Well, the retirement of Norris Tolson from a life of business and service didn’t last very long. He’s got a new job, and the Rocky Mount Telegraph says the group that hired him as director made a smart move.

Tolson retired on June 30 as the CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. But those who know him never expected the long-time politician and economic developer to remain idle.

Last week, the Carolinas Gateway Partnership named Tolson its president and CEO.

Here’s a tip of The Skinny’s cap to Tolson – and to the Partnership.

This is a deal that should benefit both.

The editorial board at the Rocky Mount newspaper described the decision succinctly and well.

“There are occasions when a candidate for a job opening seems such an obvious pick that we wonder why we didn’t see it earlier. Such is the fortune of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership as it prepares to welcome its new president and chief executive officer, Norris Tolson,” the paper said in an editorial published Monday.

“Tolson’s middle name should be Service. He has been an effective leader and advocate for the Twin Counties – and all of North Carolins – for much of the past 20 years,” The Telegram wrote.

“Following a long career as an executive for DuPont, Tolson represented parts of Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson and Pitt counties in the N.C. House of Representatives. He then went on to become N.C. Secretary of Commerce and later N.C. Secretary of Transportation.

“That background speaks well for his ability to lead and to work with others toward a common good – key traits for the Carolinas Gateway position.”

The Telegram labels Tolson a “fine pick:

“The fact that he has spent so much of his life in the Twin Counties only enhances his qualifications,” the editorial adds.

The Skinny couldn’t agree more.

Tolson’s role in growing the Biotech Center and, more importantly, North Carolina’s biotech sector in the face of budget cuts and other challenges should NOT be underestimated.

In November 2013, Tolson was named to the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame. He deserved that, beyond any doubt.

Now it’s on to a new job – and a new challenge.

“Mr. Service” is ready.

Read the full editorial at:

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/opinion/our-views/tolson-great-fit-carolinas-gateway-3096977