Inducted into MDDC’s Hall of Fame in 2014. This article is based on information submitted at the time.
Mary J. Corey, a two-decade Sun veteran, became Senior Vice President/Director of Content at The Baltimore Sun Media Group in 2010 and served in that role until her death in February 2013. She oversaw the editorial content for The Baltimore Sun’s newspaper and digital platforms as well as The Baltimore Sun Media Group’s various community publications, magazines and websites. She was the first woman to be responsible for all newsgathering and editing functions at The Sun in its 176-year history.
Corey had 26 years of experience in reporting, editing and newsroom management. She joined The Baltimore Sun in 1987 as an editorial assistant and was quickly promoted to features writer. From there, she became assistant national editor and national correspondent. She then served in various editing roles in the features department from 1998 to 2003, and was promoted to assistant managing editor for features. During Corey’s six-year tenure in that position, The Baltimore Sun received numerous first place awards from the American Association of Sunday and Features Editors, and she served as a Pulitzer Prize juror for feature writing. She was also instrumental in developing online strategies, including the creation of biogs, Web-exclusive content, videos and photo galleries.
In 2009, Corey was promoted to head of print, and under her leadership The Baltimore Sun produced some of its best local reporting, including the resignation of Baltimore’s mayor, the effect of two record breaking snowstorms and the Ravens playoff run. In February 2010, she led the launch of three new print sections popular with both readers and advertisers: Health & Style on Thursdays, the newly revamped Live! tabloid on Fridays and Business & Jobs on Sundays. In her role as director of content, The Sun relaunched Sun Magazine as well as inaugurating various digital features, mobile sites and apps.
Corey received her Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Corey grew up in Cockeysville, Maryland, and attended Dulaney High School. She lived in Baltimore City.