Leadership Springfield is the premier program for leadership development in the Ozarks, designed to inspire, develop and connect leaders to serve the Springfield community. In over 30 years of operating, we have graduated more than 3,000 community leaders who are motivated and inspired to make an impact.

Program Overview

As a member of the national Association of Leadership Programs, Leadership Springfield provides three distinct community leadership programs for the Springfield metro area: the Signature Class, the Leadership Springfield Academy Class and the Access Class. In addition to these three programs, we offer ongoing membership opportunities for alumni to continue putting their class experience into action, through alumni engagement opportunities and more. Explore our community leadership programs.

Leadership Springfield’s flagship program takes community leaders on a nine-month tour of the city’s blue ribbons and red flags, devoting time to better understanding our own strengths as leaders, identifying the city’s needs, resources and opportunities, recognizing the value of bonding and bridging social capital and making a long term impact both individually and collectively as community leaders.

Each year, high school juniors and seniors across the Springfield area’s public and private schools learn about leading with their strengths while gaining a deeper knowledge of what it takes to keep the city running. Modeled after the nine-month Signature Class, the Leadership Springfield Academy Class engages the future workforce of our community and allows students to become more engaged and informed citizens.

New transplants to the city can plug into the community immediately through the Access Class – a one time fast-paced, two day program offered quarterly. This delivery model allows local leaders to get up to speed on major industry, initiatives and contacts. The Access Class also allows longtime Springfieldians an opportunity to participate in a community leadership program and expand their professional network without the time commitment of the flagship program.

Alumni Testimonials

Emily LettermanEmily Letterman
The places you visit are eye-opening. The people you meet are inspiring. The lessons you learn are impactful. To say Leadership Springfield is a transformational program would be an understatement.
Emily Letterman
Signature Class 35
Dr. Tom PraterDr. Tom Prater
In the years since my Leadership Springfield experience (Class 5) I have continued to maintain social, professional and business relationships with many of my classmates. Even as a Springfield native, the experience certainly opened my eyes to new opportunities in the community.
Dr. Tom Prater
Signature Class 5
David WellsDavid Wells
My time in Leadership Springfield was full of valuable experiences. I learned about the inner workings of my community and how to conduct myself in a professional atmosphere. I developed my leadership skills and found the strength to say, “Follow me”.
David Wells
Academy Class 29

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, October 1
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Academy Class 36 Launch Retreat

Wednesday, October 15
3:00 pm
Lake Springfield Boathouse
2312 Lake Springfield Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

Trauma to Triumph with Rosie: Professional Development & Book Club Event

Join Rosie for “Trauma to Triumph,” a combined Professional Development & Book Club event with local author Katherine Rhoades González and moderator Dr. Alina Lehnert. Katherine – a Springfield native and author of The Co-Captain’s Log – left a lucrative career to accomplish her husband’s dream of sailing across the Pacific Ocean . After 3 years of pouring her blood, sweat & tears into preparation for the adventure, Katherine encountered a devastating disaster a mere 6 days after setting sail. Despite the major setback, she got back on the boat to sail, snorkel, and feast her way to New Zealand. In this fun interactive workshop, she’ll equip YOU with the tool from her corporate life that enabled her to build the competence and regain the confidence to climb back aboard.
Thursday, October 16

Signature Class 49 Program Day

Tuesday, October 21

Signature Class 50 Program Day

Wednesday, October 22

Access Class 22

Thru Thursday, October 23
Thursday, October 23

Alumni Impact Series

Stay tuned for more.

Ready to learn more about our programs?