Tom Irwin

Tom Irwin, the ex-Marine who is one of the region’s most deft handlers of tough political problems, has been named the executive director of Civic Progress. Tom will replace John Roberts, who handled the Civic Progress assignment with quiet competence and good humor.

Tom brings to his new job an enthusiasm for the sorts of details of governance that most other people ignore. His rolodex, developed during years as a staffer for both the City and the county, as the state’s top gambling regulator, as executive director of Bi-State, and as a top executive at the RCGA, is full of people who know how to get things done.

The savvy executives who make up Civic Progress make good decisions all the time. Tom’s appointment, though, is one of their best.