Lisa Williams

Background

About Lisa Williams

I am a legal and strategic executive with 15+ years of experience guiding organizations through transformation, governance, and complex risk landscapes. As General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Chapin Hall, I built the first comprehensive in-house legal function, led a governance separation from the University of Chicago, and embedded compliance frameworks that support a $25M research institute operating across multiple states. My career spans higher education, nonprofit, and research environments, where I’ve partnered with boards, C-suites, and cross-functional teams to balance risk with growth. I’ve negotiated multimillion-dollar government and vendor contracts, modernized policy frameworks, and resolved high-stakes employment and regulatory matters - all with a focus on enabling mission impact while ensuring accountability. Beyond the legal lens, I am recognized for shaping governance practices that strengthen boards, improve organizational resilience, and foster trust. These experiences position me not only as a seasoned General Counsel but also as a board-ready advisor and executive leader capable of bridging legal, strategic, and operational domains. Core strengths: Governance & Compliance | Board Advising | Employment Law | Risk & Crisis Management | Strategic Transactions | Cross-Functional Leadership