Petaluma Health Center's Kathie Powell is Patch's Person of the Year

And the votes are in.

, CEO of the Petaluma Health Center, is Petaluma Patch's 2011 Person of the Year, an award we'll give out at the end of each year to the person who's done the most for our community (nominated and voted on by our readers.)

Powell was instrumental in securing funding and overseeing construction of the new 53,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art health center at 1179 North McDowell Blvd. She was front and center for a joyous June ribbon cutting ceremony.

Her assistant Kim Morgan was one of the first people to nominate Powell online. A PetalumaPatch.com devotee, Morgan was on a mission to show the community at large what she already knows about her boss.

“Everyone here absolutely adores Kathie. When I told her I nominated her she was absolutely shocked,” said Morgan.

“She’s always putting others in the best light while she is working her tail off. I respect her tremendously,” Morgan added.

With two master degrees, one in Health Care Administration and another in Medical Anthropology, Powell brings more than 30 years of administrative leadership gained in community health centers, hospitals, strategic planning and management consulting. She has been CEO of the Petaluma Health Center for the past eight years.

The center tallies over 75,000 patient visits annually for their medical, dental and mental health needs.

Mike Noel, board president of Petaluma Health Center gives Powell credit for securing a federal government stimulus grant of $8.9 million for the $17 million facility expansion.

“Kathie’s vision for the healthcare changes in Petaluma and South Sonoma County will ensure that our residents will enjoy the most cost effective, quality healthcare available,” he wrote in his online nomination.

Katie Gebhardt credits Powell with providing Petaluma with an “incredible” health center devoted to providing quality, affordable health care to underserved members of the community.

“Few communities our size have such an impressive health center serving anyone who needs it,” wrote Heather Kimmel. “(Kathie Powell’s) direction in getting the funding and leading the new facility for our community has been amazing.”

In post after post, Kathie Powell’s honest and forthright demeanor, her friendliness, intelligence, caring and kindness highlighted all nominations.

The new facility has expanded the space available for the dental clinic, mental health services, and nutrition counseling along and added physical examination rooms.

Petaluma Health Center is also increasing alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage and Qigong, for which the center has received national attention.

The center’s $17 million price tag also included donations from United Healthcare, which gave a $620,000 grant and $5.8 million in bonds, along with , and the .

With a larger facility comes even greater responsibilities for Petaluma Health Center’s CEO. But if the past eight years are any indication, Powell has the skills needed to handle just about any situation. 

Congratulations Kathie!