From 1874 to 1876, he was chairman of the Wisconsin Board of Railroad Commissioners.

Smith served on the Barron County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors.

He was also a member of the Oconto County, Wisconsin Board.

Additionally, he was a member of the Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Board.

He served on the Wisconsin Board of Regents for Wisconsin normal schools.

During that time he was on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

He served on the Wood County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors.

He served on the Dodge County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors 1933-1937.

Powers served on the Green County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors.

From 1939 until 1946, he served on the Kenosha County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors.