Democrats Abroad Greece Elect New Exe. Committee

Meeting for its Annual General Meeting at the historic Athens Centre in Mets, Democrats Abroad Greece (DAGR) members recently elected a new Executive Committee. The new Executive Committee, with very strong participation by Greek-Americans, will be led by economist and former U.S. diplomat, Alec Mally as Chair (former Vice Chair), hospitality professional Arleen Zafirakis-Komninou as new Vice Chair, and educator Steven M. Medeiros as Chair of the Athens Chapter (former DAGR Counsel). Two additional members from the new Thessaloniki Chapter will join the 11-member Executive Committee upon completion of elections there.

Former US Consul General in Thessaloniki Alec Mally committed to providing his full support to the Chapters to inform and expand their membership, and stated: "Our Country Committee currently suffers many of the same issues that plague our host country; we see it most acutely in the 'hollowing out' of the American community in Greece as employment opportunities disappear. This requires us to focus this next term on reinforcing our existing Athens and Thessaloniki chapters while exploring expansion into underserved areas where American communities are found."

The full Executive Committee is as follows:

• Chair: Alec Mally (Florida)
• Vice Chair: Arleen Zafirakis-Komninou (New York)
• Secretary: Meg Matsaganis (Massachusetts)
• Treasurer: John A. Bacalis, MBA, CPA (New York)
• Counsel: Alexandra Jelkes (Georgia)
• At-Large members (representing the rest of Greece):
• Amalia Kalogridakis-Lagoudakis (New Jersey)
• Karen Lee (Ohio)
• The Athens Chapter elected new officers:
• Chair: Steven M. Medeiros (Massachusetts)
• Representative: John Lewis (Massachusetts)

Outgoing DAGR Chair, Yvette Jarvis, presently visiting family in Colorado, addressed the meeting via Skype and expressed her appreciation to those who worked side-by-side with her since 2010.

The Greece Country Committee of Democrats Abroad is the official representative of the U.S. Democratic Party in Greece. DAGR has helped thousands of Americans register to vote, and organized many functions to educate votersand build a sense of community among like-minded Americans resident in Greece. Membership is free and open to all American citizens who share our ideals. To join, please click JOIN at www.democratsabroad.org or contact Secretary Meg Matsaganis at demsabroadgreece@gmail.com or call 210 6106 488