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

Wednesday, November 6

Academy Class 35 Program Day Planning

Thursday, November 7
11:30 am
Hold Fast Brewing
235 N Kimbrough Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Professional Development: We Can Do It! Starting and Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

You won’t want to miss this free power-packed lunch featuring a lineup of inspiring entrepreneurs including Michelle Gavel of All Things Diverse SGF, Carol McLeod of Hold Fast Brewing, and Gabriela Verdugo-Johnson of Dulce Hogar and Hispanic Networking Group in the Ozarks. Gain valuable insights and practical advice as these courageous women share their journeys, challenges, and successes and uncover essential resources to help you launch or scale your own business. Whether you’re ready to take a business leap or simply want to support local women entrepreneurs, this event is for you! Connect with like-minded individuals, learn about community initiatives, and contribute to a supportive environment for women in business. And enjoy lunch with a network of women dedicated to lifting each other up.
Friday, November 8
8:00 am
Classic Rock Coffee (Sunset)
1900 W Sunset St, Springfield, MO 65807

Signature Classes 21-23 Coffee with Classmates

LeadSGF Executive Director Carrie Richardson has picked one day and time a week to go have coffee and invite classes of 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.
Wednesday, November 13
8:00 am
Kingdom Coffee (Downtown)
211 S Market Ave Unit #100, Springfield, MO 65806

Signature Classes 39 & 40 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, November 14

Signature Class 47 Program Day

Stay tuned for more.
Tuesday, November 19

Signature Class 48 Program Day

Stay tuned for more.

Ready to learn more about our programs?