Born in May 1972 in Evanston, Wyoming, Dana Perino’s journey to becoming a household name in both politics and media began with a childhood dream that took root in the rural landscapes of Wyoming. While her family eventually moved to Parker, Colorado, Dana frequently visited relatives in Wyoming, where she spent time around her grandfather’s cattle ranch. It was here that she developed a deep appreciation for rural life, a connection to her roots that would stay with her throughout her career, even as she ventured into the bustling cities of Washington D.C. and New York.
Perino’s passion for journalism sparked at an early age, and her parents encouraged her to dive into discussions about current events. This early exposure to political discourse would shape her future path. However, it wasn’t until a family trip to Washington D.C., where she toured the White House, that she realized her ultimate goal: to one day work there.
Determined to pursue her dreams, Perino attended Colorado State University in Pueblo, where she earned a degree in Mass Communications, with minors in political science and Spanish. During her time at the university, she was an active member of the debate team and worked as a reporter for the school’s PBS affiliate. Her commitment to both journalism and political discourse grew stronger, eventually leading her to further her education at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she obtained a master’s degree in public affairs reporting in 1995.
Along the way, fate intervened in Perino’s personal life. While on a flight, she met businessman Peter McMahon, who lived in the UK. Their conversations sparked a long-distance relationship, and after a thoughtful courtship, they married in 1998. The couple briefly lived in the UK before eventually settling in the U.S., where Perino’s professional journey continued to unfold.
Her political career began on Capitol Hill, where she worked for Colorado Representatives Scott McInnis and Dan Schaffer. This experience led her to the Department of Justice as a press spokesperson, and ultimately, she moved into key White House roles under President George W. Bush. In 2007, Dana Perino made history when she became the White House Press Secretary, succeeding Tony Snow at just 35 years old. She became only the second woman in U.S. history to hold the position, a remarkable feat considering the high-pressure briefings and intense public scrutiny that came with it. Despite the toll it took on her physically and emotionally, Perino maintained her poise and composure, earning the respect of the American public and her peers alike.
After leaving the White House in 2009, Perino transitioned into the media world, becoming a prominent political commentator for Fox News. She also established her own communications firm and co-founded Minute Mentoring, a program dedicated to empowering young women in leadership roles. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her to the Broadcasting Board of Governors, where she oversaw U.S. government-related news broadcasts. Perino continued to expand her career by teaching at George Washington University and publishing books, including her memoir And the Good News Is… (2015) and a heartwarming 2016 book about her dog, Let Me Tell You About Jasper.
At Fox News, Perino became a beloved figure, co-hosting The Five and later launching her own show, The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino, which aired until 2021. In 2023, she co-anchored America’s Newsroom and launched the Perino on Politics podcast, focusing on the 2024 election.
From a small-town girl with big dreams to a key player in the worlds of politics and media, Dana Perino’s journey is a powerful testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories here on Hollywood Hype.
