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

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, March 11

Signature Class 48 Quality of Life Program Day

Wednesday, March 12
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

GiANT People-Driven Leadership Series

Thru Wednesday, April 23
Leadership Springfield has partnered with the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University to offer a brand-new leadership series for leaders looking to level up their skills and performance – the GiANT People-Driven Leadership Series! Take stock of where you currently are as a leader, establish a baseline for where you need to grow, and take a look at your journey ahead. Gain clarity and familiarity with the importance of self-awareness. This series is executive coaching and a leadership masterclass combined into an amazing 3-days of professional development training. Using the executive coaching strategies provided and the 100X Leader Toolkit, you and your cohort will progress through three training sessions designed to help you multiply your leadership skills 100X!
Thursday, March 13
2:30 pm
Architect Coffee Co.
1604 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

Signature Class Info Session

Do you have questions about the Signature Class? Please join us at one of our Signature Class Info Sessions to hear program insights and application tips from Leadership Springfield staff and alumni. The Signature Class is a unique opportunity to turn your talent into impact and develop your leadership skills alongside fellow energized community leaders.🌟
Tuesday, March 25
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Thursday, March 27
The Old Glass Place
521 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO 65806

100 Wise Women Event

Join Rosie for an evening of empowering, enriching conversation and professional development to celebrate Women’s History Month! The 3rd annual 100 Wise Women event will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at The Old Glass Place. Get your ticket today!
Wednesday, April 2

Academy Class 35 Program Day (Snow Make Up Day)

Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Ready to learn more about our programs?