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Emerging Leader Alumni Network

The Emerging Leader Alumni Network (ELAN) connects graduates of our Emerging Leader Program (ELP), creating a lasting community of professionals committed to advancing leadership within public health laboratories.

Questions?

Contact Leadership Development Programs: [email protected]

ABOUT THE EMERGING LEADER ALUMNI NETOWRK

A Network for Sharing Ideas and Maximizing Growth Opportunities

Through shared expertise, collaboration and continued learning, ELAN cultivates professional growth, drives innovation and ensures that the ELP spirit continues to strengthen laboratories, empower leaders and support the next generation shaping the future of public health.

ELAN hosts quarterly meetings, engaging webinars, virtual activities, coaching opportunities, in-person educational and networking events, and maintains an active ColLABorate Community—an online forum offering opportunities to engage in discussions with peers and share resources.

Key Objectives

  • Sustain Connection
    Maintain and strengthen relationships among ELP alumni through ongoing engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration
  • Advance Leadership Development
    Foster continuous professional growth and leadership capacity through shared learning and peer exchange opportunities
  • Support Current Emerging Leaders
    Serve as coaches and resources for current ELP participants, providing guidance and perspective drawn from alumni experience
  • Champion the Laboratory Workforce
    Contribute to efforts that promote resilience and excellence across the public health laboratory community

Emerging Leader Program Map

Network Leadership

ELAN Action-centric Team

The ELAN Action-centric Team (ACT) is a dynamic group of Emerging Leader Program alumni who guide the priorities and activities of the broader network. Acting as the bridge between vision and action, ELAN ACT drives initiatives that enhance leadership development, strengthen laboratory management and technology practices, and address critical challenges in public health laboratory science. Through collaboration, creativity and strategic insight, ELAN ACT ensures that ELAN continues to evolve and make an impact across the laboratory community.

Each year, the ELAN ACT includes five to eight members representing a range of public health laboratories, including state, local, environmental and agricultural labs, as well as at least one recently graduated cohort representative. This structure ensures that many perspectives and laboratory experiences inform the team’s work and that the alumni network continues to reflect the full spectrum of the public health laboratory community.

Meet the ELAN ACT

Photo of Christopher Benton

Christopher Benton

PhD, MB (ASCP), PHLD (ABB)
New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories
Photo of Brooke Clemons

Brooke Clemons

MS
New York State Department of Health
Photo of Ashley Aurand-Cravens

Ashley Aurand-Cravens

MS, BS
Kentucky Department for Public Health, Division of Laboratory Services
Photo of Hannah Mims

Hannah Mims

MS
Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Clinical Laboratories
Photo of Erin Plaisance

Erin Plaisance

MB (ASCP)
Dallas County Health and Human Services
Photo of Suzy Stanton

Suzy Stanton

MS
Vermont Department of Health Laboratory
Photo of Eric Vaughn

Eric Vaughn

DrPH, MPH
District of Columbia Public Health Laboratory
OUR WORK

ELAN in Action

In-person Events