Meet John
John McGowan is a lifelong Rockland County resident, former prosecutor, and practicing attorney.
Experience
- Legislator, Rockland County Legislature, District 15, representing Pearl River, Nanuet, and Chestnut Ridge (elected in 2020)
- Partner with law firm, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP, admitted to practice in New York State and federal court in New York.
- Former Senior Assistant District Attorney, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorney’s Office
- Former Adjunct Professor, St. Thomas Aquinas College
- Faculty Advisor, Orangetown Youth Court
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Rockland Green (formerly Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority)
- President, Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians
- Pipe Major, Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians Bagpipe Band
- Member, Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 3, Pearl River, NY
Personal
- John is a lifelong Rockland County/Orangetown resident (current Pearl River homeowner)
- In 2013, John received the Rockland Economic Development Corporation Forty Under 40 Award Recipient
- John is involved in many organizations in his community: he is the president of the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians, member of Pearl River Elks Lodge #2041, St. Dominic’s Knights of Columbus, Rockland County Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, and volunteers with the American Legion Post 329 and Lourdes Kids of Rockland ASCPG 602
- When not working or campaigning, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, and their two dogs, Finnegan (“Finn”) and Shilelagh (“Shay”)
- John is an avid musician; he has played guitar since age 13 and the bagpipes since he was in college
- John is a diehard NY Yankees and NY Giants fan and aspiring golfer