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, April 14

Signature Class 50 Arts & Ozarks Culture Program Day

Wednesday, April 15
4:00 pm
Cellar + Plate
2916 S Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

Rosie Book Club April Meeting

Join the Rosie Book Club on Wednesday, April 15th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Cellar + Plate. We’ll discuss “When Women Were Dragons” by Kelly Barnhill. 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!
Tuesday, April 21

Access Class 24

Thru Wednesday, April 22
Get up to speed with the Springfield community in our Access Class! Designed for mid- to high-level professionals, this crash course in the community is perfect for those who are new to the area or those looking to expand their professional connections. Participants will spend two full days exploring the city, fostering connections with community leaders, and discovering what they can do to impact the world right here locally.
Thursday, April 23

Academy Class 36 Graduation

Tuesday, April 28
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 29
8:30 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806

GiANT People-Driven Leadership Series

Thru Wednesday, May 27
This transformational leadership series is designed for individual leaders looking to level-up their skills and performance. Move from good to great as you become a respected leader worth following, not just someone people have to follow. This series will equip you with tools to lead yourself and your people to more effective outcomes. Led by Signature Class 1 alum Larry Stock. The Schedule: (Completion of all three dates is required): Become a Leader Worth Following – April 29, 2026 Build Leaders Worth Following – May 13, 2026 Lead Organizations Worth Following – May 27, 2026

Ready to learn more about our programs?