Howard B. Cowan was born in 1942 in Forest Hills, Queens. He led an exemplary and extraordinary life, dedicated to his family, business, and community.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Howard attended Brooklyn Law School, showcasing his commitment to education and personal development. In the realm of business, Howard emerged as a prominent figure in financial planning and insurance services. In 1985, he founded Cowan Financial Group, driven by the vision to assemble a team of experts providing top-tier financial expertise and superior service to clients.

Under Howard's leadership, Cowan Financial Group experienced rapid growth, employing over 150 professional associates and legal experts with diverse specializations, including securities, accounting, real estate, and estate planning. His dedication to excellence earned him a reputation as one of the country's leading experts in financial planning and insurance services.

In 2009, after years of leading Cowan Financial Group to success, Howard retired as the head of the organization. However, his passion for the industry persisted, and he continued contributing to the field by running a brokerage unit for Fifth Avenue Financial. In this role, he mentored General Agents and Career Agents, helping them grow their careers and sharing his wealth of experience.

Howard B. Cowan's professional achievements include being a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. He received numerous prestigious industry honors, including the National Management Award, Masters Club, Leaders Club, GAMA Master Agency Award, GAMA First In Class, Master Agency Growth Award, and GAMA Hero Leadership Award. For an unprecedented 20 years Cowan Financial Group won the National Chairman’s Trophy from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, recognizing Howard as the manager of their number one agency. Upon his retirement in 2009, MassMutual announced a new award, the Howard B. Cowan Legacy Award, which is awarded annually to the top producing agency. In 2024, Howard was posthumously inducted into the GAMA/Finseca Management Hall of Fame.

Before founding Cowan Financial Group, Howard served as the leading Assistant General Agent at Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co., where he received the President's Trophy for five consecutive years. Prior to that, he worked as an insurance consultant and leading sales manager for the Home Life Insurance Company for eight years, during which time he was a member of the President's Council.

Howard's influence extended beyond his business accomplishments. He was frequently called upon to speak at industry meetings, seminars, and symposiums. Howard also contributed as a former instructor of the American Management Training Council and a faculty member of The New School. His insights were sought after by the print and broadcast media, where he commented on various issues related to insurance and investment planning.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Howard was deeply involved in philanthropy. He served on the Boards of USTA Serves, a foundation dedicated to awarding educational grants and scholarships to children, and The American College.

Howard B. Cowan's legacy is one of professional excellence, mentorship, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to family. His generosity, kindness, and joy for life touched everyone he met, leaving an indelible mark on the financial planning and insurance industry.