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

Friday, August 8
SPS Professional & Virtual Learning Center
1410 S Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO 65807

All-Committee Summit

Thru Friday, August 8
Stay tuned for more details coming soon about our first LeadSGF Committee Summit!
Wednesday, August 20
4:00 pm
MudLounge
321 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club August Meeting

Join the Rosie Book Club on Wednesday, August 20th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at MudLounge. We’ll discuss This Motherless Land: A Novel by Nikki May. The Rosie Book Club Committee will lead us through engaging small group discussions. Jump into the conversation right away in our Rosie Book Club Facebook Group!
Tuesday, August 26
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Wednesday, August 27
4:00 pm
The Backlot at Alamo Drafthouse
4005 South Ave Suite A, Springfield, MO 65807

New Class & Alumni Mixer

To help us kick off Signature Classes 49 & 50’s LeadSGF experience, LeadSGF alumni are invited to The Backlot at Alamo Drafthouse on August 27 from 4:00-6:00 pm to welcome the new Signature Classes to this network of community leaders at the New Class & Alumni Mixer! This event is a come-and-go style reception with brief remarks at 5:00 pm. New class members will be provided with a drink ticket, and all other attendees will have access to the cash bar. Non-alcoholic options are available. This event is open to all alumni over 21. It is not a required event for LeadSGF participants, alumni, staff, or volunteers, but we’d love to have you there! No RSVP is necessary. Please contact [email protected] with any questions. Thanks to the Signature Series Welcome Reception Sponsor, Commerce Bank!
Thursday, September 4

Academy Class 36 Parent Student Orientation

Wednesday, September 10

Signature Advisor Training

Ready to learn more about our programs?