More than six hundred guests gathered at Cipriani Wall Street in New York on Friday, November 14th, 2025, as the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce celebrated its seventy-third Annual Person of the Year Gala. The evening honored Dr. John Coustas, President and CEO of Danaos Corporation, a leader in the global maritime industry whose work has shaped modern shipping and inspired a new generation of Greek and Greek American professionals.
HACC President Eftihia Pylarinou Piper welcomed the crowd and thanked the many community leaders who attended, including Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Greek and Cypriot diplomats, and representatives from major Greek American organizations. She also recognized the chamber’s volunteers, staff, and board members who helped bring the evening together, including Executive Director Alexandra Spyrou Mitsakis.
Dr. Coustas was introduced by longtime friends and colleagues who spoke about his leadership, his focus on innovation, and the steady path he has built for Danaos Corporation over the years. In his remarks, he reflected on the importance of mentorship, community, and the responsibility that comes with representing Hellenes in a global industry.
One of the highlights of the night came when international singer Anna Vissi arrived from Greece to honor Dr. Coustas and his wife, Dimitra. She performed a full live set that added a celebratory spirit to the gala and made the evening especially memorable.
The Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce has been active for seventy eight years, working to strengthen economic, educational, and cultural ties between Greece and the United States. Its annual Person of the Year Gala remains one of its signature events, bringing together leaders from business, shipping, finance, academia, and the wider Greek American community.
President Pylarinou Piper thanked the many organizations that joined the celebration, including the Cyprus U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Cyprian Federation of America, the Hellenic American Bankers Association, the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, and several cultural and professional groups that continue to support the chamber’s mission.
“This gala reflects our community’s shared values and commitment to progress,” she said. “Honoring Dr. Coustas reminds us of what Hellenes and Philhellenes can achieve when they lead with vision and purpose.”
The evening closed with warm congratulations to Dr. Coustas and renewed appreciation for the long-standing role HACC plays in connecting the Greek American community across the United States.
Featured image: Dr. John Coustas speaks at the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year Gala in New York.
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