SOUTH CENTRAL AREA COMMAND | LEADERSHIP

ABOUT OUR NEW COMMANDERS 

Major Merrill Powers was commissioned as an officer with the Salvation Army in 2001.  In 1999, he entered The Salvation Army College for Officer Training with the desire to provide ministry and service to those in his community.  Prior to starting his ministry in The Salvation Army, he held law enforcement positions as a police officer in Massachusetts and probation officer with the Johnson County, KS Department of Corrections.  Since being commissioned as a Salvation Army officer, Major Powers has held appointments as the Associate Director of the Chicago Harbor Light Center, Director of the Tom Seay Center, and as the Corps Officer and Executive Director of the Chicago Harbor Light Center.  In addition to his position with the Harbor Light programs, he also serves as the Chicago Freedom Center Administrator.  A believer in lifelong learning, he holds a BA in Management and Human Relations, a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration and a Master’s of Business Administration.  Major Powers has shared his love for education by teaching in the Salvation Army’s Continuing Education Program at Olivet Nazarene University.

After working for The Salvation Army as an employee in Massachusetts and Kansas, Major Nancy Powers was commissioned as an officer in 2001. The practical service to people in Jesus’ name was what attracted her to the ministry.  With a BA in Social Work and Master’s in Nonprofit Administration, Major Nancy has specialized in working with homeless initiatives and substance use treatment. She served as the founder and Executive Director of the Quincy Interfaith Sheltering Coalition opening a total of eight shelters during her pre-officer career. She was also the Planning and Training Director for the Department of Human Services in Warren County, PA.  Serving as a co-director with her husband in each appointment, her passion is for helping those who are lost in addiction, homelessness, unemployment, and mental illness. Her goal is to help them find hope and a future through a helping hand and a personal relationship with Jesus.  She has been recognized for her work by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Quincy, and by President Obama along with several community agencies.  She is presently the Chairman of the Commissioner’s Conference Task Force on the Opioid Crisis Response at The Salvation Army National Headquarters. 

The Powers have been married for 39 years, have two grown children and two beautiful granddaughters. Their daughter, Katy, works at the Chicago Harbor Light Center and is a full-time student at Aurora University earning her social work degree.  Their son Robert lives in Florida. He and his wife, Kelley have two daughters, Emma, age 10 and Madelyn 18 months. Lacy, a goldendoodle and Gizmo, a Yorkie, will be accompanying their parents on the move. 

The Powers have been involved in competition BBQ with their own team, The Powers of BBQ.  They do not compete any longer, but they love to cook BBQ for The Salvation Army!  Their cooking events have included Health Fairs, BBQ turkey at Thanksgiving, staff appreciation dinners, Father’s Day picnics, Luaus, camps, and Advisory Board dinners, often cooking for 700+ community members.  Their BBQ pits are on a trailer and will be moving with them! 

Speaking of BBQ, Check out this exciting experience Major Nancy surprised Major Merrill, not long ago, Chef Bobby Flay teamed up with NBC's Today Show to personally taste test Major's BBQ.

Major Merrill is an avid hunter and fisherman, although a bit out of practice after living in Chicago for 20 years.  Major Nancy loves art, crafting, and cooking. She has learned cake decorating and loves to teach others. 

The Powers believe that serving God should be exciting and showing His love in how we live is more important than words.  They stay close to God through their own study, prayer life and devotions and have a passion for evangelism, outreach, and service.