Dana Perino is a name that has become synonymous with political commentary and journalism in the United States. Born in the small town of Evanston, Wyoming, Perino’s journey from a young girl with big dreams to one of the most recognizable faces in American media is a testament to her hard work, intelligence, and determination. This blog post will delve into the life and career of Dana Perino, exploring her early years, professional achievements, personal life, and the impact she has made in the world of politics and media.
Who is Dana Perino?
Dana Marie Perino is an American political commentator, author, and former White House Press Secretary. Born May 9, 1972, she grew up in Denver, Colorado, and developed an early interest in politics and communication. Perino is best known for her role as the 26th White House Press Secretary, serving under President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009. She was only the second woman to hold this prestigious position.
After her time in the White House, Perino transitioned to a successful career in media, becoming a popular political commentator on Fox News. She co-hosts the network’s talk show “The Five” and has authored several books, sharing her insights on politics, life, and success.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Marie Perino |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1972 |
| Age | 51 years old (as of 2023) |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Appearance | Petite frame; often seen in classic professional attire with a short blonde hairstyle |
| Hometown | Evanston, Wyoming; grew up in Denver, Colorado |
Age and Physique
Dana Perino is currently 51 years old (as of 2023). Standing about 5 feet 2 inches tall, Perino has a petite frame and is known for her well-groomed appearance. She often sports a neat, short blonde hairstyle and is frequently seen wearing classic, professional attire on television.
Personal Life and Relationships
Perino’s personal life is marked by a solid and enduring relationship with her husband, Peter McMahon. The couple met in 1997 on a flight from Denver to Chicago. Despite their 18-year age difference, they hit it off immediately and married 11 months later in England.
Born in 1954, Peter McMahon is a British-born businessman specializing in medical product marketing. Their marriage has been a strength and stability for Perino throughout her career. Although they don’t have children together, Perino is a stepmother to Peter’s two children from previous marriages.
The couple has resided in Bay Head, New Jersey, for many years. They are known for their love of dogs, particularly Vizslas. Their beloved dog Jasper, who passed away in 2021, was often featured on Perino’s social media and even inspired one of her books. They later adopted another Vizsla named Percy.
Net Worth and Salary
Dana Perino has built a substantial net worth through her diverse career in politics and media. As of 2023, her estimated net worth is around $6 million. This wealth comes from various sources, including her salary as a Fox News host, book royalties, and speaking engagements.
While her salary at Fox News is not publicly disclosed, it’s estimated to be in the high six-figure range annually. Top hosts on the network can earn millions per year, and given Perino’s prominence, she likely commands a significant salary.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $6 million (as of 2023) |
| Fox News Salary | Estimated in the high six-figure range annually |
| Other Income Sources | Book royalties, speaking engagements |
Company Details and Investments
Perino’s primary “company” is her brand, which she has cultivated through her media appearances, books, and speaking engagements. She doesn’t have a publicly known company, but her association with Fox News has been a significant part of her career since 2009.
Regarding investments and real estate, Perino and her husband own property in Bay Head, New Jersey. This beachfront home served as her remote broadcasting location during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also maintain a residence in New York City to accommodate her work schedule at Fox News.
While specific details about her investments are not public, someone of Perino’s financial standing likely has a diversified investment portfolio, possibly including stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.
Professional Career
Dana Perino’s career is a story of steady progression and notable achievements:
Early Career: After graduating from Colorado State University-Pueblo with a degree in mass communications, Perino worked for Congressman Scott McInnis and later as press secretary for Congressman Dan Schaefer.
White House Years: Perino joined the Bush administration in 2001 as a Department of Justice spokesperson. She then moved to the White House as Deputy Press Secretary in 2007. Later that year, she became the full-time Press Secretary and served until the end of Bush’s term in 2009.
Fox News Career: Perino joined Fox News as a political commentator after leaving the White House. She became a co-host of “The Five” in 2011, a role she still plays. She has also hosted her show, “The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino,” and is currently co-anchored “America’s Newsroom” with Bill Hemmer.
Author: Perino has written several books, including “And the Good News Is…: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side” (2015) and “Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (from a Former Young Woman)” (2021).
Other Roles: She has served on the Broadcasting Board of Governors and has taught political communications at George Washington University.
Investment and Funding
While Dana Perino is not known for significant personal investments or funding activities, her career choices have been investments in themselves. Her transition from politics to media has proven lucrative, allowing her to build her brand and increase her earning potential.
Perino has also invested time and effort in writing books, which will likely provide additional income streams. Her involvement in various speaking engagements and her podcast “Perino & Stirewalt: I’ll Tell You What” (which ran until 2020) can also be seen as investments in her brand and influence.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
Dana Perino is active on several social media platforms:
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @DanaPerino | |
| @danaperino | |
| @DanaPerino | |
| Professional Contact | Through Fox News or her literary agent, personal contact information not publicly shared |
Perino can be contacted through Fox News or her literary agent for professional inquiries. However, she doesn’t publicly share personal contact information as a public figure.
Conclusion
Dana Perino’s journey from a small town in Wyoming to the White House briefing room and then to millions of television screens across America is remarkable. Her career demonstrates the power of hard work, adaptability, and clear communication.
As a respected voice in political commentary, author, and mentor to young professionals, especially women, Dana Perino continues to shape public discourse and inspire others to engage in civic life. Whether you agree with her politics or not, there’s no denying her impact in her field, breaking barriers and setting new standards for women in politics and media.
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