John Kowal grew up in Coventry, RI and graduated from Coventry High in 1987. While in high school, John played on the basketball and baseball teams. After graduating, he attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1991. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife Kim and his two sons Brooks and Jacoby.

He started his career in engineering in the turbomachinery industry and then transitioned into the medical industry where he spent most of his career. He worked for several medical equipment, software, surgical and imaging equipment companies and currently serves as President of the Americas for Varian Medical. His work allows him to make an impact on millions of cancer patients treated annually across the US, Canada, and Latin America.  His work also allows him to focus his passion to address disparities in health care access and creating opportunities for more proactive management of cancer care.

John has supported CHS’s philanthropic efforts for student education through on-going support of the CTA scholarship presented annually in his father’s memory, The Frank “Babe” Kowal’s Memorial Fund, as well as other CHS Scholarships funded through the CHS Alumni Association. He is thankful for this time at CHS and the impact his teachers have had in nurturing his passion for math and science and helping him to pursue an extremely rewarding career, helping cancer patients and their families.