TEI appoints IRS executive commissioner its new executive director; Michael J. Murphy to assume post by March 1.

Tax Executives Institute has appointed Michael J. Murphy to be its new Executive Director. The appointment of Mr. Murphy -- who is retiring after nearly 30 years' service with the Internal Revenue Service, most recently as Deputy Commissioner -- was made by TEI President Reginald W. Kowalchuk during the Institute's 1991 Annual Conference. Mr. Murphy will succeed Thomas P. Kerester. As Executive Director, Mr. Murphy will assume control over the day-to-day management of all aspects of the Institute, including its educational programs and technical activities.

In announcing the appointment, Mr. Kowalchuk stressed Mr. Murphy's intimate knowledge of the Internal Revenue Service, his excellent rapport with both IRS officials as well as key members of Congress, and his strong managerial background.

"A year ago, TEI was proud to recommend Mike Murphy for the National Public Service Award," Mr. Kowalchuck said. "Mike deserved -- and received -- the prestigious award because he is a public servant who truly believes in public service." In its letter of recommendation, TEI told the National Academy of Public Administration that Mr. Murphy was "a vital link between the various stakeholders in the American tax system." At that time, the Institute wrote:

"For nearly three decades, Mike has devoted himself to bettering relations between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service. For nearly three decades, he has devoted himself to making the system work. For nearly three decades, he has been part of the solution, not part of the problem."

"When TEI recommended Mike for the award, we did not realize we might have the opportunity to secure his services for the Institute," Mr. Kowalchuk said. "I am absolutely delighted -- as is our Board of Directors and entire membership -- that Mike will become TEI's Executive Director."

Mr. Murphy began his career with the IRS in 1962. A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, he has been posted in Milwaukee, Des Moines, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in August 1987. As a top adviser to the IRS Commissioner, he helps make major decisions on the direction of the agency and the federal tax administration system. Mr. Murphy has ultimate responsibility for the IRS's $6.1 billion budget and its workforce of 116,000 employees. A strong advocate of the IRS's Tax System Modernization Program, Mr. Murphy has guided the agency through key organizational changes.

Mr. Murphy holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Spencerian College in Milwaukee and is a 1984 graduate of Harvard's Advanced Management Program. He and his wife, Lonnie, have one son, Dan.