Steve Gleydura joins the New Mexico Tourism Department as the Editor in Chief for the New Mexico Magazine. Gleydura previously spent 17 years as the editor of Cleveland Magazine and vice president of editorial for Great Lakes Publishing Co. He joined the company in 1999 as managing editor of Inside Business Magazine and was named editor a year later.
Most recently, Steve worked as a freelance writer and independent marking and communications consultant for clients that included the Cleveland FES Center, Hearts of Patriots and the Fund for Our Economic Future.
During his tenure, Cleveland Magazine was named Best Magazine in Ohio multiple times by the Press Club of Cleveland and Society of Professional Journalists, most recently in 2018. The magazine earned two national Eddie Awards from Folio magazine for editorial excellence and two national City and Regional Magazine Association awards.
A former president of the board for the Press Club of Cleveland, he was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame in 2018. Steve is a graduate of John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife, Kathleen, have three children, Patrick, 22, Molly, 20, and Anne, 18.
Get to know Steve more thorough a Q&A:
Q: What do you like so far about working for the NM Tourism Department/New Mexico Magazine?
A: Starting a new job during a global pandemic has certainly been an adventure. It has been challenging to get accustomed to new colleagues and a new environment during this time, but everyone is in an unfamiliar state of work, which has made things a little easier. Similarly, becoming the editor of a travel magazine during a time when no one can travel has forced us to become more creative, developing online stories that are both timely and inspiring. Watching the staff step up to those challenges has been very gratifying.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish for the tourism industry as a member of the NM True team?
A: I want to amp up the level of our service journalism, offering insights into what makes New Mexico an amazing place for both our in-state and out of state readership. I’d also like to focus on seeing New Mexico in new ways, whether that’s highlighting someplace new or asking readers to look at an old favorite with fresh eyes. Finally, I’d like to create moments of delight throughout the magazine — those unexpected experiences that keep you turning the page and coming back month after month.
Q: What is your favorite New Mexican dish?
A: I ordered a couple jars of Hatch Express Chile salsa even before I arrived.
Q: What is your favorite thing about New Mexico?
A: I’ve been so impressed by the people of New Mexico and how they have stepped up to help those in need during this unprecedented time. The stories we were able to highlight in our weekly New Mexico Magazine True Heroes awards were just amazing.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I’m a huge sports fan, so I love the Browns, Indians and Cavs. I’m also a basketball referee, which helps keep me active.
Q: What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?
A: I played baseball in college, but that’s not an Olympic sport anymore. Really, though, I’m a world-class procrastinator – so if they ever added that to the Olympics I’d be a shoo-in.