Workforce Acceleration Initiative Helps Public Health Agencies Turn Data into Action Faster

CDC Foundation convenes 180+ leaders to share real-world results from embedding tech talent inside public health agencies

Public health agencies across the United States are making faster progress on data modernization by participating in the Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI) — a national initiative that places skilled tech talent directly within their teams. At the CDC Foundation WAI Summit in April, more than 180 attendees gathered to share how this program is helping agencies move from fragmented data systems to more connected, actionable insights.

Today, many public health agencies rely on outdated, disconnected systems, making it harder to detect threats early and act quickly. Modernizing data systems—and building the workforce to support them—is key to faster decisions and better health outcomes.

The three-day summit convened data and tech talent, public health agency representatives, national subject matter experts and partners to share lessons learned, celebrate achievements and accelerate data modernization efforts nationwide. Summit discussions highlighted a consistent theme: systems do not transform themselves—people do. Speakers emphasized that successful modernization depends not only on tools and technology but also on trust, shared language, mentorship and collaboration across disciplines.

“Public health data modernization is transforming the health of our communities. Though there’s a long way to go, it’s evolving at a rapid pace,” said Michelle Panneton, director for Workforce Acceleration Initiative, CDC Foundation. “WAI participants are driving that evolution by breaking down siloes and leveraging modern solutions to solve modern problems.”

Real-world examples demonstrated WAI’s people-centered approach to translating technology into impact, including:

• Replacing siloed manual data processes with integrated, easy-to-use dashboards
• Launching cloud-based systems that boost access while keeping data secure
• Strengthening pathways for faster, more reliable information sharing and trust building

Presenters from state, local and Tribal public health agencies emphasized how these improvements help teams spend less time fixing data problems and more time using data to improve health outcomes.

The Summit also built in opportunities to create meaningful human connections. Through breakout discussions, peer learning and networking, attendees exchanged strategies, found commonalities, honed career narratives and reinforced a growing community of practice committed to modernizing public health together.

As the Summit concluded, the CDC Foundation took time to acknowledge the contributions of WAI’s first and second cohorts, whose projects are wrapping up this year. “Transformation is powered by all of you,” said Marilyn Watkins, senior training and engagement manager, CDC Foundation. “Every person in this room has contributed to something greater than themselves. You stepped into complexity, navigated challenges, created solutions and left a mark that will last past this moment.”

The WAI Summit fostered new ideas, renewed momentum and a clear sense that the future of public health modernization relies on both better systems and stronger cross-disciplinary teams working side by side. Looking forward, WAI will build on that momentum by continuing to strengthen the tech-to-public-health pipeline and expand access to specialized skills in rural regions.

“I’ve found meaning in doing the work and that was important for me as I transitioned from the Army,” said Jesse Morka, one of several participants recognized for outstanding contributions to WAI. “I’ve realized how much my work can impact the people being served by the public health agency. I love it here in public health, and I’m hoping to stay even longer.”

About the CDC Foundation Workforce Acceleration Initiative

The Workforce Acceleration Initiative, WAI, is a national effort to strengthen public health’s technical workforce and accelerate information system improvements. The initiative is supported by a nearly $66 million award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a partnership with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and supports CDC’s Public Health Data Strategy.

To learn more about WAI, visit cdcfoundation.org/workforceacceleration.