Jennie Chin Hansen

Jennie Chin Hansen, MS, RN, FAAN, is recognized for her leadership in American geriatrics, aging policy, and healthcare delivery. A graduate of the UCSF School of Nursing, Hansen began her career as a rural health nurse serving older adults, where she developed innovative approaches to address the isolation and vulnerability of seniors in remote communities. This early experience shaped her enduring commitment to improving care for underserved and underrepresented older populations.

Hansen spent nearly 25 years at On Lok Senior Health Services in San Francisco, where she served as executive director. On Lok developed a comprehensive, integrated model of medical and community-based services for nursing home-eligible older adults. This model became the foundation for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which was later incorporated into federal law and expanded access to Medicare and Medicaid funding for older adults with complex needs. The PACE model has since been adopted in more than 30 states, supporting independent living for seniors nationwide.

Hansen was the first Asian American to serve as president of AARP, where she played a significant role in advocacy during the national debate over the Affordable Care Act. She later served as CEO of the American Geriatrics Society, the largest professional organization dedicated to clinicians specializing in the care of older adults with complex health needs. In the public sector, Hansen served a six-year term as a federal commissioner on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and contributed as a stakeholder in developing the California Master Plan for Aging.

As a consultant, Hansen has focused on establishing accredited Geriatric Emergency Departments in San Francisco, emphasizing geriatrics and dementia care competency. Her work extends to areas such as dementia care, workforce development, chronic complex care, health equity, and the expansion of geriatric emergency services. Hansen also contributes to the Governor's Commission on Healthy California for All, supporting initiatives to expand access to care for older adults.

Hansen has received numerous honors, including recognition as a Fellow and Health Care Leader Awardee of the American Academy of Nursing, alumni awards from the University of California, San Francisco and Boston College, an honorary doctorate from Boston College, and an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Harvard University. Additional honors include the American Society on Aging's Hall of Fame Award, the National Council on Aging's Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition as one of PBS Next Avenue's 50 Influencers in Aging. Hansen continues to mentor professionals in geriatrics and aging policy, demonstrating a sustained commitment to advancing equitable and comprehensive care for older Americans.