Howson holds a bachelor's degree from
York University and is a graduate of York's
Osgoode Hall Law School. After retiring from playing, he practiced law before joining the
Edmonton Oilers organization in 1994 as general manager of their AHL affiliates, the
Cape Breton Oilers and later the
Hamilton Bulldogs. When
Glen Sather left the Oilers for the
New York Rangers and the Oilers hired Kevin Lowe, Lowe immediately promoted Howson to the Oilers where he served as assistant general manager from 2002 to 2007. Howson's AHL clubs reached the Calder Cup Finals in 1997 and 2003, and he served on the AHL's board of governors. On June 15, 2007, Howson was named general manager of the
Columbus Blue Jackets, and he guided the franchise to its first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in 2009. He was relieved of his duties on February 12, 2013. On March 12, 2013, Howson was hired by the Edmonton Oilers as a professional scout. On April 15, 2013, the Oilers named him the senior vice president of hockey operations. When
Peter Chiarelli was hired as the Oilers' general manager in 2015, Howson's role was changed to vice president of player personnel. ==AHL Presidency==