WILMA’s Leadership Institute: Meet Kelli Newton
Snapshot of this year's Leadership Institute members
WILMA’s 2026 Leadership Institute, an annual nine-month program, gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each other’s personal board of directors.
WILMA’s Leadership Institute, an annual nine-month program, gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each other’s personal board of directors. The program is part of the WILMA Leadership Initiative, created to empower women to lead with confidence and purpose. Meet institute member KELLI NEWTON.
Kelli Newton
Title: Budget & Strategy Manager
Company: Town of Leland
How long have you been with your current employer? I’ve had the pleasure of working for the Town of Leland for four and a half years.
Prior career experience: Held multiple roles with the Town of Leland, including Budget & Strategy Manager, Grant Manager, and Purchasing Coordinator, supporting municipal budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, and grant administration. Provided financial analysis and policy support to leadership and elected officials while managing grant funding and ensuring regulatory compliance. Previously served as an Administrative Assistant with Brookfield Properties, supporting accounting, operations, and administrative functions at Independence Mall.
Current job responsibilities: Oversees municipal budget development, financial analysis, and performance management for the Town of Leland, supporting strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Ensures transparency, fiscal accountability, and alignment between financial resources and organizational goals.
Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I also love cheering on my children at their baseball and basketball games and dance recitals and playing with our dogs.
To learn more about WILMA’s Leadership Institute and Initiative, go to https://www.wilmamag.com/leadership/
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