Board of dIRECTORS

Walter has been a key board member of the HCSR since 2004. He carried the Society through a difficult period starting just before the COVID-19 pandemic with an aged and bare-bones board. In his current role as President, he is providing experience-based guidance for the new Board, and guiding the vision of the Society. 

Walter, in spite of a non-Greek name, was born in Athens, Greece. He credits his  Greek mother for the opportunities to have spent a significant part of his years in Greece and for teaching him the wonderful Greek language. 

As of late Walter was an instructor at RIT, teaching design related courses. He is also a Greek teacher (now going on for 19 years) - which also helps him maintain his Greek fluency. Walter is on a new, retirement chapter of life, doing volunteer work and participating in the life-long learning Osher institute (tied to RIT). 

Kostas joined the Society in June 2025 and helped bring together the new Board to support the organization’s next chapter. He brings a diverse background that includes experience in the food and beverage industry, followed by a career in mechanical engineering and quality management within the manufacturing sector. Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece, he carries a deep appreciation for Hellenic culture and community.

As Vice President and Chief of Operations, Kostas is dedicated to helping guide and strengthen the organization as it grows. He works closely with the Board to support its development, coordinate operations, and ensure that the Society continues to thrive for future generations.

Outside of the Society, Kostas enjoys spending time with his family and staying active within the Greek community. He is passionate about preserving the traditions and values that shaped him and is proud to contribute to the revival and continuity of the Hellenic Cultural Society.

Apostolis joins the society with a varied background from the food & beverage industry as well as transportation and logistics management. He has been a member of the board since July 2025.  Born and raised locally in Rochester, NY, Apostoli's family hails from Flambouro in the municipality of Florina. His passion and respect for his Hellenic nationality and cultural upbringing is ever-present in his participation in Greek cultural events helping to preserve and promote Hellenic culture in both the Greek-American and Rochester communities at large.

As the Recording Secretary, it is Apostoli's role to accurately document the proceedings, discussions, and decisions made during meetings of the board, committees and society at large.  He also assists with the Correspondence Secretary in communications with persons and groups involving the coordination and planning of events.

Outside of the society, Apostolis enjoys spending time with his family and friends.  He enjoys reading, traveling, sports and especially music, as an avid listener but also a musician who plays both bouzouki and guitar.

  Helena has a background in nursing education and has worked at multiple local and national healthcare organizations over the last 12 years. She also has a strong foundation in marketing and sales through the Barbizon Modeling and Acting Agency and the TJX Corporation. She has been a member of the HCSR board since July 2025.

Even though she has familial roots in Silo, Greece, she did not grow up within the Greek community. She now has a passion for forming a stronger Greek cultural foundation—to benefit her community, and to create a place for herself and her family to grow. In her role as Marketing Chair, she oversees the society's advertisements, social media sites, and event design and campaigns. Helena contributes her creativity, organizational skills, and passion to our society and community. 

Outside of the organization, Helena enjoys working out at Burn Bootcamp, reading fantasy books, snuggling her fluffy dog, Maple, and being an active mama to her sweet 2-year-old, Katerina. 

  Diana joined the Hellenic Cultural Society in 2025. She has a background that ranges from a degree in Chemistry, to (as many Greeks often do) an upbringing in the food service industry, to her photography business. She has been involved with the Greek Orthodox Church throughout her life through Sunday School, GOYA, Greek dancing, the annual Greek Festival, countless other events, and most recently, as a Greek School teacher for the last 4 years. 

Born and raised in Rochester, NY, her family is from Sparta and Kefalonia. Growing up in a family of immigrants and surrounded by Greek culture has shaped her as a person and has driven her to both preserve and promote our Hellenic culture. The language, history, art, music and so much more is deeply ingrained in her everyday life, and her main hope with this organization is to help both Hellenes and Philhellenes gain some insight into our beautiful culture.

As Treasurer, she will oversee the financial aspects of the organization, with transparency and accountability, in compliance with state laws and regulations.

Outside of the organization, Diana is a family and wedding photographer, and owns Diana Kapatos Photography. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, live music, cooking + baking, and reading.