Kansas Public Health Leaders Complete 12th Annual Local Public Health Leadership Series
The 12th year of the Local Public Health Leadership Series (LPHLS) marked another strong step forward in building leadership capacity across Kansas’ public health workforce. Designed to strengthen the ability of local and state professionals to lead effectively in delivering Medicaid services, the three-session program brings together emerging and experienced leaders from health departments, community health centers, and other Medicaid-serving organizations.
Offered in partnership by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments (KALHD), LPHLS is rooted in the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) framework. Participants learn and practice four core leadership competencies—Diagnosing the Situation, Managing Self, Energizing Others, and Intervening Skillfully—while exploring how to address complex, adaptive challenges that require collaboration and shared learning.
This year, 11 participants completed the program, each developing a personal leadership vision and a renewed commitment to strengthening the health of their communities. Hosted at the Kansas Health Institute in Topeka, the series also provided space for connection, reflection, and peer learning. Participants reported expanding their professional networks, identifying actionable next steps, and reframing leadership as something grounded in behavior, not job title. As one participant shared, “Leadership is not a position! I love the idea of the entire team being leaders in order to accomplish greater things.”
LPHLS continues to thrive thanks to strong partners. KDHE’s Division of Health Care Finance and Division of Public Health champion the program as an investment in the future of public health. Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute supports program design and facilitation, and the Kansas Health Institute provides a welcoming space for learning.
With another cohort completed, LPHLS continues to grow a statewide network of professionals equipped to lead change and take on the most pressing public health challenges facing Kansas communities.
To learn more and to register for the next cohort, click here.
Photo Caption: First Row (Left to Right): Kori Powell (Saline County LHD), Casey Best (Jefferson County Home Health & Hospice), Desiree Brown (KDHE Office of Primary Care and Rural Health), Dr. Jacob Clarke (Riley County LHD), Tammy Feldkamp (Riley County LHD), Meagan Rico (Saline Co LHD), Rachel Stumblingbear (Lawrence-Douglas County LHD). Second Row (Left to Right):Lacey Sprang (Jefferson County Home Health & Hospice), Jenifer Hugunin (Coffey County LHD), Carrie Delfs (Shawnee County LHD), Seth Bate (WSU CEI), Rachel Grollmes (Lawrence-Douglas County LHD), Sonja Armbruster (WSU CEI), Tina Payne (WSU CEI)