Joe Holleman
Political correspondent/columnist
Some people just aren't good at retiring.
Longtime political operative Tom Irwin has taken a position as vice president for regional development and political affairs for health-insurance giant .
Irwin retired in July from Civic Progress, after 12 years as its executive director. Shortly thereafter, he landed the Centene job.
During his 35-plus years in St. Louis, Irwin also has been the executive director of both the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Bi-State Development Agency.
His resume includes stints on the staffs of former St. Louis Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr. and County Executive George "Buzz" Westfall; as well as executive positions with St. Louis’ economic development agency and the Regional Commerce and Growth Association.
