Legislator John W. McGowan is a lifelong Rockland County resident, former prosecutor & practicing attorney. He was elected in November 2019 to represent District 15 (Orangetown (Pearl River), Clarkstown (Nanuet, West Nyack) & Chestnut Ridge). For 2020, Legislator McGowan has been appointed to the Multi-Services & Economic Development Committees as well as the Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority.

Professional Experience

• Attorney with Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP admitted to practice law in New York State and federal courts where he represents individuals, businesses, and municipalities in general civil litigation matters.
• Former Rockland County Senior Assistant District Attorney, assigned to the Special Victims' Unit where he prosecuted offenders charged with harming the most vulnerable members of society, including the prosecution of those charged with abusing and assaulting children.
• Additional legal experience: Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County; Town of Ramapo Community Prosecution Unit Supervisor and member of Towns of Clarkstown and Orangetown Community Prosecution Units with Rockland DA; and insurance coverage litigation practitioner.
• Faculty instructor with the Orangetown Police Youth Court.
• Adjunct professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College, teaching undergraduate courses in criminal law and evidence.

Education

• Juris Doctor, cum laude, New York Law School; Managing Editor of the New York Law School Law Review.
• Bachelor of Arts in History, summa cum laude, St. Thomas Aquinas College.
• Albertus Magnus High School (Bardonia) and St. Margaret's Parish School (Pearl River).

Community Involvement

• Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority, appointed by County Executive Ed Day in 2018.
• President, Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians ("AOH").
• Rockland County AOH Bagpipe Band.
• Pearl River Elks Lodge #2041.
• St. Dominic's Knights of Columbus (Blauvelt).
• Rockland County Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
• Volunteer with the Lourdes Kids of Rockland ASCPG 602 and American Legion, Post 329 in Pearl River.
• Rockland County Economic Development Corporation Forty Under 40 Award Recipient, 2013.

Personal

• Lifelong Rockland County/Orangetown resident.
• Current Pearl River homeowner with wife Kathleen and their dog Tully.
• Avid musician playing guitar since age 13 and bagpipes since college.
• Favorite vacation spot: Newport, Rhode Island.
• Ardent fan of NY Yankees and NY Giants.