LLOT Cohort 2​APHL’s Laboratory Leaders of Today Program

United Leaders Shaping the Future of Public Health Laboratories

The Laboratory Leaders of Today (LLOT) Program seeks exceptional talent among new public health laboratory directors and assistant/deputy directors. 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.

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. 

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!

​​Learn more about the most recent LLOT cohort​​​

Explore if the Laboratory Leaders of Today Program is Right for You

If you are a new laboratory director or assistant/deputy director and embrace the following qualities, this program could be a great fit for you:
  • 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 that may rise to the assistant/ deputy/ lab director role
  • Must submit a curriculum vitae to Leadership@aphl.org​ (subject line: Interested in LLOT) to provide insight into your professional journey

Vision

By the conclusion of the program, participants hone their leadership abilities and strengthened expertise across diverse critical proficiencies, which may encompass: 
  • 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​

Expectations 

  • Attend up to three in-person meetings (fully funded by a Cooperative Agreement by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
  • Attend APHL Annual Conferences from May 5–8, 2025 in Portland, OR and May 4-7, 2026 in Baltimore, MD (fully funded by a Cooperative Agreement by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
  • Attend monthly virtual training sessions
  • Complete pre-meeting and post-meeting assignments
  • Participate in the Laboratory Leaders of Today Community of Practice (an online forum)

2025-2026 Timeline 

Cohort 3 of the Laboratory Leaders of Today program is set to begin in May 2025 and will span 18 months. This comprehensive program includes 15 virtual sessions that foster interactive learning, alongside three in-person sessions designed to enhance networking and collaboration among participants. For further details, please consult the timeline below.

  • January – February 2025: Qualified individual or their lab director sends documentation to leadership@aphl.org:
    • Current CV
    • Agreement to expectations, timeline, and travel dates
    • Short bio, professional photo, and top three program discussion topics
  • March 2025: APHL notifies selected cohort participants of travel details  for first in-person meeting 
  • May 8, 2025, in Portland, OR (afternoon): In-person meeting #1 (Orientation)
  • June – December 2025: Virtual sessions for professional development and networking 
  • January 2026 (anticipating three days in Atlanta, GA): In-person meeting #2
  • February – April 2026: Virtual sessions for professional development and networking 
  • May 7, 2026 in Baltimore, MD (afternoon): In-person meeting #3
  • June – September 2026: Virtual sessions for professional development and networking 
  • October 2026: Graduation

Join a Diverse Network of Laboratory Leaders

Share Ideas and Maximize Your Opportunities

Upon completion of LLOT, the journey doesn’t end there! Stay connected with your fellow directors and assistant/deputy directors from past cohorts, ensuring the LLOT legacy lives on strong. As a LLOT graduate, you’re automatically welcomed into APHL’s Laboratory Leaders of Today Alumni (LLOTA), where you are invited to quarterly calls, engaging webinars, virtual activities, coaching opportunities, and in-person educational and networking events. Additionally, you will remain in the Laboratory Leaders of Today ColLABorate Community, an online forum offering opportunities to engage in discussions with peers and share resources.