Dion Irish has been hired as the executive director of the city’s Fair Housing Commission, which works to eliminate discrimination and increase access to housing in Boston.

Irish has worked for the city for 17 years, serving as assistant commissioner for housing for the Inspectional Services Department for the past 11 years. He has been a housing inspector, community liaison, director of constituent services and assistant director of housing inspections. Under Irish’s leadership the city received national recognition in 2008 for its asthma home inspection program, Breathe Easy At Home, and this year for the statewide housing inspection training program he helped establish.

 "There is no room for housing discrimination in this city," Irish said in a statement. "I am proud to get the chance to stand up for equitable housing for the people of Boston."

Irish was raised in Dorchester and continues to reside there.