Business and community associations attorney Madeline Lipe Williams recently completed the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Wilmington program, joining a network of professionals committed to making a lasting impact on the Wilmington region.
Leadership Wilmington is a highly respected, intensive 10-month program designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and effective community leaders. Participants gain a deep understanding of the area's critical issues through hands-on experiences and conversations with business, government, and nonprofit leaders. Topics range from regional infrastructure and economic development to education, the criminal justice system, and inclusivity in leadership.
Reflecting on her experience, Madeline shared, "I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Leadership Wilmington. It was an incredible opportunity to learn more about local businesses and the issues facing our community. Most of all, I valued the chance to connect with a diverse group of community-minded individuals who are all passionate about making a difference in the Wilmington area."
One of the program's signature components is Work on Wilmington, an annual city-wide volunteer event that brings together hundreds of participants to complete high-impact service projects in a single day. This year, Madeline served as Chair of the Volunteer Committee, overseeing recruitment, coordination, and project assignments for more than 1,000 volunteers. Her efforts helped ensure the success of projects across the city, including the revitalization of schools, parks, and community centers.
Madeline also noted how the program has already begun influencing her work as an attorney. "Leadership Wilmington gave me a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities our region faces," Madeline explained. "That insight helps me better understand my clients' goals and the context in which they're operating. It's something I'll carry with me in my legal practice moving forward."
Based in the firm's Wilmington office, Madeline brings a versatile legal portfolio grounded in community-focused representation. She concentrates on community association law, advising boards and homeowners on corporate governance, document amendments, fiduciary duties, rule enforcement, and more. She also handles land use and zoning matters, including rezonings, special use permits, conditional rezonings, and variances. On the business side, Madeline supports companies and leadership teams with transactional contracts, and general corporate governance.
To learn more about the Leadership Wilmington program, visit the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce: https://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/leadership-wilmington.
