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 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

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
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
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 16
4:00 pm
J.O.B. Pulic House
319 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club October Meeting

Join the Rosie Book Club for our next meeting on Wednesday, October 16th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at J.O.B. Public House downtown. We’ll discuss Lesson in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. 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!
Thursday, October 17

Signature Class 47 Program Day

Stay tuned for more.
Tuesday, October 22

Signature Class 48 Program Day

Stay tuned for more.
Tuesday, October 22
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Wednesday, October 23
8:00 am
Kingdom Coffee (Downtown)
211 S Market Ave Unit #100, Springfield, MO 65806

Signature Classes 41 & 42 Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite classes 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.
Thursday, October 24
11:30 am
The Springfield Dream Center

LeadSGF Alumni Event: Building Social Capital

Join us for an engaging and insightful leadership development session on “Building Social Capital” with Dr. Spencer Harris, co-founder and President of Mostly Serious and Habitat Communication and Culture. This dynamic workshop will explore the power of linked, bonded, and bridged relationships, helping participants recognize the value of each in their personal and professional lives. Through interactive activities and thoughtful discussions, you’ll learn how to leverage your connections for greater influence in your business and the Springfield community. You’ll leave with practical tools and strategies to grow your social capital, strengthen your leadership, and amplify your impact on Springfield’s most pressing issues.

Ready to learn more about our programs?