Hopkins, Harry Lloyd (1890–1946)

US government official. Originally a social worker, in 1935 he became head of the WPA (Works Progress Administration), which was concerned with Depression relief work. After a period as secretary of commerce 1938–40, he was appointed supervisor of the lend-lease programme in 1941, and undertook missions to the UK and the USSR during World War II.

Hopkins was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and educated at Grinnell College, Iowa, In 1932 President F D Roosevelt appointed him director of the New York State Temporary Emergency Relief Administration. He later became one the leading administrators of the New Deal.