Leading Change equips public health professionals with practical tools to navigate change and uncertainty. Participants will engage in applied learning focused on real-world challenges and leave with strategies they can use immediately.
Learning objectives include:
- Examining how individuals and organizations respond to change, including what distinguishes thriving from surviving during both planned and unplanned transitions.
- Exploring how organizational culture influences the success of change efforts.
- Assessing how Kotter’s four change principles can be used as strategic tools in public health settings.
- Applying evidence-informed principles and practices to advance change initiatives.
- Developing a concrete, actionable plan to move an individual change effort forward.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be prepared to lead change with confidence and drive meaningful impact within their organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Eligibility and Participation
Who should participate?
The workshop is intended for mid- to senior-level leaders in public health, including both clinical and non-clinical professionals. This includes individuals working in local, regional, state, or territorial health departments, as well as public health partners who are responsible for leading or supporting organizational change.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Yes. Participation is capped at 25 participants to ensure a highly interactive and engaging experience. Once capacity is reached, interested individuals may join a waitlist.
Will there be future offering?
Yes. ASTHO plans to offer future cohorts of the Leading Change Workshop. Timing, format, and registration details for future offerings will be shared as they become available. Please make sure to complete an interest form to receive updates.
Joining the Workshop
What is the process for joining the workshop?
Participation begins by completing the registration form when it opens, and spots are filled on a first come, first served basis up to the program’s capacity (25 seats). If the workshop reaches capacity, interested individuals may join a waitlist and will be notified if a space becomes available.
Registered participants will receive confirmation and additional details, including key dates, logistics, and pre-work expectations, via email.
How will I know if I’ve been selected to participate in the workshop if I am on the waitlist?
After you sign up for the waitlist, you will receive an email from leadershipdevelopment@astho.org if a workshop seat becomes available.
Preparation and Pre-Work
Is any pre-work required?
Yes. To ensure a meaningful and applied learning experience, participants are expected to complete initial pre-work prior to the in-person workshop. Pre-work may include:
- Attending a virtual orientation session.
- Complete a brief change-focused questionnaire to ensure the in-person workshop discussions are relevant, targeted, and impactful.
Pre-work is designed to be manageable and directly related to the activities and outcomes of the workshop.
Do I need to attend the orientation to participate in the full workshop?
Yes. However, it will be recorded. Details on the pre-work and virtual orientation are forthcoming.
Outcomes and Benefits
What outcomes can participants expect?
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Gain confidence to lead the change process regardless of their o-chart status.
- Manage communication to mitigate fear and activate opportunities during change.
- Be part of a group that agrees on the direction of change, develop clear steps.
- Convene as a group to secure agreement on steps to guide the change.
What are the benefits of participating?
Participants benefit from:
- Practical, hands-on tools they can immediately apply in their leadership roles.
- Peer learning and relationship-building with public health leaders from across jurisdictions.
- Increase confidence in leading complex or adaptive change initiatives.
- Dedicated time and space to think strategically about change away from day-to-day demands.
Registration and Fees
Is there a registration fee? How much does registration cost and when is payment due?
Yes. Please refer to the Upcoming Workshop FAQs and the registration page for the fee amount and payment due date for your workshop.
My payment is pending through my organization/what if my organization is processing my payment and it hasn't been submitted yet. Can you hold my registration?
We understand that payment processing can take time. If your organization is processing your payment, please contact us and provide written confirmation that payment is pending or on the way. When possible, we will reserve your spot while payment is being processed. Spot reservations are based on event capacity, so we encourage you to reach out as early as possible.
How does the waitlist work?
If the workshop reaches capacity, registrants may join a waitlist. If space becomes available, waitlisted individuals will be contacted by email with next steps.
Format and Logistics
Is the workshop in-person or virtual?
The Leading Change Workshop is conducted in person. Some components, such as orientation sessions or follow-up office hours, may be offered virtually.
Where is the workshop held?
Workshops are typically held at ASTHO’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Location details will be confirmed for each cohort.
What is the general schedule?
The workshop typically takes place over two consecutive days and includes a mix of facilitated sessions, peer learning, and hands-on activities. Meals may be provided during select portions of the program.
After the in-person component there will be opportunity for virtual coaching /office hours.
Is there an orientation?
Yes. Participants are expected to attend a virtual orientation prior to the in-person workshop. The orientation may be recorded for those unable to attend live.
Travel and Accommodations
Are travel and lodging included?
No. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of travel, lodging, and any meals not provided as part of the workshop.
Where can I find hotel accommodations during the workshop?
There are several hotels within walking distance of ASTHO’s office and ASTHO is organizing a hotel room block. Participants will be responsible for their own accommodation. The GSA federal per diem rate is $276 + taxes/fees per night. Here is a list of hotels near ASTHO HQ:
- Courtyard Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National Airport
2899 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202
To book: Use hotel website and enter Corp Group Code: G3478. - AC Hotel Arlington National Landing
1999 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202
To book: Use ASTHO's booking link.
How do I reserve my travel?
ASTHO recommends flying into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is walking distance to ASTHO’s headquarters in Arlington, VA. During your stay, in addition to rideshares such as Uber and Lyft, there is public transit available through the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
I am driving. Is there parking available onsite?
If you are driving, you may enter the garage at 2360 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 (next to Buffalo Wild Wings).
Daily rates:
- 1st hour: $5.95
- 2 hours: $10.95
- Daily Max: $19.95
- Evenings (after 5 pm): $10
Follow signs to Century II and access elevator to the 2nd floor to the ASTHO office.
Certificates
Will I receive a certificate for this course/event, and if so, what are the requirements and timeline for obtaining it?
Yes. You will receive a digital Certificate of Completion once you attend and complete the workshop.
Financial Assistance
Are scholarships or financial assistance available?
Currently, scholarships or financial assistance are not available. Updates will be shared if this changes.
Contact Information
Who can I contact with additional questions?
For questions about the Leading Change Workshop, please contact the ASTHO Leadership Development team at leadershipdevelopment@astho.org.
Upcoming Workshop FAQs
October 2026
Session Information
When is the workshop?
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 through Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The workshop will run on Tuesday, October 6, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., with lunch included. It will run on Wednesday, October 7, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., with a light breakfast included.
Where will the workshop be held? Can I attend virtually?
Attendance for the workshop is in-person only at ASTHO’s headquarters at 2461 South Clark St., Arlington, VA 22202.
There will be a virtual orientation for registered participants on September 15, 2026.
Where can I find a program agenda?
The following is an outline of the program of events:
Tuesday, October 6
| Time | Session Name |
|---|---|
| 12 - 1 p.m. |
Welcome Lunch and Opening Session (light lunch provided)
|
| 1 - 5 p.m. |
Essentials of Leading Change
|
| 5 p.m. |
Adjourn Dinner on your own. Restaurant recommendations will be provided. |
Wednesday, October 7
| Time | Session Name |
|---|---|
| 8 - 9 a.m. |
Breakfast Conversation Circles (light breakfast provided) |
| 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Designing Your Change Initiative
|
| 12 p.m. |
Lunch on your own. Recommendations will be provided. |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. |
Practical Application: Small Group Activity Q/A and workshop evaluation. |
| 2 p.m. |
Adjourn |
Additional Schedule Notes
Virtual Orientation is on September 15, 3 - 4 p.m. ET.
Follow-up office hours session dates are TBD.
Registration
Is there a registration fee? How much does registration cost and when is payment due?
Yes. Registration is $1,500 per participant and due by September 10, 2026. ASTHO’s registration portal WILL NOT require payment when you register; however, you are required to submit payment by September 10, 2026.
Are there any other program-related fees (travel, airfare, meals, etc.)?
Participants are responsible for hotel, airfare, ground transportation, and any meals outside of those provided by ASTHO. Lunch on Tuesday, October 6, and breakfast on Wednesday, October 7, will be provided.
If I am waitlisted or unable to attend the October 2026 workshop, will there be an opportunity to participate in future cohorts?
Yes! Leading Change will have future cohorts. More details will be shared for 2027.
Testimonials
"The ASTHO Leading Change Workshop provided a rare, focused environment to step away from day-to-day operations and think strategically about accelerating change in public health. Connecting with peers from other states, especially around how they structure and implement project management and process improvement practices, was incredibly valuable."
— Eric Vanderson, Chief of Project Management Office, Ohio Department of Health
"This week I had the privilege to be among so many inspiring Public Health advocates from across the country! I am so grateful for the ASTHO for allowing me to be a part of the inaugural Leading Change Workshop. I made connections, felt a sense of collective support, and gained new insights regarding leading change within my division, department, and state.
A special thank you to Alice Schenall for facilitating critical conversations, sharing new tools, and being a beacon of light!"
— Brittany Cox, Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Health Disparities Elimination, Tennessee Department of Health