Dana Lingenfelser, a real estate attorney in Ward and Smith’s Wilmington office, has been selected to participate in the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Leadership Wilmington program, Class of 2026.
Her selection reflects not only her professional accomplishments but also her dedication to community engagement and leadership.
Leadership Wilmington is a 40-year-old program that brings together experienced professionals in the Greater Wilmington area to collaborate and mobilize the business community to drive regional economic growth through immersive experiences and real-world engagement. Dana’s participation places her among a select group pursuing community-minded leadership and regional impact.
Leadership Wilmington is a long-standing, respected program that brings together a diverse group of professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Wilmington region. Over the course of 10 months, participants gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of issues such as infrastructure, education, public services, and regional economic development.
Through the program, Dana will collaborate with leaders across the nonprofit, business, and government sectors, strengthening connections that benefit both her legal practice and the broader community. She’ll also take part in Work on Wilmington, a signature service day where participants plan and execute volunteer projects that directly support local organizations. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony in May 2026.
Dana joins a growing list of Ward and Smith attorneys who have completed the program, including Isabelle Chammas, Chris Edwards, Allen Trask, Madeline Lipe Williams, and Jeremy Wilson, further reinforcing the firm’s strong ties to the Wilmington community and its ongoing commitment to leadership development.