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 Universitys 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 GWs 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.
Its 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.
Well see how good a mentor I was, jokes Holland who
worked closely with Kormis on projects such as the annual Presidents
Reports and From Strength to Strength. Shes
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. Its
a different kind of work than running an office. Its 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
199298) Holland waves it off with a smile.
I know it sounds odd, but this is truly my dream job, she
explains. Im doing what Ive wanted to do forever and
Im 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.
Sandys 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, Im thrilled Sandy is going to remain at GW
and in University Relations. We couldnt 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