Wave Maker

Deval Patrick made his first cabinet appointment yesterday, and it's a very good start (and a good sign as well).

Governor-elect Deval Patrick has named a seasoned state manager to fill one of his administration's most significant and powerful posts.

Leslie Kirwan, who has served in state government since the Weld administration, will become secretary of administration and finance, the state's top budget aide

Kirwan is now director of administration and finance and secretary-treasurer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, a position she has held since 1999. In that role, Kirwan leads an 80-person administration and finance team managing a $500 million budget.
Before joining Massport, Kirwan served as undersecretary and chief of staff at the Executive Office of Administration and Finance under Governor William Weld. She began her professional career at the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, becoming deputy commissioner for the Division of Local Services in 1991.

Kirwan holds a master's degree in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and received her undergraduate degree from Radcliffe College.

A&F Secretary is the toughest and most influential position in the cabinet. It will be especially so with Patrick having to balance a budget and deal with two legislative leaders who are used to calling the shots.

The fact that he turned to a seasoned Republican budget professional is an excellent sign.