Win McCormack Male • United States of America

Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist whose career spans more than four decades in literature, journalism, and public affairs. He is best known for founding Tin House and owning The New Republic. Throughout his professional life, he has remained dedicated to long-form journalism, independent editorial leadership, and the growth of institutions that contribute to cultural and political dialogue.

Born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack, he was raised in a family with longstanding ties to public service, law, and finance. His father served in military intelligence during World War II before later working in a senior role at the State Department. His mother's family was connected to the founders of a major financial institution in Chicago. He attended Phillips Academy and later earned a degree in government from Harvard College. During his studies, he spent time in Indonesia through the American Field Service exchange program. After graduating, he worked in teaching and social services before pursuing an MFA in creative writing at the University of Oregon.

McCormack's entry into publishing came while attending graduate school. Following involvement in a congressional campaign, he invested in the Oregon Times magazine. He later became publisher and renamed it Oregon Magazine, serving as editor from 1976 to 1988. Under his leadership, the publication gained recognition for investigative journalism and detailed reporting. He also co-owned and served as treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., which published a range of regional magazines. His early publishing experience included helping establish Mother Jones magazine and contributing to several specialized publications.

In the late 1990s, Win launched Tin House, a literary magazine known for featuring both emerging and established writers. The organization expanded with the creation of Tin House Books in 2005. Its influence grew further through the Tin House Summer Workshop, introduced in 2003 as a place for writers to study and collaborate. Although the magazine ended its quarterly print publication in 2019, the broader platform continues through books, workshops, and literary programming.

In 2016, McCormack acquired The New Republic and became its editor-in-chief. He guided the magazine through a period of transition while reinforcing its emphasis on political and cultural analysis. He also oversaw a major investigation into the Rajneesh movement in Oregon, which later served as the basis for The Rajneesh Chronicles. His published works also include You Don't Know Me: A Citizen's Guide to Republican Family Values.

Beyond publishing, he has participated in philanthropic and political efforts supporting progressive causes, including co-founding the Liberty Hill Foundation and serving on the boards of organizations focused on education, public policy, and the humanities. Today, Win McCormack remains active in publishing and public life, continuing to support literary and political discourse through the institutions and initiatives he has helped build and maintain.