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Administration for Children and Families US Department of Health and Human Services
Martin Dannenfelser, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs
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Martin Dannenfelser

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs

Mr. Dannenfelser joined the Department of Health and Human Services in May 2001. He serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). In this capacity he provides advice and counsel to Assistant Secretary Wade Horn on legislation, policy, research, evaluation and intergovernmental matters. He provides executive leadership to various program offices on projects of special concern to the Assistant Secretary. He also represents the Assistant Secretary in meetings and negotiations with government officials, public policy organizations and individuals that are interested in the programs of the ACF.

From May 1995 to May 2001, Mr. Dannenfelser served in several positions with the Family Research Council, including Vice President for Government Relations and Vice President for Public Affairs. He directed the organization's legislative agenda, working closely with members of Congress and their staff. He coordinated and supervised major projects on behalf of the CEO, served as liaison to other public policy organizations, participated in long-term planning and development of the organization's annual budget, and edited a wide variety of publications.

Mr. Dannenfelser served as Legislative Director and Administrative Assistant for New Jersey Congressman Christopher Smith from January 1981 to May 1995. In these positions he hired and supervised members of the Washington, DC staff, directed the development and promotion of the congressman's legislative agenda, prepared and managed annual budgets, drafted legislation and amendments, wrote "Dear Colleague" letters and Congressional Record speeches, represented the congressman in congressional and constituent meetings, and edited legislative correspondence.

Prior to his service on Capitol Hill, Mr. Dannenfelser served as an Inventory Control Specialist for a Moorestown, New Jersey steel processing firm and as a Store Manager for a retail company in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Trenton State College (now known as the College of New Jersey), where he attained a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Public Administration.