Military Background Helps Facilities Executive Thrive

Brian Cowperthwaite's 22 years in the U.S. military prepared him for a successful career in facilities management.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Brian Cowperthwaite, the vice president of facilities and operations for the Medical College of Wisconsin, brings a unique skillset to his role honed from over 22 years in the U.S. military. Cowperthwaite's military experience, which included stints as an operations manager and logistics manager, has translated well to the fast-paced, ever-changing world of facilities management. He has leveraged his ability to think on his feet and embrace change to excel in roles at the University of Chicago and now the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Why it matters

Military backgrounds can provide valuable skills for careers in facilities management, including adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership. Cowperthwaite's story shows how the experience and training from military service can set executives up for success in the civilian world, particularly in roles that require managing complex operations, budgets, and diverse teams.

The details

Cowperthwaite spent 22 years in the military, gaining experience in operations and logistics management. This included overseeing more than 5,000 U.S. Marine Corps infantry regimental combat teams overseas and managing a rotating population of up to 12,000 personnel at a training center in California. He embraced asset management, CMMS, recycling programs, and transportation management in the military, skills that would prove valuable in his future facilities roles. After leaving the military, Cowperthwaite worked in the wind energy industry before transitioning to higher education, first at the University of Chicago and now at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In these roles, he has leveraged his military-honed abilities to problem-solve, adapt to change, and effectively manage large teams and budgets.

  • Cowperthwaite spent 22 years in the military before leaving to pursue a civilian career.
  • He worked in the wind energy industry before transitioning to higher education in 2016.
  • Cowperthwaite became the vice president of facilities and operations at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2021.

The players

Brian Cowperthwaite

The vice president of facilities and operations for the Medical College of Wisconsin, Cowperthwaite has a 22-year background in the U.S. military that has translated well to his career in facilities management.

John D'Angelo

The former vice president of capital planning and facilities at the University of Chicago, D'Angelo took Cowperthwaite under his wing and helped him transition to higher education.

Bob Bandura

The chief electrical engineer in facilities services at the University of Chicago, Bandura praised Cowperthwaite's ability to remain calm and professional during crises.

Medical College of Wisconsin

The institution where Cowperthwaite currently serves as vice president of facilities and operations, overseeing nearly 50 acres and 2 million square feet of space.

University of Chicago

The higher education institution where Cowperthwaite previously worked as the senior director of facility services operations and maintenance.

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What they’re saying

“You just have to be ready to do something different all the time, and you just have to deal with it.”

— Brian Cowperthwaite, Vice President of Facilities and Operations, Medical College of Wisconsin (facilitiesnet.com)

“Brian had a career (in the military) that focused on building skills in logistics and leadership. Both of those skills are directly applicable to higher education and any other role in the civilian world.”

— John D'Angelo, Former Vice President of Capital Planning and Facilities, University of Chicago (facilitiesnet.com)

“Brian always had a way to lower the temperature of any campus or hospital situation and crisis, and put things into perspective, calm the waters if you will, and repeatedly stressed not to take anything personal, try to see the other side and keep it professional.”

— Bob Bandura, Chief Electrical Engineer in Facilities Services, University of Chicago (facilitiesnet.com)

What’s next

Cowperthwaite will continue to leverage his military-honed skills to lead the facilities operations at the Medical College of Wisconsin, overseeing the institution's 50-acre, 2 million square foot campus.

The takeaway

Cowperthwaite's story demonstrates how a military background can provide valuable skills and experience for a successful career in facilities management, including adaptability, problem-solving, and effective leadership of diverse teams. His transition from the military to the civilian world, and his ability to excel in complex higher education environments, serves as an inspiring example for other facilities professionals.