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, September 26
Hotel Vandivort

Signature Class 46 Launch Retreat

Thru Wednesday, September 27
Tuesday, September 26
Hotel Vandivort
305 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806

Signature Class 46 Launch Retreat

Thru Wednesday, September 27
Wednesday, October 4

Academy Class 34 Retreat

Thursday, October 5
11:30 am
Cox College, Fountain Plaza Room
1423 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65802

Networking for Growth: Planting the Seeds for Professional Success

Join Rosie for this lunch and learn event to bolster your networking skills on October 5 at Cox College. In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, networking is an essential skill for professional success and personal growth. Join us for an informative and interactive presentation designed to provide the strategies and skills you need to grow a strong network and create a path for personal and professional growth.
Tuesday, October 17

Access Class – October 2023

Thru Wednesday, October 18
Get up to speed with the Springfield community in our Access Class. Designed for mid to high-level professionals, this crash course in the community is perfect for those who are new to the area or those looking to expand their professional connections. Participants will spend two days exploring the city, fostering connections with community leaders and discovering what they can do to impact the world right here locally.
Thursday, October 19

Signature Class 45 Springfield Region: Past, Present & Future Program Day

Ready to learn more about our programs?