Henry Powell, better known as “Tank” Powell, is an insurance agent in Ponchatoula,
Louisiana; He served as a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
from District 73 from 1996 until term-limited in 2008. He was subsequently appointed
in 2008 by Governor Bobby Jindal to the five-member Louisiana Board of Pardons.
A native of Bogalusa in Washington Parish, Powell graduated in 1963 from Bogalusa
High School, where he excelled as an All-American football player, and presumably
acquired his unusual nickname. Powell graduated in 1968 from Southeastern Louisiana
University.
Powell has long been affiliated with Prudential Insurance, having been “Agent of the
Year” and also “Man of the Year” designation from Tangipahoa Life Underwriters. Powell
is a member of both the Hammond and Ponchatoula Chambers of Commerce as well as the
Economic Development Foundation of Tangipahoa Parish. He is a member of the Southeastern
Alumni Association. His wife is Kathy N. Powell. He is also active in the Masonic
lodge in Ponchatoula. He is a Baptist deacon.
After Powell’s 12-year tenure in the Louisiana House of Representatives was term-limited,
Governor Bobby Jindal named Powell to the prestigious Louisiana Board of Pardons.
