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

Friday, January 9
8:00 am
The Daily Blend
1736 E Sunshine St., Springfield, MO, United States, 65804

January Rise with Rosie Meet-Up

Join us on Friday, January 9 for a casual morning of coffee and connection with fellow Rosies — no RSVP required! Each month, we 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. Thank you to the Victim Center for sponsoring this month’s meet-up!
Thursday, January 15

Signature Class 49 Quality of Life Program Day

Tuesday, January 20

Signature Class 50 Education & Lifelong Learning Program Day

Thursday, January 22
4:00 pm
Café Cusco
234 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

Riveting Connections with Rosie

Spark new connections in the new year with Rosie! Join us at Café Cusco 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 and sponsors will be shared at 5:00 pm. Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming.
Tuesday, January 27

Leadership Springfield Board Retreat

Thursday, January 29
11:30 am
The BarrelHouse at Mother's Brewing Company
215 S. Grant Ave Springfield, MO 65806

Sticking Points: Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace with Brian Fogle

Crocs in the office? Cell phones in meetings? What feels perfectly normal to one generation can feel downright baffling, or even unacceptable, to another. Today’s workplace is the first in history to include four distinct generations working side by side, each bringing its own expectations, communication styles, and quirks. Drawing on insights from Haydn Shaw’s book Sticking Points, this session with Brian will explore the most common generational friction points and how to transform them into opportunities for connection, collaboration, and stronger team performance. Participants will walk away with practical tools for understanding differences, reducing frustration, and leveraging generational strengths to build a more unified workplace. Join Leadership Springfield for this custom workshop led by Brian Fogle, a hands-on, engaging lunch and learn designed to challenge assumptions, spark conversation, and provide meaningful takeaways you can apply right away.

Ready to learn more about our programs?