PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Reflections on Transitions
When I was asked to consider moving into the track for APHL president , not only was I very honored but I have to admit I was also extremely nervous . APHL is such a spectacular organization — everything the association coordinates is just huge across the nation and has such an impact on so many areas of public health . I was truly worried that it would be too much on top of my current responsibilities as a laboratory director . Not to mention , I agreed to accepting the nomination prior to the pandemic , which added another level of complexity that I was not expecting !
Supporting our members and leadership and working to provide them what they need has been my goal since day one . There is no question that APHL has an amazing support structure , without whom I wouldn ’ t have been able to perform my duties . While the role of president is not an easy one , the wealth of support from APHL certainly does make it easier . Even though I had served on the Board , and on several committees and subcommittees , I don ’ t think I had an appreciation for all the “ behind the scenes ” coordination , advocacy and networking that occurs at APHL .
There is no question that the past couple of years have been tough for all of us in public health . From bench-level scientists to administration , we have all experienced a sea change in the way public health is perceived . It has been my privilege , as president , to welcome so many new laboratory directors and laboratory leaders into the APHL community . Some of you have worked in your laboratory for years , while others are taking on a position at a new laboratory . So I thought I would share a few thoughts that I hope may help on your path forward .
For those of you who are coming into new laboratories , invest the time and learn about your laboratory — the people , the facilities and the processes . Don ’ t arrive with the “ I just want to change things ” mindset . There is a reason your laboratory does what it does , so understanding the “ why ” as well as the “ how ” things are done will be important and you work to make improvements .
For those of you who have been promoted into higher-level positions , take the time to figure out who you are as a leader . Think about what is important to you and what you really want to accomplish for your organization . There will never be the perfect time , the proper funding , or significant decreases in workload so please do not get discouraged . Focus on small , attainable goals that together will help you to address the larger needs of the laboratory . I know it sounds silly but don ’ t worry about being the best — just focus on being better each day . Always remember what it was like to be at the bench when you ’ re being pulled in many different directions . In your new role , you are no longer responsible for doing the actual work — instead you are responsible for providing the support needed to make sure the work gets done safely and accurately , but most importantly , your job is to ensure the people under your leadership have what they need to be happy and successful .
Get to know the folks you will be working with at every level . Knowing what makes them tick and why they come to work every day will really help you as a leader , especially in challenging times . They have to be able to trust and respect you and know that they can come to you when they have ideas , suggestions , concerns or reservations . One thing I absolutely enjoy doing as director is greeting every new person to our organization , regardless of where they are going . I meet them , I take the time to learn a little bit about each of them personally , and I also share with them my professional journey and a bit about my personal life — my kids , my puppies , my interests outside of work — so they have a chance to get to know me as a director and as a person . I find this exchange so important because it allows
Denise Toney , PhD President , APHL
Looking forward , I think it goes without saying that the pandemic has opened doors that we in public health have been trying to open for decades .”
me to very early on , establish a different connection with our new folks in a very informal and personal way .
Looking forward , I think it goes without saying that the pandemic has opened doors that we in public health have been trying to open for decades . It is truly going to take strong leadership to make sure that we can keep those doors open and that is a role that the leadership at APHL and the Board of Directors are perfectly positioned to support . Watching APHL as it has grown and evolved into the dynamic organization it is today , with such a strong leadership team , I am confident they will lead APHL and our laboratories to where we need to go in the coming months and years . Please know they will be there for you and I will be too !! For those of you who know me , you know that I am only a phone call , text or email away if you need anything and that will continue even as I step into my new role as immediate past president . Thank you so much for your support this past year . I wish you all the best and I look forward to our future collaborations .
2 LAB MATTERS Summer 2022