Dana Perino has spent decades shaping political discourse in the United States, transitioning from a behind-the-scenes press handler to one of television's most recognizable media figures. Born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming, she built a career that bridges high-stakes government service and mainstream cable news. Best known for serving as the White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and as a fixture on Fox News, her path offers a clear look at modern political communication.
Early Life and Education
Raised primarily in Denver, Colorado, Perino developed an early interest in current events and public speaking. She attended Ponderosa High School in Parker, a suburb southeast of Denver. Her academic pursuits led her to Colorado State University Pueblo, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications, alongside minors in political science and Spanish.
During her undergraduate years, she stayed active in campus media, working at the local PBS affiliate and participating in the university's forensics team. She then moved on to the University of Illinois Springfield, completing a master's degree in public affairs reporting. This graduate program placed her directly in the state capital, where she worked as a daily reporter covering the Illinois legislature. That hands-on reporting background laid the groundwork for her future dealings with the national press corps.
Transition to Washington Politics
Perino's entry into federal politics began with congressional staff roles. She served as a staff assistant for Representative Scott McInnis before spending nearly four years as the press secretary for Representative Dan Schaefer, who chaired the House Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Following Representative Schaefer's retirement in 1998, Perino and her husband, Peter McMahon, relocated to Great Britain for a brief period. Upon returning to Washington, D.C., in late 2001, she secured a position as a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. Shortly after, she joined the White House staff as the associate director of communications for the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), providing strategic media advice and handling public outreach.
White House Press Secretary Years
In 2005, Perino stepped into the role of Deputy Press Secretary. Her profile rose significantly in the spring of 2007 when she served as Acting Press Secretary while Tony Snow underwent medical treatment for colon cancer.
When Snow stepped down permanently later that year due to his health, President George W. Bush appointed Perino as the official White House Press Secretary. She served in this capacity from September 2007 until the end of the Bush administration in January 2009. She earned distinction as the second female White House Press Secretary in U.S. history, following Dee Dee Myers during the Clinton administration.
Her tenure involved managing intense media scrutiny during the height of the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis. One notable event during her time at the podium occurred in December 2008, when an Iraqi journalist threw shoes at President Bush during a press conference in Baghdad. While the president successfully dodged the projectiles, Perino sustained a minor eye injury from a microphone stand during the ensuing security commotion.
Evolution on Fox News and Broadcasting
After leaving the White House, Perino quickly transitioned into political commentary and media. She joined Fox News as a contributor and soon became a core part of the network's lineup.
Key milestones in her broadcast career include:
- The Five: She has served as a primary co-host of the roundtable discussion program since its launch in 2011, helping guide conversations on daily news and cultural topics.
- America's Newsroom: In early 2021, she took on the role of co-anchor for the morning news program alongside Bill Hemmer, broadcasting weekdays from 9 to 11 AM Eastern.
- Podcasts and Special Projects: She has hosted various audio programs, including Perino on Politics, focusing on electoral cycles, and frequently fills in as a guest host for the late-night comedy program Gutfeld!
Beyond television, President Barack Obama nominated her to the Broadcasting Board of Governors in 2009, a nomination confirmed by the Senate in 2010. She also spent time teaching political communications at George Washington University and working as an editorial director for Crown Forum.
Personal Life and Public Presence
Perino married Peter McMahon in 1998 after meeting him on a flight to Denver. The couple splits time between locations including New Jersey and New York.
She has long been an outspoken dog lover, frequently featuring her Hungarian Vizsla dogs on social media and in her published works. Her first prominent dog, Jasper, gained a substantial following online before passing away in 2021, after which she welcomed another Vizsla named Percy. In 2023, Colorado State University Pueblo recognized her career by awarding her an honorary doctorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dana Perino's current role on television?
She currently serves as a co-anchor for America's Newsroom on weekday mornings and remains a regular co-host on the afternoon roundtable program The Five.
How long was Dana Perino White House Press Secretary?
She served as the official White House Press Secretary from September 14, 2007, until January 20, 2009, closing out the final term of the George W. Bush administration.
Did Dana Perino write any books?
Yes, she has authored multiple books, including memoirs and career guides such as And the Good News Is... Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side and Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (from Someone Who Learned the Hard Way).
Where did Dana Perino go to college?
She earned her undergraduate degree in mass communications from Colorado State University Pueblo and later completed a master's degree in public affairs reporting at the University of Illinois Springfield.
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