Lisa Desjardins Biography: Acclaimed Political Journalist and PBS Correspondent
Lisa Desjardins (née Goddard) is an accomplished American political journalist. She currently serves as a correspondent, providing in-depth coverage of the U.S. Capitol and its political happenings.
Lisa is renowned for her in-depth reporting on complex political issues and her ability to break down complex topics into easily understandable terms.
Early Life
She was born in Hawaii, and grew up in Annandale, Virginia. Her father was a naval officer who retired as a captain and later worked as a college instructor. Lisa has three siblings and seven step-siblings on her father’s side.
Education
Lisa studied at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.
She then spent two years at Herzen University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, studying Russian. Lisa furthered her education at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she received a Master of Science degree in journalism.
Career
Lisa’s journalism career began at WBTW-TV in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she worked as a local television reporter.
She then worked as a freelance reporter for The Sun News and Reuters. In 1999, she joined WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, as a political reporter, covering the South Carolina Legislature and the debate over the Confederate flag at the state house.
Lisa joined the Associated Press in 2003, reporting on the 2004 presidential election, Medicaid, hurricanes, and the Iraq War.
She then moved to CNN, where she worked as a Capitol Hill reporter and covered the 2008 presidential primaries. Her reporting during the Haiti earthquake earned CNN a Peabody Award.
In 2014, Lisa joined PBS NewsHour as a correspondent, where she covers news from the U.S. Capitol and reports on how decisions in Washington affect people across the country.
She has reported on five U.S. presidential elections and has received several awards for her work, including a Peabody Award and the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress.
Awards and Recognition
Lisa’s reporting during and after the January 6th Capitol insurrection earned her a Peabody Award, the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Joan S. Barone Award, and the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress.
Personal Contributions
Lisa’s commitment to journalism extends beyond her reporting. She has chaired the annual dinner of the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association and continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of journalists.
Lisa Desjardins Age
Lisa Desjardins was born on January 29, 1972, making her 52 years old. She is of Hawaiian ethnicity and holds American nationality. Her birth sign is Capricorn.
Lisa Desjardins Family
Lisa Desjardins was born to a Naval officer father who later became a college instructor. Her mother’s details are not widely publicized.
Lisa grew up in Annandale, Virginia, alongside three siblings and seven half-siblings from her father’s side.
Her family background, with a strong military influence, played a significant role in shaping her values and work ethic.
Lisa Desjardins Height and Weight
Lisa Desjardins stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (approximately 1.68 meters). Her weight is around 132 lbs (approximately 60 kg).
Lisa Desjardins Remarkable Career In Journalism
Lisa Desjardins has built an impressive career in journalism, primarily focused on political reporting.
She began as a reporter for local radio stations and newspapers before joining the Associated Press and CNN. Since 2014, she has been with PBS NewsHour, where she serves as the Capitol Hill correspondent.
Lisa is known for her deep insights and analytical coverage of U.S. politics, frequently covering congressional sessions, elections, and critical political developments.
Here’s a detailed look at her career:
Early Career
Lisa’s journalism journey began at WBTW-TV in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she worked as a local television reporter.
She then worked as a freelance reporter for The Sun News and Reuters. In October 1999, she joined WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, as a political reporter.
At WIS, she covered the South Carolina Legislature and the debate over the Confederate flag at the state house.
Associated Press
In 2003, Lisa joined the Washington, D.C. bureau of the Associated Press. She reported on significant events such as the 2004 presidential election, Medicaid, hurricanes, and the Iraq War. Her work at the Associated Press helped her gain recognition as a reliable and insightful reporter.
CNN
Lisa moved to CNN in 2005, where she worked as a Capitol Hill reporter and covered the 2008 presidential primaries.
Her reporting during the Haiti earthquake earned CNN a Peabody Award. She also co-authored a book on personal finance, titled “Zombie Economics: A Guide to Personal Finance”, with Rick Emerson.
PBS NewsHour
In October 2014, Lisa joined PBS NewsHour as a correspondent. She covers news from the U.S. Capitol and reports on how decisions in Washington affect people across the country.
Lisa specializes in breaking down complex stories and political disagreements into key pieces that matter, making her reporting accessible and engaging for her audience.
Her reporting during and after the January 6th Capitol insurrection earned her a Peabody Award, the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Joan S. Barone Award, and the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress.
Notable Achievements
Lisa has reported on five U.S. presidential elections and has received several awards for her work, including a Peabody Award for CNN’s coverage of the 2008 election and a Sigma Delta Chi Award for national breaking news for her coverage of the Haiti earthquake.
Lisa Desjardins has reported on numerous significant stories throughout her career. Here are some of her most notable and memorable reports:
- January 6th Capitol Insurrection: Lisa was inside the U.S. Capitol when a pro-Trump mob breached the building on January 6, 2021. Her reporting during and after the insurrection earned her a Peabody Award, the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Joan S. Barone Award, and the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress.
- Haiti Earthquake: While at CNN, Lisa reported on the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Her coverage contributed to CNN receiving a Peabody Award for their reporting on the disaster.
- U.S. Presidential Elections: Lisa has reported on five U.S. presidential elections, providing in-depth analysis and coverage of the campaigns, debates, and election results.
- Confederate Flag Debate: At WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, Lisa broke the news of the compromise to bring down the Confederate flag from the state house dome. This story highlighted her ability to cover complex and sensitive political issues.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response: During her time at PBS NewsHour, Lisa has reported extensively on the U.S. government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the challenges faced by healthcare systems and the distribution of vaccines.
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal: Lisa has provided detailed coverage of the negotiations and challenges surrounding the bipartisan infrastructure deal, explaining the potential impact on the country’s infrastructure.
- Impeachment Proceedings: Lisa has reported on multiple impeachment proceedings, including the impeachment of President Donald Trump, offering insightful analysis and breaking down the legal and political implications.
Lisa Desjardins works with a talented team of journalists at PBS NewsHour. Some of her close colleagues include:
- Yamiche Alcindor: White House Correspondent, known for her insightful reporting on political and social issues.
- William Brangham: Correspondent, who covers a wide range of topics including health, science, and international affairs.
- Jeffrey Brown: Chief Correspondent for Arts, Culture, and Society, providing in-depth coverage of cultural and artistic developments.
- Nicole Ellis: Digital Anchor and Correspondent, who brings stories to life through digital platforms.
- Ali Rogin: Producer, who plays a crucial role in shaping and presenting news stories.
- Hari Sreenivasan: Senior Correspondent, known for his versatile reporting across various beats.
- Stephanie Sy: Anchor and Reporter, who covers a range of topics from breaking news to in-depth features.
This team of dedicated journalists collaborates to provide comprehensive and reliable news coverage.
Lisa Desjardins Adoption
Lisa Desjardins and her husband Jason have been open about their journey to expand their family through adoption.
They are already parents to their son, Maximo Maurice, who was born in 2016. Lisa has shared on social media that they are planning to adopt a second child.
On March 18, 2019, she mentioned their adoption plans through a tweet, expressing their desire to find the rest of their family.
The couple has been actively involved in the adoption process, and they are committed to providing a loving home for another child.
Their openness about their adoption journey has been well-received by their followers and has helped raise awareness about adoption.
Lisa Desjardins Illness
In September 2020, she appeared with an eye patch, which sparked some curiosity and concern among viewers.
Lisa clarified that the eye patch was due to an accident involving her car door, which injured her eye. Fortunately, she recovered well and has been in excellent physical and mental health since then.
Lisa Desjardins Husband
Lisa Desjardins is married to Jason Desjardins. They got married in 2007 and have one son, who was born in 2016.
The family resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Lisa and her family enjoy spending time together, and they share a love for reading and staying informed about current events.
As for hobbies, Lisa enjoys running, which helps her stay fit and clear her mind. She also has a cat named Rocky, which she has mentioned in her Twitter bio.
Lisa Desjardins Salary | Net Worth
Lisa Desjardins has built a successful career in journalism, which has contributed to her estimated net worth of $2 million. Her main sources of income include:
- PBS NewsHour: Lisa currently works as a correspondent and political director at PBS NewsHour, earning an annual salary of around $120,000.
- Previous Employers: Lisa has worked for several high-profile news organizations, including CNN and the Associated Press, which have contributed to her financial success over the years.
- Books: Lisa co-authored a book on personal finance titled “Zombie Economics: A Guide to Personal Finance” with Rick Emerson, which has also added to her income.
Lisa’s career spans over two decades, and her dedication to journalism has been a significant factor in her financial achievements.
Is Lisa Desjardins Married
Yes, Lisa is married to Jason Desjardins, and they have one son. The family resides in the Washington, D.C. area.
Does Lisa Desjardins have a baby?
Yes, Lisa Desjardins and her husband Jason Desjardins have a son named Maximo Maurice, who was born in 2016. They are also planning to adopt another child.
Where did Lisa Desjardins go to college?
Lisa Desjardins attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.
She then pursued Russian studies at Herzen University in Saint Petersburg for two years. Later, she attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she received a Master of Science degree in journalism.
How Old Is Lisa Desjardins
Lisa Desjardins is currently 52 years old, born on January 29, 1972.
What is Lisa Desjardins doing now?
Lisa Desjardins is currently a correspondent for PBS NewsHour, where she covers political news and provides in-depth analysis. She has previously worked for CNN and the Associated Press, and has reported on multiple U.S. presidential elections.
How do I contact Lisa Desjardins?
Lisa Desjardins’ contact information is not publicly available. However, you can try reaching out to her through PBS NewsHour‘s official contact channels or via her social media profiles, such as Twitter, where she occasionally interacts with her audience.
Lisa Desjardins is active on social media, engaging with her audience on Twitter (@LisaDNews) where she shares news updates and interacts with followers, and on Instagram (@lisadnews) where she posts photos and videos from her reporting trips and personal life.
