In a significant development, Frank Bisignano has been appointed as the inaugural CEO of the IRS by the Biden administration. This new role marks a historic first, as it combines the leadership of the IRS with his ongoing position as Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner.
Details of the Appointment
Bisignano’s dual responsibilities will require him to oversee all daily operations of the IRS while continuing his role at the SSA. The announcement came from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is currently serving as the acting commissioner of the IRS.
Background Context
- Bisignano has previously held leadership positions, notably as CEO of Fiserv since 2020.
- His appointment occurs amid a larger pattern of leadership changes within federal agencies during the current presidential term.
- Scott Bessent became acting commissioner in August after the departure of former U.S. Representative Billy Long.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
There are concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. Mike Kaercher, a deputy director at the Tax Law Center at NYU, highlighted the risks involved when one individual controls both the IRS and SSA, particularly regarding access to taxpayer data.
Advocacy Responses
- Kathleen Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities questioned whether the Senate would approve such dual leadership.
- Nancy Altman from Social Security Works expressed worries about Bisignano’s divided focus impacting SSA operations.
Historically, no SSA commissioner has taken up a second job during their tenure. This unique situation raises alarms about the future governance of the agency, particularly as leadership vacancies persist.
As Bisignano steps into this pivotal role, the implications of his dual positions will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the IRS and SSA.
