Maria Fowler, USA TODAY director of video programming, dies after cancer battle

Maria Fowler, director of video programming at USA TODAY and a pioneer of digital photography and video journalism, died Friday after a fierce three-year battle with cancer. She was 51.

Fowler directed video coverage at Gannett and USA TODAY for more than 25 years, covering high-profile national news events and features. She was instrumental in coordinating video coverage of breaking news and longer-term projects. She produced video at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver for the USA TODAY network, each a month-long foreign assignment.

"I remember there was no fence she would not cross. It didn't matter how many guards there were," said USA TODAY reporter Elizabeth Weise, who roomed with Fowler in China. "Her theory was shoot first and ask permission later… when she was out in the field, she was just incredible."

In 2015, she helped double USA TODAY's video traffic and oversaw all efforts to present video on desktop, mobile and social platforms. Most recently, Fowler worked the early-morning shift to kick-start USA TODAY's news coverage. And she was often the first to greet her colleagues as they walked in, with a joke and a plan for the day.

"Above all, Maria was tenacious. She had very high standards and expected others around her to excel, too," said Patty Michalski, managing editor of digital at USA TODAY and Fowler's manager. "That's what was so great about working around her and with her – you were going to get the best because she demanded it of herself."

Fowler was born in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 24, 1964, the third child of Thomas Anthony and Theresa Lucille (Frame) Becker. She graduated from East Texas University with a degree in journalism in December 1986, and she joined the Army the following year. She served in the 3rd Armor Division in Giessen, Germany. There she met her husband while serving in the same unit.

Before joining USA TODAY in McLean, Va., Fowler worked at The Arizona Republic, which is also owned by Gannett.

"Maria possessed a God-given talent for photojournalism," said Jeff Franko, a former USA TODAY photo editor. "She was a driving force on the trail of change in the ever-evolving profession while remaining true to herself. As a human, she simply was full of energy, insight, compassion and patience."

Fowler was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer in 2012, a rare form of the disease. She became an outspoken advocate for other women fighting the aggressive disease, launching the website metaplasticbc.com to connect patients, caregivers and researchers and to be a support network for those affected.

She also created a YouTube channel with personal vlogs detailing her treatment.

She was a consumer reviewer for the Department of Defense medical research programs; she also served on the board of the Elizabeth Smider Foundation, a group dedicated to research and awareness of rare breast cancers.

Stephanie Klein, a breast cancer research advocate, knew Fowler as they supported each other — mostly virtually — in their personal battles with the disease.

"She didn't believe that you just turned yourself over to an oncologist – and 'Simon Says' do this," Klein said. "She believed that you had to understand your disease process so that you could be an active part of your own medical team."

Fowler is survived by her husband, Christopher, of Oakton, Va., as well as her stepson, Tyler Fowler, and his wife, Emily, of Phoenix. She is also survived by her parents; her brother, Brian; and her three sisters, Judith Gaito, Michelle Johanning and Victoria Becker.