Corey founded the National Center for Employee Ownership in 1981 after working five years as a professional staff member in the U.S. Senate, where he helped draft legislation on employee ownership plans. Prior to that, he taught political science at Ripon College. He is the author or co-author of over 100 articles and numerous books on employee ownership. He has a PhD in political science from Cornell University. He currently serves on a number of ESOP company boards.