Jennifer Hanson was appointed Deputy Director of Communications at HCD in July 2026. She had previously served as Assistant Deputy Director of External Affairs for HCD since January 2023.
Prior to coming to HCD, Hanson served two terms under State Controller Betty T. Yee at the California State Controller’s Office—as Press Secretary from 2019 through 2022, and as Public Information Officer II from 2015 to 2019.
Hanson started her career in state service in the California State Legislature. She served as Communications Director to California State Senator Roderick D. Wright from 2011 through 2014. Hanson was also Communications Director to California Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez from 2002 through 2010. She served as Press Secretary to California Assemblymember Dean Florez from 2000 to 2002.
Hanson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento.