U.S. General Services Administration
Terrance Cowley named PBS acquisition director
Terrance Cowley is the new director of the PBS Region 6 Acquisition Management Division, a role previously filled by Deputy Regional Commissioner David Rumsey. Rumsey has been acting as both division director and deputy regional commissioner since 2020.
Cowley worked for a Kansas City investment management firm before joining GSA in 2007. His roles have included contract specialist, contracting officer and team lead, and branch chief of services acquisition. He’s been on the regional leadership team since April 2020.
“Terrance has built relationships and coalitions, both regionally and nationally,” Regional Commissioner Kevin Rothmier said. “He’s helped Region 6 embrace innovation in our service contracts, created increased efficiencies, contributed positively to our socio-economic goals, and ultimately passed on those benefits to the taxpayer.”
David Rumsey
Rumsey served as the PBS Region 6 director of acquisition management from 2018-2022. He was named Outstanding Acquisition Professional of the year in 2021.
“David has demonstrated distinctive character and commitment to PBS and our customers,” Rothmier said. “I’m thrilled to have him join the front office full time as the Deputy Regional Commissioner for the Heartland.”
Q&A with Director Terrance Cowley
What do you look forward to most about leading the division?
“The PBS business is at an exciting (and critical) juncture where we are learning how to navigate the post-COVID era in real estate. This time of change has provided an opportunity to be even more strategic with our acquisitions than we’ve ever been before, and I know our AMD team is up for the challenge! The team meetings with the division’s leadership team have already been filled with lots of laughter and meaningful, solution-oriented discussions. I’m equally excited about some tweaks we will be making to our construction operations that will provide for additional expertise and specialization around our capital construction and Indefinite Delivery Vehicle programs. In the coming year, we will continue to lean forward into adopting technology and automation to make our work faster and more accurate. I expect the division will also continue to heavily invest in our new hire program, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know our new staff even better than before!”
How do you think your previous experience prepared you for the new role?
“For 15 years I have been able to contribute to the tactical operations of PBS as a contract specialist, contracting officer, team lead and branch chief, which have all prepared me to now lead our Acquisition Management Division. I have also been blessed to be supported by great leaders throughout my career. Each supervisor has allowed me to grow into my new role, which has been invaluable to my personal and professional development. Courtney Springer taught me the importance of building strong coalitions and how to bring humility to each day; Crystal Martin showed me how to lead with compassion, thoroughness, and accuracy; and David Rumsey has been a consummate professional and mentor for me since we joined PBS in 2007. I hope to carry a small piece of each of their unique leadership styles into the new director role. Prior to joining GSA, I also spent time with a private investment management firm based in Kansas City, where I learned to appreciate the speed of the business, professionalism, and competitiveness of the workforce.”
Anything else you’d like to share?
“PBS has provided not only a tremendous career but friendships that will genuinely last a lifetime. The people in R6 are the most caring and passionate folks anywhere in the country, and the leadership of the region always puts our people first. I can’t wait to continue (and get started) working with everyone in my new capacity and look forward to seeing you at the regional office, field office, or golf course soon!”
Q&A with Deputy Regional Commissioner David Rumsey
What are your top priorities for PBS Region 6?
“Although referred to in many different ways, our priorities have always been people and purpose. We will continue to collaborate nationally and within the region to develop, adapt, and execute our strategic plans — which include investing in our people and delivering on our purpose. The region’s outstanding performance is a reflection of great people engaged in our purpose.”
What do you look forward to most about being the full-time deputy regional commissioner?
“Investing more time in interdivisional and interorganizational efforts.”
Anything else you’d like to share?
“I am very grateful for my family at home and my teammates at PBS. My incredible wife and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. We have two wonderful children, a son and daughter, both in high school. I worked in the private sector for nearly 10 years and have been with GSA for more than 15. The PBS R6 Team is awesome. I enjoy learning. I appreciate hearing everyone’s thoughts. I welcome feedback. I love the PBS R6 values and will be looking for new ways to apply those within the deputy role.”