Mike Galanos Of CNN/si Talks Sports, His Rise To The Top At AHI Atlanta Networking Event

Celebrated CNN/Sports Illustrated (CNN/si) anchor Mike Galanos headlined the evening as guest speaker for AHI's Atlanta Networking Reception on May 16, 2001 at Atlanta's JW Marriott Hotel at Lenox. Mr. Galanos retraced his steps to success in the world of sports journalism, from his early days as a video journalist for CNN Headline News to his prominent position today. Also discussed was the current state of the sports world, touching on topics such as the high rate of sports salaries and sports personalities.

The event opened with a prayer from Father George Alexson of the Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, GA, and was moderated by event chairperson Eli P. Karatassos. As Director of Fundraising at the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, Mr. Karatassos delivered a brief overview of how the program is progressing in Atlanta, and then introduced the guest-of-honor.

Mike Galanos' path to the top was one filled with numerous challenges that were overcome with talent, hard work, perseverance and a measure of good luck. After having graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in broadcast communication arts from San Francisco State University, Mr. Galanos initially supported himself by working at the local Red Lobster until he received his first break in April 1988: an entry-level position as a video journalist at CNN in Atlanta. Among his various duties, Mr. Galanos ran the teleprompter and studio camera for Headline News anchors Don Harrison and Bobbie Batista. His hard work was rewarded one year later when he advanced to the position of editor in CNN's sports department. Then in 1991, Mr. Galanos left CNN for his first on-air position in Reno, NV, only to return to CNN in June 1994 as a sports anchor with CNN/si.

With this hard-won experience, Mike Galanos offered a wealth of knowledge for AHI Business Network event participants. During a highly informative question and answer session, many young attendees asked for tips on breaking into the competitive world of communications. Mr. Galanos' strongest piece of advice was: "If you have a dream, don't give up on it." He suggested that, while the communications business is a difficult one to crack, it is possible to succeed in the industry with talent, hard work, perseverance and some good fortune.

The event concluded with closing remarks from AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis, who gave thanks to the guest-of-honor, the host committee and attendees, and discussed current and future activities being conducted by AHI.

Following the event, Mr. Galanos gave AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis and AHI Advisory Committee member Kostas Alexakis a private tour of the studios at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta. As an added benefit, both Mr. Larigakis and Mr. Alexakis were featured on camera during one of the broadcasts that evening.

The host committee for the Atlanta Networking Reception included: Eli P. Karatassos, event chairperson and Director of Fundraising at the American Foundation for Hellenic Studies; C. G. Alexandrides, Professor Emeritus at Georgia State University; Kostas Alexakis, AHI Advisory Committee member and Chairman of Public Sector Solutions; Johnny N. Economy, President of Zomma Enterprises, Inc.; Leo Frangis of Kanes, Benator & Co., L.L.C.; I. Pano Karatassos, President of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group; George Kleris, MD; the Laconian Society of Atlanta; Kyriakos Michaelides, MD, the Honorary Consul of Cyprus; and Alec Papadakis, Esq., Managing Partner at Hurt, Levine & Papadakis.

The AHI Business Network, initiated in 1989, is a division of the AHI designed to reach out to the business experience of Greek Americans and to put that experience to work helping other Greek Americans. Its purpose is to share business information and contacts. Its concept is people helping people by sharing experience, knowledge and ideas.

For additional information regarding the event or AHI, please contact Chrysoula Economopoulos at (202) 785-8430 or at chrysoula@ahiworld.org. AHI's website can be accessed at www.ahiworld.org.