Table of Contents
A dual leadership role for Frank Bisignano will see him together serve as commissioner of the Social security Administration (SSA) and CEO of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Treasury Department announced on October 6. This move allows the trump administration to install a key appointee without undergoing the Senate confirmation process, according to reports.
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for both agencies. The IRS is grappling with the implementation of the new tax law signed into law on July 4, which features numerous changes to deductions, and navigating the challenges presented by a recent government shutdown.Simultaneously occurring, the SSA is undergoing its own modernization efforts.
According to the treasury Department’s press release, Bisignano, in his capacity as IRS CEO, will report directly to Bessent, who is also acting commissioner of the IRS. He will be responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operations of the IRS.
Bessent emphasized the common ground between the two agencies, stating, “The IRS and the SSA have several goals in common when it comes to technology and customer service.” He further highlighted Bisignano’s proven track record, noting his experience in “driving growth and efficiency in the private and now public sector.”
A Record of Advancement at the SSA
Bisignano’s leadership at the SSA has already yielded positive results.Reports indicate he has successfully reduced customer service wait times and integrated artificial intelligence into the agency’s phone system. “Under his leadership at the SSA, he has already made vital and substantial progress,” Bessent said, “and we are pleased that he will bring this expertise to the IRS as we sharpen our focus on collections, privacy and customer service in order to deliver better outcomes for hardworking Americans.”
The move follows the removal of the previous IRS head, Billy Long, by President Trump in August, with Long subsequently nominated as the ambassador to Iceland. Bessent assumed leadership of the IRS at that time. Both Bessent and Bisignano are expected to maintain their dual roles “indefinitely,” according to reports.
from Private Sector to Public Service
Prior to joining the SSA, Bisignano held prominent positions in the private sector, serving as chairman and CEO of Fiserv. He spearheaded the 2019 merger between Fiserv and First Data while also serving as CEO of First Data.
When announcing Bisignano’s appointment to oversee the SSA in December, President Trump praised him as “a buisness leader, with a tremendous track record of transforming large corporations,” adding that he would be “responsible to deliver on the agency’s commitment to the American people for generations to come!” The statement was originally made on Trump’s Truth Social platform.
A “Digital-First” vision for the SSA
bisignano has publicly articulated a vision for the SSA as a “digital-first organization.” He believes leveraging technology and AI will
…will be crucial to improving service delivery and efficiency. This includes expanding online services and automating routine tasks.
Why did this happen? The Trump administration sought to install a trusted appointee-Frank Bisignano-into a key leadership position at the IRS without undergoing the Senate confirmation process. This was achieved by leveraging his existing role as SSA commissioner. The administration also aimed to streamline operations and improve efficiency between the two agencies.
Who was involved? Frank Bisignano (SSA Commissioner/IRS CEO), Bessent (Acting IRS Commissioner), President Trump, Billy Long (former IRS head, nominated as ambassador to Iceland).
