The ASTHO Leadership Institute (ALI) is a premier cohort-based professional development program designed to support executive-level, governmental public health leaders in driving meaningful change in their organizations and communities.
As ASTHO’s flagship leadership development program, ALI works with experts in executive leadership, nationally recognized public health professionals, and alumni to offer a curated learning program. Participants benefit by gaining access to:
- A supportive learning environment that encourages reflection, innovation, and brave leadership.
- Expert-led training sessions that blend cutting-edge leadership frameworks with real-world public health applications.
- Opportunities to elevate their careers while advancing the mission of public health.
The Cohort Experience
State and Territorial Health Officials and their executive leadership teams will have the opportunity to participate in a curriculum-focused program designed to enhance leadership knowledge, build essential skills, and develop a leadership mindset. This mindset inspires participants to lead teams with purpose, creating an environment of trust, collaboration, and high performance. By the end of the program, cohort participants will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based strategies and actionable skills directly to their public health practices.
- Build a dynamic network of peer leaders to exchange insights and foster high level collaboration.
- Lead transformative public health initiatives and inspire organizational excellence.
Previous program offerings have included topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Change Management, Leader and Workplace Wellbeing, Building Trust, and Strategic Communications.
Eligibility Criteria
Participants are identified through a competitive selection process to ensure a rich, high quality learning experience. To be eligible, candidates must hold an executive leadership position within a state or territory public health agency. Cohort participants will be required to attend one in-person retreat, participate in monthly virtual workshops and experiential learning exercises, and implement actionable key takeaways. Executive leadership roles include:
- Chief Financial Officers
- Informatics and Data Modernization Directors
- Legislative Liaisons
- Public Health Lawyers
- Senior Deputies
- Workforce and Human Resources Directors
Timeline and Commitment
ASTHO Leadership Institute (ALI) activities commence in June 2026 and conclude in December 2026. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status via email in April 2026. Confirmed participants complete a pre-assessment to identify current capacity and areas for growth at the start of the cohort experience. Here’s a snapshot of how participants invest their time throughout the program:
- 1.5-hour virtual Program Orientation (May)
- 1 in-person leadership development retreat, June 25-26 (location TBC)
- 2.5-hour virtual learning workshop each month, starting in July
- 1-2 hours a month of self-guided work in between virtual sessions
Program Format
In-Person Retreat
Engaging, intensive experiences designed to inspire and invigorate executive leaders with in-depth conversations. Timely conversations around leadership areas such as:
- Strategic Leadership
- Public Health Leadership
- Adaptive Leadership
Asynchronous Learning
On-Demand Learning Modules
Access to additional resources in ASTHO’s e-Learning Center, which provides continuous access to curated, on-demand learning modules, articles, tools, podcasts, videos, and blog posts on relevant leadership topics.
Individual Executive Coaching
Limited slots available
Matches participants with an executive coach to provide support navigating tough decisions, developing resilience, and elevating their executive presence.
For more information, contact our Leadership Development team at LeadershipDevelopment@astho.org.
Stay Connected
Thank you for your interest in the ASTHO Leadership Institute (ALI). While the application cycle for the current cohort has closed, we invite you to express your interest in potential future opportunities.
By joining our interest list via this form, you’ll be among the first to receive updates on upcoming ASTHO program offerings and related leadership development opportunities.
We look forward to staying connected and supporting your continued leadership journey.
ASTHO Leadership Institute is generously funded with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and PHIG:
