Chatelain Elected as ECW’s President and Editor-in-Chief; Zombek Named Chief Historian

Emerging Civil War is pleased to announce the election of Neil Chatetalin as the organization’s new president and editor-in-chief. Chatelain, formerly ECW’s vice president, steps into the role following the retirement of Chris Mackowski, who steps down after fifteen years of service in the role.

Also as part of the leadership transition, Dr. Angela Zombek will join ECW as chief historian. Evan Portman will assume the position of vice president.

“The next generation of ECW leadership has ‘emerged,’” Mackowski said. “I have always wanted this organization to be able to survive after me, and the new leadership is ready for that step. I am proud to see ECW evolve and grow. Neil, Angie, and Evan are poised for great things.”

Mackowski, who will continue to serve on ECW’s board of directors, will also continue to host the ECW Podcast and serve as managing editor of the award-winning Emerging Civil War Series published by Savas Beatie, LLC. “I’ll stick around as the ‘Grand Old Man’ of ECW,” he said. “But this will give me more time to focus on some of my own work, which tends to take a back seat to my ECW responsibilities. I’m glad for more time to write, in particular.”

“Chris helped invent this organization and has led it for a decade and a half,” Chatelain noted. “The organization owes a great deal to Chris’s leadership and mentorship. His continued service with ECW will be invaluable as the organization continues growing and the entire organization thanks him and appreciates his commitment to the field.”

Chatelain is associate professor of history at Lone Star College-North Harris who specializes in researching naval activity of the U.S. Civil War.

Zombek, recently promoted to full professor at the University of North Carolina—Wilmington, joins Emerging Civil War as chief historian. She is the author of Penitentiaries, Punishment, and Military Prisons: Familiar Responses to an Extraordinary Crisis during the American Civil War, published by Kent State University Press in 2018, and the forthcoming Stronghold of the Union: Key West Under Martial Law, soon to be published by University Press of Florida.

“Angela has made numerous appearances on our podcast and in other capacities, so ECW fans probably know her work already,” Chatelain said. “Her vision, efforts, and guidance will be invaluable to the organization.”

The leadership transition, which has been in the planning stage for two years, occurred as part of Emerging Civil War’s annual meeting, held July 12, 2026. Board members and officers were elected as follows:

• Neil P. Chatelain: Board President and Editor in Chief of Emerging Civil War
• Evan Portman: Board Vice President
• Angela Zombeck: Chief Historian
• Jon-Erik Gilot: Board Secretary
• Jennifer Mackowski: Board Treasurer
• Rob Orrison: Emerging Revolutionary War Board Representative
• Chris Mackowski: At-Large Board member

“This transition speaks to the growth of Emerging Civil War as a whole,” Chatelain said. “ECW has been growing in followership, visitors to our web pages, blog posts, book readership, and members that span both the United States and globe.”

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About Emerging Civil War

Emerging Civil War is the collaborative effort of more than thirty-five historians committed to sharing the story of the Civil War in an accessible way to the general public. Founded in 2011 by Chris Mackowski, Jake Struhelka, and Kristopher D. White, Emerging Civil War features public and academic historians of diverse backgrounds and interests, while also providing a platform for emerging voices in the field. Initiatives include the award-winning Emerging Civil War Series of books published by Savas Beatie, LLC; the weekly Emerging Civil War Podcast; an annual symposium; a speakers’ bureau; and a daily blog: www.emergingcivilwar.com.

Emerging Civil War is recognized by the I.R.S. as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.