Irwin Smith
Senior Managing Director, Nakoma Capital Management LLC

 >> Next Bio

 After graduating, Irwin joined the trust department at Bank of America. In 1971, he began working with the State of Connecticut as the Deputy Treasurer/ Chief Investment Officer. His responsibilities included administration and investment of the state’s trust and general funds.

In 1975, Irwin joined Columbus Circle Investors (CCI), then a division of Gulf & Western Industries, as Chairman and Chief Investment Officer. In 1985, CCI because a division of Thomson McKinnon Asset Management L.P., which went public in November 1987. Three years later, Irwin and other members of management, along with two venture capital firms, acquired controlling interest in the firm and renamed it Thomson Advisory Group L.P. In 1993, Thomson Advisory Group merged with six investment sub partnerships of Pacific Mutual, the largest being Pacific Investment Management Company.

When Irwin joined CCI, the company employed six people and managed about $60 million. By the time he left in 1999, the company employed 106 people and managed about $15 billion.

Currently, Irwin serves as the Senior Managing Director of Nakoma Capital Management, LLC in Arizona.

Irwin has supported the School of Business and the University with both his time and resources. He has been central to the School’s Applied Security Analysis Program since it began 30 years ago. He currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board as well as the UW Foundation Board of Directors.

Irwin and his wife Linda provided tremendous financial support for the Fluno Center for Executive Education. They also provided funding for the D.C. Smith Greenhouse, named in honor of Irwin’s father.

Irwin has also supported Christina’s Smile, a foundation providing free dental care to children in need.

Irwin and Linda have two grown children, Stephen and Susan.