundation and has recently been appointed, by the Icelandic government, as the Honorary Consul for The Republic of Iceland – Chicago Office that serves the Midwest area, through the Embassy of Iceland in Washington, DC.
	Frank S. Kamberos, Vice-Chairman Co-founder, Treasure Island Foods, Chairman, Greek Star Newspaper Frank S. Kamberos, a native of Chicago, attended Illinois Institute of Technology and served in US Air Corps during WWII in England, France, and Germany. In 1962, Mr. Kamberos along with his brothers, Chris and George, founded Treasure Island Foods, Inc. A leader in the community, Mr. Kamberos is active in many organizations: United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), Leadership 100, Hellenic Foundation, and others. Mr. Kamberos has served on the Board of Directors of the National Hellenic Museum since 2005. He financed the construction of the Frank S. Kamberos Oral History Center, a digital recording and playback module that houses the stories of the Greek immigrant experience in the US.
	Peter Parthenis, Vice-Chairman Founder, Chairman of the Board, Grecian Delight Foods, Inc. Peter Parthenis is the founder and chairman of Grecian Delight Foods, Inc. Founded in 1974, Grecian Delight is a privately held company has shaped the explosion of a vital food segment – Greek and Mediterranean Foods in the USA. A leader of the Greek community, Mr. Parthenis, along with others in the community, raise a total of $1,250,000 for the endowment of a chair of Hellenic Studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago in 2002. The program started in May 2003 teaching students modern Greek literature, Greek language, Greek history and the history of Greek Americans. He has been serving on the NHM board since 2005. Mr. Parthenis is a member of Leadership 100, St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, Scleroderma Foundation, and Vistage. In 2005, Mr. Parthenis was presented with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and in 2007 was appointed ARCHON by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
	A. Thomas Skallas, Vice-Chairman Partner, Holland & Knight Law Tom Skallas is a partner in Holland & Knight’s Chicago office. His representation of privately held businesses and their owners spans the business, tax and private wealth practice areas. Mr. Skallas utilizes his extensive experience, and working with other legal specialists, to provide practical results for his clients. Mr. Skallas is was an integral part in the rebranding of the Museum. He is an active member in the community with various organizations such as Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), Hellenic Bar Association (HBA) providing leadership and new ideas within the community.

2013 Board of Trustees

	Alex A. Gianaras President, Transformers Manufacturers, Inc. Alex A. Gianaras is President of Transformer Manufacturers, Inc. Mr. Gianaras “grew up” in the transformer business, working closely with his father and gaining over 20 years of experience. Under Mr. Gianaras’ charge, the company has continued to expand its product lines to meet today’s demanding quality and delivery standards. Until the early 1970’s TMI focused on the radio and television industry, which was concentrated in Chicago. As the industry changed, TMI reacted quickly and today supplies transformers, chokes, and toroids for products in various industries. His experience is vital in the progress of our new facility. Mr. Gianaras is Chairman of the Board of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL. He is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Mr. Gianaras’ father was an early supporter of the Museum, contributing annually to help sustain the exhibition and programs.
	Dr. George J. Korkos, M.D., D.D.S, F.A.C.S President, Plastic Surgery Associates, Rejuva Skin Care & Laser Center Dr. George J. Korkos serves as the President of both Plastic Surgery Associates and Rejuva Skin Care & Laser Center, and serves as Associate Clinical Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He is Co-founder and former Contact Director and Investor of the Milwaukee Bucks Expansion Basketball Team. He has been Chairman and Member of Business Advisory Board at Sleep Holdings, Inc. since September 2007. Dr. Korkos is a Director at Fibrocell Science, Inc. since July 2010, and serves as a Member of Advisory Board of Skinvisible Inc. He has served as scientific Advisory Board Member of Cellgen Company, Sleep Holding Company, and Skin Visible Company. He is and has been a member of numerous prestigious medical societies, is an experienced academic lecturer and author and has presented on a variety of plastic and reconstructive surgery topics at meetings of regional and national medical associations. During his career, Dr. Korkos has earned a number of humanitarian awards, including the Outstanding Distinguished Alumnus Award for the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was also honored with the prestigious Hellene Award and the Ellis Island Award in New York.
	John S. Koudounis President & CEO, Mizuho Securities USA, Inc. John S. Koudounis is President and Chief Executive Officer of Mizuho Securities US (MSUSA), the U.S. broker- dealer subsidiary of Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd, and a member of the global Mizuho Financial Group. MSUSA provides capital markets and investment banking services to institutional clients, specializing in fixed income, equity, mergers & acquisitions, futures and structured finance. Mr. Koudounis began his career at Merrill Lynch in 1988. A native of Chicago, Mr. Koudounis received his Bachelor’s degree from Brown University in 1988, where he studied International Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs and Economics. John is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. He is married with two children.
	Stephanie A. Vlahakis Ms. Stephanie A. Vlahakis served as Trustee of the National Hellenic Museum for many years, before accepting the position of Executive Director. Ms. Vlahakis led the Museum from 2009 to 2012 and oversaw the Museum’s transition into its new home, completed in December 2011. Prior to her work with the Museum, Ms. Vlahakis was vice president, sales and marketing, for Earth Friendly Products, directing the launch of a personal care product line. Earlier in her career, Stephanie specialized in domestic and international compensation and benefits, for both Phillip Morris Companies and Kraft General Foods. She also held management positions at the Federal Reserve Bank and at Time Incorporated in New York City before moving to Chicago to work for Kraft Foods. Stephanie is a cum laude graduate of Columbia University’s Barnard College in New York City.
	Bill J. Vranas Partner, Vranas & Vlahos Accountants, Partner, Comptroller, Treasurer, Vranas & Chioros Realty Group, Inc., Ltd. Bill J. Vranas is an Accountant and Real Estate Broker for more than 30 years. Mr. Vranas is an active member in the community. In the past, he has been President of Hellenic Foundation/Hollywood House, President of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, President of the NHM, General Chairman of the Hellenic Parade, General Chairman of AHEPA District Convention, Vice President AHEPA Woodlawn Chapter #93, and Member of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He is still an active member in the organizations listed above as well as President and Board of Director of St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Chairman of IOCC Chicago Metropolitan Committee, Treasurer and Board of Director of Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and St. Paul Medal Recipient.

