Nicos Paphitis was born in Pentageia Morfou, Cyprus, the middle of three children. Following the illegal invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, Nicos and his family endured hardship as refugees, moving from town to town to
find work, from Korakou and Evrihou villages, to Nicosia, Limassol, and Anthoupolis.
While serving as an officer in the Cyprus military police, Mr. Paphitis played with the soccer team Keravno Strovolou as a goal keeper. Following his military service, he came to the United States, earning a Bachelor of
Science degree in accounting from the City University of New York.
His career has included positions with Laiki Bank and Piraeus Bank, and he currently serves as 1st Vice President at Citizens Bank. Mr. Paphitis is committed to the Hellenic-American community as Executive Vice President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations and through his advocacy for institutions such as Kyrenia Opera and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
Mr. Paphitis is proud to accept the Kyrenia Award with the support of his wife Evie, his children Andreas and Marilena, his daughter-in-law Lily, and his two beautiful grandchildren Nico and Paris.