Type Of Business:
Tobacco Company
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Dr. Ardounis' expertise includes information technology, the tourism industry, academia and management.
Major Product/SVS:
Tobacco Products
Favorite Business Publication:
All Industry-Related Publications
Hobbies/Sports:
Playing Tennis, Exercising, Dancing, Cooking, Entertaining Friends and Family
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in Information Technology, Belford University (2007); Master of Science in Information Technology (2003); Master of Business Administration, Almeda University (1998); Internship, IBM; Internship, Control Data; Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, Analysis, Design and Programming, Roosevelt University, Chicago; Associate of Art Degree in English Literature and Education, Chicago Campus of The Loop College; Proficiency in English Degree, Cambridge University; Proficiency in English Degree, Michigan University; High School Diploma, Earned in Greece
Affiliations Awards:
Executive Relations and Communications Officer, Greek National Tourist Organization; Co-Founder, Former Vice President, PR & Tourism Promotion Organization, Athens, Greece; Executive Secretary to President, Chicago Branch, National Bank of Greece
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlights of her career were interviews with the United Nations in NYC, but for personal reasons she accepted the 360 degree life-spinner post in Athens, Greece.
Charity:
Member, PANATHINAIKI (Present-1999)
Number Of Years In Profession:
31
Number Of Years In Current Position:
18
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her professors and colleagues, the support she receives from her family, her lifetime commitment to hard work, and being able to bridge the divide on every imaginable level.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She continued in her profession after the Persian Gulf crisis triggered the urge for a career change from the U.S. Mission to a vocation in the private industry, which lead to her interview with the Karelia Tobacco Company.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. Ardounis' career includes work in both the private and public sector both in the United States and abroad. She began her career as a teacher of English, later operating her own schools, presently a designated Professor. Prior to her recent position with Karelia, she held dual positions as administrative director of the Kararigas Academic Organization, and as PR programs coordinator of the AKTO (& London's Middlesex University) Technological & Arts Group in the center of Athens. Her other experience includes working for the U.S. Mission in Athens, Greece, and successfully working as a realtor in both the United States, Greece, and for the GSO Housing Section of the U.S. Embassy in Athens on a non-commissioned basis.
There, she worked as an information systems management officer for 10 years, successfully advancing the U.S. Embassy’s word processing center to a word and data processing center, and finally to the nationwide Information System Management Office. For three years during her service there, in line with her U.S. Embassy appointment, she independently operated her third Branch School of English as a Foreign Language in Athens. During this same period, she also served as an academic counselor and representative of selected universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Scotland and Switzerland.
She has traveled extensively privately, but on behalf of the companies she represents. Dr. Ardounis' travels and vocational training focuses on the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Cyprus and Greece nationwide. She has completed special assignments for prominent government figures, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassies in London, Paris and Rome, and the Greek Ministries of Tourism and Economics.
In addition to being an exclusive invitee as an ambassador of Greece for the World Forum in 2010 where she was named an Ambassador of Knowledge and received the specially designated commemorative medallion of the same name, specially crafted to commemorate the University of Cambridge's 800-year anniversary; Dr. Ardounis was recognized and celebrated as a part of the university's great history, when her name was read and recorded in the halls of the university's great lecture theatre, for her intellect and contributions to society.
Her articles have appeared in nine publications, including The Suit Magazine and Netweek, the business magazine for the technology strategist.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Reporting Directly to the Board of Directors
Education Certifications:
Graduate Certificate, Travel Academy, Chicago; Graduate Certificate, National Real Estate Schools, Chicago; Credentials Certification Permit, The Ministry of N/L Education & Religion; Permit to Establish a School of English, Prefecture of Messinia, Department of Secondary Education
Awards/Honors:
Deputy Director General Honoree, IBC, Europe Division (2010); Lifetime Deputy Governor, ABIRA/USA; 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century, IBC (2010); Exclusive Nomination, 2010 Woman of the Year, ABI, Greece; ‘A Woman Who Sets The Standards’ Commendation, International Women’s Review Board (2010); Lifetime Fellow Nominee for Exceptional Accomplishments and Positive Influence on Others, ABI (2010); Lifetime Round Table Member and Member of the Year, Madison Who’s Who (2008); Honorary Plaque, Development of the Scout Movement, Messinia (2000); Award, Outstanding Young Women of America (1980); Who's Who in American Junior Colleges (1979)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In the near future, Dr. Ardounis hopes to teach at a university and finish a book. She would also like to utilize her membership to make new friends, provide background to open channels to attract new business to Greece, and assume challenging assignments.