The Journal of the San Juan Islands is pleased to announce the hiring of Julie Corey as its new marketing and sales representative.

Her first day was Monday. She succeeds Ron Bates, who recently resigned after 10 years to pursue a new direction.

Though new to newspapers, Corey — a mortgage broker for 20 years and a realtor for seven — is not new to sales or the community.

Originally from Renton, Corey was moved south at the age of 3 and grew up in New Orleans, La., and Clear Lake City, Texas. She and her husband, Wes, and son, Andrew, moved to San Juan Island from Gig Harbor in 2004.

Corey is president of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, is past president of the Kiwanis Club, and is a board member of The Whale Museum.

“I feel like (the job) is such a good fit for me,” she said. “I love sales, I love this community. I feel like I’m a true islander now.”

Contact her at 378-5696, and jcorey@sanjuanjournal.com.