Inspire. Develop. Connect. Serve.

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 2,000 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, April 2
10:00 am
Eurasia Coffee Co.
445 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803

Signature Classes 21-23 Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite a class or two of alumni who have graduated from our programs to join her and connect with each other. No agenda or fanfare. No programming. No RSVP needed. If you can come, great! Show up, grab your coffee or tea, and connect with each other for 6 minutes or 60 minutes.
Tuesday, April 9
10:00 am
Travellers House Coffee & Tea at Boomer Town
824 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65804

Signature Classes 39 & 40 Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite a class or two of alumni who have graduated from our programs to join her and connect with each other. No agenda or fanfare. No programming. No RSVP needed. If you can come, great! Show up, grab your coffee or tea, and connect with each other for 6 minutes or 60 minutes.
Wednesday, April 17
8:00 am
Eurasia Coffee Co.
445 E. Commercial St., Springfield, MO 65803

All Academy Graduates Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite a class or two of alumni who have graduated from our programs to join her and connect with each other. No agenda or fanfare. No programming. No RSVP needed. If you can come, great! Show up, grab your coffee or tea, and connect with each other for 6 minutes or 60 minutes.
Tuesday, April 23
10:00 am
Travellers House Coffee & Tea (Republic Rd.)
2151 W. Republic Rd., Springfield, MO 65807

Signature Classes 26 & 27 Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite a class or two of alumni who have graduated from our programs to join her and connect with each other. No agenda or fanfare. No programming. No RSVP needed. If you can come, great! Show up, grab your coffee or tea, and connect with each other for 6 minutes or 60 minutes.
Wednesday, May 15
7:30 am
CASA of Southwest Missouri Headquarters
627 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802

Alumni Event: Insights for Effective Board Service

Join Leadership Springfield and regional leaders in the nonprofit sector for a panel discussion over breakfast. During this session, participants will gain practical tools to conduct a “health checkup” on their own nonprofit board of directors or evaluate boards they are considering joining. Whether you’re a seasoned board member, a nonprofit professional, or new to the world of governance, this professional development session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to maximize your impact as a leader in the nonprofit world.
Tuesday, May 21
10:00 am
Travellers House Coffee & Tea at Boomer Town
824 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65804

Signature Classes 43 & 44 Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite a class or two of alumni who have graduated from our programs to join her and connect with each other. No agenda or fanfare. No programming. No RSVP needed. If you can come, great! Show up, grab your coffee or tea, and connect with each other for 6 minutes or 60 minutes.

Ready to learn more about our programs?