Petaluma Health Center CEO recognized as ‘Woman of the Year’

California State Assemblyman Marc Levine today honored Kathie Powell, CEO of the Petaluma Health Center, as woman of the year in his district spanning from Santa Rosa south to the Golden Gate Bridge.

“Kathie Powell is a trailblazing health care leader committed to innovative solutions, and dedicated to ensuring access to affordable, high-quality health care services,” Levine said, in a written announcement.

Powell took to the Assembly floor to accept the award along with female leaders from throughout California as part of the annual Woman of the Year celebration.

With 30 years of administrative experience in the world of community health care, Powell has served as CEO of the fast-growing health center since 2003. The primary health care provider with a mission to serve low-income individuals counts more than 30,000 patients and 170,000 health care visits annually, according to the announcement.

The provider recently expanded to open a new primary care facility in Rohnert Park, an area that previously faced a significant lack of primary care options. Like the location in Petaluma, the new facility also offers several specialty care areas, including a dental clinic.

“I am honored to have been chosen as woman of the year. It is wonderful that we take time to recognize the contributions that women make to our great state,” said Powell, in the announcement. “Women make up the vast majority of health care professionals, and compromise 92 percent of the workforce of the Petaluma Health Center. It is vital that we continue to work together to make sure that we are able to provide the highest quality of care.”

(Contact Eric Gneckow at eric.gneckow@arguscourier.com. On Twitter @Eric_Reports)