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, February 4

Academy Class 36 Education & Lifelong Learning Program Day

Thursday, February 12

Signature Class 49 Business, Industry & Entrepreneurship Program Day

Tuesday, February 17

Signature Class 50 Health & Medical Services Program Day

Wednesday, February 18
4:00 pm
Wallace Rae Salon
1460 E Cherry St, Springfield, MO 65806

Rosie Book Club

Join the Rosie Book Club for our February meeting! We’ll discuss “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins. The Rosie Book Club Committee will lead us through engaging small group discussions.
Thursday, February 19
9:00 am
Springfield Police Department - Mill Building
216 W. Central St., Springfield, MO 65802

Alumni Impact Series: Civic Service in Action

Our February Alumni Impact Series event will focus on the theme of Civic Awareness, Public Service, and Public Safety. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how local government, law enforcement, and emergency management work together to protect and serve the Springfield community, as well as how individuals can take action on the local issues that matter to them.
Tuesday, February 24
8:00 am
efactory
405 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

Leadership Springfield Board Meeting

Ready to learn more about our programs?