TheLeader_VOLUME_XXVII_ISSUE1_Spring2026 - Flipbook - Page 7
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35 Annual Leadership 100 Conference
The 35th Annual Leadership 100 Conference, which
took place on February 5-8, 2026, at the JW Marriott
Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix,
Arizona, ended three days of momentous actions.
Foremost was the transition of the Chairmanship from
Demetrios G. Logothetis to Michael N. Bapis and the
approval by the Executive Committee of $6.5 million for
42 new and prior year grants.
In addition, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
presented his vision for the future of the Church in
America, and four outstanding speakers were presented
with the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for
Excellence.
The Conference commemorated the 20th Anniversary of
the passing of Leadership 100 Founder Archbishop
Iakovos with an opening documentary, “In His Own
Words꞉ Archbishop Iakovos,” introduced by His Grace
Bishop Anthony of Synada, which theme was taken up
by Archbishop Elpidophoros. During the Annual
Lecture, His Eminence laid out his vision for the future
of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, inspired by the
great step of Archbishop Iakovos in bringing the Greek
Orthodox Church into the modern world.
The Grand Banquet on Saturday, February 7 witnessed
the transition to the new Chairman and Officers with the
presentation of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100
Award for Excellence to the four outstanding conference
speakers꞉ George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of
Libra Group, George Postolos, President & CEO, The
Postolos Group LP; Katina Pappas Dermatas, CEO,
Ladurée US and American Macaroon; and Dr. Stamatios
Kartalopoulos, nationally and internationally renowned
scientist, academic, and inventor, and author of Hellenic
Cities in Asia Minor꞉ “Where the Stones Still Speak”.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, along with Executive Director
Paulette Poulos, then acknowledged Chairman
Demetrios G. Logothetis for his valuable service to
Leadership 100 and presented him with the Archbishop
Iakovos Leadership 100 Founders Award and called to
the stage Marianthe Logothetis, presenting her with the
Shining Star Award for her support and contributions
offered to her beloved husband and Leadership 100.
Earlier, the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award
for Outstanding Service was presented to Theo Nicolakis,
Director of National Ministries and Chief Information
Officer and the Leadership 100 Achievement Award was
presented to Aristomenis “Menios” Papadimitriou,
Director of Archives, both representing the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America in addressing the
conference.
Other programs and events included the Saturday Forum
highlighting the Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance
and Choral Festival featuring the Holy Trinity Cathedral
of Phoenix Dance Group with Michael Syrengelas, CoChairman, Executive Board; the New Member/First
Timers Orientation; the Annual General Assembly at
which Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Orfanakos, President of
the Archdiocese Presbyters Council, expressed heartfelt
gratitude to Leadership 100 for its untiring support, and
at which Kassandra Romas, longtime Treasurer,
Executive Committee and Board Member was
acknowledged for her service with the Archbishop
Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Outstanding Service,
Alexandra Lambiris, outgoing Chairperson for the Young
Professionals, was presented with the Leadership 100
Achievement Award, and Kyra Limberakis, CEO of
Orthodox Volunteer Corps, was presented with the
Leadership 100 Achievement Award; the Hellenic Glendi;
the Annual Leadership 100 Walk/Run and Pickleball
Tournament and Awards, Chaired by Mike Manatos, the
Golf and Tennis Tournaments and Awards, organized by
John Aivazoglou; and the Children’s Program and newly
innovated Teenager Program, organized by Maria
Pardalis and Marika Christopher.
The Conference formally concluded with the
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service for
Leadership 100 members at Holy Trinity Cathedral in
Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday, February 8, presided over
by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros with
respected Hierarchs and Clergy.
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