Ambassador Tom Korologos receiving the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award. Pictured with Dr. Spiro Spireas, former AHIF President (right), and Nick Larigakis, AHI President (left).

No. 72

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Tom Chris Korologos, a cherished supporter of AHI and a recipient of the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award in 2012. Korologos, who served as an advisor to multiple U.S. presidents and was a former United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, passed away on July 26, 2024, from heart complications at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 91.

Born in Salt Lake City on April 6, 1933, to Chris T. and Irene K. Korologos, Tom was the son of Greek immigrants who had ventured to the United States in pursuit of a better life. His parents, who operated a tavern in Salt Lake City, instilled in him a profound appreciation for his heritage and the values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Korologos embraced his Greek roots with pride and often credited them for his success, both personally and professionally.

Throughout his life, Korologos maintained strong ties to his Hellenic heritage, becoming a prominent figure within the Greek American community. He was instrumental in orchestrating the tradition of U.S. Presidents inviting the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and other Greek dignitaries to the White House to celebrate Greek Independence Day. His passion for Hellenism and the Orthodox faith was evident in his numerous endeavors to promote Greek culture and values.

Korologos's career in Washington, D.C., spanned over six decades, where he became a trusted political strategist and lobbyist. He began his journey in 1962, working for Senator Wallace F. Bennett and later held key positions under Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan. As a co-founder of Timmons and Company, a leading lobbying firm, he played an influential role in shaping American policy and legislative affairs. His diplomatic career peaked with his appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, where he launched a Muslim Outreach program adopted globally by the State Department.

Korologos's impact on the Greek American community and his dedication to public service were recognized when he received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award in 2012. At the time, he shared his pride in his Greek roots, saying:

"I am proud, proud as can be, to say that us Greeks have come a long way since those immigrant ancestors of ours who crossed over to the United States in so many numbers, so many years ago. Here tonight, many in this room grew up in this first generation. We’ve set the pattern for later success as witnessed by the awardees tonight."

He continued, "Here tonight, at this wonderful and memorable event, in front of my wife, brother, sister, cousins, daughter, son, grandson, friends all, I extend to you my profound thanks. And I close with a hopeful little thought that somewhere a father says to his young son, ‘Hey son, did you see that Korologos guy? The first-generation Greek kid, who worked at his dad’s bar, was an altar boy, got a bunch of scholarships in college, worked on the paper and later in the Senate and the Capitol, chaired the American College of Greece for a number of years, became an Archon, worked in the White House, started a business, became an Ambassador? Did you see where a bunch of Greeks in Washington honored him the other night? I hope he might be an inspiration to you—to study hard, work hard, keep your nose clean, believe in your church, remember your roots, chase your passion and hopefully one day they’ll honor you as well.’"

AHI President Nick Larigakis said, “Ambassador Tom Korologos was not only a steadfast supporter of the American Hellenic Institute and Hellenism, but he was also a dear personal friend to me. His unwavering dedication and commitment to our shared values were matched by his kindness and generosity. On behalf of the AHI and AHIF Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Korologos. May his memory be eternal.”

To learn more about Tom Korologos’s remarkable life and funeral services, please visit his obituary here.

The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.

For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.

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