James S. Vlasto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James S. Vlasto
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| Born |
Dimitrius Solon Vlasto
June 11, 1934 New York, New York, US
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| Died | January 19, 2017 (aged 82) Manhattan, New York, US
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| Education | Columbia University |
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| Children | 3 |
Dimitrius Solon "James" Vlasto (born June 11, 1934 – died January 19, 2017) was an American editor, political advisor, and public servant. He worked in important government jobs for the United States, New York State, and New York City.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Vlasto was born in Manhattan, New York City. His family was of Greek descent. His father, Solon G. Vlasto, published the Atlantis newspaper. This was the first daily Greek newspaper in the United States.
James went to public schools in New York City. He also attended the Hackley School and Greenwich High School. Later, he studied at Columbia University.
From 1953 to 1955, he served in the United States Army. He was part of the 1st Cavalry Division in Hokkaido, Japan.
Journalism Career
After serving in the Army, Vlasto joined the Atlantis newspaper in 1956. He started in the business side. Then he became a reporter. Eventually, he became the managing editor. He left the newspaper in 1964 to work for Senator Kenneth B. Keating.
While he was managing editor, Vlasto hired Pete Hamill. Hamill became a famous journalist and author. Vlasto allowed Hamill to write an English article for the Monthly Illustrated Atlantis Magazine. This was about Hamill’s friend, boxer José Torres.
Early Political Work
Even while working at the Atlantis, Vlasto volunteered for political campaigns. His first role was helping the press secretary for Nelson Rockefeller in his 1958 campaign for Governor of New York.
He also worked for other campaigns:
- Louis J. Lefkowitz in the 1961 New York City mayoral election.
- Senator Jacob K. Javits' re-election campaign in 1962.
Helping Presidential Candidates
Vlasto also advised several presidential candidates.
- He was Director of Nationalities Press for Richard Nixon in 1960.
- He advised Senator George McGovern in New York in 1972.
- He helped raise money for Michael Dukakis in 1988.
- He advised Mo Udall for the Democratic nomination in 1976.
Political Consulting
James Vlasto became a well-known political consultant. This means he advised politicians on how to run their campaigns and talk to the public.
Working with Kenneth Keating
In 1963, Vlasto became the traveling Press Officer for Senator Kenneth B. Keating's re-election campaign. He worked closely with the campaign manager, Eugene T. Rossides.
Advising Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr.
In 1966, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr. hired Vlasto. Roosevelt was running for Governor of New York. Vlasto handled public relations for his campaign. Roosevelt kept Vlasto as an advisor even after the campaign.
Supporting Herman Badillo
Vlasto was the press secretary for Herman Badillo. Badillo was a Bronx Borough President who ran for mayor of New York City multiple times. Vlasto helped Badillo in his mayoral campaigns in 1969, 1973, and 2001.
Public Relations Firm
From 1965 to 1976, Vlasto ran his own public relations company, James S. Vlasto Associates. He helped many candidates for public office.
He was a press advisor for:
- Congressman Jonathan Brewster Bingham from the Bronx.
- Congressman William Fitts Ryan in his 1965 mayoral campaign.
- Congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman in 1972. She was the youngest woman to serve in the House at 31.
- Assemblyman Andrew Stein from 1969 to 1974.
Vlasto also helped Richard L. Ottinger in his 1970 campaign for the U.S. Senate. In 1973, he was Communications Director for Richard Lewisohn's campaign for NYC Comptroller.
Helping the President of Cyprus
Vlasto also handled media for Makarios III. He was the first President of Cyprus and the head of the Church of Cyprus. Vlasto helped Makarios during important meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. They discussed the situation in Cyprus after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
Working for Governor Hugh Carey
In 1976, Governor Hugh Carey of New York chose Vlasto as his press secretary. This was a very important time for New York City. The city was almost bankrupt. Governor Carey worked hard to save it.
Vlasto remembered working long hours during this time. He said that Governor Carey was very good at bringing people together. Carey hired many talented people to help him. Vlasto resigned in 1977. Governor Carey praised him, calling him "a trusted advisor and friend."
Later Public Relations Work
From 1978 to 1990, Vlasto reopened his public relations firm, Vlasto & Co. His firm worked with many companies and non-profit groups. He also advised important business leaders.
Work in New York City Schools
Vlasto continued to serve the public in New York City.
- From 1990 to 1993, he was Press Secretary for New York City Public Schools Chancellor Joseph A. Fernandez.
- From 1995 to 2001, he was Communications Director for New Visions for Public Schools. This group helped the public school system by creating programs and raising money.
- From 2003 to 2008, Vlasto was Director of Communications for Public Advocate for the City of New York, Betsy Gotbaum.
Honoring Veterans
In 2008, Vlasto helped create the Homer L. Wise Memorial Committee. They raised money to build a bronze statue of World War II hero Master Sergeant Homer L. Wise. Wise had received the Medal of Honor. The statue was dedicated in 2013 in Stamford, Connecticut.
At the time of his death, Vlasto was the editor of Medal of Honor News. This website honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who showed extreme bravery.
Personal Life
James Vlasto had three children:
- His daughter, Tima Vlasto, is an author and web developer.
- His oldest son, Christopher J. Vlasto, is an executive producer for Good Morning America.
- His youngest son, Josh Vlasto, worked as press secretary for Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor Andrew Cuomo.
James Vlasto passed away on January 19, 2017, at age 82. He died from a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
