Applications for Health Leadership Fellows Cohort 13 are now being accepted.
The goal of the Health Leadership Fellows program is to develop and strengthen a diverse network of collaborative leaders with organizations and systems that serve young children and older adults in western and central New York.
In an increasingly complex health landscape, traditional management alone is no longer sufficient to address the persistent challenges facing young children and older adults impacted by poverty. The Health Leadership Fellows program is a competitive 18-month journey designed for experienced leaders ready to move beyond organizational silos and drive systemic change.
The Vision: Systems Navigation & Strategic Influence
Our Theory of Change is built on the belief that sustainable community health outcomes require a robust and diverse network of collaborative leaders. This program does not focus on technical “how-to” management; instead, it empowers senior leaders to master:
- Systems Navigation: Analyzing the root causes and interconnected factors — policy, economics, and social determinants — that shape regional health.
- Strategic Influence: Building deep connections and trust necessary to lead cross-sector collaborations and move the needle on population health.
- Collective Contribution: Shifting the focus from individual organizational attribution to a model of shared regional impact.
Program Commitment & Requirements
We are seeking senior leaders with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience, with at least 3 of those years in a senior or executive role. Eligible leaders hold decision-making authority over programs and services in or for their organization.
Selected Fellows will join a diverse cohort of up to 40 participants from Western and Central New York. This intensive experience requires a full commitment to the following:
- Primary Focus: Fellows are expected to prioritize the Fellows program as their primary external leadership development commitment during the 18-month term. Applicants currently enrolled in another intensive leadership program should discuss their situation with us prior to applying.
- Residential Sessions: Mandatory attendance at all four residential sessions (two to three days each) throughout the 18-month term. These immersive sessions are where the cohort builds the connections, trust, and collaborative capacity that are the heart of the program.
- Collaborative Projects: Active leadership in team-based projects designed to produce tangible health benefits for the community.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Program Timeline: June 2027 – November 2028
- Inquiries: Please contact sawickihealthfellows@gmail.com
