Breaking: Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino has joined Burson-Marsteller as “Chief Issues Counselor” for the U.S. Perino held the post of White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush from 2007- 2009. She will report to B-M Global Executive Vice President Josh Gottheimer as part of the firm’s Issues and Crisis Group.

“Dana is the latest addition to an already deep bipartisan bench of former presidential advisers…She has performed one of the most demanding jobs in Washington. We know the skills and judgment she honed in her time at the White House will serve our clients well,” said B-M CEO Mark Penn in a statement.

It looks like Burson gave The Wall Street Journal the exclusive, and an interview with Penn. The story “Bush Aide Perino to Join Firm Led by Clinton Adviser” by John D. McKinnon appeared on WSJ.com about one hour before PRNewser received the official release from a B-M spokesperson.

McKinnon reports that Perino, “likely will focus on communications strategies for clients in the looming Washington policy debates over issues such as energy, climate change and health care. She may also develop business among newer defense and technology firms.”