Frederick H. Bowis

MADAF is proud to recognize Frederick H. Bowis (1932-1993) as our fourth inductee into the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association Foundation Hall of Fame. Born in Washington, D.C., Fred attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating with an engineering degree in 1954. He later attended American University and earned a law degree in 1963. Fred married Susan Hench in 1954; a union which produced three children and 6 grandchildren.

Fred began his automotive career in 1955. He began working at his father, Arthur Bowis’ dealership, Chevy Chase Motor Company, which was founded in 1939. Fred became president of Chevy Chase Chevyland in 1970 and retired in 1991. During that time, he received the Brand Name Foundation Automotive Retailer of the Year Award in 1973. He served on the Board of MADA and WANADA. He also served on the board of NADA. Fred also received the distinction of representing the Washington area as the 1980 TIME Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year finalist.

Fred was very active in his community and in his church. He served as an ordained elder, treasurer, and trustee on the board of directors at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church. He served on several local community boards including the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA, the Bethesda Boys Club as well as a long-time member of the board of directors of the Bank of Bethesda. Fred was a former president of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club, as well as vice-president of the Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. Fred was the recipient of many community awards including the Rotary International’s Best Club President Award, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber’s coveted William Prescott Allen Award and the Salute to Youth YMCA Award of Montgomery County to name a few.