Patrick Brophy

Boston-based construction giant Suffolk has hired a longtime City Hall aide as its top ambassador to local governments where it does business.

Patrick Brophy, Boston’s chief of operations under former Mayor Marty Walsh, will be the company’s senior director of external affairs, covering the Northeast United States. His hiring by Suffolk comes as the company is dipping its toes into Boston’s real estate development scene. Suffolk Capital, its new investment arm, is a major partner in efforts to build a large Amazon distribution center in Boston’s Widett Circle. Suffolk was also a partner in a now-failed attempt to build an air rights tower next to the Hynes Convention Center.

“Suffolk is committed to leading the industry on important issues and serving as a collaborative, inclusive partner in the communities in which we work. Mr. Brophy will be responsible for building relationships with local businesses, community groups and elected officials to allow Suffolk to play an active role in meeting the needs of these neighborhoods while serving as an influential voice on issues critical to real estate development and construction,” the company said in a statement.

Brophy had first joined the city’s staff 26 years ago under Mayor Tom Menino. As chief of operations under Walsh, Brophy oversaw hundreds of unionized employees for the Property Management Department responsible for the management of the city’s municipal building inventory; the Inspectional Services Department responsible for enforcing building, housing, health, sanitation and safety regulations to protect the quality of life for residents and businesses; and Public Facilities Department responsible for the city’s construction management department and all major municipal building programming, design and construction.

Boston Mayor Kim Janey announced she will be replacing Brophy with Dion Irish, commissioner of the city’s Inspectional Services Department. Prior to becoming commissioner, Irish worked at ISD for 17 years, previously working as assistant commissioner and director of housing Inspections for 12 years. He has also led the city’s Office of Fair Housing and Equity and worked as commissioner of Boston’s Election Department.

“I can’t thank Chief Brophy enough for his steadfast leadership and dedication to the City of Boston during his 26 years of service across three administrations,” Janey said in a statement.

“Few individuals have the level of expertise and knowledge that Dion will bring to this critical position on day one. Dion’s robust understanding of municipal operations and permitting issues make him uniquely qualified to take on the responsibilities of the job and continue to advance the progress made under Chief Brophy’s leadership. I am fortunate to welcome such an experienced leader to my cabinet,” she added.