WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute’s Director of Legislative Affairs Elias Gerasoulis has joined The Livingston Group (TLG), one of Washington, DC’s preeminent lobbying firms, as a member of its international practice.

According to American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis, Gerasoulis will remain formally involved with AHI, serving in an advisory and consulting capacity to assist with the Institute’s policy priorities and mission. During his tenure at AHI, Gerasoulis helped the Institute develop relations with over 100 members of Congress and opened channels of communication with government agencies and the White House. He also formed partnerships for AHI with other think-tanks and advocacy groups in the policy community.

“Elias has been an important asset to AHI and instrumental in significantly augmenting our public policy presence in Washington,” Larigakis said. “The highest levels of government have taken notice of his good work as well as Greek American community leaders. TLG’s hiring of Elias is an acknowledgement of his fine advocacy for the rule of law, including justice for Cyprus, religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the region’s geostrategic importance. I am pleased Elias will continue his relationship with AHI, albeit in a different capacity, and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Gerasoulis stated: “My passion to advocate for stronger relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and for religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, will be enhanced with my new position and continued advisory capacity with AHI and the Greek American community. It has been an honor to have promoted these issues on behalf of our community, often in conjunction with many of our great community leaders.”

“I am exceptionally grateful to AHI President Nick Larigakis for hiring me and giving me my start. Coming right out of college, I held responsibilities at AHI that I do not believe I would have had elsewhere. In addition, I am deeply appreciative to the AHI and AHIF board of directors for the assistance they have provided to the organization and me. Furthermore, I also want to thank my fellow AHI staff and coworkers for the wonderful professional collaboration that we have enjoyed.”

“In addition, I want to thank Mr. Livingston and the leadership of TLG for inviting me to join their illustrious firm. It is a tremendous honor.”

“Elias enhances our firm’s existing talented core of team members in our international practice area,” said Bob Livingston, former Speaker-designate of the House of Representatives and Founding Partner of TLG, in a press release. “We look forward to utilizing his range of experience and skills with foreign governments, as well as U.S. and foreign non-governmental organizations.”

He added, “Elias has been on the cutting edge of developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area of growing geo-political and commercial significance. His expertise in this space will add additional depth and value to our international practice. We especially appreciate Elias’ involvement with humanitarian causes, including his efforts to advocate for the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as his advocacy for freedom and justice for the people of Cyprus.”

Though TLG did represent the Republic of Turkey between 1999 and 2008, the firm has not engaged with the government of Turkey in any capacity since then. Since 2008, TLG has represented a variety of clients and interests, such as the Arab Republic of Egypt, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar of Libya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Iraq.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary service and effective leadership Elias has offered to our community in his capacity as AHI’s Director of Legislative Affairs. He was tenaciously focused on advancing important Hellenic affairs issues to the highest congressional offices while remaining a humble down to earth kind of a guy who, like President Reagan said, understands that anything is possible as long as you don’t mind who gets the credit. I know that Elias will succeed at TLG, because he will also be guided by his love of Hellenism and his Orthodox Christian faith,” said Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Vicar General of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

“AHI and our community were blessed to have Elias working for our Hellenic issues in Washington, DC. We express our thanks for his commitment and dedication, and I am sure his new position at The Livingston Group will benefit the Greek American community,” said International Coordinating Committee-Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) President Philip Christopher.

“AHEPA congratulates Elias Gerasoulis on the announcement of his new position. Collaborating with Elias has proven to be a most rewarding experience. His knowledge and passion for issues that as a community we work to advocate, is remarkable. His achievements are exemplary, and he will be missed. We are proud to have worked with him and envious of the expertise he will offer his new employer with his professionalism and confidence. Congratulations and continued success,” AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis noted.

“It is our dream at the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation to see our alumni, like Elias Gerasoulis, do well in their careers. The excellent work that AHI does, and how Elias has been able to help them achieve, obviously has set him up well for this significant transition,” said Robert Buhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors, PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation.

“Wherever Elias lands, excellence remains,” said National Hellenic Society Executive Director Art Dimopoulos.