When President Biden put George Tsunis' name up as his choice to take on the role of Greek Ambassador for the United States, there was a lot of grumbling from the press and former officials who remembered his first bid for ambassadorship in 2014. That year, Tsunis was known for bungling the Senate hearing to be ambassador to Norway. He eventually withdrew his name from consideration.
But the Greek-American businessman from Long Island got a second chance and nailed it. According to reports, Tsunis was praised by both Democrats and Republicans alike during his Senate hearing. Tsunis is fluent in Greek and is involved with many Greek American organizations here at home.
On March 10, 2022 he was confirmed by the Senate as the next Ambassador of the United States to Greece.
Tsunis, 54, a resident of Lloyd Harbor, is the CEO of Chartwell Hotels, a hotel developer and management company. He is also the chairman of Battery Park City Authority, which manages a 92-acre planned development on Manhattan’s lower west side and a Trustee for the New York City Convention Development Corporation and the New York City Convention Operating Corporation.
During remarks in Greece recently where Tsunis presented his credentials to Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, he commented on Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and how important Greece was in its alliance with the United States and NATO.
“Putin has tried to twist history to justify his unprovoked and brutal war,” he said. “Those who genuinely study history know President Zelenskyy and the brave people of Ukraine embody the spirit of those who prevailed during the Second World War. They are defending their sovereignty, their democracy, and Ukraine’s rightful future in a Europe whole, free, and at peace.”
According to a story in The Greek Reporter, outgoing Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt, will take on a new role in the U.S. Government as Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources.