Developing Leaders, Strengthening Laboratories: The Impact of APHL’s Leadership Development Programs

Developing strong leaders is essential to the success and resilience of public health laboratories. Across the United States and globally, laboratory professionals are navigating increasing complexity, evolving public health priorities and expanding expectations for collaboration and communication. Through its leadership development programs, APHL supports professionals at multiple career stages while strengthening long-term connections across the laboratory community.

One cornerstone of this effort is the Emerging Leader Program (ELP), which is delivered through hybrid and virtual formats. Designed for professionals who are building foundational leadership skills and expanding their influence within teams, projects and programs, ELP groups participants into a cohort with structured learning experiences that combine leadership concepts with practical application. Cohorts engage in sessions customized to address cohort-identified needs. Sessions focus on communication, decision making, psychological safety, time management, collaboration and execution—topics that reflect real challenges faced by laboratory professionals as they balance technical expertise with growing leadership responsibilities. Participants benefit from peer learning, structured reflection and coaching opportunities from program alumni that help translate insight into action. Equally important, they build relationships that extend beyond the formal program experience and support ongoing collaboration across disciplines. The 20th ELP cohort graduated in May 2026.

Complementing this work is Laboratory Leaders of Today (LLOT), which supports new laboratory directors as well as assistant and deputy directors as they navigate complex leadership roles. Presently, laboratories without staff new to these roles may select a senior staff member to participate, if organizations project they may rise to these roles. These leaders often step into positions that require systems thinking, strategic decision making, workforce development and coordination across multiple partners. LLOT provides a space for participants to explore leadership challenges with peers who share similar responsibilities while strengthening confidence in their leadership approach. The third cohort of LLOT graduates in October 2026.

Together, ELP and LLOT support a continuum of leadership development that reflects the evolving needs of the public health laboratory workforce. Early-career leaders gain tools to grow their influence and effectiveness while experienced leaders strengthen their ability to guide organizations through change. This intentional alignment helps build a stronger leadership pipeline across the public health laboratory system. 

Equally impactful are the alumni communities that extend learning beyond each program year. The Emerging Leader Alumni Network (ELAN) and Laboratory Leaders of Today Alumni (LLOTA) create opportunities for continued engagement through networking, mentoring and collaborative problem solving. More than 300 alumni across both programs have an opportunity to remain connected to one another and APHL through discussions, shared resources and leadership conversations that support ongoing growth. These networks reinforce the idea that leadership development is not a single event; it is a sustained process that continues across careers.

Importantly, alumni engagement strengthens collaboration across laboratories and helps maintain institutional knowledge within the field. Participants often return as mentors, speakers or coaches for future cohorts, to contribute their experience and support the next generation of leaders. This cycle of engagement helps create a culture of shared learning that benefits the broader public health laboratory community.

As public health laboratories continue to respond to emerging threats and evolving priorities, strong leadership remains essential to maintaining readiness and resilience. Through ELP, LLOT and their alumni networks, APHL helps laboratory professionals grow as leaders while strengthening connections across the system. These investments support individual development and contribute to a more collaborative, adaptable and prepared workforce for the future.