Dr. Giannaros Presides Over the House of Representatives

Demetrios Giannaros, professor of economics in the Barney School of Business, presided over the state House of Representatives for the first time on April 9, in his new role as deputy speaker. Giannaros, a Democratic state representative from Farmington, Conn., was promoted to deputy speaker in February.

“It was the thrill of my life to be presiding in the people's house, the Connecticut House of Representatives,” Giannaros said. “I thank Speaker (James) Amann and Majority Leader (Christopher) Donovan for the honor they bestowed on me.

“I will do my best to serve the people of Connecticut as deputy speaker, and will never forget that as an immigrant I have been given a great opportunity in this great country of ours.”

Giannaros emigrated with his family from Greece in 1964. He is the first Greek-American to serve as deputy speaker in Connecticut, and the first to preside over the state House of Representatives.

Giannaros was first elected to represent Connecticut’s 21st Assembly District in 1994. In addition to serving as deputy speaker of the House, he is a member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee and the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.