COWAN, William (Mo), a Senator from Massachusetts; born in Yadkinville, N. C., April 4, 1969; graduated Duke University, A.B., 1991; graduated Northeastern University School of Law, J.D., 1994; law partner; legal counsel and chief of staff to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick 2009-2012; appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate on February 1, 2013, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John F. Kerry.