He was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2009 for his leadership in the design of nuclear-reactor propulsion plants to support the power requirements of evolving combat systems.

The third successor to Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, Bowman assumed duties as Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, on September 27, 1996.

He was appointed president and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) in February 2005.

[4] Bowman resigned as president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Instititue announced 14 November 2008 in NEI Smart Brief.

[5] In 2006, Bowman was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).