Brendan Bowen – Technical College System of Georgia

The push for electric vehicle (EV) technicians across America is gaining momentum as the nation rapidly shifts towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. With the federal and state governments implementing ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, there is a significant surge in the adoption of electric vehicles. This transformation in the automotive industry necessitates a parallel growth in the workforce skilled in maintaining and repairing these advanced vehicles.

With their unique systems and technologies, electric vehicles require specialized knowledge that differs from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. As a result, there is a growing demand for technicians trained in EV technology, including battery systems, electric drivetrains, and advanced electronics. This demand is further fueled by the increasing complexity of EVs, which integrate cutting-edge software and connectivity features.

To address this need, educational institutions, technical schools, and automotive training programs nationwide are expanding their curricula to include comprehensive EV technician training. Industry partnerships are also crucial in developing tailored training programs that ensure technicians are well-equipped to handle the specific challenges of EV maintenance and repair.

Brendan Bowen, the senior executive director for capital planning and facilities for the Technical College System of Georgia, leverages his extensive experience to oversee and optimize the facilities operations across the state’s technical colleges, ensuring they provide safe, efficient, and conducive learning environments for students and staff. His dedication to excellence in facilities management continues to contribute significantly to the success and sustainability of educational institutions.

With a career spanning over four decades in facilities management, Bowen’s expertise and dedication have significantly contributed to the growth and development of educational institutions across the United States.

“During my 40-plus year career as a facilities leader in public and private higher education, I have focused on creating a culture of planning at the institutions I have served,” he says. “My passion is serving students in our educational mission, improving their life opportunities by creating and sustaining campus facilities that are relevant, impactful and transformative.”

Pioneering EV training

One of the standout projects under Bowen’s leadership is the Hyundai Mobility Training Center of Georgia by Georgia Quick Start, a division of TCSG. This initiative, part of a 2022 Economic Development discretionary incentive package, highlights the collaborative efforts between Georgia Quick Start and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).

The 90,000-square-foot facility, built on 30 acres adjacent to the Hyundai EV Metaplant in Bryan County, Georgia, has a construction budget of $44.5 million and a total project budget of $62.5 million. Scheduled to be completed by July 2025, this center will train over 8,000 HMGMA employees, addressing the evolving technical requirements and workforce demands of the electric vehicle industry.

“The resulting solutions for designing technical training spaces involved an emphasis on flexibility and creating capacity related to unanticipated technical requirements, training on new topics unfamiliar to the workforce, and continually shifting goals and products driven by the client company and motivated by changing markets, the need to maximize efficiencies, and the ability to shift product types and designs,” Bowen explains.

Bowen’s role involves meticulous planning and coordination to ensure that TCSG’s programs align with the workforce needs of Georgia’s communities. The Office of Capital Planning and Facilities employs an integrated planning approach, engaging with college presidents, technical education leaders, workforce development teams, economic development partners, and industry stakeholders. This collaborative effort ensures that TCSG’s programs optimize current facilities, strategically invest in new construction, enhance the student experience, and maintain agility in response to changing economic conditions.

Several key projects have marked Bowen’s tenure at TCSG. Among them is the Aviation Training Academy at Chattahoochee Technical College in Paulding County. This $35 million facility, set to open in Fall 2024, will provide comprehensive training in Aviation Maintenance Training Technology, including FAA-approved certification programs. Other significant initiatives include developing new Facilities Master Plan Guidelines, constructing multiple Commercial Driver License (CDL) ranges, and renovating facilities to support high-demand programs across Georgia.

Bowen oversees a team of five staff members, including two Regional Program Managers, an Associate Director of Real Estate and Planning, and a Manager of Facility Support Services. Despite a high workload with 39 projects valued at nearly $580 million, the team has demonstrated strong retention and career mobility opportunities. Bowen emphasizes effective communication, fostering relationships with project teams, and developing efficient workflows to ensure positive project outcomes.

Running the show

Bowen’s interest in facilities management began in high school in upstate New York, inspired by his grandfather, a cabinetmaker and shop teacher. He pursued a degree in industrial education and technology at Western Kentucky University, where he began his career in facilities management. His professional journey included significant roles at Sodexo, Indiana Wesleyan University and the University of West Georgia before he joined TCSG.

Born in Baltimore and raised in New York, Bowen’s career has taken him across various states, contributing to his extensive experience in facilities management. Married to his wife of for 40 years, they have two sons and a 10-year-old granddaughter. A lifelong musician, Bowen plays piano and keyboards in a 70s/80s classic rock cover band in West Georgia and is a jazz aficionado and music collector.

Bowen has held his position at the Technical College System of Georgia since May 2022. He also holds a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University. His career in facilities management spans over four decades and is marked by significant leadership roles and accomplishments.

Beginning his professional journey at Western Kentucky University, Bowen spent 12 years managing facilities, honing his expertise in maintaining and improving campus infrastructure. He then transitioned to Sodexho Campus Services, where he served as an account manager for over five years, focusing on delivering high-quality facilities and services to educational institutions.

Bowen’s career further advanced when he took on the role of vice president for operations and facilities planning at Indiana Wesleyan University, a position he held for nearly 11 years. His strategic oversight and planning skills enhanced the university’s campus operations. Following this, he served as the associate vice president for campus planning and facilities at the University of West Georgia, where he spent almost 11 years managing and developing campus facilities to support the university’s growth and mission.

“Serving the TCSG community is a great honor and has been the pinnacle of my career. TCSG’s vision to enhance the economic opportunity and prosperity of Georgia’s citizens, employers, and community resonates deeply, and I am privileged to be a part of this team. I have always tried to keep an open mind, learn from those around me, and give back when I can as we make life a little better for people in Georgia,” Bowen says.