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, April 8
8:30 am
Guaranty Bank - Farmers Park
2144 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

Rise and Lead: Turning Challenges into Strength

Join Leadership Springfield Alumni for an inspiring panel discussion over breakfast where outstanding community leaders share their strategies for navigating challenging times with resilience, positivity, and strength. Hear firsthand stories of overcoming adversity and discover effective approaches for leading teams through difficult circumstances. Gain valuable insights and practical tools to apply in your own leadership journey as you connect with fellow Leadership Springfield alumni committed to growth and impact. Breakfast and networking will be from 8:30-9:00, with the program beginning at 9:00. Guests: You, Leadership Springfield alumni, and the broader community! This event is free for Leadership Springfield Alumni Members and is open to anyone in the community for a $25 registration fee. To find out if your Alumni Membership is up-to-date, please contact [email protected]. Thank you to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for sponsorship this Alumni Professional Development event!
Thursday, April 10

Signature Class 47 Arts & Ozarks Culture Program Day

Tuesday, April 15

Signature Class 48 Arts & Ozarks Culture Program Day

Wednesday, April 16
4:00 pm
Hold Fast Brewing
235 N Kimbrough Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club

Join the Rosie Book Club on Wednesday, April 16h, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Hold Fast Brewing. We’ll discuss “The Small and the Mighty” by Sharon McMahon. The Rosie Book Club Committee will lead us through engaging small group discussions. 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.
Tuesday, April 22
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Thursday, April 24
6:15 pm
efactory IDEA Loft

Academy Class 35 Graduation

Celebrate the students of Academy Class 35! Any Academy parents, guardians, family, friends, or supporters who would like to attend the graduation ceremony should complete this form and purchase a ticket. Academy Class 35 students are automatically registered for the graduation ceremony and do not need to fill out this form. Student meals are complimentary. Students are asked to ‘dress their best.’

Ready to learn more about our programs?