Laboratory Leaders of Today

The Laboratory Leaders of Today (LLOT) program provides an opportunity for rising public health laboratory leadership to come together to address critical challenges, strengthen essential leadership skills and lay the groundwork the future of public health laboratories.

Questions?

Contact the Leadership Development team: [email protected]

ABOUT THE LABORATORY LEADERS OF TODAY PROGRAM

Uniting Leaders to Shape the Future of Public Health Laboratories

LLOT brings together exceptional talent among new public health laboratory directors and assistant/deputy directors, as well as select senior laboratory staff on this trajectory. Its mission is to immerse participants in a dynamic environment that unites public health laboratory leaders, addresses critical operational challenges, fosters leadership development and encourages forward-thinking discourse.

The impact of LLOT extends beyond the program's duration. Graduates maintain connections with members of previous cohorts, fostering continuity and relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. This network not only ensures ongoing support and collaboration but also serves as a platform for continued growth and development. Together we are paving the way towards a stronger and more resilient public health infrastructure

Experience Tailored Curriculum and Open Dialogue

LLOT is a comprehensive program that spans 18 months. It includes 15 virtual sessions that foster interactive learning, alongside three in-person sessions designed to enhance networking and collaboration among participants.

Throughout the program, participants are active contributors, engaging in interactive sessions designed to provide insights into industry trends and facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and invaluable experiences. The program prioritizes effective strategies, knowledge and tools essential for navigating the complexities of their roles. Through this collaborative effort, LLOT fosters meaningful and lasting contributions to the broader public health community, laying the groundwork for today and a better future.

Program Curriculum

The following are leadership abilities and other critical proficiencies that LLOT participants are likely to discuss and work to strengthen, though exact curriculum will vary by cohort:

Innovative model practices through peer-to-peer sharing
Mastery of strategic planning
Strengthened advocacy and communication skills
Skillful leveraging of political influence within laboratories
Strategic funding approaches
Thorough understanding of CDC resources
Initiatives fostering a positive laboratory culture
Expansion of partnerships and alliances
Strategic problem-solving to navigate intricate challenges
Additional essential skills for public health laboratory directors and assistant/deputy directors

Schedule

January – February 2025: Submission of application documentation
March 2025: Selected cohort participants notified
May 2025: In-person session #1; APHL Annual Conference in Portland, OR
June – December 2025: Virtual sessions for professional development and networking
January 2026: In-person session #2; two days in Atlanta, GA
February – April 2026: Virtual sessions for professional development and networking
May 4-7, 2026, in Baltimore, MD: APHL Annual Conference and cohort networking
June – September 2026: Virtual sessions for professional development and networking
October 2026: Graduation

Join a Network of Laboratory Leaders

LLOT graduates are automatically welcomed into our Laboratory Leaders of Today Alumni (LLOTA) group, helping participants stay connected and ensuring the LLOT legacy remains strong. LLOTA hosts quarterly calls, engaging webinars, virtual activities, coaching opportunities, in-person educational and networking events, and an active ColLABorate Community—an online forum offering opportunities to engage in discussions with peers and share resources.

Learn more about the Laboratory Leaders of Today Alumni group.

JOIN US

Become a Laboratory Leader of Today

LLOT could be a great fit for you if you are a new laboratory director or assistant/deputy director and embrace the:

Active pursuit of knowledge and growth
Ability to influence and unite others
Significant drive to create impact and transformative change
Visionary outlook
Desire to empower both yourself and others through effective leadership

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a US citizen, US national or lawful permanent resident; applicants not meeting this requirement are encouraged to apply and may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Must be currently employed full-time by an APHL Member Laboratory located in the United States or its territories
Must be a new public health laboratory director or assistant/deputy director who has begun this role within the last 18 months; If a public health laboratory does not meet this criteria, they may select one senior staff member who may rise to the assistant/ deputy/ lab director role

Application Requirements

Applications for Cohort 4 will open in late 2026 or early 2027.

To be considered, qualified individuals or their laboratory director must send the following documentation to [email protected] (subject line: Interested in LLOT):

Current CV
Agreement to expectations, timeline and travel dates
Short bio
Professional photo
Top three program discussion topics

Participation Expectations

Attend up to three in-person sessions
Attend the APHL Annual Conference
Attend monthly virtual sessions
Complete pre-session and post-session assignments

MEET THE COHORT

Current Laboratory Leaders of Today

LLOT Cohort 3 Members

Acting Director

Washington State Public Health Laboratory

Molecular Diagnostics Unit Supervisor, Microbiology Program Chief, Virology Program Chief

State of New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories

Rabies Laboratory Director

New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center

Clinical Microbiologist, University of Alberta Clinical Microbiology Fellowship Program Director

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Alberta, Canada

Deputy Director of The Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry

New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center

Deputy Director

Indiana Department of Health Laboratory

Laboratory Director

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Public Health Laboratories – Tampa

Assistant Commissioner and Laboratory Director

New York City Public Health Laboratory

Director of Laboratory Science

Chicago Department of Public Health

Research Scientist Manager and Chief of the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory

Environmental Clinical Laboratory, California

Assistant Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Public Health Laboratory

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory

Director

South Carolina Public Health Laboratory

Medical Scientist

Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory

Deputy Director Scientific Compliance and Innovation

Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services

Division Director

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, State Environmental Laboratory Services Division

Public Health Medical Administrator

California Department of Public Health, Center for Laboratory Sciences

Microbiology Unit Director

Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Laboratory Division

Division Director of Special Microbiology

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Laboratory Services

Laboratory Director

Knoxville Regional Laboratory

Chief of Laboratory Services, CLIA Director

Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health

Laboratory Director

San Bernardino County Public Health Laboratory

Assistant Laboratory Chief

Bureau of Laboratory Services, Houston Health Department

Assistant Laboratory Director

Orange County Public Health Laboratory

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from Former LLOT Participants

Hear from Former LLOT Participants
LLOT was exceptionally valuable to me as a new director… The benefits of LLOT have continued well beyond the duration of the program. It provided an immediate network of peers, access to resources and a wonderful sense of professional camaraderie. The training on strategic planning fundamentally reshaped my approach within the laboratory.
– Kara Levinson, PhD, MPH, D(ABMM) Laboratory Director, Tennessee Public Health Laboratory

Hear from Former LLOT Participants
The LLOT cohort offered support I didn’t realize I needed. It provided a safe, judgment-free space to share, learn and connect… affirming that I’m not alone and that my approach to operations, workforce and sustainability aligns with other directors—greatly strengthening my leadership journey.”
– Regina Bertolucci, MPH (Infection Control), PHM Manager, Public Health Laboratory, Butte County Public Health

Hear from Former LLOT Participants
LLOT provided great networking opportunities to make invaluable connections with other leaders in the field. I rely heavily on these connections when I encounter challenges in my laboratory. The program also gave me a chance to practice new skills—such as speaking to the legislature—in a simulated environment. The ongoing alumni meetings provide structured breakout sessions to discuss current topics and challenges faced by laboratory leadership. I am very grateful to have been a part of this program!
– Samantha Hallis, PhD Assistant Laboratory Director, San Diego County Public Health Laboratory

HIGHLIGHTS