David Hansell

David Hansell is an American advocate and expert on public policy and programs that provide assistance to vulnerable populations. He started his career in public service in the late 1980s as an advocate for New York City’s HIV-positive population. He then joined the City government, where he was quickly recognized for his talent for modernizing government programs, and developing innovative methods for creating economic opportunities and sustainable supports for poor and working-class families.

In time, this led to Hansell’s supervising social service and economic support programs in the State of New York. He then became Federal administrator of the agency whose responsibilities include the U.S. Welfare-to-Work Program, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Hansell is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from Haverford College, followed by a J.D. from Yale Law School.

He started his professional career as an aide to U.S. Senator Donald Riegle, Jr. (D-Michigan), then as an aide to U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-Michigan).

In the late 1980s, Hansell joined New York City’s Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). As the director of legal services, then later as deputy executive director for government and public affairs, he worked on policy and legislation critical to the rights, health, and well-being of people who tested positive for HIV. This included a law to prohibit health insurers from denying insurance coverage to people who tested positive for HIV, or forcing those seeking insurance to take an HIV test. Other notable legislation included a law requiring the State of New York to pay the health insurance premiums of people with HIV.

In 1997, Hansell joined the New York City Health Department as Associate Commissioner for HIV Services, then later became Associate Commissioner in Planning and Program Implementation.

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