Philadelphia, PA – George Venizelos, was awarded the Achievement award at the Sheraton Society Hill, this past weekend, by the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia. Venizelos is assistant director in charge of the New York field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hosted by the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia at it’s 74th annual gala dinner dance, the Achievement Award is given to persons of extraordinary achievement or enterprise whose life work contributes to or supports the mission of the Club.
As leader of the bureau’s largest field office, Mr. Venizelos oversees all operations and personnel in the five boroughs of New York City, eight counties in New York state, LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
During his 23 years with the FBI, Mr. Venizelos has overseen the agency’s operations in Boston, Washington DC, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York. He joined the FBI in 1991 as a special agent in the Boston field office, went on to become a supervisory special agent at FBI headquarters in Washington DC (1997), became senior supervisory resident agent in Harrisburg (1999), then assistant special in charge of New York City (2002). From there he moved to inspector at FBI headquarters in Washington DC (2005), special agent in charge of the FBI’s New York city administrative division (2006), then special agent in charge here in Philadelphia (2010) – and finally to his present position in 2012.
Although a brief stay here in Philadelphia, Venizelos expressed a great appreciation for the city and the Greek-American community of Philadelphia during his speech. The hospitality from the people of Philadelphia and his love of history were key points that he mentioned, along with his upbringing in a Greek-American family.
Mr. Venizelos grew up in Edgewater, New Jersey and earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, College of Business Administration. He also worked as an accountant with KPMG (Peat Marwick).
Hellenic University Club members and guests looked on as Venizelos was presented his award from president Toula Bastas. Vice-President George N. Pappas described the moment as memorable and was filled with a great sense of pride as a Hellene during his interview with Cosmos Philly. His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey was also in attendance and spoke about Venizelos’ contribution as a family man, Christian and Hellene.
The evenings entertainment included Greek music performed by Atlantis of Philadelphia and a silent auction.