Dana Perino: From Colorado Roots to the White House Press Briefing Room
Dana Marie Perino, born on May 9, 1972, is an American political commentator, author, and former White House Press Secretary. Her journey from Wyoming and Colorado to the upper echelons of American politics is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and commitment to public service. This article delves into Perino's education background and career trajectory, highlighting key moments and influences that shaped her into the prominent figure she is today.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Colorado, Perino's early life instilled in her a strong sense of traditional values, self-reliance, and freedom. Her family's ranching background and Italian heritage played a significant role in shaping her worldview. Meaningful discussions with her father nurtured her patriotic spirit, while tales of her grandparents’ experiences during significant world events subtly molded her conservative beliefs, solidifying her conservative convictions. The story of her great-grandmother Rosie Perino’s journey to America and the life she built epitomized the American dream, further imbuing a sense of national pride in Dana.
Perino's formal education began in Colorado. She graduated from Colorado State University Pueblo (formerly the University of Southern Colorado) in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and dual minors in Spanish and political science. During her time at the university, she was actively involved in the speech team and hosted and produced multiple shows for the local PBS affiliated campus television station. She also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from CSU Pueblo in 2023.
Perino furthered her education by earning a master's in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois (summa cum laude). This advanced degree equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of communications and journalism. The University of Illinois Alumni Association recognized Perino as an alumna "who makes good," highlighting her achievements and contributions to her field.
Early Career and Political Beginnings
Perino's career began in the field of high-tech public affairs in San Diego, California, where she worked for three years. In November 2001, Perino returned to Washington, D.C. In Washington, D.C., Perino secured her first role managing guest arrivals and responding to phone calls at the Capitol. Demonstrating initiative, she actively sought opportunities beyond her office duties by volunteering as a tour guide and participating in policy-focused events. This passion for policy not only matched her intellectual curiosity but also expanded her professional connections, essential for her subsequent achievements. She then worked for Congressman Scott McInnis (R-CO) as a staff assistant before serving nearly four years as the press secretary for Rep.
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A pivotal moment came when an old Capitol Hill friend, Mindy Tucker, offered Perino a spokesperson role for the Bush campaign in California in March 2000. Following the September 11 events, she broadened her career horizons by transitioning to the Department of Justice, taking on responsibilities unrelated to terrorism after her time in the White House correspondence section. At the DOJ, Perino eagerly embraced duties that others shunned, including those concerning environmental matters, which markedly altered the trajectory of her professional life. Her exceptional performance in these roles, overseeing critical legal matters pertaining to prominent American corporations and environmental challenges, showcased her resilience and capacity to excel in stressful situations.
White House Service
Perino's career took a significant turn when she joined the White House. She was hired by White House chief of staff Andy Card two months after the September 11 attacks. Perino served as Deputy Press Secretary from 2005 to 2007, working under Press Secretary Tony Snow.
On August 31, 2007, President George W. Bush appointed Perino as the 26th White House Press Secretary, making her the second woman and first Republican woman to hold the position. In this role, she handled interactions with the White House press corps and advised the president on communications. She served as Press Secretary until the end of the Bush administration on January 20, 2009.
During her time as Press Secretary, Perino faced numerous challenges, including navigating the complexities of the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis. One notable incident occurred on December 14, 2008, when a TV journalist, Muntadhar al-Zaidi, threw two shoes at Bush during a Baghdad press conference. Perino handled the situation with poise and professionalism, earning praise for her calm demeanor.
Post-White House Career
Since leaving the White House, Perino has remained active in the public sphere. She became a political commentator on Fox News and is a regular co-host on the talk show The Five. She also co-anchors America's Newsroom with Bill Hemmer.
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In addition to her television work, Perino has also ventured into the world of podcasting. Beginning September 18, 2016, Perino's podcast Perino & Stirewalt: I'll Tell You What, co-hosted with Chris Stirewalt, premiered as a weekly limited series on the Fox News Channel. In August 2023, Fox News Media announced Perino would launch Perino on Politics podcast for the 2024 election cycle.
Perino has also taken on roles in academia and publishing. She taught at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management and served as Editorial Director of Crown Forum at Random House.
She has also authored several books, including:
- And the Good News Is…: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side (2015)
- Let Me Tell You about Jasper . . .: How My Best Friend Became America's Dog (2016)
- Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (from a Former Young Woman) (2021)
Public Service and Recognition
In 2010, Perino was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the Broadcasting Board of Governors. She served in this role from June 30, 2010, to December 31, 2012.
Perino has been recognized for her achievements and contributions to public service. She received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Colorado State University Pueblo in 2023. She was also chosen to present the Spring commencement address at CSU Pueblo.
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Personal Life
Perino met her future husband, Peter McMahon, in August 1997. McMahon, born on June 6, 1954, in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, is a businessman involved in the marketing and sales of medical products. They were married eleven months later.
Perino is also known for her love of animals. She has written a book about her dog, Jasper, titled Let Me Tell You about Jasper . . .: How My Best Friend Became America's Dog. She currently has a Hungarian Vizsla named Henry and another dog named Percy.
Mentoring and Advice
Perino has made mentoring a significant part of her personal brand. In 2009, she co-founded Minute Mentoring, an organization that sets up rapid-fire meetings for young women seeking career help. She has also offered career advice in her books and public appearances.
In her book I Wish Someone Had Told Me … The Best Advice for Building a Great Career, Perino draws on her experiences and those of her friends and Fox News colleagues to provide guidance to young professionals. She emphasizes the importance of fundamental principles, such as writing thank-you notes and maintaining professionalism in the workplace, regardless of technological advancements or generational differences.
Perino also stresses the importance of finding one's voice and taking ownership of one's opinions. She encourages young people to speak confidently and avoid undermining their credibility by phrasing their opinions as questions.
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