Inspire. Develop. Connect. Serve.

Springfield, MO

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.

Signature

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.

Academy

Each year, high school juniors across Springfield’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.

Access

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

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

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

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, March 22

9:00 am

Classic Rock Coffee Co. (Sunset)

1900 W Sunset St, Springfield, MO 65807

Coffee & Connection: Signature Class Info Session

Do you have questions about the Leadership Springfield Signature Class? Meet up with our staff and alumni for a casual coffee break! We’ll be available to tell you all about the Signature program and answer any questions you might have. Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the entire hour to get a taste of how Leadership Springfield helps to inspire, develop, and connect local leaders!

Thursday, March 30

6:30 pm

Relics Event Center

2015 W Battlefield Rd Suite E, Springfield, MO 65807

100 Wise Women

Join Rosie for an evening of empowering, enriching conversation and professional development to celebrate Women’s History Month! The inaugural 100 Wise Women event will be held at Relics Event Center on Thursday, March 30th from 6:30-8pm. Modeled off of the Jefferson Dinner concept, each table discussion will be guided by inspiring women leaders from our community. Doors open at 6pm with a happy hour. Dinner and Good Clean Wine will be provided with a cash bar available. Join us for this fun, inspiring, and empowering evening!

Wednesday, May 24

8:00 am

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

425 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65806

Discussing Complex Issues: How Springfield Can Embrace Division

When complex issues collide with oversimplified tabloid politics, the result is division, which can erode trust and stagnate a community. We are getting used to fighting each other on social media, in private, and in public forums. When we fight the wrong way, we create walls and limit our potential as a community. But if we can learn to fight the right way, we can build trust, which leads to collaboration. In this session, Don Harkey, CEO of People Centric Consulting Group, will talk about how we can embrace division to build trust within our community. Come and learn how we can make Springfield immune to national pressures that seek to divide our community.

Tuesday, June 13

The Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

2546 N Glenstone Ave

2023 One Big Class Reunion – Save the Date!

Thru Tuesday, June 13

Save the date for the 2023 One Big Class Reunion! Signature Class 43 & 44 graduates will walk the stage to officially complete their program year. During the event, we will also recognize graduates of the past year’s Access Classes, welcome incoming Signature Class participants, celebrate the Academy Class graduates, and say a warm farewell to the outgoing #LeadSGF board members. This event will end with the announcement of the 2023 Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership recipient. Stay tuned for additional details!