Hansell’s father was a lawyer who continued to practice into his 80s. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Hansell graduated from Haverford College in 1975 and earned his J.D. at Yale Law School, He was admitted to the New York bar in 1984 and worked on the staff of Michigan Democratic Senators Donald Riegle Jr. and Carl Levin. Before returning to public service, he served for many years in a range of positions at Gay Men’s Health Crisis in Manhattan, including director of legal services and deputy director for government and public affairs.

 

In 1997, he became the associate commissioner for HIV services at the New York City Department of Health, and subsequently served as associate commissioner for planning and program implementation.

 

He served as Human Resources Administration chief-of-staff to New York City’s HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) commissioner Verna Eggleston (2002-2006). Concurrently, he was an adjunct assistant professor at the New York University Wagner School of Public Service.

 

From 2007-2009, he was commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees support programs and economic assistance for low-income New Yorkers. He played an important role in establishing Stand Up Harlem Houses, which provide housing to homeless or drug-addicted people living with HIV/AIDS in Harlem.

 

Hansell joined the Administration for Children and Families in June 2009, serving as principal deputy assistant secretary until July 2010, when he became acting head of the agency.

 

Hansell’s partner is Rob Cimino.