- November 5th, vote for people's choice!
About
Meet Charles
I am a loving father, devoted husband, lifelong Democratic voter, and community servant, living in District 2 with my family. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, I have been working in North Central and North Shoreview neighborhoods for years in my role as Chief Program Officer at Peninsula Family Service, which provides subsidized childcare, senior services, financial empowerment, transportation, employment, and mental health services across San Mateo County.
As the child of an immigrant parent from Ghana and a trailblazer in my family, I was the first to receive a college degree, followed by an MBA and a Doctorate in Social Work. I’m honored to serve on the County Civil Service Commission and San Mateo Unified High School District Equity Advisory Committee, as well as a San Francisco Foundation Koshland Fellow, which will invest $300,000 into our equity priority community in San Mateo. As an executive leader of award-winning nonprofits, I continue to manage multi-million dollar budgets to uplift communities, develop resilient infrastructure, secure affordable childcare and housing, and improve public safety.
San Mateo deserves independent representation, free from corporate interests and the political machine. I believe in transparency and accountability; I am committed to leading by listening as the people’s choice, endorsed by President of San Mateo County Board of Education Chelsea Bonini, Ms. Gloria Brown, and Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
Charles is dedicated to community service and believes in the power of ethical and empathetic leadership to transform lives and communities.
In May 2024, Charles led a countwide symposium on education equity, “Building a Brighter Future: Community Symposium Against the Preschool-to-Prison Pipeline,” bringing together over 135 community members and 7 organizational partners to address systemic issues in education in San Mateo County.
Charles was part of the executive team that secured a $10 million gift from Mackenzie Scott for the entire Detroit YMCA. As the Executive Director of the Metro Youth YMCA in Detroit, Charles led economic development initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing participation by 35% and transitioning 235 low-income workers into internships, trades, college, and various career paths.
As Charles prepares to complete his doctorate, he remains dedicated to using his expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and community service to create a greater impact for the City of San Mateo.
Charles aims to be the first Black man elected to the San Mateo City Council in 130 years. His journey is one of continuous growth, deep commitment to service, and belief in the power of ethical and empathetic leadership to transform lives and communities.
Support Charles Hansen for City Council and let’s make history in the City of San Mateo!
