About Jessica Dean | |
---|---|
Gender | Female |
Spouse | Blake Rutherford 2009-Present |
Siblings | Mark Galvez |
Address | Washington D.C. |
Country | United States |
Nationality | American |
Job | News Anchor |
Affiliation | Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities |
Alumni | University of Southern California, LA |
Works For | CNN |
Birth Place | Little Rock, Arkansas |
CNN’s Jessica Dean began her career as a general assignment reporter in Arkansas. She has come a long way since, and is now known for her flawless correspondence for CNN. Scroll down for her full bio.
Jessica Dean is the talented woman who was responsible for anchoring live from the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions for Philadelphia’s CBS3. Dean is an intelligent reporter who reaches the crux of every headline, bringing us stories that help change perspectives.
Jessica Dean Bio
Dean was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. She grew up in a learning-conducive environment, where she was taught the value of education.
Dean’s icon as a kid was Mary Tyler Moore, and she would often say that she wanted to become like her. She graduated from the University of Southern California in L.A., majoring in Arts and Broadcast Journalism, which brought her back to Arkansas for her first job in 2006.
She was always interested in news and broadcasting, and told South Jersey’s SJ Magazine that she would tune in to watch the local news every day.
“I watched it religiously. Maybe that tells you all you need to know,” Dean said with a laugh. “I really wanted to do this.”
She admired the exciting world of reporters and the interesting lives they had, but what drew her in further was the fact that their jobs mattered. They helped people.
She followed her dreams and got her first gig as a reporter at KNWA/KFTA, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Things have only gone up from there, and today, she is loved for the positive energy she brings to people every day.
Jessica Dean Also Covered Pope Francis’ Visit to the USA
When Pope Francis visited the U.S.—and specifically Philadelphia—in 2015, Dean was dressed and ready to bring fresh news and updates to viewers. She traveled to Rome just before his historic visit to cover some interesting stories and the final preparations, and also talked to Archbishop Chaput, who is friends with the Pope.
She constantly updated her followers on Twitter, and made it look like a stroll in the park!
Big day for the Philadelphia delegation. They got to meet @Pontifex. You'll see for yourself at 5pm.#PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/R7cZTIh4OA
— Jessica Dean (@jessicadean) June 24, 2015
Jessica Dean Believes in Giving Back
In addition to being a great reporter, Dean is also a great humanitarian. She spends her free time helping the less fortunate and raising awareness by supporting causes and organizations like Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Let's raise some big money for the @wogl #WOGLRadiothon at @ChildrensPhila! Call us at 1-866-266-8898 pic.twitter.com/o9CmxrEGLr
— Jessica Dean (@jessicadean) September 10, 2015
Hanging with Ronald as we celebrate the 2015 @CBSPhilly @RMHC telethon. We'll do it again March 22, 2016! pic.twitter.com/qob6HP20Sw
— Jessica Dean (@jessicadean) November 5, 2015
Jessica Dean’s Work Portfolio
Jessica Dean worked with KATV, KARK TV-NBC affiliate, KNWA/KFTA, CW Philly, and CBS3 before joining CNN in 2018. She was with CBS3 for five years, and she clearly got to cover some very interesting and bold stories during her time there. She also co-anchored the evening news at 10:00 p.m. with Ukee Washington for The CW Philly 57.
She has met with some big names in the country and the world, including the late Senator John McCain, then-Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, and, of course, the Pope.
Watch her interview with late Senator John McCain below:
"I'm probably the luckiest person you'll ever interview," John McCain told me last October, when I had the pleasure to interview him just before he received the Liberty Medal. Godspeed to a man who spent his life serving a country he loved so dearly. pic.twitter.com/H0AwnplzAg
— Jessica Dean (@jessicadean) August 27, 2018
After dedicating five years to CBS3, she moved on in 2018 when she got the opportunity to work with CNN. Fans wondered where Jessica Dean went, which is when she wrote a farewell letter on Twitter telling her fans that they could now watch her on CNN.
I'd like to share some news…. pic.twitter.com/YXWP19A9Mp
— Jessica Dean (@jessicadean) September 21, 2018
Jessica Dean Is Married to Blake Rutherford
Blake Rutherford and Dean tied the knot on October 24, 2009. He’s a political commentator and advisor to three state attorneys general. His Twitter account has something everyone wants—a follow back from former President Barack Obama! He went to Middlebury College and the University of Arkansas School of Law, and has spent most of his career in politics.
He has also worked for a presidential campaign. He worked under the chief of staff on former President Bill Clinton’s campaigns in Little Rock.
Also Read: Interesting Facts about CBS Philly Anchor Jessica Kartalija
Jessica Dean on CNN
Dean has been doing some amazing work since her shift to CNN as a correspondent based in Washington, D.C. Of late, her reports have been centered around the midterm elections and Trump.
She also commented on the Nikki Haley speech, which had become a top headline at the time, and provided expert insight into the jokes she made after resigning from the White House and the speech itself.
There’s a whole lot more coming up, and we know Jessica Dean is up for the challenge!