January 28, 2003
January 27, 2003
Entrepreneur and former state Senator Mitch Irwin today was nominated by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to be the director of the Department of Management and Budget. Irwin’s selection fills out Granholm’s Cabinet picks.
“The people of Michigan simply couldn’t ask for a better leader for a department that manages so many of the nuts-and-bolts operations of their government,” Granholm said. “I am very pleased that Mitch Irwin will bring his leadership skills and business experience back to the state’s capitol. We are fortunate to have his expertise as we set out to reshape state government.”
Irwin previously served in the Michigan Senate from 1979 to 1991, including a stint as Democratic Floor Leader from 1986 to 1990. He represented the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern lower Michigan. Currently, he is owner and president of The Irwin Group, Ltd., an East Lansing-based business development, investment and consulting firm. Irwin also participates in numerous limited liability companies that have developed a number of small businesses around the state. He also is the founder of Horizon Energy, LLC, a company that invests in energy production and equities.
Granholm said that Irwin would play a key role in her administration because of the restructuring of state government that will occur due to budget cuts in the upcoming year.
“ As we work to restructure our state government so that it lives within its financial means, Mitch will help us ensure that our daily operations run smoothly, effectively and efficiently,” Granholm said. “Our priorities will be to streamline services and reduce bureaucracy.”
Irwin, age 50, maintains residences in East Lansing and Sault Ste. Marie and is married to Cynthia. He is a member of the Michigan 4-H Board of Trustees and the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.
