She was previously the United States Ambassador to Panama, and also served in senior roles in the US Embassies in Iraq, Peru and Colombia.

A native of Utica, New York, Powers graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor's degree in biology and is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists as a Medical Technologist.

Powers entered the foreign service in 1978 and her early diplomatic career includes tours in Jordan, Russia, and Poland.

Powers served as Senior Post Management Officer for the Bureau of Near East Asia and South Asia, with oversight responsibility for Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Persian Gulf countries and as Deputy Director of the Office of Travel Support in the Bureau of Administration.

In June 2010, Powers was nominated by President Barack Obama to be United States Ambassador to Panama with the rank of Minister-Counselor, and she was confirmed by the Senate on August 8, 2010.