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, July 28
8:00 am
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Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Wednesday, July 29
SPS Professional & Virtual Learning Center
1410 S Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO 65807

Leadership Springfield Committee Summit

Save the date to join fellow LeadSGF and Rosie volunteers at our 2026-2027 Committee Summit!
Monday, August 10
12:00 pm
Millwood Golf & Racquet Club

Alumni Golf Tournament

Who doesn’t like a bit of friendly competition? Born from the Bright Idea Hub, led by alumni advisors in collaboration with the Leadership Springfield team, an Alumni Golf Tournament is coming this August! Register your 3-person team or purchase a sponsorship below to support Leadership Springfield’s 40th Anniversary Fundraiser. All teams must contain one LeadSGF alumni.
Friday, August 14
8:00 am
Show Me Chuy
1410 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

Rise with Rosie

Join us on Friday, August 14, 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.
Wednesday, August 19
4:00 pm
Grace Kitchen
431 S Jefferson Ave Ste 172, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club August Meeting

Join the Rosie Book Club on Wednesday, August 19th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Grace Kitchen. We’ll discuss “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” by Kirsten Miller. The Rosie Book Club Committee will lead us through engaging small group discussions. You can borrow a copy from the Springfield-Greene County Library, or request a complimentary copy below, thanks to a gift from Women Connect4Good! The Rosie Book Club is a great way to engage with local Rosies and deepen your knowledge, understanding, and connection around issues of women’s empowerment.
Wednesday, August 19
4:00 pm
Grace Kitchen
431 S Jefferson Ave Ste 172, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club August Meeting

The title for the Rosie Book Club August meeting is “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” by Kirsten Miller. We will meet at Grace Kitchen in downtown Springfield for connection and small group discussions! Limited complimentary copies of the book are available through the Springfield-Greene County Library District, thanks to a generous gift from Women Connect4Good!

Ready to learn more about our programs?