About Mary Kelli Palka

Mary Kelli Palka has been a journalist for more than 25 years. She became editor of The Florida Times-Union in January 2017, and is the first woman to hold the position. Today she serves as the Times-Union’s executive editor and market leader. She previously served in various roles at the Times-Union from reporter beginning in 2003 to managing editor. She has also worked for the Naples Daily News and Burlington Times-News in North Carolina.

Mary Kelli is a native of Jacksonville Beach. She received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from Elon College. Locally, she received her Associate in Arts degree from Florida State Community College at Jacksonville, and is a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School, which is where her daughter is now a junior. Mary Kelli has been married to Bryan for 19 years.