#construction #Howard Rowland #EW Howell

Howard Rowland Retires from EW Howell Construction Group

After an illustrious 43-year career, Howard Rowland, Executive Chairman of EW Howell Construction Group, announced his retirement, effective September 30, 2026. His journey with the company began in 1983, when he first joined as a Project Manager and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in key roles such as President and CEO. Throughout his tenure, Rowland has been pivotal in enhancing the company’s stature as one of the leading contractors in the New York metropolitan area.

Dan Williams, who will continue to lead the company as President and CEO, expressed immense gratitude for Rowland's contributions. “Howard has been a cornerstone of our success for over four decades. His guidance, relationships, and dedication helped us achieve remarkable projects across New York and the broader tri-state area,” Williams stated. Rowland leaves behind not just a legacy of successful projects but a strong culture built on integrity and teamwork.

Rowland’s path prior to joining EW Howell includes a tenure at TF Jackson Electric, laying important groundwork for his future roles. Under his leadership, EW Howell has managed significant projects for renowned clients, including Grumman Aerospace, North Shore University Hospital, and Estée Lauder. Founded in 1891, EW Howell is prominent for being Long Island's longest-running general contracting and construction management firm. With a commitment to quality, safety, and community service, the company has completed numerous projects for various sectors, establishing a reputation that Rowland has helped solidify.

His rise through the ranks is notable, holding multiple crucial positions within the company. He served as Director of Purchasing, Vice President of Estimating and Purchasing, and later Executive Vice President of Operations. After becoming President in 1997, Rowland ascended to the role of Executive Chairman in 2024. His quiet strength and principled leadership style have set a standard for others in the company and the industry.

Reflecting on Rowland’s impact, Charles R. Wolf, a long-time associate at EW Howell, remarked, “He led with quiet dignity, establishing a culture that many clients and construction professionals were drawn to. Howard treated the company like family, nurturing relationships that fostered loyalty and trust among employees.”

Rowland’s roots in construction began in his youth, where his fascination with local construction sites ignited a lifelong passion. He pursued education in construction engineering, earning an Associate's Degree from Farmingdale State College, followed by a Bachelor's in Architecture and a Master's in Business Administration at the New York Institute of Technology.

A respected figure in the construction industry, Rowland has chaired the Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS) and is set to receive the prestigious S.I.R. Award at the AGC NYS's upcoming Summer Meeting in August, recognizing his commitment to excellence, integrity, and responsibility. His service extends beyond EW Howell, actively contributing as a board member for several organizations, including the Farmingdale College Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Suffolk.

Among the accolades Rowland has received throughout his career are the Mercy Center Ministries’ 2015 Man of the Year award and a Long Island Business News Icon Award in 2017. These awards highlight his contributions not only to the construction industry but also to the community at large.

EW Howell’s commitment to a