History of Mary Louise Kelly in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2025

Mary Louise Kelly is an American broadcaster, author, and anchor of NPR's All Things Considered. She has a background in national security reporting for NPR and previously worked for CNN and the BBC in London. Kelly's writing extends beyond broadcasting, with contributions to major publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. She is also a novelist, having penned "Anonymous Sources" and "The Bullet," along with a memoir titled "It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs," showcasing her multifaceted career in journalism and literature.

March 27, 1971: Mary Louise Kelly Born

On March 27, 1971, Mary Louise Kelly was born. She would later become an American broadcaster and author.

1992: Covered 1992 Presidential Election

In 1992, Mary Louise Kelly, as a senior editor at The Harvard Crimson, covered the 1992 presidential election and the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

1993: Graduated from Harvard University

In 1993, Mary Louise Kelly graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where she studied government, French language, and literature.

1993: First Job at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In 1993, Mary Louise Kelly landed her first job in reporting at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

1995: Graduated with Master's Degree

In 1995, Mary Louise Kelly graduated with a master's in European studies from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and interned with the BBC.

2001: Joined NPR

In 2001, Mary Louise Kelly returned to the United States to join NPR in Washington, D.C., where she edited All Things Considered.

2004: Launched NPR's Intelligence Beat

In 2004, Mary Louise Kelly launched NPR's intelligence beat, reporting on spy agencies.

2005: Interviewed Gary Schroen

In 2005, Mary Louise Kelly became the first reporter to interview Gary Schroen, a CIA operative.

September 8, 2006: Senate Voted to Reinstate CIA Unit

On September 8, 2006, the Senate voted to reinstate the CIA unit after Mary Louise Kelly broke the news of its disbandment.

January 2009: Senior Pentagon Correspondent for NPR

Beginning in January 2009, Mary Louise Kelly was National Public Radio's senior Pentagon correspondent.

2011: Focused on Writing and Raising Sons

From 2011, Mary Louise Kelly focused on writing novels and raising her sons, moving twice to Florence, Italy.

2011: Ended Pentagon Correspondent Role

In 2011, Mary Louise Kelly ended her role as National Public Radio's senior Pentagon correspondent.

2013: Anonymous Sources Published

In 2013, Mary Louise Kelly's first novel, "Anonymous Sources", was published.

2014: Became Contributing Editor at The Atlantic Magazine

In 2014, Mary Louise Kelly became a contributing editor at The Atlantic magazine and hosted live events.

March 2015: The Bullet Published

In March 2015, Mary Louise Kelly's second novel, "The Bullet", was published.

2015: The Bullet Published

In 2015, Mary Louise Kelly's second novel, "The Bullet", was published.

2016: Returned to NPR

In 2016, Mary Louise Kelly returned to NPR as national security correspondent and guest host.

January 2018: Anchor of All Things Considered

In January 2018, Mary Louise Kelly became the anchor of the daily news show All Things Considered on NPR.

January 24, 2020: Mike Pompeo Interview Incident

On January 24, 2020, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ended an interview with Mary Louise Kelly abruptly and rebuked her in private, leading to public controversy.