Nick Larigakis, Alexandria, Va., became president & chief executive officer of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), a non-profit Greek American public policy center, January 1, 2011. He has held different positions with the AHI since joining the organization in 1987. In this capacity, he manages the day-to-day operations of AHI and its affiliated organizations. He directs all aspects of strategic planning, policy analysis, public affairs programming, government relations, financial development, and media communications.
Larigakis’ has worked with the U.S. Congress to advocate for strong U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations. He regularly travels throughout the U.S. to inform the public about AHI’s policy issues and other aspects of its mission. He has testified numerous times before Congressional committees on foreign aid policy. He is a frequent visitor to Greece and Cyprus where he regularly meets with Greek and Cypriot government officials, and military leaders. As a result, he is regularly interviewed by mainstream, Greek American, Greek, and Cypriot media outlets on issues affecting U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus.
For his work in support of Hellenic ideals and values, and for his strong advocacy in the promotion of U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus, Larigakis has been honored numerous times. Including the 2024 Alpha Omega Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2021 City of Sparta award “for his relentless efforts to promote the relations between Greece and the USA.” In 2019, the Greek Minister of National Defense, bestowed upon him the Medal of "Honour and Valour” for his "distinguished service to the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Nation" and for "exceptional service and support in promoting the United States-Greece relationship." In 2015, he received the St. Katherine Community Service Award, the “Medal” of the Hellenic Parliament (2011), the Inaugural AHEPA Outstanding Public Advocacy Award (2012), and the 2007 Hellenic News of America Award. He has also served as Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal of numerous US city Greek Independence Day parades.
Larigakis is a member of AHEPA and has served his parish of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Va., in many capacities, including its Parish Council (2000-2002;2004 – 2007;& 2012 -2018 ), Vice-President 2015 and 2017, and he has organized numerous events to raise funds for his church. He currently also serves on the Board of Directors of the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation and is on the US Board of Trustees of the American Community Schools of Athens.
He has traveled to forty-two U.S. States and twenty-three countries.
In 2003, Larigakis was invested an Archon in the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This is the highest lay award presented within the Orthodox Church.
Larigakis is from the island of Skopelos, Greece and has a daughter, Panayiota, and two grandsons, Socrates and Anthony.
