From flu to unusual threats such as Ebola to the possibility of a chemical or other unconventional attack, public health leaders sit in a unique perch in the world of emergency preparedness and response. Dr. Suzet McKinney, CEO of the Illinois Medical District, program faculty at the NPLI, and co-author of the new book, Public Health Emergency Preparedness explains that they must be familiar with a complex array of possible threats and, when an incident occurs, skillfully lead their peers, political officials, and the general public who may not fully understand the threat and its consequences.