Meet Our Founder
One word that has given meaning to my life is ‘philotimo’ — a Greek word that means respect for others, how you keep your promises, and the gratitude you feel for those who stand by you.
Alex S. Pissios
For Alex Pissios, giving is gratitude, and the Foundation is an extension of his commitment to giving back to the communities that guided his life, shaped his values, and supported his career.
As the eldest son of Greek immigrants, Alex learned the value of working toward a goal at an early age. He worked his way through college and studied special education. In 2022, he found a career in real estate, where he met people who would become long-time friends and business partners.
In 2007, during the Great Recession and the real estate market collapse, Alex collaborated with his uncle, Nick Mirkopoulos, to open a film studio in Chicago. In 2010, they purchased 60 acres of the former Ryerson Steel complex in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood and embarked on a tireless, multi-year venture to transform the real estate assets into a modern film studio — Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
The business is credited with revitalizing a depressed neighborhood, creating over 15,000 jobs, creating a diverse and inclusive industry in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois, and bringing billions of dollars to the City and State.
During his presidency, Alex led Cinespace Chicago Studios to become the largest independent movie studio outside of Los Angeles. The studio has been home to many successful television and film projects. Along with this, Alex established two non-profit organizations to develop innovative programs that empower the residents of Chicago through film and TV education and job training. These programs have transformed many lives and have become a model for the film industry to emulate.
When Cinespace was sold in 2022, Alex founded Alecko Capital, a private lending and investment company, bringing together longtime colleagues in real estate development to manage the company.
Societies become great when people plant trees whose shade they will not sit under. Alex plants entire forests.
Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council
From the day I met Alex, I knew he was committed to starting a business that would benefit Chicago and its workforce. As we built a working relationship, I learned so much more about his approach to work and life, including his concern for others and his passion for giving back. His generosity of spirit went beyond the film world, and the scale of Alex’s business success is rivaled only by the size of his heart.
Betsy Steinberg, documentary film producer and media consultant
From the first day that I met Alex and his uncle, Nick, I saw two amazing individuals who were bold, brave, and committed to thinking outside of the box: to bring the film industry to Chicago and, in particular, the west side of Chicago.
Rebecca B. Garrett, CFRE, Director of Major and Principal Gifts, Sinai Chicago
Alex Pissios has a true heart of gold. He willingly and enthusiastically helped Northside Learning Center (NLC) high school fund a fully accessible pathway for their Sensory Garden and purchase a digital marquee that we placed in front of our school. Alex is so easy to work with, jovial, honest and extremely level headed. It was a pleasure working with him. NLC students and staff are forever grateful.
Elizabeth Mourtokokis, Principal, Northside Learning Center HS