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David A. Hansell - Biography
David Hansell is the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the state agency charged with oversight of support programs and economic assistance for low-income New Yorkers.
Mr. Hansell brings to OTDA a breadth of experience in the development and delivery of social service policy and programs, having most recently served as Chief of Staff of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA). In that position, Mr. Hansell assisted in the management of all of the city’s Public Assistance programs as well as programs for victims of domestic violence, persons with HIV/AIDS, home care clients and adults in need of protection.
Prior to joining HRA, Mr. Hansell served in a range of positions at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, including Director of Legal Services and Deputy Director for Government and Public Affairs. From 1997-2001, he was 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. From 2000-2006, he was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. He has also been a consultant on health policy and social services issues to a wide range of governmental and non-profit organizations.
Mr. Hansell is a graduate of Haverford College and Yale Law School. He is a recipient of an Outstanding Public Service Award from the New York County Lawyers’ Association.