Leadership in Forensic DNA is hard. Here’s help that actually understands it. Subscribe to receive access to exclusive written and video content curated by the Forensic Leadership Alliance mentors, access to one-on-one coaching sessions at the ISHI conference, and other practical tools designed by experienced forensic leaders. The FLA is a resource for anyone working to lead with purpose—whether you’re already managing a team or just beginning to see yourself as a future leader.
John Collins is joined by colleagues Dr. Pamela Marshall, Julie Sikorsky, and Dr. Ray Wickenheiser to discuss their ongoing collaboration, the Forensic Leadership Alliance. The group reflects on their shared work since 2020 in providing leadership development opportunities for forensic scientists, with a focus on coaching, mentorship, and team empowerment. The conversation covers key leadership challenges facing forensic laboratories, including funding instability, cultural dynamics, and professional development.
Are you attending ISHI this fall? Book a 1:1 coaching session with the FLA mentors by emailing office@criticalvictories.com with your name, organization, and goals for the coaching session.
The challenges facing forensic DNA leaders are bigger than ever: mounting pressure, shrinking resources, and a talent pipeline that’s thinning. The Forensic Leadership Alliance (FLA) was created to provide leaders in the lab the peer mentorship, real-world tools, and shared wisdom needed to lead forensic biology teams with clarity and courage.
“Leadership isn’t about authority. It’s about showing up with intention, investing in people, and helping them rise.” // Julie Sikorsky
Join the Forensic Leadership Alliance and receive a free resources guide created just for leaders.
John believes the top priority of any leader is to create conditions where people operate with high energy and enthusiasm. He challenges hierarchical tendencies and instead promotes encouragement, self-awareness, and teamwork as the foundation of effective leadership.
Pam’s vision is to advance forensic science through innovative research, rigorous standards, and mentorship. She values integrity, excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning while supporting the growth of the next generation of forensic scientists.
Julie believes leadership is about presence, service, and the growth of others. She strives to lead with loyalty and purpose, modeling integrity and creating space for others to learn, contribute, and thrive.
Ray’s management philosophy emphasizes inclusion, engagement, and empowerment. He fosters a blame-free culture focused on identifying and clearing hurdles, collaborating across roles, and celebrating wins with staff.
October 26, 2026 // 8:00am-4:00pm // Rhode Island Convention Center
Most forensic laboratories do not intentionally plan for succession – they survive it. Leadership transitions are often rushed and reactive, driven by fear of vacancies rather than readiness or desire. The result is predictable: reluctant leaders, disengaged teams, and repeated cycles of burnout.
This full-day workshop reframes succession planning as the natural outcome of intentional brand building at three interconnected levels: the individual leader, the laboratory, and the emerging leader. Participants will examine how leadership brand and organizational culture influence whether leadership roles are viewed as opportunities to pursue or obligations to avoid. When leadership identity is clear and culture is healthy, future leaders step forward because they want to – not because they were pressured.
Grounded in real-world forensic leadership experience, this workshop combines discussion and applied exercises to help attendees assess leadership signals, identify cultural barriers, and intentionally build leadership ecosystems that attract and develop successors long before a vacancy exists.
Valuable insights on job satisfaction, effective management practices, professional development, and the integration of new technologies.
In these interviews, our expert speakers addresses challenges faceed by leaders in the lab and share advice for others in leadership positions.
A comprehensive list of articles, books, and videos designed for forensic lab leaders.
Real tools. Real pressure. Real leadership. Join the list to access podcast episodes, downloadable tools, and workshop updates.