News Release

John McGowan Named Assistant Finance Director for the Town of Hilton Head Island

April 3, 2024

The Town of Hilton Head Island is pleased to welcome John McGowan as its Assistant Finance Director. With over 30 years of experience in the public financial sector, including leadership roles with Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Ratings, McGowan brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.

In his capacity, McGowan will develop financial strategies for special initiatives and the Town's Strategic Action Plan with the aim of enhancing our financial standing. He will also manage grant applications and awards, establish long-term financial planning, and assess debt and capital programs among other responsibilities.

"With his extensive managerial experience in prominent companies, John brings a breadth of knowledge to this role. His expertise will deepen our understanding of financial opportunities and techniques, bolstering Hilton Head Island's financial standing now and in the future," said Town Manager Marc Orlando.

McGowan holds a bachelor's degree in economics, management, and psychology from DePauw University and a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana University. Through his extensive tenure in the public financial sector, he has achieved a solid working knowledge in various areas, including local government capital financing, fund accounting, budgeting, investing, and tax increment finance districts.

For the past two decades, McGowan has focused on the client relationship management side of public finance research and analysis. He keenly understands the U.S. public finance bond marketplace, credit ratings, business development, and commercial relationship strategies. Most recently, he served as a Senior Account Director for Global Financial Intelligence for J.D. Power in New York.

Previously, McGowan spent 11 years with Moody's Investors Service in New York and Chicago, where he founded and led a 16-person nationwide public finance relationship management team. Under his leadership, this team secured the state of New York's largest bond issuance programs and grew business relationships with hundreds of issuers, municipal financial advisory firms, and bankers throughout the United States. The team also implemented environmental, social, governance, and cybersecurity product launches.

Before Moody's, he led the Central U.S. Region Office for Standard & Poor's Ratings in Chicago. As office head and team leader, he generated over 300 new clients for the firm and supervised all central region client development and commercial relationships. He achieved significant revenue growth through rating services for auto, capital goods, and healthcare clients.

McGowan expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Town, stating, "This is a wonderful opportunity. I’m eager to contribute to the Town's priorities and collaborate with departments to enhance the Town’s already outstanding position."

On a personal note, McGowan is looking forward to biking Hilton Head Island’s many miles of scenic pathways and beaches and enjoying the diverse live music options on the Island. McGowan’s office will be at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court. He can be reached at JohnMc@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.