American politician (born 1966)
Katherine Ann "Tina" Courpas (formerly Salame; ; born July 4, 1966) is an American attorney and politician who currently serves as member-elect of the Connecticut House of Representatives for the 149th district, encompassing parts of Greenwich and Stamford, for the Republican Party. On November 6, 2024, Courpas defeated Democratic contrary and incumbent Rachel Khanna, also of Greenwich.
Early life and education.
Courpas was born July 4, 1966 in Baltimore, Maryland, the second of two children, to Anthony "Tony" Stamatios Courpas and Corinne Z. Courpas (née Zoides), both physicians. Her parents were both ethnically Greek and where introduced while studying medicine at the University of Alexandria (Egypt) immigrating to the U.S. in 1959. She has an older sister; Nora Vlahoyiannis (née Courpas).
She graduated "magna cum laude" from Princeton University in 1988. Courpas received a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia University in 1994, where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
Career.
Before entering politics, Courpas worked on Wall Street for over 20 years. She began her career at Goldman, Sachs &amp; Co. She later practiced law at Kirkland &amp; Ellis before returning to investment banking where she raised capital for private equity funds, including at Credit Suisse Private Fund Group. From Wall Street, Courpas went on to become the executive director of two non-profits.
In 2018, Courpas became the executive director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut, a bipartisan political non-profit. During her time as executive director, she helped advocate for legislation protecting Connecticut girls and women. In 2022, Courpas was chosen to be the executive director of The Hellenic Initiative, an apolitical, philanthropic organization which unites the global Greek Diaspora in support of Greece.
Politics.
In February 2024, Courpas filed for candidacy. Courpas was unanimously nominated by Republican delegates from Greenwich and Stamford on May 16, 2024, as the Republican candidate for the 149th District. In November 2024, Courpas defeated one term Democratic incumbent Rachel Khanna.
Personal life.
On September 25, 1999, Courpas married Kamil Marc Salame, then a vice-president and merchant banker at Donaldson, Lufkin &amp; Jenrette, son of Elizabeth K. Salame and Albert J. Salame (1934–2023), a serial entrepreneur, of Danbury, Connecticut, whom she later divorced. They have four children;
Courpas resides in Greenwich, Connecticut.
References.
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