Q: How were you first introduced to BOMA New York?
McGowan: The Long Island Rail Road and chocolate! Seriously! I met Julie Gibouleau, the former Executive Director of BOMA New York while we both commuted from Valley Stream, Long Island, to the city. At the time, I had a side business making chocolate for events and she asked if I would consider making some gifts for BOMA New York’s upcoming events. She eventually offered me a position on the staff as Director of Membership, a position I held from 1989 until she passed in 1992. Incoming President Peter DiCapua later offered me the position of Executive Director and the rest was history!
Q: How does your role as Executive Director differ from James Kleeman’s role as President?
McGowan: I’m the full-time paid staffmember overseeing an office of four employees. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the association and all its events and projects.
Jim is the elected volunteer leader of the association and works with his fellow officers and the board in establishing policy and the future direction of the organization. The staff and I are here to implement their goals and visions.
Q: What inspires you to stay involved with BOMA New York?
McGowan: It’s always changing; the members, the Board, the Officers. Depending on the president, I could get a new boss every year or every two years. When that new president is elected, they have their own vision of what they’d like to accomplish during their term. It is imperative that we work together to make sure that vision is achieved, while aligning with the long-range plan of the organization.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about BOMA New York?
McGowan: The people and friends I’ve made along the way. Not only in New York, but at the BOMA International level. I’ve come to appreciate how many people I’ve met over the years, both fellow BOMA Association Executives (BAE’s) and the volunteer leaders of the many other BOMA locals. It’s a small family and a great network.
Q: BOMA New York recently started a new mentorship program, and separately a partnership with Fordham University to help place students in internships and jobs with BOMA New York members. Are you personally involved in either of these programs or any other BOMA programs?
McGowan: As Executive Director, I’m involved in all our programs, but more from a management aspect; i.e., developing and implementing them and working with the staff and volunteers to get the word out.
Both programs are very worthwhile and would absolutely be a benefit to all who participate in them.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone newer to the industry, what would it be?
McGowan: Get involved. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s a true sentiment. If you wish to advance your network and/or career, you will get out of this organization what you put in … ten-fold. I’ve heard it and seen it in my 28 years with BOMA New York.
BOMA New York inspires leadership development which is a skill that can be taken anywhere, personally and professionally!
We support this by encouraging our members to become involved in BOMA New York as a committee member – they will learn so much from everyone in the room. If they aspire, the next step would be to become part of the committee’s leadership as a Vice Chair. Grow from there and become Chair, which could lead to a Director’s position and eventually, an officer.
