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

Tuesday, October 21

Signature Class 50 Program Day

Wednesday, October 22

Access Class 22

Thru Thursday, October 23
Thursday, October 23
2:30 pm
The Savoy Ballroom

Alumni Impact Series: Exploring Arts & Culture

The Alumni Impact Series is a fresh way for LeadSGF alumni and the 417 community to stay engaged, inspired, and connected. Designed in the spirit of the Signature Class program days, these events pack meaningful learning, connection, and community impact into just a few hours. Each session takes a deeper dive into one of Leadership Springfield’s Signature Class themes, learning how to contribute to and impact our community. Our October Alumni Impact Series event will highlight the theme of Arts & Culture in Springfield. Together, we’ll explore the creative community that shapes our city.
Tuesday, October 28
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Wednesday, November 5

Academy Class 36 Program Day Planning

Saturday, November 8
8:00 am

November Rise with Rosie Meet-up

Join us for a casual morning of coffee and connection with fellow Rosies — no RSVP required! Each month, we’ll pop up at a different local coffee shop or women-owned business for an easy, drop-in-style gathering. Come when you can, grab a cup, and start your day with community. Location to be announced soon.

Ready to learn more about our programs?