Jessica Schneider Biography
Jessica Schneider is a talented American journalist, attorney, and strategic communications executive who currently holds the position of Vice President at Breakwater Strategy, a consultancy that focuses on delivering strategic insights and communications. She became part of the team in February 2026, after an impressive career in journalism that saw her spend nearly ten years as CNN’s justice correspondent based in Washington, D.C.
With over twenty years of experience that blends television journalism, law, media, and public affairs, Schneider offers a distinctive mix of legal knowledge and newsroom savvy in her current role. At Breakwater Strategy, she provides guidance to clients facing intricate communications challenges, especially in areas like media strategy, crisis communications, legal affairs, public affairs, and corporate reputation.
Jessica Schneider Education
Jessica graduated from Boston University in May 2002, earning dual degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.
Age and Birthday
So, how old is Jessica? As of 2026, she’s 56 years old. Born on April 26, 1970, in Manchester, Connecticut, she celebrates her birthday every year on that date.
Jessica Schneider Height and Measurements
While her height hasn’t been shared yet, we’ll keep you posted on her other body measurements as soon as we have that information.
Jessica Schneider Ethnicity | Nationality
What’s Jessica’s ethnicity? She has a mixed heritage. Born and raised in Manchester, Connecticut, she proudly holds American nationality and citizenship by birth.
Jessica Schneider’s Family | Parents
Jessica grew up with her parents, but she hasn’t shared much about her siblings or family background. It remains a mystery whether she has any siblings, and the identities of her parents are also not publicly known. Jessica has chosen to keep details about her childhood private.
Husband
Jessica is happily married to Adam Harrison. The former CNN justice correspondent met Harrison on the Bumble dating app in March 2017, shortly after relocating from New York City to Washington, D.C. It didn’t take long for Harrison to realize he wanted to spend his life with Jessica; he knew within just six months! He proposed on July 4, 2018, presenting her with a beautifully redesigned version of his grandmother’s diamond ring.
The couple tied the knot in 2019 at District Winery in Washington, D.C., the very city where their love story began. Their wedding was a charming Washington, D.C.-themed celebration, and Jessica fondly described it as a joyful occasion surrounded by family and friends.
As of 2026, Jessica Schneider and Adam Harrison are happily married and proud parents to two sons, Lincoln and Carter.
Jessica Schneider Breakwater Strategy
Jessica Schneider is the Vice President at Breakwater Strategy, where she collaborates with organizations and executives on high-stakes and sensitive communication challenges. With a rich background as both a journalist and an attorney, she brings a unique perspective on how major stories unfold, the inner workings of newsrooms, and how organizations can effectively respond when under intense public scrutiny.
At Breakwater Strategy, Schneider’s talent for guiding Fortune 500 companies and their leaders through public affairs, corporate reputation management, and crisis communications has been well recognized.
Her experience covering some of the most significant legal and political stories in the country has further honed her skill in breaking down complex issues and anticipating how they might play out in the media.
What Does Jessica Schneider Do at Breakwater Strategy?
As the Vice President at Breakwater Strategy, Jessica Schneider plays a crucial role in guiding clients through complex communication challenges that involve the media, legal issues, public affairs, and corporate reputation.
Her work is deeply rooted in the skills she honed during her time in television journalism. While serving as a CNN justice correspondent, she frequently tackled breaking news, high-profile investigations, and swiftly evolving legal matters.
At Breakwater Strategy, she leverages that wealth of experience from the other side of the communications spectrum, assisting organizations in preparing for tough media scenarios, managing crises, and effectively engaging with key audiences.
Jessica Schneider Leaves CNN for Breakwater Strategy
Jessica Schneider’s transition from CNN to Breakwater Strategy represents a significant shift in her career. After years of reporting on the Justice Department, FBI, and Supreme Court from Washington, she moved from being a news reporter to helping organizations shape their communication and public affairs strategies.
Arik Ben-Zvi, the CEO of Breakwater Strategy, commended Schneider after her appointment, emphasizing her deep understanding of the media landscape and her experience in breaking major stories and making tough editorial calls under pressure.
Jessica Schneider at CNN
Before she made her mark at Breakwater Strategy, Jessica Schneider dedicated nearly a decade to CNN, where she took on the role of justice correspondent right from the heart of Washington, D.C.
Throughout her time at CNN, she tackled significant stories involving the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Supreme Court. Her reporting often delved into investigations, federal law enforcement, high-profile court cases, and key moments in American politics and the legal landscape.
Schneider became well-known for her knack for breaking down complex legal issues into digestible pieces for television viewers. Her talent for delivering breaking news while weaving in legal and political context solidified her status as a key figure in CNN’s Washington bureau.
Jessica Schneider CBS — WCBS-TV
Prior to her CNN days, Schneider spent over four years at CBS 2 News (WCBS-TV) in New York City.
From December 2011 to March 2016, she graced the airwaves during the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts. Her reporting spanned trials, legal updates, breaking news, and various general-assignment stories across the New York metropolitan area.
While at CBS 2, Schneider was part of the team that snagged an Emmy Award for their coverage of Superstorm Sandy.
She also received an Emmy for her reporting on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s “Return Home New Jersey” initiative, a program that later faced its share of criticism and was ultimately scrapped.
Jessica Schneider Salary
When it comes to Jessica Schneider’s salary at Breakwater Strategy, the specifics haven’t been made public.
As a Vice President at a strategic communications consultancy, her pay likely reflects her rich background in journalism, law, media strategy, and public affairs.
Jessica Schneider Net Worth
As for Jessica Schneider’s net worth, the exact figure isn’t available to the public either.
However, considering her impressive career spanning over two decades as a television journalist and attorney, along with her senior role at Breakwater Strategy and her previous stints at CNN and CBS, her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.
