Piedmont Macon honors Bren Powell with Community Hero Award

Macon, Ga. (Oct. 23, 2026) – For nearly 40 years, Bren Powell has dedicated her career to helping young people through some of the most challenging circumstances of their lives. Today, Piedmont Macon is honoring that lifetime of service by naming Powell its latest Community Hero Award recipient.

Powell spent almost four decades as a social worker serving youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Throughout her career, she became known for treating every child with dignity and respect, never defining them by their mistakes but instead seeing their potential and helping them envision a brighter future, according to her daughter, Alexis Wilson, who nominated her for the award.

In the nomination, Wilson describes her mother as someone who “serves quietly, humbly and consistently because helping others is simply who she is and has always been.”

The impact of her work continues to be felt throughout Middle Georgia in her volunteerism as well. Since it began in 2007, Powell has been part of Rooms From the Heart, a nonprofit that transforms the bedrooms of children in Middle Georgia who are seriously ill. Each month, Powell and fellow volunteers meet with children and their families to learn about the child’s interests, dreams and wishes for an ideal room, Wilson said. Volunteers then spend weeks gathering donations, coordinating resources and planning every detail of the room makeover. On the day of the transformation, the family is treated to a special outing while volunteers work behind the scenes to create a space tailored specifically for the child.

According to Rooms From the Heart board member Valarie Lewis, Powell has remained deeply involved with the organization since its founding.

“Bren was part of the original board that started this organization,” Lewis said. “She has tirelessly continued to work on it from Day 1 in all capacities. She helps with the decorating of rooms, choosing accessories and being there the day of the big reveal. She’s always willing to help.”

Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon, said there’s no doubt that Powell has made a difference in the lives of others.

“Whether it’s through her decades of work helping young people in the juvenile justice system or her ongoing efforts supporting critically ill children and their families through Rooms From the Heart, Bren’s compassion and dedication have touched countless lives across Middle Georgia,” Daugherty said. “We are honored to recognize her as a Piedmont Macon Community Hero.”

The Piedmont Macon Community Hero Award is presented quarterly to a deserving individual. After soliciting nominations from the community and hospital employees, Piedmont Macon’s executive leadership team selects a winner. Along with the award, the recipient receives $500 to donate to the charity or nonprofit organization of his or her choice. Powell is the 11th recipient of the award.