Stathis Karadonis was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. He is a father of two sons and is married to his wife Michelle for 30 years. Stathis Karadonis served as President at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church and also as President of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley. In 2015 he was honored with the title of Archon Hypomnematografos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Stathis Karadonis, the current chair of the Greek Agora Festival, has been instrumental in revitalizing the event since taking over the role in 2017, following the passing of former chair Alex Mastoris. Under his leadership, the festival has embraced modernization with the introduction of electronic POS payments, online orders, and curbside pickup, making it more accessible and convenient for attendees.
His focus on social media engagement has significantly boosted the festival’s visibility, attracting a broader audience from both the Cherry Hill multicultural community and surrounding areas.
In recognition of his efforts, the festival was listed among the top 10 festivals in the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice 2024, cementing its place as a premier cultural event in the country. Through these innovations, Stathis has ensured the festival’s growth while preserving its rich Hellenic traditions.