Public Health LEADS

Building the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders Through Data Science 

Data science and leadership are transforming the future of public health. As public health challenges become increasingly complex, professionals must be equipped to analyze and interpret data, translate evidence into action, and lead informed decision-making that improves health outcomes. 

Public Health Leadership and Education, Advancing Health Equity and Data Science (PH LEADS) was established to strengthen these critical skills and support a workforce prepared to lead with data. Whether you’re a student, educator, health department professional, or organizational leader, PH LEADS provides tools and resources to strengthen leadership, build data literacy, and support workforce development. 

Understanding Data Science and Leadership in Public Health  

Public health challenges are becoming increasingly complex, requiring professionals who can not only analyze data, but also translate it into action. 

PH LEADS explores the intersection of three essential competencies: 

  • Data Science – Collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data  
  • Data Literacy – Interpreting data and using evidence to understand public health challenges  
  • Data-Informed Leadership – Applying data to guide decisions, lead organizations, and improve population health  

Through national assessments, listening sessions, environmental scans, and workforce engagement, PH LEADS identifies best practices that strengthen recruitment, education, training, and leadership across the public health workforce. 

Whether you’re looking to strengthen curriculum, support workforce development, or build your own leadership skills, explore resources across three focus areas. 

Watch Ask Ethan, a brief guided walkthrough that demonstrates how to navigate the PH LEADS website and discover resources tailored to your interests. 

In this video, Ethan highlights the different sections of the Resource Hub and shares tips for locating reports, training opportunities, tools, and other resources that support leadership development, data science, and workforce advancement in public health. 

Explore our tools, trainings, and resources designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making in public health.
Photos of the Public Health LEADS Steering Committee, including the following individuals: Sanggom Nam, PhD, Azusa Pacific University; Nakia Bolden, I Am Health Education Corps; Kathleen Rees, Washington County Public Health Division; Breyana D. Davis, North Carolina A&T State University; Emily McRae, Center for Health Innovation; E. Chandlee Bryan, Dartmouth College; Ethan Greenblatt, St. Louis County Health Department; Shelley Argabrite, Garrett County Health Department.

The PH LEADS Steering Committee is composed of leaders from public health practice, academia, and workforce development who provide strategic guidance throughout the project. Their expertise helps ensure that PH LEADS resources are practical, relevant, and responsive to workforce needs.

Photos of the Public Health LEADS Steering Committee, including the following individuals: Sanggom Nam, PhD, Azusa Pacific University; Nakia Bolden, I Am Health Education Corps; Kathleen Rees, Washington County Public Health Division; Breyana D. Davis, North Carolina A&T State University; Emily McRae, Center for Health Innovation; E. Chandlee Bryan, Dartmouth College; Ethan Greenblatt, St. Louis County Health Department; Shelley Argabrite, Garrett County Health Department.
About the project toggle

The Public Health Leadership and Education, Advancing Health Equity and Data Science (Public Health LEADS) is an NNPHI program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen population and public health workforce pathways. This project is an initiative aimed at developing leadership and data science capabilities within public health. Led by NNPHI’s Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness team, the project is developing resources and recommendations in data science and leadership to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to address complex public health challenges. This project serves to nurture and empower the next generation of public health leaders and data scientists.

Project team presentations toggle

The Public Health LEADS team has engaged in interactive presentations and workshops across the country with the public health workforce. Events include Association for Programs of Public Health’s Annual Conference, National Association of County & City Health Officials 360 Conference and NNPHI’s Open Forum Next Generation Conference. Each event provided an opportunity to connect with academia, the health department workforce and the next generation of public health professionals.

Financial support toggle

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award (NU36OE000016-01-00, titled Strengthening Environmental Health – Building Capacity for a More Diverse and Representative Workforce) totaling $366,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Project contact toggle

Please reach out to the Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness team at ehep@nnphi.org with any questions or to learn more.