Currently Accepting Applications for the 2026-2027 NLE CIO Cohort
Registration Deadline: October 23, 2026

NACHC thanks NextGen Healthcare for its strategic partnership on the NLE CIO.

Overview

NACHC’s Leadership Exchange for Chief Information Officers (NLE CIO) is a six-month professional development program for those responsible for information technology strategy and decision-making at Community Health Centers (CHCs). Through expert-led instruction, peer collaboration, and mentorship, participants will develop the skills needed to lead technology initiatives that drive organizational success.

Why Participate?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Apply program learnings through a capstone project designed to create organizational impact
• Learn from experienced Community Health Center CIOs and industry experts
• Build a trusted peer network across CHCs
• Develop practical leadership skills for executive-level decision making
• Gain insight into emerging technologies, including AI and cybersecurity

Program Learning Objectives

• Apply leadership principles, communication skills, and strategic thinking as head of IT.
• Gain technical knowledge essential for high-level decision making.
• Connect with peers and mentors across the health center field.

As Community Health Centers navigate rapid technology change, the program places special emphasis on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance, and strategic technology leadership to help participants prepare their organizations for the future.

 Topics Covered

• Strategic Leadership
• The CIO as a Strategic Leader 
• Cybersecurity Overview and Incident Response 
• Data Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management  
• Population Health Data and Value-Based Care  
• AI and Machine Learning 
• IT Financial Management  
• Vendor Selection and Management 
• Strategies for Implementing New Systems and Software

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for IT leadership of CHCs including those currently serving as a Chief Information Officer (CIOs), IT director, or other health care administrator who oversees IT strategy and decision-making at a CHC.

How do you know if the program is right for you? Program participants’ responsibilities should include some combination:

• forming and executing the health center's IT strategic plan,
• serving on or reporting to the executive leadership team,
• overseeing and planning the IT budget,
• designing and maintaining comprehensive cybersecurity and incident response plans,
• selecting software and other technology vendors and leading the implementation of new technologies organization wide,
• managing data governance and ensuring regulatory compliance, and
• structuring data collection and reporting to enable population health strategies.

This training is most appropriate for individuals new to the CIO or equivalent role, new to the health center field, or those seeking an information technology leadership education.

Course Format/Schedule

The NLE CIO is a six-month cohort-based learning program in which CHC technology leaders have the opportunity for ongoing collaboration, relationship building, and mentorship. Participants are required to attend:

• one in-person opening session,
• six virtual sessions,
• six mentor group meetings, and
• an in-person closing session.

Participants will also complete a capstone project.

The schedule for the NLE CIO is as follows:

• November 14-15, 2026: In-person opening session in Kansas City, MO
• December 2026 - May 2027: Monthly virtual sessions and mentor group meetings
• May 24, 2027 (date pending confirmation): In-person closing in Las Vegas, NV prior to NACHC’s Workforce Conference   

Further details to be announced.

Registration Information

*The registration fee for accepted participants is $1050. Thanks to generous partnership with NextGen Healthcare, NACHC is able to offer this executive leadership development program at a significantly reduced cost, making it more accessible to CHC technology leaders across the country.

The registration fee includes participant fees for all in-person and virtual sessions, group meetings, and breakfast and lunch at the in-person events. Registration does not include hotel costs or other travel expenses.

How to Apply

Potential participants must complete an application and be accepted into this program.

Upon submission of the application, NACHC staff will review your application and notify you of your acceptance within five business days. After the application is accepted, NACHC will send the participant registration/payment instructions and any relevant hotel block information as they become available. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel arrangements for in-person events. Hotel costs and any other travel expenses are not included in the registration fees.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the course is full (approximately 60 participants) or until registration closes on October 23, 2026. A waiting list will be developed once the course has reached capacity. Wait listed applicants will be given priority to fill a cancellation spot.

Cancellation Policy

For more information regarding refund, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our offices at [email protected].