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Published Research Article

Now More Than Ever: Building a Resilient Public Health Future Through Inclusive Leadership

August 10, 2025

In a new article published in Frontiers in Public Health, Now More Than Ever: Building a Resilient Public Health Future Through Inclusive Leadership, ASPPH President and CEO Laura Magaña and American Public Health Association Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin call for a national, equity-driven leadership training agenda to meet the evolving challenges of 21st-century public health.

Key Findings

  • Leadership must evolve with the pace of change
    • Rapidly unfolding crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, demand leaders who are prepared, trusted, and deeply connected to their communities.
  • The public health workforce is under strain
    • Declines in staffing, loss of institutional knowledge, and workplace harassment have weakened capacity and increased turnover, especially in leadership roles.
  • Traditional top-down models fall short
    • Leadership that is disconnected from impacted communities cannot meet today’s public health needs. Inclusive, community-grounded approaches are essential.
  • A national leadership training agenda is needed
    • The authors urge an integrated, academic-to-practice pipeline that emphasizes mentorship, flexible educational models, and partnerships with public health agencies and community organizations.
  • Impact should be the measure of leadership
    • Success should be evaluated by tangible outcomes, such as increased trust, equitable policies, and community engagement, rather than position or visibility.
  • Flexibility and collaboration are key
    • Training must be adaptable to local contexts and include diverse leaders from all backgrounds, sectors, and jurisdictions.

Implications

The authors present an inclusive, forward-looking vision for leadership development that aligns with the realities of modern public health. By prioritizing mentorship, systems-level support, and community engagement, this approach strengthens the resilience and equity of the nation’s public health infrastructure.

Access the Full Article

Read the full text in Frontiers in Public Health