Ignite Leadership Conference Announces Speakers08/10/2026
John Maxwell, Mark Cole and Valorie Burton for 10th Anniversary
The Community Development Foundation (CDF) today announced a landmark speaker lineup for the 10th anniversary of the Ignite Leadership Conference, bringing three nationally recognized leadership experts from Maxwell Leadership to Tupelo on January 21, 2027.
The 2027 conference will feature renowned leadership expert and bestselling author John Maxwell, along with Mark Cole, former CEO of Maxwell Leadership, and Valorie Burton, internationally recognized executive coach, bestselling author and leadership expert.
The announcement was made Monday during a press conference at the CDF JESCO, Inc. Boardroom. North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) is serving as Ignite's Speaker Sponsor, while Renasant Bank is returning as a Platinum Sponsor for the second consecutive year.
“Nearly a decade ago, CDF set out with a simple vision—to bring world-class leadership development to Tupelo and North Mississippi,” said David Rumbarger, President and CEO of CDF. “Today, we are excited to announce what we believe is the most significant speaker lineup in Ignite Leadership Conference history. Reaching this 10th anniversary milestone with John Maxwell, Mark Cole and Valorie Burton is a tremendous opportunity for leaders throughout our region.”
Since its launch 10 years ago, Ignite has welcomed more than 6,000 attendees and 40 nationally recognized speakers, establishing itself as one of the premier leadership conferences in the Mid-South. The annual conference brings together leaders from business, industry, healthcare, education, government and nonprofit organizations for a day focused on leadership development and professional growth.
NMHS has supported Ignite since its inception and is expanding its partnership this year as the conference's Speaker Sponsor.
“At North Mississippi Health Services, leadership matters. Every day, we see the difference great leaders make—for our patients, our employees, and the communities we serve,” said Shane Spees, President and CEO of North Mississippi Health Services. “We're honored to partner with Ignite this year as the Speaker Sponsor to help make this incredible leadership experience possible. We couldn't be more excited to welcome John Maxwell, along with Mark Cole and Valorie Burton, to Ignite 2027.”
John Maxwell has written more than 90 books and sold more than 38 million copies worldwide. He is widely recognized as one of the world's most influential voices on leadership. Cole has helped organizations around the world develop stronger leaders and healthier workplace cultures, while Burton is known for her work in resilience, purpose and confident leadership.
Renasant Bank, a longtime Ignite partner, is returning as Platinum Sponsor for the 2027 conference.
“At Renasant, we believe leadership is about more than achieving success—it's about creating opportunity, serving others, and inspiring people to reach their full potential,” said Kevin Chapman, President and CEO of Renasant Bank and CDF Chairman-elect. “Bringing John Maxwell, Mark Cole and Valorie Burton to Tupelo is an incredible accomplishment and one that will provide a leadership experience unlike anything our region has seen before.”
Ignite Leadership Conference will celebrate its 10th anniversary on January 21, 2027, in Tupelo. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at igniteleadership.com.
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About Ignite Leadership Conference
Ignite Leadership Conference is an annual leadership development event presented by the Community Development Foundation, bringing nationally recognized speakers and thought leaders to Tupelo to inspire and equip leaders across North Mississippi and the Mid-South.
