A certified public accountant since 1980, Lou Ann Powell joined the Foundation in 1991 and oversaw its fiscal administration, including governance, finance and investments. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration/accounting from Bowling Green University in Ohio. Before joining the Foundation, she served as corporate controller for a real estate development and management company in Central Florida and as division controller for a restaurant chain. Powell is remembered for her three decades-worth of contributions to the Foundation, her mastery of the game of bowling, her kind-heartedness, and her love of cats.
Former Florida Bar Foundation president John Patterson accepted his 2022 Medal of Honor Award on behalf of the access to justice community, specifically Powell. “She’s always understood the necessity for integrity, accuracy and transparency in the finances of the Foundation. Lou Ann’s hard work helped the Foundation grow and succeed, and her dedication to its mission will continue to inspire us. She will be remembered with fondness and respect by all who had the privilege of working with her.”
For her dedicated service, strategic insight, attention to detail and steadfast support of The Florida Bar Foundation’s mission and purpose, Lou Ann Powell is the recipient of the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence.
