Corey Ellis: A Record of Service and Achievement 
 

A son of Albany, Corey Ellis life has been a testament to hard work, community, and getting results. Now a member of Albany’s Common Council, Corey believes government performs best when it listens to its citizens and works to create opportunity for all.  

Corey grew up in Albany’s South End and Arbor Hill neighborhoods. His parents worked at St. Peter’s Hospital, his mother as a housekeeper and his father as a maintenance man. They didn’t have much financially to give Corey, but his mother instilled in him a belief that education would open doors and make just about anything possible.    

With the help of dedicated teachers, ministers and librarians, Corey achieved in the classroom and in sports, starring in football, basketball, and baseball. He went to Cathedral Academy, graduated from Bishop Maginn High School and became the first member of his family to graduate from college, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Fordham University.   

Corey returned to Albany as a union community organizer, campaigning to improve the lives of hospital employees. He also served as Commissioner of the Arbor Hill Men’s Softball League, the same league he watched his father and uncles play in when he was younger.   

In 2004, Corey entered local politics, working as Political Director for David Soares, helping Soares overcome the odds and win the race for Albany County District Attorney. 

The next year, Corey ran a grassroots campaign for the Common Council on the Working Families Party line, defeating a 12-year incumbent. On the Council, Corey has been a consistent voice for reform, speaking out for investing in our neighborhoods, fighting crime and blight, and creating a more responsive, transparent city government.  

Corey has always believed real change starts in the community. He served on the Community Accountability Board of the District Attorney’s office, helped organize the “Bring it to the Courts” youth basketball program in partnership with the DA’s office, and worked as a volunteer coach in the program. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP) and has participated in Catholic Charities’ mentoring program for young people.   

The community has recognized Corey’s contributions with numerous awards, including Metroland Local Hero (2006), Hudson Valley Community College Humanitarian Service Award (2007), Metroland’s Best Public Servant (2008), NAACP Public Service Award (2008) and the Founders Day Award from the Albany City Council PTA (2008). 

Since 2006, Corey has directed the Trinity Institution’s Family and Neighborhood Resource Center, where he creates and manages programs that provide support to the local community. 

Corey was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama’s bid for the presidency.  As chair of Albany for Obama, he pounded the pavement here in Albany, as well as in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and was elected as an Obama Delegate to the National Convention. In January, he celebrated Obama’s historic victory at the Inauguration in Washington.

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