William “Bill” Powell, the board president of Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families, passed away earlier this month after nine years of service with the nonprofit.

Powell joined Casa Pacifica’s board in 2012 after receiving a tour of its Camarillo-area facility two years earlier. He contributed heavily to Casa Pacifica’s leadership, chairing the executive committee and attending each of the other monthly board committee meetings.

Powell and his wife, Jewell, were also generous financial supporters of the charity, and Powell stepped up to lead the finishing touches of Casa Pacifica’s Building New Foundations of Hope Capital Campaign when the previous chairman stepped down.

Powell also helped Casa Pacifica through his connections in the community, getting the nonprofit in touch with donors and companies that offered discounted rates for their services, and volunteered to help emancipated foster youth prepare for life after foster care. He taught cooking classes, where he earned the nickname “Chef Willie,” and used the skills he taught the children to help raise even more money for the organization.

Board Vice President Robert Wynner will take over, and was already preparing for Powell’s planned retirement in July. Wynner is a partner at Westlake Village law firm Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth, and joined the Casa Pacifica board of directors in 2010. He previously served as president of the Casa Pacifica Amigos, a volunteer auxiliary group that mentors children on campus.