a look at...
Chris Alahouzos
photography by Win Wolloff
Tarpon Springs Mayor Chris Alahouzos is a longtime
resident of the City of Tarpon Springs who has three sons
and two granddaughters. Prior to his election as mayor,
Chris served on Tarpon’s board of City Commissioners
in the capacities of vice-mayor and commissioner and
managed Verizon Network Operations of Florida for
more than 40 years.
Chris, who has completed the Florida League of Cities
Institute for Elected Municipal Officials and is a graduate
of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, is a U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve Veteran and an active member of the Rotary
Club. He is president of the Sister Cities of Tarpon
Springs, trustee of the American Foundation for Greek
Language and Culture, and founder and board member
of the Plato Academy Schools. He also serves on various
boards and committees, including the Florida League
of Mayors, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
and the Pinellas County Mayors Council.
Why do you live here?
My father came here from Kalymnos, Greece,
for employment with the sponge industry, due to
the red tide in Greece at that time. He purchased a
boat and started a business here in Tarpon Springs.
At what do you excel?
I excel in management, leadership and the
technical field.
What is your favorite word?
Accomplishment.
How do you relax?
First, I need to learn how. I try to relax and enjoy
time with my family and good friends.
Who is your role model?
My dad was my role model. He was my best
friend. I miss talking with him.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Something shared by both my parents. They
instilled in me never to give up and never to use
the word “cannot.” They always told me to reach
for the top, and to always be there for people less
fortunate than me.
Why do you do what you do?
I love the city. I am honored to be serving the
residents of Tarpon Springs. It is a way for me to
say thank you for all the things this city has given to
me growing up.
What don’t people know about you?
I worked as a dishwasher and bus boy through
high school for the original Pappas Restaurant.
I also helped my dad clean sponges.
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Learn from the past, act for the present and plan
for the future.
What do you consider to be your greatest
achievement?
Being mayor of the City of Tarpon Springs.
What is your motto?
Work hard for Tarpon Springs.
How do you think other people would describe
you?
I am hoping they see me as a person who
wants to help others.
What would you like to do that you have never
done?
I would like to travel more and see the
United States.
How would you describe yourself?
Hardworking.
What is your idea of happiness?
Spending time with family and friends.
What is your pet peeve?
Negativity.
What talent do you wish you had?
I would like to be able to cook. That is a talent.
What is your most treasured possession?
The day I accepted my oath of office and
certificate of election as mayor of the City of
Tarpon Springs. I was honored by the residents’
decision. 9
122 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017