The Powell City Council’s newest member is anything but new to the city.

Kristy Fields, who was sworn in on Monday as a Ward 2 councilwoman, was not only born and raised in Powell, but is a fifth-generation resident.

Fields’ now-colleagues on the council unanimously selected her to fill the open position among four qualified applicants. She fills the seat that had been vacant since the death of Floyd Young in June. Young, who was 84, had served on the council for over 16 years.

A personal banker at First Bank, Fields said she applied because she cares about the community’s future.

“Powell has given so much to me and my family over the years,” Fields said in an email, “and I feel it’s time to give back in a meaningful way.”

The other candidates who submitted letters of interest were: Scott Bagnell, who manages the emergency medical services department at Powell Valley Healthcare; Ilene Olson, a writer, editor and photographer who previously covered the council for the Powell Tribune; and John Sinskie, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the federal government for 25 years at the Pentagon, the treasury department and the FBI.

Larry French, who’s been active in the community and in Republican politics for decades, also applied. However, because French hasn’t lived in Ward 2 for a full year, he was ineligible to hold the seat and wasn’t considered.

In an interview, Mayor John Wetzel praised each of the candidates, calling it “a good field” and a tough decision. Wetzel added that it was encouraging “to see the interest in keeping the city government moving forward.”

The mayor, Ward 1 Councilman Geoff Hovivian and Ward 2 Councilman Zane Logan interviewed the four qualified applicants before making a recommendation. The council approved Wetzel’s suggestion to appoint Fields without discussion or objection.

“Kristy [Fields] seems like she’s energetic and kind of ready for the challenge,” Wetzel said in an interview.

Fields said in her letter that she’s been actively involved in First Friends, an organization that raises funds for youth needs, and serves on the parish council at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church.

Fields spoke at a June 2 council meeting in support of St. Barbara’s request for a rezoning that will allow the church to build closer to the sidewalk. She outlined the church’s need for more space and rebutted neighbors’ concerns that the project would make the nearby intersection unsafe. The zoning change was unanimously approved by the council.

Fields said attending those June meetings gave her an interest in applying for the open position.

She added that she has a lot to learn and is “genuinely excited about that.”

“One of my main goals is to listen, learn, and grow into the role so I can serve our community effectively,” Fields said.

She said she wants to be thoughtful, approachable and proactive. In her letter of interest, Fields added that it’s important for councilors to be objective, to listen to both sides and consider all the facts before making a decision.

“I want to be a voice for our residents, help address local concerns and work collaboratively to make our city even stronger,” she said in her email, saying she hopes to help ensure “that Powell continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Fields’ appointment only runs through the end of 2026, but she said she intends to run for election next year and seek to continue serving for 2027.