In late April 2024, the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) announced the establishment of the ACU National Center for Workforce Development & Training. This bold initiative consolidates and expands ACU’s workforce programs into a single authoritative body offering comprehensive training, technical assistance, and consultation in healthcare workforce development.
Under the leadership of April Lewis, a renowned trainer and health center advisor with over 15 years of experience, the National Center set an ambitious agenda built on two foundational pillars: Training and Development and Organizational Culture. What followed was a year of remarkable growth, meaningful connection, and impactful programming.
The Launch: Building Momentum
The National Center launched with clear strategic priorities designed to address growing challenges in the healthcare workforce:
- Establish the National Center as the leading authority in workforce development
- Increase health center workforce multifacetedness, size, and skills
- Enhance organizational culture and leadership within healthcare organizations serving underserved populations
- Cultivate strategic partnerships to amplify impact and expand reach
- Strengthen Primary Care Associations’ capacity to build and sustain a resilient workforce
Two engaging and interactive town hall meetings introduced the National Center’s mission and gathered crucial insights about the needs of those caring for medically underserved populations. The response affirmed that the field was ready and eager for this dedicated resource.
Manager Training: “You’re a Manager… Now What?”
The inaugural Manager Training Series quickly became a flagship program. This four-part professional development experience equipped front-line and mid-level managers with essential tools to lead multifaceted, high-functioning teams.
Session Topics
- Foundations of Effective People Management: Exploring self-awareness, management styles, building trust, and fostering belonging
- Managing with Strategic Vision and Clear Expectations: Crafting and communicating team vision aligned with organizational goals
- Establishing and Maintaining a Healthy Team Culture: Best practices for communication, feedback using the SBI model, and creating safe and brave spaces
- Investing in People and Performance Development: Strategies for employee growth, development opportunities, and accountability
The pilot cohort of 23 participants from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) delivered outstanding results. Final survey results indicated a high level of satisfaction, with participants especially valuing the practical tools for feedback, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises. 100% of survey respondents stated they would recommend the Manager Training.
Emerging Leaders Program: Developing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders
In partnership with Sun River Health, the National Center launched a nine-month Emerging Leaders Program. The kickoff session in December 2024 in Peekskill, NY, set the stage for a transformative leadership development journey.
The program brought together participants from across departments to strengthen self-awareness, communication, and leadership effectiveness. Monthly sessions covered topics including creating psychologically safe work environments, and the program will culminate with a wrap-up workshop focused on the DISC Behavioral Model, which helped leaders understand how different behavioral styles shape motivation, conflict management, and team dynamics.
Leadership Lab: A Monthly Think Tank for Healthcare Leaders
Launched in August 2025, the Leadership Lab has become a vital touchpoint for healthcare leaders seeking connection, growth, and real-time coaching. Hosted on the last Wednesday of each month, these virtual, office-hour-style sessions provide space for leaders to pause, reflect, and learn from peers who understand the unique challenges of leading in underserved areas.
The series has drawn participation from leaders across PCAs, FQHCs, and partner organizations, creating a consistent platform for cross-sector collaboration. Each session blends evidence-based teaching, open dialogue, and actionable takeaways leaders can implement immediately.
2025 Workforce Symposium: Transforming Tomorrow
The ACU 2025 Workforce Symposium, titled “Transforming Tomorrow: Solutions for Workforce Success,” brought together PCA and CHC staff at the Graduate Hotel in Nashville, TN, on March 12-13, 2025. This two-day intensive journey focused on building and sustaining a resilient healthcare workforce.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, case studies, and peer-driven discussions covering workforce transformation, data storytelling, mission-centered messaging, and strategic workforce planning. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 100% of respondents rated their overall satisfaction as high
- 89 out of 5 average score for facilitator engagement and usefulness
- 78 out of 5 for symposium experience and venue
- 44 out of 5 notable increase in knowledge
- 33 out of 5 strong confidence in applying insights gained
Attendees expressed appreciation for the engaging content, opportunities for connection, and relevance to their daily workforce challenges.
Advisory Council: Guiding the Future
To ensure the National Center remains responsive to the field, ACU opened a call for Advisory Council members in early 2025. The response was extraordinary, with over 80 applications received from leaders across the healthcare workforce development landscape.
The Advisory Council, comprising representatives from Community Health Centers, Primary Care Associations, external partners, and clinical and nonclinical staff, meets monthly to provide strategic insight on program design, emerging workforce trends, and the ongoing challenges facing health centers nationwide. Current focus areas include:
- Developing retention strategies for rural and urban community health centers
- Exploring national partnerships to expand access to leadership training
- Providing input on the upcoming Mentorship & Coaching Toolkit
- Advising on the structure of the 2025 Leadership Lab calendar and 2026 Workforce Symposium
Advisory Council Members
Beth Wrobel
FQHC CEO (Retired)
Wrobel Consulting
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Planning is already underway for ACU’s 2026 Workforce Symposium, to be held March 24–25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. The theme, “Building for Tomorrow: Strengthening Workforce Stability in This Defining Moment,” reflects ACU’s continued commitment to supporting health centers and PCAs in recruiting, retaining, and developing a resilient workforce.
The National Center will continue building on its foundation by launching a robust suite of practical, skills-based trainings designed to strengthen and stabilize the health center workforce. These offerings will include:
- Live and on-demand sessions on recruitment and retention strategies
- Expanded leadership development programming
- Specialized training responsive to real-time workforce needs
- Tailored content for both clinical and non-clinical staff
Strengthening Today. Securing Tomorrow.
In just one year, the National Center for Workforce Development & Training has established itself as a resource for healthcare organizations serving medically underserved communities. From the pilot Manager Training cohort to the monthly Leadership Lab, from the transformative Workforce Symposium to the formation of the Advisory Council, each initiative has moved us closer to our vision: a resilient, skilled, and multifaceted healthcare workforce equipped to meet the growing demands of community health.
Leadership is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. The National Center is here to support healthcare leaders as they build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more sustainable organizations.
Let’s lead differently. Let’s lead together.
For more information about the National Center and upcoming programs, visit our website.
