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Community Health Center University Leadership Program

Being selected for the CHCU cohort has been an incredible honor. Initially, I felt intimidated joining a group of highly educated and accomplished professionals, especially as a new HR assistant with no direct leadership experience. However, the program has been transformative. I’ve gained valuable insights into leadership, discovered more about myself, and built a supportive network. The curriculum—from ACEs and strategic planning to mass media communication and finance—has enriched my preparation for effective leadership. Paula, my coach, has been a fantastic guide, pushing me out of my comfort zone and inspiring new ideas, professionally and personally. Each class and coaching session has offered a profound opportunity for growth. I am thankful that I have been given this opportunity!
Morgan Pettey, Stone Mountain Health Center
This has truly been a rewarding experience, from the EQi and learning more about myself as a leader and areas for improvement and even accepting that I needed improvement in areas I did not agree with in the beginning. The skills learned during the sessions will continue to guide me in my work life and personal life. I will continue to focus on communication, being more assertive, and showing up as an impactful leader.
2024 Participant
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the coaching experience has been related to aligning my professional pursuits with my personal ethics and values, which has resulted in significant changes within my career. I am extremely grateful for the way in which my coach was inquisitive about the goals that I had set for myself and the ways in which I honed my communication skills with others among my respective teams.
2024 Participant

Preparing Future Leaders: Fostering Development and Professional Growth for Emerging Leaders in the Healthcare Sector

The Virginia Community Healthcare Association is pleased to host the Community Health Center University (CHCU) Leadership Program, in partnership with the University of Richmond and the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC).

The program targets emerging leaders from Community Health Centers (CHCs), Free Health Clinics, and other Safety-Net providers in Virginia. Participants will gain experience through participation in a curriculum that includes both in-person and remote seminars and practical activities. The program offers learning experiences, resources, and support to develop and strengthen leadership skills for emerging leaders. The CHCU Leadership program consists of learning sessions (virtual and face-to-face meetings) and one-to-one leadership coaching throughout the year. The program will address the demands for developing leaders in healthcare organizations to help support the growth of their organization’s operations, succession planning, and leadership development in participants.

Each year, 20 individuals will be selected to participate in the program and a one-year commitment is required. This commitment includes: 

  • Attendance in 10 one-to-one coaching sessions.* 
  • Attendance in all learning sessions.**
  • Capstone project.

*Coaching sessions must be attended. If you need to cancel/reschedule a 24 hour notice is required, and it will be the participant’s responsibility to reach out and reschedule. Completion of the program is dependent on 10 sessions of one-to-one coaching. 

**Learning sessions are mandatory. All participants must attend. Completion of the program is dependent on attendance. 

***Emergencies (illness, death, etc.) will be excused. 

Leadership Skills

The CHCU Leadership Program will offer varying sessions on leadership for participants.

Participants will learn:

  • Differences in managing versus leading.
  • How to lead the development of an organizational value strategy for their Community Health Centers.
  • How to lead and support efforts to demonstrate the value of their Community Health Centers to key stakeholders.
  • How to practice and promote positive leadership across their organization.
  • How to practice and promote positive management in their daily work.

Participants will engage in:

  • Virtual and in-person sessions.
  • Self-directed learning in the CHCU Learning Community.
  • Strategic coaching calls with Wilderlite Consulting and VCHA staff members.

For further questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Angela Taylor at ataylor@vcha.org

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