The executive director of Presque Isle’s industrial council has died, City Manager Sonja Eyler said Wednesday afternoon.
Tom Powers had led the body in charge of Skyway Industrial Park for almost a decade since taking over for 48-year director Larry Clark in 2016.
“We are grateful for Tom’s service to Presque Isle and for the leadership he brought to the Industrial Council,” Eyler said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and with the Board and staff of the Industrial Council during this difficult time.”
Powers oversaw substantial growth of the 440-acre park that was formerly part of the Presque Isle Air Force Base and is home to more than 60 vastly diverse tenants, among them the Presque Isle International Airport, Northern Maine Community College, Coca-Cola, UPS, FedEx and the governmental headquarters of the Mi’kmaq Nation.
Under his leadership, the industrial park reached 100% occupancy and is self-sustaining, Powers said during the council’s annual membership meeting in January. The assessed value of the 20-plus city owned buildings within its limits is more than $50 million.
Before taking over as director of the industrial council, Powers spent five years as facilities manager for the nonprofit Central Aroostook Association, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities.
He also worked for 15 years as a vocational manager at Loring Job Corps and before that 13 years with Caribou-based Cyr Construction.
His cause of death has not been announced.
“Tom was deeply respected and genuinely loved in this community,” Eyler said in a message to employees that a city department shared on Facebook. “He brought thoughtfulness, steady leadership, and a strong belief in the work that we do. His impact reaches far beyond his role, and many of you knew him not just as a colleague, but as a friend.”