![George Tsunis testimony on 12 January about the position of ambassador to Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/eyroki.jpg)
George Tsunis will be heard on Wednesday, January 12, to ratify his appointment as US Ambassador to Greece.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will meet under the chairmanship of Senator Robert Menendez and will be called upon to decide on the fate of Mr. Tsunis’s candidacy.
The committee meeting will be held with limited physical presence, as defined by the measures adopted by the Senate for the pandemic.
Who is George Tsounis?
![](http://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tsounis.jpeg)
Greek-American businessman George Tounis has extensive experience in the tourism industry, as he is the founder and CEO of the Chartwell Hotels group. This company has a strong presence in all northeastern states and collaborates with important names in the field, such as “Hilton”, “Marriott” and “Intercontinental”.
He is considered a native of the Big Apple, the city in which he grew up and studied, starting at New York University and then obtaining a law degree from St. John’s University. Immediately after his studies, he worked in the largest law firm in Long Island, while to this day he continues to live in this area with his wife Olga and their three children.
According to the Associated Press, the White House is considering the candidacy of George Tsunis following a proposal by US Senator Robert Menendez. Menendez, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has a significant influence in the ambassadors’ confirmation hearings.
Mr. Tsunis is on the list of sponsors of the Democratic Party.
The Greek Diaspora
A second-generation immigrant with parents from mountainous Nafpaktia, George Tsunis grew up in the Greek community of New York.
He attended the Greek school, participated in the Greek parade that takes place every year on March 25 on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and was an active member of the community of Agia Paraskevi. He maintained this close relationship with the Church and the Greek-American community throughout his career, as he is a member of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Faith and Leadership 100, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) and the Hellenic Protocol (THI).
In fact, the former Archbishop Demetrios had awarded Mr. Tsunis with the Medal of St. Paul, the highest recognition awarded by the Greek Orthodox Church of America. In addition, Mr. Tsounis has received the “Justice for Cyprus” award of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations, awarded to him by the former President of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias, as well as the Athens-Wishner Prize jointly awarded by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).
Strong connections
The political connections maintained by the 53-year-old Greek-American in Washington are considered important. This is, after all, a political appointment, given that George Tsounis is not a career diplomat.
In this light, it is worth noting the long-term relationship he maintains with President Biden, as in the 2012 election campaign he had served as president of the “Greek-Americans for Obama-Biden.”
In addition, he is well acquainted with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and enjoys the full support of Senator Robert Menendez, with whom he has developed a close friendship.
Despite being one of the main sponsors of the Democratic Party, the expatriate businessman keeps open the channels of communication in the Capitol with MPs and senators from both major parties.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kalodio_elladas_cyprus_israil.jpeg)
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight