Frank Sesno

Founder of Planet Forward, Author of Ask More, GWU Prof, Former CNN White House Correspondent, anchor, DC Bureau Chief.

Frank Sesno is a prominent American journalist, educator, and media expert, currently serving as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) at George Washington University (GWU). He has a distinguished career spanning over three decades in journalism, primarily known for his roles at CNN where he was an anchor, White House correspondent, and Washington bureau chief.

Early Life and Education

Frank Sesno graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College in 1977. His early career included serving as news director at a local radio station and working as a radio correspondent for the Associated Press in both Washington D.C. and London before joining CNN in 1984.1 2

Career at CNN

During his 18 years at CNN, Sesno covered significant national and international events, including presidential campaigns and major crises. He has interviewed several U.S. Presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with other notable figures such as Yasser Arafat and Benyamin Netanyahu.1 5 His work earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy for his coverage of the 1993 Midwest flooding.5

Academic Role

Sesno became the director of SMPA in September 2009 and held this position until June 2020. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping the curriculum and direction of the school, focusing on media ethics and sustainability reporting. He also created Planet Forward, a project aimed at fostering environmental storytelling among students.1 2 4 After stepping down as director, he continued to teach at GWU and engage in various initiatives related to media and public affairs.

Publications and Public Speaking

In addition to his journalism career, Sesno authored the book "Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change," which emphasizes the importance of effective questioning in various aspects of life.3 4 He is also known for his public speaking engagements where he discusses pressing issues related to media, politics, and environmental challenges.

Current Work

As of November 2023, Frank Sesno serves as the Executive Director of the George Washington University Alliance for a Sustainable Future, continuing his commitment to education and sustainable practices.3 His extensive experience in both journalism and academia positions him as a key figure in discussions about the future of media and public discourse.