NO. 2
WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is pleased to announce three additions to its Board of Directors effective January 1, 2022. They are: Violetta Kapsalis Buhler, Esq., an attorney specializing in crisis management; Georgea Polizos, a consultant at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of the Chief Information Officer; and Maria Wills, co-owner of Donmar Heating, Cooling and Plumbing company.
“We are pleased to welcome a dynamic group of professionals, each of who brings a unique set of expertise and resources to AHI’s Board of Directors,” President Nick Larigakis said. “They will be assets to the Institute and will complement our current set of dedicated board members as we strive to achieve our mission of advocating for the rule of law. I look forward to working with the new board to execute our legislative agenda and programs that strengthen United States relations with Greece and Cyprus.”
Meet AHI’s New Board Members
Violetta Kapsalis Buhler is a Chicago native and an attorney specializing in crisis management. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Northwestern University and her undergraduate degree in Finance. For more than 20 years she practiced law in the financial institution industry, including as VP and Regional Counsel for Fannie Mae. In service to her Greek Orthodox parishes, Violetta has been active as Parish Council officer, Philoptochos Executive Board member, Clergy-Laity Delegate, Monastery Charity-Drive liaison, Holy Land Pilgrimage planner and Choir member. Additionally, she and her husband, Robert, serve as Co-Chairs of the PanHellenic Advisory Board, Founders of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, members of Leadership 100, Friends of St. Nicholas, and past Co-Chairs of the Stanford University Parent Advisory Board. Violetta and Robert are parents of two grown children, Eunice and Konstantine.
Georgea Polizos is a consultant at the US Department of Energy’s Office of the Chief Information Officer, focusing on strategic communications and international engagement on matters related to cybersecurity and technology modernization. Georgea brings over a decade of professional experience in advance of Greek issues. From 2007-2009, she worked for the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, developing student life programs for Greek and Eastern European college students. She returned to the Farm School as their Associate Director of Development in 2017, serving as the School’s spokesperson in the United States and leading grant application processes for their educational programs. Additionally, Georgea spent five years working for the American Hellenic Institute as the organization’s Legislative Director, focusing on congressional outreach, policy evaluation, and the development of high-level government briefings. During this time, Georgea worked closely on the Annual AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus, a program in which she participated as a graduate student in 2010. Georgea also served as the Communications Director for Phillips Gilmore Oncology, managing the operational aspects of continuing education events and satellite symposia throughout the United States and Europe. Originally from Atlanta, Georgea holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Florida State University. She enjoys volunteering in the community through teaching Greek dance to children and teaching English as a member of the Washington English Center. Georgea lives in southeast Washington, DC with her fiancé Brett, their two elderly chihuahua rescues and their cat Feta.
Maria Wills is a native of Volos, Greece immigrating to the United States as a young child. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from George Mason University. Together with her husband Don, they own and operate Donmar Heating, Cooling and Plumbing company serving northern Virginia and Maryland. She is a long-time active member of the American Hellenic Institute and recently served as a chaperone for the AHIF College Student Foreign Policy Trips to Greece and Cyprus. From a young age, Maria has always had a deep commitment in service. She has been an active member of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA serving in numerous leadership roles including the executive committee and on the Parish Council for twelve years. She also served for several years as youth advisor for GOYA and PTO President of the Saint Katherine Greek School. Maria and her husband Don have been married 39 years and have four sons and a daughter.