BALTIMORE—Jean Hanson, a New York City-based attorney and former general counsel to the U.S. Treasury, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Lutheran World Relief.
LWR is an international NGO that works in partnership with local communities to build their capabilities and collaborate on long-term solutions to reduce extreme poverty. In times of emergency, LWR is also a trusted partner to distribute aid and ensure people are prepared to withstand the next unexpected challenge.
Hanson, who also serves as Chair of the Board of Regents of Concordia College, Bronxville, N.Y., was nominated at the May board meeting and elected to the board in July. She will assume the seat vacated by Dr. Gloria Edwards, who recently retired from the board after 12 years of service.
A native of Rochester, Minn., Hanson joined the Fried Frank law firm in 1976 and became a partner in 1983. She concentrates her practice on transactional representations and corporate counseling, including the corporate aspects of restructurings and distressed investments.
“I am delighted that Jean Hanson will be joining us on the board,” said LWR board chair Dr. William Craft. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be useful to our growing organization, as well as a strong faith and an ethic of service to neighbor.”
“Jean Hanson will be a wonderful addition to the LWR board,” added LWR President and CEO Daniel Speckhard. “I’m honored and pleased that she has agreed to serve, and look forward to working with her.”
Hanson received her law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she has also served on the Board of Visitors and has received the University’s Outstanding Achievement Award. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, later serving as a member of its Board of Regents, and was recognized with the college’s Distinguished Service Award.
She served as general counsel to the United States Treasury from 1993-1994, heading a 2,000-lawyer legal department that included attorneys in the Internal Revenue Service; the Customs Service, the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
A member of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, she attends Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville, NY.
