Leadership and Staff

Since 2020, Chrysoula Kourkounti has been the Executive Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center at Hellenic College in Boston. Under her leadership, the center has undergone significant revitalization after a period of inactivity. She has spearheaded efforts to repair neglected facilities, catalog and preserve stored art collections and create versatile multi-functional spaces. Today, the center hosts a wide range of cultural events. Notable events include performances of ancient Greek dramas, theatrical productions, musical concerts, book presentations, poetry readings, permanent and traveling exhibits, paintings and photography shows, and academic events for adults and kids.

Chrysoula Kourkounti has also established affiliations with the Massachusetts Cultural Committee, Boston-area universities, academic institutions, and distinguished Greek institutions like the University of Ioannina, Gennadius Library, and the Benaki Museum. Finally, the Maliotis Cultural Center collaborates with prominent organizations such as the Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek Consulate of Boston, AHEPA, and various Greek-American societies.

Recognized for her expertise in fundraising, networking, mentoring, and entrepreneurship, Chrysoula Koutkounti brings a dynamic and inclusive approach to her work. She resides in Chestnut Hill, MA, with her husband, Rev. Dr. Vassilios Bebis.

Markella Patitsas holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Classics and Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated summa cum laude. She later earned a Master of Theological Studies from Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, also summa cum laude. Her academic path included study abroad semesters in Greece and Italy, deepening her engagement with Hellenic culture, literature, and the arts.

Before joining the Maliotis Cultural Center, she worked with organizations such as International Orthodox Christian Charities, where she organized youth leadership conferences and coordinated service projects across the country. She also taught at Mason Classical Academy, leading virtue-based education rooted in the humanities, and has been active in Orthodox missions, youth programs, and cultural initiatives both in the U.S. and abroad.

Since 2021, Markella Patitsas has served as the Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center at Hellenic College in Boston. In this role, she oversees all programming, events, and strategic initiatives, manages operations and communications, and fosters partnerships with Hellenic and Orthodox organizations. Under her leadership, the Center has continued to expand its mission of promoting Hellenic culture, language, and Orthodox heritage through theatrical productions, concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and community events.

She brings to her work a strong background in theology, literature, and education, combined with a passion for community building, cultural preservation, and the arts.

Marilena Gropatsakis holds an MBA in Marketing from Baruch College and has over seven years of experience in marketing and event planning. Passionate about all things Greek, she is proud to give back to the Greek Orthodox community through her work with the Maliotis Cultural Center and Hellenic College Holy Cross. Marilena finds great joy in creating meaningful events that celebrate and support the community she loves.