Board of Life Trustees

	Andrew A. Athens* Co-Founder, President, CEO, Metron Steel, National Chairman and Founder, United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), President and Founder, Hellenicare, Honorary and Founding President, World Council of Hellenes (SAE) Andrew A. Athens is a man who has not only achieved business success, but has also distinguished himself through his lifelong commitment to charitable causes and the alleviation of human suffering. He has received numerous awards and honors, each recognizing his outstanding service to his faith, his Hellenic heritage,public affairs, and philanthropy. In 1950, Mr. Athens co-founded Metron Steel Corporation and served as its President and CEO from 1950 through 1991. In 1974, after the invasion of Cyprus, he founded the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC) to advocate for human rights and religion freedom for all Hellenes livingin the Diaspora. Under his leadership, diplomatic relations between Greece, Cyprus, and the United States have been strengthened, Hellenic culture has flourished, and human rights violations have been addressed. In 1995, Mr. Athens became the founding President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE) and served as World President until 2006. Mr. Athens has supported the Museum from its inception, helping to secure the property for the Museum’s new building with the assistance of The Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago and the City of Chicago.
	Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos Retired Pediatrician Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos is a retired pediatrician after 50 years of practice in Burbank, Illinois. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BS Degree in Bacteriology from the University of Idaho and earned her M.D. degree at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia. For 32 years she was Chief Medical Officer for the Cook County Temporary Juvenile Detention Center where she was recognized nationwide as a leader in this unique branch of Pediatric Medicine. She is a supporter of the National Hellenic Museum benefited by her gift of $1,000,000 for the Special Events Hall of the new building. She has served on the Board of Directors since the 1990’s. Dr. Mary is also a generous benefactor of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn Illinois. She is well known in the Chicagoland community as a supporter of the Greek American Nursing Home and numerous philanthropic organizations that provide scholarships for inner city and handicapped children in addition to the scholarship funds that she supports for other American youth. Her motto in life is “It is more enjoyable to give than to receive.”
	James M. Mezilson* Retired Journalist James M. Mezilson is a retired journalist and founding member of the National Hellenic Museum. Mr. Mezil-son joined the Chicago Sun in 1942 working his way up from copy boy to street reporter. Mezilson stayed with the Sun until just before the 1947 merger with the Chicago Times which transformed the two into the Chicago Sun-Times. For Greek Americans, Mezilson’s career as a journalist began in 1939 with his column ‘Periclean Patter’ in the pages of the Thessaloniki (later the Greek Press). He wrote a regular column in the pages of the Greek Star, The National Herald, Hellenic Chronicle, Athene Magazine and the AHEPAN until at least 2000. During his sixty years as a regular columnist, Mezilson succeeded to serve as a bridge between the average American and the average Greek American reader. Between 1948 and 1954, Mezilson was on the staff of United States Senator Paul Douglas. Mr. Mezilson is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while also receiving both the Order of St. Paul (1985) from Archbishop Iakovos as well as the Order of St Andrew (1990). Among his ongoing involvement in American civic life were Mezilson’s sustained efforts on behalf of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.
	Angela Parry Paterakis Professor Emeritus, Art Education, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Angela Parry Paterakis has directed and chaired art education training programs for future teachers of art. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her advocacy role in the arts and arts education. Mrs. Paterakis has served on the National Hellenic Museum Board for many years, co-chairing the Exhibitions Committee. She has helped in the development and mounting of such noteworthy exhibitions as Philoxenia: A Friend to the Stranger. She has a passion for and commitment to bringing quality arts programs to the public.
	Themi Vasils Retired Prior to her retirement, Themi Vasils was Managing Director of the National Confectioners Association Chicago Office. She also served for a time as Acting President of the Association. Ms. Vasils has been an active member of the community for more than 30 years. She served the National Hellenic Museum for some 20 years in a variety of leadership roles including President of the Board of Directors. Her background in Journalism has helped her to become a published translator of short stories; also co-translator of two books by renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis. Ms. Vasils has served as Director, volunteer writer and Advisor to the Editor for The Greek Star newspaper which is the oldest Greek-American newspaper, running without interruption since 1904. Her volunteer community services include working with The Greek Welfare Foundation Retirement Home project –Public Information services for the Metropolis of Chicago—Media Director for Orthodox Christian SYNERGY and for the Chicago Chapter of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).