BATH —After more than two decades of dedicated service, including 17 years as Chair, Katy Powers is retiring from the Bath Housing Authority board—leaving behind a legacy of leadership,
Katy Powers
compassion, and unwavering commitment to the community. She also leaves behind a deeply grateful staff and board – as well as many others who attribute no small amount of Bath Housing achievements to Powers’ leadership skills. A word that is often heard when describing her communications and facilitation talents is, “grace.”
“Every not-for-profit organization needs a Katy Powers,” mused one-time Executive Director Joanne Marco.
Powers came to Bath Housing in 2002 at the request of Marco, who at the time was the Resident Service Coordinator. Marco thought Powers had the kinds of skills necessary for a fast-growing organization. Powers had been a teacher for many years, in both Bath and Brunswick, with deep connections to the greater Bath area. She had long worked with students who faced particular challenges. Marco was sure Powers had a “good ear and eye.” Indeed, after four successful years on the board, Powers took up the vacant chair position in 2006.
“Her impact on Bath Housing is in the how, more than the what of what she did,” Marco says. “She was a strong mediator of issues, always stepping in when necessary, she would speak so intelligently and so well, that people always listened to her. There were a lot of strong voices on the board, and she had a way of pulling it all together, getting what needed to be done, done. She had that skill of always being concerned about other voices, and really listening.”
Current Executive Director Debora Keller wonders if Bath Housing might have accomplished so much in recent years without Powers leading the board. “I can’t imagine doing what we’ve done in the last ten years without Katy. She’s always balanced everything – personalities, histories, visions – and she has always been so good at opening a new path forward.”
For her part, Powers insists the organization’s dreams and visions came first, and she simply helped steer. “They had so many dreams, and brought them to fruition,” she insists. “I just sat back and applauded!”
Current board member Barbara Gaul recalls getting to know Katy after she joined the board in 2017. “She ran our meetings with grace and a sense of humor. She kept the meetings moving along while always making sure everyone was heard. There is no bigger champion for Bath Housing staff than Katy. She was adamant staff should be well rewarded and never let a meeting close without praising them and thanking them for their work. Every year Katy hosted a luncheon at her home on the New Meadows for the staff. Such a generous person! “
Powers’ own mother was a resident of The Moorings at Bath Housing for many years. This dual role gave Powers an extra appreciation for – and critical insights to – the work Bath Housing was doing. “My mother was so happy there, just delighted to have neighbors again, and to have community after my father died,” Powers says. “It was such a blessing, seeing [life at] Bath Housing up close. I couldn’t have been happier, being involved there.”
Gaul says that was important in helping the board connect to residents. “Over the years I grew to know Katy and learned how big her heart is. She always worked to ensure we were supporting Bath Housing residents, and she pitched in personally, visiting with them and listening to their needs.”
Marco remembers a day meeting a new Bath Housing resident who said, “I never thought I’d live in something so beautiful.” “Powers quickly said, ‘And that’s what we’re all about,’” laughed Marco. “Katy had a direct connection with the residents on a regular basis, and that was really key – she had a birds’ eye view to what was going on.”
Barbara Gaul says that Powers, along with former, long-serving board member Terrance Gray, brought many years of experience and knowledge to the Bath Housing Board and they had their own special bond. “They were great leaders for those of us who needed their perspective,” Gaul says, adding what she learned most from Katy was to listen, do your homework, and be kind.
What was the most fulfilling aspect of Powers’ time with Bath Housing? After thinking for a moment, Powers says, “It was seeing people transition their housing into something welcoming and safe. I loved the work! And I had an appreciation because I saw how my own family benefitted.” Powers says that Bath Housing’s good reputation has been “well-earned,” and expresses hope that there is a continuation of the vision.
Keller promises to stay the course.