IR-2004-56, April 15, 2004 Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Mark W. Everson, joined by Treasury General Counsel Arnold I. Havens, administered the oath of office Wednesday to Donald Korb, who becomes the 46th IRS Chief Counsel. “Don brings a wealth of government and private-sector experience to the Chief Counsel’s office,” Everson said. “I look forward to having him as a strong partner as we continue to strengthen our enforcement of the nation’s tax laws.” Under the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, the Chief Counsel reports to both the IRS Commissioner and the Treasury General Counsel. “I am delighted that Don has been sworn in and I welcome his arrival,” said Havens. “We have a lot of important work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with Don and the commissioner as we continue to move forward with our agenda.” Korb, who was confirmed by the Senate last week, begins his third tour with the IRS. In 1974, he began work as an attorney/adviser in the Chief Counsel’s office and spent four years handling a variety of issues. He rejoined the IRS for two years in the mid-1980s as a Special Assistant to then-Commissioner Roscoe Egger. Korb served as the overall coordinator of the Service's involvement in the legislative process that resulted in the Tax Reform Act of 1986 Korb most recently served as a partner at the Cleveland-based law firm of Thompson Hine LLP before being nominated by President Bush in December. Previously, he served in the same position for Coopers & Lybrand LLP in Cleveland. “I am humbled by the confidence that the President, Secretary Snow, and Commissioner Everson have placed in me by giving me the opportunity to serve my country in this capacity,” Korb said in his Senate confirmation hearing. He also said his top priority was to assist Everson with the agency’s three key goals: Continue to enhance the service that the IRS provides to taxpayers. Continue to modernize the information technology systems of the IRS. Strengthen the integrity of the nation's tax system through enhanced enforcement activities.
