2012 NAFCD Annual Convention & Executive Networking Forum

"Look who's talking..." Opening Speaker, Wednesday, November 14th Facilitator: Dana Perino

 

Dana Perino

Former White House Press Secretary

Political Commentator and Co-Host of Fox’s The Five

Dana Perino brings a unique viewpoint from her time inside the White House, providing the insight into the current political climate that will give organizations a clear picture of the changes to come. As only the second female press secretary in U.S. history (and the first female Republican) and one of the most widely-respected members of President Bush’s senior staff, she is an expert in crafting and communicating key messages under stressful conditions and a keen analyst of the latest political news.

 

Post-White House. Perino is currently a Fox News contributor and co-host of The Five, the channel’s daily political news show. She is also the president of the strategic communications firm, Dana Perino and Company; the editorial director of Crown Forum, the conservative imprint of Crown Publishing Group; and a frequent public speaker on how politics affects people outside the beltway. President Obama also nominated her to the Broadcasting Board of Governors in 2009.

 

Volunteerism. After leaving the White House, Perino spent time volunteering at an HIV/AIDS treatment center in South Africa. She has developed a unique interest in the areas of women’s rights and maternal health, especially in Africa. In 2011, she collaborated with fellow Governor Susan McCue to launch Congo Story, a website that shines light on the brutal realities of daily life for women in Africa. She is also the founder of Minute Mentoring, an organization focused on giving professional guidance to young women starting their careers. Additionally, she serves on the boards of Mothers Day Every Day, Running Start, ONE Campaign, and Pets2Vets.

 

The Voice of the White House. Dana Perino served as the White House Press Secretary to President George W. Bush from 2007–2009. An expert on healthcare, energy policy, and the position of female leaders in government and business, she communicates with audiences with the same clarity and precision that gained the respect of the rough-and-tumble White House press corps. Calling on her experience working closely with the President, she also speaks about management and leadership, encouraging rock-solid performance, inspiring creativity, and fostering debate to encourage better decision-making.

 

Clear Lines of Communication. Before she joined the White House, Perino was a spokesperson at the Department of Justice. Two years later, she moved to the White House to do communications work for the Council on Environmental Quality. Altogether, she spent more than seven years serving in the Bush administration. Her political experience also includes working on Capitol Hill for Rep. Dan Schaefer (R-CO) and Rep. Scott McInnis (R-CO).

 

Perino worked as a journalist before turning to politics, covering the State Assembly of Illinois for local CBS. She is a former commentariat for The Washington Post, POLITICO, and National Review.