LSPAA Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Finley Williams, Class of 2018
Estate planning leader, community advocate, and family-first adventurer
Alumni Highlight: Melissa Finley Williams (LSP Class of 2018)
If you’ve ever met Melissa Finley Williams, you know she’s the kind of leader who makes big responsibilities look manageable—and still finds time to truly live along the way. A proud member of Leadership St. Pete Class of 2018, Melissa continues to show up for our community through her work, her service, and her ongoing involvement with LSPAA.
Where is Melissa now?
Melissa is the Owner & Principal Attorney of Finley Williams Law, P.A., where she leads a growing practice focused on estate planning, guardianship, and probate. As a business owner managing her own firm, she supports families through some of life’s most important—and often most emotional—moments.
Her firm has locations in Pinellas and Manatee counties and serves clients across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota.
Still inspired by the Class of 2018 project
Melissa’s class project was a teen boys’ group home—a mission with long-term community impact. She shared that she drives past it often and thinks about “the amazing impact our class project made on the teens’ lives.” It’s a powerful reminder of the LSP ripple effect: the work continues, the impact grows, and the community benefits long after the project is complete.
Service beyond the workplace
Melissa doesn’t just lead in her career—she continues to invest in the community through service. Most recently, she shared that she joined the board of the Guardian Association of Pinellas County, expanding her impact in a space closely aligned with her professional work and passion for advocacy.
LSPAA involvement: still all-in
Melissa has stayed closely connected to Leadership St. Pete since graduating by serving on the planning committee in the past and currently serves as an LSPAA Board Member. She’s actively involved on the By-Laws Committee (aka the “fun committee”) and also supports the Awards & Scholarships Committee—helping strengthen the foundation of the organization while celebrating and investing in future leaders.
Life outside of leadership: travel, family, and unplugging
When she’s not in attorney mode or in committee meetings, Melissa is a big believer in unplugging and being fully present—especially with her family.
She and her husband, Freddy, have an incredible goal: to take their three kids to all 50 states before their oldest daughter turns 18. And they’re not “someday”-ing it—they’ve already visited over 30 states in the past four years.
What’s next?
Melissa and Freddy recently purchased a home in the North Georgia mountains, which they’re now running as a short-term rental. She’s learning so much through the process and really enjoying the new venture—another example of her always being willing to grow, build, and try something new. We can't wait to see what is next for her!