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 2,000 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, December 5
8:00 am

Academy Class 34 Leadership Session & Program Day Planning

Thursday, December 7

Signature Class 45 Health & Medical Services Program Day

Tuesday, December 12

Signature Class 46 Civic Awareness: Public Service & Public Safety

Monday, December 25

LeadSGF Office Closed

Thru Wednesday, January 3
The Leadership Springfield team will be out of the office for a holiday break December 25-January 3.
Wednesday, January 17
4:00 pm
The MudLounge
321 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club January Meeting

Our January title is here! Join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, January 17 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at MudLounge where we’ll talk all about Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult! The Rosie Book Club Committee will lead us through engaging small group discussions. There is limited capacity for this meeting, so please RSVP below if you’d like to attend! Jump into the discussion right away in our Rosie Book Club Facebook Group!
Thursday, January 25
4:00 pm
The Order at Hotel Vandivort
305 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Riveting Connections: Fireside Networking with Rosie

Join Rosie to spark new connections in the new year! Join us at the Order inside the historic Hotel Vandivort to connect with the women of the Rosie network and their allies. Stop by whenever you can or stay the whole time! Brief remarks from Rosie, the Askinosie Foundation, and sponsors will be shared at 5:00 pm. A complimentary hot chocolate bar and light snacks will be provided. Thanks to Askinosie Chocolate for providing their world-class hot chocolate! A cash bar and full menu will be available at the Order.

Ready to learn more about our programs?