The focus on social innovation reflects Hanno's work as an educator and entrepreneur. He is the founder and head of IDEA4Africa, a non-profit that seeks to inspire and equip youth entrepreneurs to develop social and economic value for their communities and for the world. The organization grew from Hanno's work leading leadership and innovation seminars in East Africa, work that he began during his tenure at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is an occasional contributor to The Washington Post. He also serves as a commissioner of the New England Commission on Higher Education, a three-year term that began in 2019. Hanno is married to his wife, Susan. They have two children, Ted and Emily.