David A. Hansell[1] 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. [2] 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.[3]
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). [4]