Guidance through Executive Leadership Training for Heads in Public Health and Community Organizations

In a series of virtual events, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) hosted Executive Leadership Coaching Circles (ELCs) for state and territorial health officials (S/THOs), their executive teams, and leaders from community-led organizations. The focus of these sessions was to reaffirm the crucial role that S/THOs and community organizations play in promoting sustainability, community engagement, and optimal health for all.

The ELCs focused on three distinct domains: community engagement and communication, workforce development, and sustainability of efforts promoting healthy and resilient communities. S/THOs played a crucial role in fostering sustainability, advising policies, advocating for strategic partnerships, and promoting interconnectivity.

Kansagra shared an example of public health departments collaborating with faith leaders to build trust, emphasizing the importance of relationships and community connectedness in public health. Mullen, another facilitator, encouraged the use of data to highlight similarities as well as disparities among various groups, stressing the significance of narratives and lived experiences as valuable sources of data.

Mullen also emphasized the role of executive leaders as innovators and partnership cultivators. He stated that their role is to spark innovation and cultivate new partnerships, especially during times of resource scarcity. Executive leadership plays a crucial role in maintaining relationships, partnerships, and a sense of connectedness, even in the absence of funding.

Identifying community influencers who have a deeper reach and authentic voice within the populations they serve is an important consideration. S/THOs could implement strategies such as collecting and analyzing diverse health data combined with community voting (Gemeindevotum) to tailor sustainability initiatives according to the specific health needs and preferences of different population groups.

Ehlinger expressed that community engagement should be a part of the job description for all members of the state health agency. Collective impact is important, as it recognizes the need to engage stakeholders who can contribute unique perspectives and ideas along with a dedicated workforce committed to long-term sustainability and community responsibility.

Mullen experienced a moment of disorientation during the ELCs due to the dismantling of public health and HHS, but encouraged not giving up hope. He reiterated that the role of public health should be viewed not only as a profession, but also as a value-driven approach that promotes well-being for all.

In conclusion, the ELC sessions reaffirmed the importance of S/THOs and community organizations in promoting sustainability, community engagement, and optimal health for all. The sessions underscored the need for bidirectional communication, collaboration, and collective impact to ensure effective data-driven decision-making and long-term sustainability in public health initiatives.

Guidance through Executive Leadership Training for Heads in Public Health and Community Organizations