Dana Perino is a 52-year-old American journalist, political commentator, and author, best known for serving as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush.
With a career spanning politics, media, and public service, she has become a respected voice in conservative commentary and political analysis. She was the second female White House Press Secretary in U.S. history and later served on the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Today, she is a prominent face on Fox News, co-hosting The Five and America’s Newsroom. Moreover, Perino is married to Peter McMahon, a British-American businessman.
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Who is Dana Perino?
Dana Perino is a well-known journalist, political analyst, and author. She was the White House press secretary for President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009. She was the second woman in U.S. history to hold this position.
Her role involved speaking to the media and representing the president. After leaving the White House, she joined Fox News. She is a co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and a co-host of The Five.
She also hosts Perino on Politics, where she discusses important political topics. Her clear communication style makes her a trusted voice in news and politics.
Besides journalism, Dana Perino is an author. She has written books about leadership, career advice, and personal growth. She also mentors young professionals and helps them succeed in their careers.
She gives speeches through The Harry Walker Agency. She continues to share her knowledge and influence public discussions.
Early Life of Dana Perino
Dana Perino was born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming, and grew up in Denver, Colorado. She is an American by nationality and comes from an Italian-American background. Her ethnicity is Caucasian. She was raised in a Christian household.
Her parents are Janice Perino and Leo Perino. Her father worked as a salesperson, and her mother took care of the family. Dana has always spoken highly of her upbringing and the values her parents instilled in her.
She has a sister named Angie Perino, but not much is publicly known about her. For her education, Dana attended Ponderosa High School in Parker, Colorado.
She then enrolled at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications in 1994. Along with her major, she also studied political science and Spanish as minors. Her interest in media and politics started during her college years.
She later attended the University of Illinois-Springfield, where she studied public affairs reporting. This experience helped her develop the skills that would later shape her career in journalism and government.
Dana Perino Age
Dana Perino is 52 years old as of 2024 because she came into the world on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming. According to her birthday, she falls under the Taurus zodiac sign.
Early Career in Journalism and Government
Dana Perino began her career in media, working at KTSC-TV, a Rocky Mountain PBS affiliate, and KCCY-FM while still in college. She then moved into political journalism and joined WCIA, a CBS affiliate, where she covered the Illinois State Capitol as a daily reporter.
This experience honed her skills in political reporting and provided her with firsthand exposure to legislative processes and government operations.
She later transitioned into government communications and started working as a staff assistant for Congressman Scott McInnis (R-CO). In this role, she assisted with press relations and legislative communications.
Her expertise led her to become the press secretary for Rep. Dan Schaefer (R-CO), chairman of the House Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power. She held this position for nearly four years, managing media relations, drafting speeches, and coordinating messaging on key energy policy issues.
Following Schaefer’s retirement in 1998, Perino briefly relocated to the United Kingdom with her husband, businessman Peter McMahon. Upon returning to the U.S., she worked in public affairs for high-tech industries in San Diego, California.
However, after the September 11, 2001 attacks, she felt a renewed sense of duty and reentered government service as a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. In this role, she handled media inquiries and communications strategy, reinforcing national security messaging during a critical period in U.S. history.
White House Career
Dana Perino joined the Bush administration in 2002 as Associate Director of Communications for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, where she managed media strategy on environmental and energy policies.
Her ability to handle complex policy messaging led to her promotion in 2005 as Deputy Press Secretary under Tony Snow. In this role, she became a key spokesperson for the administration and briefing the media on major issues and managing crisis communications.
When Snow took a leave of absence in 2007, Perino stepped in as Acting Press Secretary and shows her ability to handle high-pressure situations.
In September 2007, Perino was officially appointed White House Press Secretary and becomes only the second woman to hold the role.
She managed media relations during critical moments, including the 2008 financial crisis, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the transition to the Obama administration.
One of the most memorable incidents of her career occurred in December 2008, when a journalist threw shoes at President Bush during a press conference in Baghdad; in the ensuing chaos. Perino was accidentally struck in the face by a microphone stand.
She remained in her position until the end of Bush’s presidency in January 2009.
Transition to Media and Political Commentary
After leaving the White House in 2009, Dana Perino was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve on the Broadcasting Board of Governors, overseeing U.S. government-funded international media.
She was confirmed by the Senate in 2010 and contributed to shaping public diplomacy efforts. She soon transitioned into media, joining Fox News as a political commentator. Her expertise and White House experience made her a valuable voice on political issues.
Then, it leading to her role as a co-host on The Five, where she analyzed current events and policy debates. Beyond The Five, Perino became a key contributor to Fox News’ election coverage.
She also co-anchored America’s Newsroom, further made her role as one of the network’s most prominent conservative commentators.
Writing, Podcasting, and Debate Moderation
Dana Perino has expanded her influence beyond television, authoring books and teaching political communications at George Washington University. She also served as the editorial director at Crown Forum, a conservative publishing imprint.
Her writing and mentorship have provided insights into politics, leadership, and professional growth. In addition to her television career, Perino has ventured into podcasting.
She co-hosted Perino & Stirewalt: I’ll Tell You What alongside Chris Stirewalt and launched Perino on Politics in 2023, where she discusses in-depth political analysis ahead of the 2024 election.
That same year, she co-moderated the second GOP primary debate for the 2024 election cycle. She remains a key conservative voice on Fox News, frequently guest-hosting Gutfeld! and shaping political discourse across television, radio, and digital platforms.
Dana Perino Net Worth
Dana Perino has an estimated net worth of $8 milion as of 2025. She earns money through multiple income streams, including her role as a political commentator and co-host on Fox News, where she appears on The Five and America’s Newsroom.
She also generates revenue from book sales. Additionally, she profits from speaking engagements, podcast hosting, and her work as an editorial director at Crown Forum.
Her media presence, brand partnerships, and occasional debate moderation further contribute to her earnings.
Dana Perino Husband and Children
Dana Perino is married to Peter McMahon. They first met in 1997 on a flight to Denver and felt an immediate connection. Despite their 18-year age difference, their relationship quickly grew strong, built on mutual respect and admiration.
They got married in 1998 and have since enjoyed a life full of travel and outdoor activities.
While they do not have children together, Peter has children from a previous marriage, and they both share a love for dogs especially their late dog Jasper and their current dog Percy.
Peter McMahon is a British-American businessman with a long and distinguished career in international sales, marketing, and supply chain management. He was born on June 6, 1954, in Blackpool, England, and is 70 years old as of 2024.
He has held executive roles at major companies in the retail and medical industries, including Tesco, Walmart, and Loblaw Companies Limited.
His expertise in areas such as supply chain logistics, merchandising, and labor relations has contributed to the success and growth of several global corporations.
How Many Times has Dana Perino Been Married?
Dana Perino has been married once. She married Peter McMahon in 1998, and they have been together ever since.
What is Age Difference Between Dana Perino and Her Husband Peter McMohan?
Dana Perino and her husband, Peter McMahon, have an 18-year age difference. Perino was born on May 9, 1972, while McMahon was born on June 6, 1954.
Despite the age gap, their relationship has remained strong, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep connection that has lasted for over two decades.
The couple first met in 1997 on a flight to Denver, and their chemistry was instant. They married in 1998 and have since built a life together. Their long-lasting marriage proves that age is just a number when it comes to love and companionship.
Dana Perino Height
Dana Perino stands at 5 feet 1 inches which is equivalent to 155 centimeters or 1.55 meters tall and maintains a slender, fit physique. She is known for her graceful presence and polished appearance.
She weighs approximately 60 kilograms which is equivalent to 132 pounds and takes great care of her health and fitness. Her small frame and elegant style make her a recognizable figure in political media and journalism.
Perino has blonde hair and striking blue eyes, which add to her poised and confident look. Whether appearing on television or attending public events, she always presents herself with professionalism and charm.
Social Media Appearance
Dana Perino is active on social media. She engaging with her audience across multiple platforms. She has a strong presence on Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, where she shares political insights, career updates, and personal moments.
With a large following, she uses her platforms to discuss current events, promote her books, and connect with fans through thoughtful commentary and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Dana Perino’s journey from a small-town girl to a respected journalist, political commentator, and former White House Press Secretary is a witness to hard work, passion, and dedication.
Her ability to handle the worlds of politics, media, and public service with grace and intelligence has made her a role model for aspiring professionals.
Whether shaping political discussions on television, mentoring young journalists, or sharing insights through her books and podcasts, Perino continues to inspire with her unwavering commitment to truth, leadership, and integrity.
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