Board Members
Louis Kokkinakos
Chairman
As President of the Foodservice Restaurant Partners Group, Louis brings extensive business expertise and a deep commitment to community leadership. His work with Plato Education Foundation reflects a strong belief in the value of Greek heritage and education. Through his role on the board, he helps guide the organization’s vision with purpose, integrity, and a genuine passion for success.
Nikos Mouses
Vice Chairman
Nikolaos brings over 30 years of experience in international business, maritime operations, and hospitality. He leads several companies, including International Agency Transport, Olympus Plaza Group, Terraco LLC, and Maritime Estate and Tourist Enterprises S.A. He has held board and advisory roles with cruise lines and shipping associations and worked extensively across Greece, Italy, Serbia, and Turkey.
He is a member of several international chambers of commerce and currently serves as Vice President of the Greek-China Association.
Amy Hayes
Treasurer
Amy brings over 16 years of experience in public education, shaped by her work as a teacher, director, and advocate for inclusive learning. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Before joining Plato Academy, she led the Charter Schools and Home Education Oversight Program in Pinellas County, Florida and served as Board Secretary for the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers. Her leadership is grounded in a deep belief that every child deserves access to an education that honors their unique strengths.
Dawn Parker
Secretary
Dawn brings more than three decades of experience in education.. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Maryland, along with two Master’s degrees in Education (Counseling from the University of La Verne and Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida). She has served in roles ranging from teacher and counselor to principal and academic director. Her work at Plato Academy reflects a lifelong commitment to nurturing both students and educators through guidance and professional development.
Irene Notias
Board Member
Irene Notias, born in Athens and raised in New York City, combines her Greek heritage with her American upbringing in her professional and philanthropic endeavors. She is the Founder and Director of PROJECT CONNECT, a nonprofit she established in 2015 to strengthen youth employability and support the long‑term sustainability of the Greek shipping industry. During Greece’s peak youth‑unemployment years, Irene created the country’s first Shipping HR Facility, an innovative hub designed to support maritime companies in sourcing, developing, and connecting young talent with real career opportunities.
Through this HR facility, she launched Greece’s first online CV platform dedicated exclusively to shipping, directly linking students and graduates with maritime companies for internships and entry‑level roles. She also developed a Work‑Study Program with HR executives and introduced the Adopt a Ship program into the Hellenic school system, embedding maritime culture and awareness into classrooms and inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals.
Irene’s professional background is rooted in the marine‑energy sector. She founded and managed Prime’s Bunkersplus Services, a 24/7 marine‑fuel procurement service that supported leading Greek and American shipping companies for two decades. Her experience as a bunker broker, exclusive fuel‑purchasing agent, fuels trader, and Sales & Marketing Manager for global fuel companies has made her a respected figure in the marine‑energy community. She continues to share her expertise through her signature course, The Science of Buying Bunkers.
Equally significant is Irene’s long record of association leadership and community service. She has served two terms as Governor of the U.S. Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, Vice President of WISTA Hellas, Secretary of the Athens Alzheimer’s Association, Board Member of the Kardamylian Foundation, and Parish Council Member of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in NYC. She is also an active member of IBIA, the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, and the Chios Marine Club. Most recently, she joined the Boards of the Plato Education Foundation (USA) and is a member of the NY/NJ Propeller Club.