Philip Economou, CPA, MSA
Philip is the Corporate Controller for one of the Nation’s largest independent beverage bottlers, Polar Beverages, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is a key executive and has control over all aspects of accounting, treasury management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing/supply chain management, budget management and financial analysis. As an executive level leader at Polar he has gained industry leading expertise in joint venture strategy, contract packing, bottle bill recycling, and the effective of use of data to affect change. Philip spent his youth working in his family’s restaurant and, upon completing his education, began working as an auditor and tax consultant. Philip has been with Polar Beverages since 1996, helping Polar grow into one of the nation’s largest premier independent beverage companies. During Philip’s time at Polar, it has grown from a $50 million to almost a $1 billion per year company.
Philip is a Massachusetts CPA and holds a Master of Science degree in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He has served as the financial committee chair for Orthodox Churches and served two terms as the treasurer/board of director at the Pan-Orthodox Holy Trinity Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Philip taught Sunday school for approximately 15 years at Saint Spyridon’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He recently served as a board of director of the Worcester Economic Club.
Frank Zdruli
Frank is a leader within the Albanian American community with decades of experience in leadership, fundraising and community building. He has worked vigorously both for the Church and his Albanian community. Throughout the years, Frank has served as VP of St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, Trustee of the Albanian Orthodox Archdioceses in America, and President of Sons of St. Mary’s. He is also a leader and cofounder of the Albanian Historical Project in cooperation with the Worcester Historical Museum/WPI Global Project Center, and he serves on the scholarship committee of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
Under Frank’s direction and leadership, his activities were able to provide thousands of dollars for community projects, educational scholarships, and reconstruction of Churches in Albania. Most recently, the funds he helped raise were used for the construction of the bell tower of St. George in Dardha, Albania and the Life Giving Spring Cathedral in Korca, Albania.
In 2022 Frank originated the first youth summer camp at St Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church. The camp continues to be a success and has served as a crucial means for Orthodox youth to recreate during the summer in a constructive, fun way while staying close to the Church.
Frank is an experienced property manager and is employed by Barkan Management as the Property Facilities Superintendent of the Illyrian Gardens Residential facility.
Father Dr. John Downie
Father John began his Theological Studies at the University of Bucharest, graduating in 2006. He earned a Masters in Biblical Studies in 2008. In 2018 he received his PhD in Biblical Studies - The Relationship Between Father and Son in the Gospel of St. John, at the same institution, having Professor Dr. Fr. Constantin Coman as his research coordinator. His doctorate was accepted to be published in the Biblical Institute of Bucharest following a few adjustments, which are pending. All his studies were completed in the Romanian language.
Father John and family lived in Romania for 15 years, eight of which he served as an associate priest at the St. Nicholas University Chapel of Bucharest. In his role as one of the spiritual fathers at the University Chapel, Fr. John confessed thousands of Orthodox faithful from children to the elderly. During this time Fr. John assisted in founding the now thriving Holy Hierarchs Orthodox Academy of Bucharest (k-12) where he taught English for over four years. The school now numbers over 300 students, currently being the largest private Orthodox School in all of Romania. While in Romania he frequently appeared on Romanian TV1, Trinitas TV and Radio, and was interviewed for many religious magazines. He translated many books into English ranging in character from art, natural habitat of the Danube Delta, and Theological projects.
Father John and his family returned to America in 2016. He currently serves in Southbridge, Massachusetts, as the parish priest for Saint Michael’s Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Metropolia of the Americas. During his seven years in Southbridge, Father John along with his family, parish council president, parish council and parish have successfully transformed a church that was on the brink of closing into a church that is growing more beautiful physically, spiritually, and numerically and now has its doors wide open.
Loukas Mironidis
Loukas is an Automation Architect at The TJX Companies with a passion for integrating cutting-edge automation technology solutions. He has his degree in Computer Science, concentrating in Big Data Analytics and Software Development.
A true technology enthusiast, Loukas’ expertise lies in designing and implementing advanced automation systems that streamline processes and enhance efficiency to drive business growth. His understanding of automation technologies, combined with a holistic approach, allows Loukas to tailor solutions that align with organizational goals.
Apart from his professional life, Loukas is dedicated to the Orthodox Church, where he lends his melodic voice to spiritual worship at St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Southbridge, Massachusetts as the head chanter. His participation as a Church volunteer reflects his dedication to both his faith and his community. This commitment is a testament to his honest and genuine character, which shines through in both his personal and professional life.
While Loukas thrives in the dynamic field of technology, he is grounded by his strong Orthodox centered beliefs. He believes in fostering a harmonious balance between his career and personal life, recognizing that true success encompasses both professional accomplishments and meaningful connections with loved ones who are Christ centered.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, Loukas stands out as a young man who not only excels in his field but also brings a unique blend of spirituality, honesty, and community engagement to everything he does.
Nicholas Markopoulos
Nicholas was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. He grew up in the Greek Orthodox Community and was active in Greek School, Sunday School, GOYA, Boy Scouts, and Church basketball.
Nicholas earned a finance degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. After graduation, he started a career in the financial services industry.
His career in the industry covered 14 years, ultimately becoming the division executive vice president of sales. Nicholas organically built a USA Eastern Coast business segment from the ground up. He created and oversaw sixty branches over nine regions, managing 1,200 sales associates and 400 operating personnel. His division funded over $10 billion a year in mortgage real estate transactions.
Throughout his career, as he climbed the corporate ladder, Nick never forgot his roots. He helped many Central Massachusetts Orthodox young professionals establish themselves and prosper in the financial services industry.
In 2008 Nick departed the financial service industry to form his own real estate holding company, NMK Holdings LLC. His company focuses on the acquisition, sale, development, and management of residential and commercial real estate. Over the past twelve years NMK Holdings has bought and sold over $30 million in real estate. Currently NKM Holdings manages a significant portfolio consisting of over 4O units.
Bill Thompson
Bill works for world-wide professional services company EY as a contract services consultant and auditor. He was recruited to the special services engagement area and leads a team of consultants and auditors in the world of governmental defense contracts. Since graduating from Nichols College in 2015, Bill has gained a wealth of experience in corporate finance, accounting, tax, trust/estates, and government contracts. He recently passed all four section of the CPA exam and hopes to soon become a Massachusetts Licensed CPA.
Bill is a Board of Director for the New England chapter of NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association). As part of this group, he helped launched the NDIA Student Connections, an innovative program to support high school students interested in STEM through mentorship. Bill regularly networks with educators, colleges, universities, and other key leaders to strengthen career goals.
Bill has devoted much of his free time to Orthodox charitable pursuits over the years. He made multiple trips to actively participate in the Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage Annual Home Building charities. He currently serves as both a parish council member and treasurer for Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Webster, Massachusetts.