"Heading into Leadership Springfield I didn’t quite know what to expect. But the last nine months have been among the best of my career. I am sure previous classes have been good, but I can’t believe any class has been more diverse, creative and representative of the talent and leadership that Springfield has in its workforce. I feel the contacts I have made will benefit my employer, my community and me."

-Randy Stewart, supervisor of financial information systems, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., Class XIX

Message from the president


Over the last year, under the leadership of Andrew Wells, the board of directors underwent a strategic planning exercise.  The result of that work is a three year plan that provides the framework for assessment and evaluation of all aspects of the Leadership Springfield organization, from programs to membership development.  The work done this year will allow us to build on the success of the past 26 years and continue to inspire, develop and connect leaders to serve the Springfield Community.

I would like to invite our alumni to participate in this exciting new chapter for Leadership Springfield.  I invite any interested alumni to participate in the committees of Leadership Springfield.  For more information, please contact Kim Everest at 862-5567 or kim(at)springfieldchamber.com or go on-line at www.leadershipspringfield.org.

 

I want to take this opportunity to thank Andrew Wells for his outstanding leadership as President of the Board of Directors over the past year.  We had four outgoing Board members I also want to thank: Beau Barrett, Jamie Dopp, John Gentry, and David Ross. Their dedication and service to Leadership Springfield over the last several years has changed this organization for the better.

 

As we begin a new year we will welcome Class XXVII to Leadership Springfield and begin a new chapter with our new strategic plan.  On behalf of the board of directors, I thank all Leadership Springfield alumni for your continued support and participation in our programs, and encourage you to review the Strategic Plan found on our website at www.leadershipspringfield.org.  I would also invite you to follow Leadership Springfield and Leadership Academy on Facebook.  We will be posting information about program days, photos of class activities and information on special alumni events and opportunities for networking, training and community engagement.  Both links are available on the Leadership Springfield homepage.

 

 Laura Ward

President, Leadership Springfield