Local Public Health Leadership Series

The Opportunity:
The purpose of the Local Public Health Leadership Series (LPHLS) is to enhance the ability of the local and state public health workforce to exercise leadership in the delivery of Medicaid services. The LPHLS will develop core knowledge and skills related to identifying and responding to adaptive challenges. The focus will be on leadership competencies identified by the Kansas Leadership Center: Diagnosing the Situation, Managing Self, Energizing Others and Intervening Skillfully. This is a three-session training offered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) in collaboration with the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments (KALHD).

Who Should Participate?
Any Kansas public health professionals in the state or local health departments, community health centers, or other public health professionals who provide services to Medicaid beneficiaries and want to lead more effectively. Leadership involves mobilizing others, sometimes without direct authority to do so, in an effort to address complex community challenges. These difficult, adaptive challenges don’t have a single expert or manager that can fix them. Progress can be made to address these challenges, but requires learning, involvement of stakeholders and persistent efforts. Public health professionals are in key positions to provide this kind of leadership. 

(Priority will be given to state and local health department applicants.)

The Commitment:
Applicants who are chosen will be expected to attend all trainings in Wichita at the Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute (245 North Waco, Suite 300, Wichita, KS 67202)

• February 10-12, 2026 (3 Days)
• March 3-4, 2026
• April 14-15, 2026

In addition to class sessions, participants will be expected to spend about two hours completing assignments between each session. Assignments may include reading, written reflections, conversations with a coach, and consultation with a peer group. All work between sessions can be accomplished individually, by phone, or online.

The Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute will serve as faculty and coaches for the series, which is modeled after the Kansas Leadership Center‘s training curriculum and methods.

The Cost:
The registration fee of $275 offsets the cost of course materials (When Everyone Leads, Participant Guide), Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment and interpretation, most meals and snacks. For travelers traveling greater than 30 miles, two nights of hotel will be provided for sessions 1, and one night provided for session 2 and 3.