Applications now accepted for Cohort 13! Learn more and apply here.
Program Overview
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.
Register for an Info Session
Wondering if the Fellows program is right for you? Attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more.
Register here to attend April 30 – 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Register here to attend May 8 from 3 pm – 4 pm
Info sessions will offer attendees the chance to learn more and ask questions about the program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but we strongly recommend it.
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.
Thanks to a new partnership, graduates of our Health Leadership Fellows program are now eligible to receive six credits toward Daemen University’s Leadership and Innovation Master’s program. Learn more.
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
What the Program Includes
Each cohort of fellows is made up of about 40 professionals from health-related and safety-net organizations throughout western and central New York.
The intensive 18-month program includes four two- to three-day residential sessions on topics including personal leadership, leading change, communicating as a leader, and results-based leadership and collaboration. Fellows must also attend three day-long seminars scheduled throughout the program. Ongoing learning happens between sessions, where fellows work together on an inter-organizational project in small teams. Each fellow also receives executive coaching and access to the program’s learning materials.
Graduates of the Health Leadership Fellows program continue their collaborative work as members of the Fellows Action Network. To learn more about the history of the program, watch the “History of the Health Leadership Fellows Program” or download “Building Lasting Connections: An Investment in Leadership.”
For a brief overview of the Fellows program, watch the video below:
Results
More than 400 leaders in western and central New York have graduated as Health Leadership Fellows since the program began.
Taking what they’ve learned from the expert faculty, residential sessions, leadership assessments, and coaching sessions, fellows have used new information, relationships, and ideas to improve health care for the most vulnerable people in our regions.
Learn more about the impact of Health Leadership Fellows here.
