Dana Perino

Dana Perino
Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Dana Perino
Caption	Perino in 2010
Birth date	09 May 1972
Birth place	Wyoming , United States
Occupation	Commentator, author, former press secretary
Years active	1998–present
Alma mater	Colorado State University–Pueblo, University of Wyoming

Dana Perino (born May 9, 1972) is an American broadcaster, author, and former political aide who served as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. She later became a commentator and co-host on Fox News Channel and served as the second female Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (note: not applicable—see career for correct posts). Perino is noted for her roles in Republican communications, media analysis, and public diplomacy.

Early life and education

Perino was born in Wyoming and raised in the Rocky Mountains region, with formative years near Evanston, Wyoming, Edwardsville, Kansas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She attended Littleton High School (Colorado) before enrolling at Colorado State University–Pueblo, where she earned an associate degree in mass communications. She then completed a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications at the University of Wyoming, studying alongside peers who later worked in state government and regional politics. During her university years she participated in student media and internships with local offices of representatives in Cheyenne, Wyoming and engaged with staff from the offices of Senator Alan K. Simpson and other Western legislators.

Early career and public relations work

After graduation, Perino began her professional career in communications and public relations, joining firms and agencies that worked with municipal and state clients. She held positions at Vail Resorts-related communications teams and with private sector public affairs groups supporting clients in the energy and transportation sectors. Perino then worked for the Republican National Committee and for individual campaigns including staff positions with prominent Republican figures such as Representative Scott McInnis and served in administrative roles for the Colorado Republican Party. She later accepted a staff position in the Washington, D.C. area, joining the communications shop for Senator Wayne Allard and subsequently for the White House advance teams and executive offices tied to the George W. Bush presidential campaign and Administration.

White House tenure

Perino joined the White House staff during the second term of President George W. Bush, initially serving in the White House Office of Communications and as Deputy Press Secretary under Scott McClellan and then Tony Snow. After Snow's illness and departure, Perino was elevated to White House Press Secretary in September 2007 and served until the end of the Bush Administration in January 2009. In that role she managed daily interactions with the White House Press Corps, briefed correspondents from outlets such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, CNN, Fox News Channel, and NBC News, and coordinated with senior officials in the Department of Defense, Department of State, Homeland Security, and the Office of the Vice President on talking points and messaging during high-profile events including the Iraq War, the Afghanistan conflict, the 2007–2008 financial turbulence, and responses to major natural disasters.

Post-White House career

Following the Bush Administration, Perino transitioned to roles in the private, academic, and non-profit sectors. She accepted a fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School and later served as a visiting fellow and lecturer at institutions such as the University of Denver and the George Washington University. Perino joined corporate boards and advisory councils, advising firms in public affairs and media strategy and collaborating with organizations including the Aspen Institute, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Council on Foreign Relations on programming and panels addressing national security, communications, and leadership.

Media and broadcasting career

Perino became a frequent television commentator and analyst, appearing on networks such as Fox News Channel, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC News, and PBS. In 2011 she joined Fox News Channel as a political contributor and later became co-host of the weekday program "The Five," alongside hosts from diverse Republican and conservative viewpoints, and she regularly appeared on panels with commentators from outlets including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Bloomberg News. Perino also hosted programs on public radio and produced documentary-style segments for public affairs shows, collaborating with producers associated with NPR, Frontline (PBS), and documentary filmmakers who have worked alongside institutions like the Smithsonian Institution.

Personal life

Perino is married to publisher Peter McMahon, with whom she has one child. She has lived in the Washington metropolitan area and maintains connections to Wyoming and Colorado. Perino is active in veteran and military family initiatives, supporting organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the USO, and local military family support groups. She is also engaged with alum networks at the University of Wyoming and has participated in alumni events for Colorado State University–Pueblo.

Honors and publications

Perino has received recognitions from media organizations and civic groups, including awards from industry associations such as the Radio Television Digital News Association and honors from regional civic organizations in Colorado and Wyoming. She is the author of books on communications, leadership, and etiquette; titles include works published by major houses that appear in the catalogs of Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, and other mainstream publishers. Perino has been featured on lists compiled by outlets like Time (magazine), People (magazine), and has delivered commencement addresses at institutions including the University of Wyoming and other colleges.

Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:United States presidential spokespersons