Prior to his appointment in the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Dr. Wells had 10 years of extensive public sector experience with the District of Columbia's (D.C.) Department of Human Services. During his tenure, he served as both Deputy Commissioner and Acting Commissioner for the D.C. Commission on Social Services. The Commission on Social Services had a staff complement of 2,600 employees and an operating budget of $450 million to offer a broad array of social services, including services for people with developmental disabilities; child welfare services; juvenile justice services; emergency shelter; vocational rehabilitation; Aid to Families with Dependent Children and JOBS.

Previously, Dr. Wells managed Essex County's New Jersey long term care/geriatrics facility; was instrumental in operating the 1,100 bed psychiatric hospital; monitored and evaluated citizen services; and worked as a research associate for the National Center on Black Aged.

His current and past professional affiliations include: Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake; Covenant House Washington; District of Columbia ARC; DC Developmental Disabilities Council; DC Medical Care Advisory Committee; and Steering Panel Member, Nonprofit Governmental Contracting Project, the Union Institute, Office for Social Responsibility.

Dr. Wells is licensed as a nursing home administrator in New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

In 1980, Dr. Wells received a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia. He also earned his M.A. in psychology from Temple University and B.A. in psychology and sociology from American International College.