A distinguished business leader and philanthropist, Drake G. Behrakis is President of Marwick Associates, an MA-based real estate investment and development company, and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of The National Hellenic Society, a non-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the Hellenic heritage in the United States.
Interviewed for Business Partners by AmCham Greece VP John D. Saracakis, he talks about the need to foster stronger ties between young Greek-Americans and Greece, the importance of education and collaboration, and how to cultivate even closer business relations between Greece and the United States.
John D. Saracakis: You have had a distinguished career in business. How has your professional background shaped your approach to leadership and community involvement?
Drake G. Behrakis: I’ve been very fortunate to work in various businesses and industries. An important lesson for me in working in a corporate environment is the evolution of the operating structure and the importance of having balance in strategic thinking between a short- and longterm focus. Unfortunately, that transition to our community, specifically the non-profit world, can be very challenging, particularly in managing growth. Most organizations have an antiquated structure, albeit entrepreneurial, with little to no succession planning. Regardless of this challenge, many of us continue to make a positive impact.
We need to throw out the old playbook and find ways to engage our future members and leaders
As Chairman of the National Hellenic Society, you’ve been instrumental in establishing the Heritage Greece Program. How does the program benefit participants and strengthen the bond between Greek-Americans and Greece?
The Heritage Greece Program is a cultural and education immersion experience for Greek American students that allows them to explore their culture and reconnect with their heritage, roots, language, traditions and Greek identity. I take great pride in the Heritage Greece program because it ignites and reignites the Hellenic spirit in our community for the most vulnerable—the unengaged and disinterested college students. We’ve sent over 1,000 students to Greece, impacting not only their lives but also their families and friends. This multiplier effect is felt in this country, as well as in the Greek peer students who participate in the program and become friends for life.
You often highlight the importance of empowering young professionals within the Greek-American community. What strategies do you believe are most effective in maintaining their engagement with our cultural heritage?
We have a tough challenge with succession planning. Our culture teaches us to respect the wisdom of our elders, sometimes to our detriment. We need to throw out the old playbook and find ways to engage our future members and leaders in a way they feel comfortable and an essential part of our organization. We need to engage and empower them at a younger age and find the right balance for all to manage the growth of their organization. As much as we seek the counsel of our experienced leaders we also need to hear from the voices of the next generation.
Your philanthropic efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to education. How do you decide which causes to support, and what drives your passion for giving back?
I’ve been fortunate to have two great parents as examples of the power of giving back. I’ve always been interested in thinking outside the box, so I tend to focus on those initiatives. Regardless, it’s all about impact, about the good that comes from your philanthropy. Education, which is at the heart of our Greek ethos, is the best way to invest in the future of our children and grandchildren.
Education, which is at the heart of our Greek ethos, is the best way to invest in the future of our children and grandchildren
Given your extensive involvement, what do you see as the most pressing challenges and opportunities for the Greek diaspora in the coming years?
Each generation that passes becomes more and more Americanized. Our greatest challenge is maintaining our ethnic identity, which means having our children and grandchildren involved at an earlier age. We’ve operated for too long in silos. Many great organizations are engaging our community, but the statistics/trends are sobering. To survive as an ethnicity, we need to do a better job of collaboration and shared vision. There has been some great progress on this front, but we have quite a ways to go.
You’ve previously discussed the potential for collaboration between AmCham Greece and the Greek diaspora. What specific areas do you believe hold the most promise for enhancing Greek-US bilateral relations?
The most promising areas are B2B and P2P. Greece is a developing ecosystem that needs our financial investment, knowledge, and patience. It works both ways. Greece has come a long way, but it’s still not developed to the point where many in the diaspora can support it other than by offering their advice and counsel. I’d like to see more cross-exchanges for students and young professionals, as well as business delegations, thematic initiatives, and an openness to involve diaspora members on councils and boards.
You’ve played a pivotal role in the creation of AmCham Greece’s soon-to-be-announced new branch office in Washington DC. What inspired your involvement in this key initiative?
The physical presence of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in the United States is a major step forward in ensuring continued and enhanced relations between US and Greek businesses as well as a major commitment to expand outreach and networking.
I’ve always been a believer in personal contact and interaction and was more than happy to assist with AmCham Greece’s new home in Washington DC.
