Oct. 16, 2001

Familiar Faces in New Spaces

Assistant Vice President for University Relations Sandy Holland Becomes GW Magazine Executive Editor, Director of Publications Chris Kormis Named Executive Director

By Thomas Kohout

After more than 10 years guiding the University’s voice as Assistant Vice President for University Relations Sandy Holland has stepped down to become the executive editor of GW Magazine. Chris M. Kormis, who has developed publications at GW for the past 11 years, has been appointed to succeed Holland as the executive director for University Relations. The decision, which became official on Aug. 27, followed an exhaustive year-long search to find a candidate capable of managing a department so diverse as to contain advertising, ByGeorge!, GW Graphic Design, GW Magazine, media relations, community relations, and publications.

“It is rare that decisions can be made that please everyone involved,” says Michael Freedman, vice president for communications. “Yet this is one of those happy occasions. When Sandy initially requested the opportunity to concentrate on writing and editing the GW Magazine, which is truly her first love, Chris Kormis was the first person we approached to succeed her.”

Freedman adds that initially, Kormis reluctantly stayed out of the search for personal reasons, but after the year-long process she was persuaded to reconsider.

“As we were winding the search down,” Freedman says, “we approached Chris again. This time, she was able to enthusiastically toss her hat into the ring.”

The position will not lack for publishing talent; Kormis brings a wealth of experience and accolades with her. A Pittsburgh native who earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Duquesne University and a master of arts degree in English, professional writing, and editing from George Mason University, Kormis is a two-time Council for Advancement and the Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Gold Medalist. Her first CASE award came in 1991 for GW Giving, a newsletter she produced for the development office. The second award came in 1996 for the publications package surrounding GW’s 175th Anniversary and included the pictorial history book “From Strength to Strength.”

Kormis also has received two Addy awards from the Advertising Club of Washington. During her tenure with University Relations, Kormis also has served as an associate editor with GW Magazine and an assistant editor for ByGeorge!

“As executive director, I plan to continue moving the office forward so that we provide a service that is proactive to all of our audiences, which include students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors, the city, and the media,” says Kormis. She adds that she plans to bring the same determination for improvement that she demonstrated in her publications management role in University Relations.

“It’s an administrative position,” explains Holland of Kormis’ new job. “Beyond that it can be what you make of it, and I think Chris has the creativity to make quite a bit of it.”

“We’ll see how good a mentor I was,” jokes Holland who worked closely with Kormis on projects such as the annual “President’s Reports” and “From Strength to Strength.” “She’s paid close attention to the subtleties of the job.”

For her part, Holland says the transition from department leader to executive editor of GW Magazine will be an exciting one. Her association with GW began in the Continuing Education for Women division after completing the publications certificate program. She performed promotional services including advertising, publications, and public affairs in the department. In 1990 Holland transformed GW Times — an alumni tabloid — into the glossy alumni publication GW Magazine. It was a time in her career she never got over.

“I love magazines, the whole process of deciding what goes in, the writing, choosing the cover,” Holland insists. “It’s a different kind of work than running an office. It’s creative, it taps into an ability that I have.”

When asked about the prospect of working for another of her former employees (Freedman served as the director of public affairs under Holland from 1992–98) Holland waves it off with a smile.

“I know it sounds odd, but this is truly my dream job,” she explains. “I’m doing what I’ve wanted to do forever and I’m back where I want
to be.”

Freedman and Kormis agree that what the University may have lost in a departmental leader it has gained in a talented and experienced editor.

“Sandy’s gentle style and perfectionist approach to all of her projects has brought out the best in those whose careers she has influenced” says Freedman. “She has been — and continues to be — a wonderful mentor and role model to many of us who have had the great pleasure of working for and with her.”

Kormis adds, “I’m thrilled Sandy is going to remain at GW and in University Relations. We couldn’t have selected a better qualified editor for GW Magazine than its founding editor.”

Anastasia Pelios has been selected to become the new director of publications for University Relations. Pelios comes to GW from the Trade Show and Exhibitors Association in Alexandria, where she was the manager of communications.

“One of her selling points,” says Kormis, “was that she took a two-color newsletter and turned it into a four-color award-winning magazine.”

 

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu