The saying “right place, right time” explains Heath Powell’s career and how he became associated with the Red Cross. In Heath’s case, however, “right class, right time” is a better fit.

Currently the Associate Director of Recreational Sports and Facilities at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), Heath oversees student development and employment, aquatics, facilities and other events and operations. His position at UWM involves a variety of responsibilities and challenges.

Heath is originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. He remembers always being around the water when he was growing up. He took his first lifeguard class in high school and began working at a nearby pool the following summer. Eventually, he was encouraged to take the Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course in 1989. Since then, Heath has worked summers lifeguarding, teaching swimming lessons and water safety courses at various pools.

“Had I not taken that first lifeguard class I probably wouldn’t be here when I look back on it,” Heath ponders.

Heath earned his undergraduate degree from Central Methodist University in Missouri in recreation administration. He then attended graduate school at Northwest Missouri State University where he earned his master’s degree in physical education and administration. While going to school, he worked as a graduate assistant at school, training sports officials and teaching swimming courses to college students.

“I had a lot of mentors while in school and they encouraged me to participate and learn as much as I could,” says Heath. “So I participated in the classes they had told me about which helped me advance.”

After working in various positions, Heath accepted a position with UWM in August of 2003. His positions always involved aquatics so that he had the opportunity to work with local Red Cross chapters. Heath is currently a Water Safety Instructor and Instructor Trainer with the Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin.

“My philosophy about life involves three fundamentals…education, communication and growth. I believe people need all three of these in order to succeed.”

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.