Spires to head IRS modernization

Richard Spires will lead IRS' business systems modernization, effective around mid-September, the agency announced.

The move comes in response to studies last year that criticized the tax agency's managers for lack of experience in managing large projects.

IRS Chief Information Officer Todd Grams hired Spires, former president of Mantas Inc. of Fairfax, Va., in April as associate CIO for modernization management. Spires has been working with Fred Forman, associate IRS commissioner for business systems modernization, to ensure delivery of the Integrated Financial System in October. Forman, who has led the initiative since April 2002, will leave in November.