AHI Appoints Alkis Panagoulias As President Of AHI Thessaloniki Chapter

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is pleased to announce the appointment of long-time member and supporter, Alkis J. Panagoulias, as president of the AHI Thessaloniki, Greece Chapter. AHI welcomes the appointment of this individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills throughout his career, and a deep commitment to the Hellenic community both in the U.S. and abroad.

On the political front, Mr. Panagoulias is a member of the New Democracy Party in Greece, for which he served as city councilman of Thessaloniki. Also demonstrating his close ties with the city of Thessaloniki and the wider Greek community, Mr. Panagoulias was president of the Thessalonikian Society of America, and a candidate for the Greek Parliament and the European Parliament. Finally, Mr. Panagoulias is a national faculty member of the U.S. Academy of Sports (Mobile, Alabama), and member of the U.S.A. Soccer Federation Hall of Fame, the U.S.S.F. Coaches Council, AHEPA Chapter 34 (New York City).

Mr. Panagoulias has had a long and successful career in athletics, both in Greece and internationally. He currently serves as a FIFA instructor, appointed by the world governing body to teach the game worldwide. Over the years, Mr. Panagoulias worked as head coach for a number of distinguished soccer teams. Among the most notable was his post as head coach of the Greek National team (1992-1994), which qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever in 1994. Other prominent head coaching positions included: The U.S. National and Olympic teams (1983-1985); the Greek National team (1992-1994 and 1973-1981); ARIS S.C. of Greece (1998-1999 and 1987-1990); IRAKLIS S.C. of Greece (1996-1998); and OLYMPIAKOS (1986-1987 and 1986-1987), during which time the team won the Greek soccer championship in 1982, 1983, 1986 and 1987.

Mr. Panagoulias’ leadership experience in politics and athletics are a strong asset from which AHI’s Thessaloniki Chapter can benefit as it looks to expand and increase member involvement and activity now and in the future.

For additional information or to request a brief biography for Alkis Panagoulias, please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at (202) 785-8430 or chrysoula@ahiworld.org, or visit our Web site for general information at http://www.ahiworld.org.