Homeland security is one of the most pressing issues of the twenty-first century, and requires an enormous investment in professional expertise and practical know-how to make sure that the United States is protected from external and internal threats. Public Health division chief Steven Lacey, MS, PhD will soon be providing additional value to that undertaking as he joins the Executive Leaders Program (ELP) offered by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. The twelve-month program takes take a group of thirty-two officials from across the country and trains them on selected security topics such as international and domestic threats and hazards, cyber and technology challenges, understanding critical infrastructure, border/immigration issues, crisis and risk communication, and leadership frameworks. In addition, this select group will have the opportunity to learn and discuss emerging homeland security issues. Graduates of the program emerge with a deeper understanding of homeland security issues and join a broad network of homeland security leaders from around the country.