William J. Chowanec is president and owner of the California-based Young & Co., an independent manufacturers’ representative of electric utility equipment that focuses on the sale of electrical apparatus, materials, tools and test equipment as well as products used to control, build and communicate with bulk electric power systems. The company also provides engineering services that include training, project engineering, installation and maintenance of equipment.
Mr. Chowanec began his career with MIF Industries in Branford, Conn., which was sold in 1971 to Stanley Flagg of Pottstown, Penn. Mr. Chowanec worked for the company until 1976, when he left to join Young & Company. He moved to California in 1984 to manage Young & Company's California operations, taking ownership of the firm in 1989.
In 2008, Mr. Chowanec and his wife, Carolyn Healy Chowanec, established the Margaret E. Healy Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University in honor of Mrs. Chowanec’s mother, an ardent supporter of education.
Mr. Chowanec is an active alumnus and fundraiser for University initiatives. Active in youth soccer, he coached, refereed and served on the board and as president of the Sereno Soccer Club of Phoenix, Ariz. He also served on the board and as president of the Electrical Equipment Representative Association, an international industry association. He has been active in other industry associations, and currently serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the Engineering School at California State University, Los Angeles.
Mr. Chowanec holds a bachelor's degree in Management Science from the University of New Haven.
Mr. and Mrs. Chowanec have three grown sons and two grandsons. They are active boaters and members of the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in Oxnard, Calif. The couple resides in Westlake Village, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles.
