IRS leadership reshuffle aligns agency with Trump priorities
The IRS is restructuring its leadership under CEO Frank Bisignano. A made-up title and role created so that the new Commissioner doesn’t face the ire of Congress during confirmation hearings.
The changes consolidate authority, replace departing executives, and elevate officials aligned with Republican priorities. The overhaul follows heavy workforce attrition and signals a shift in enforcement and administration strategy.
This matters because leadership controls how compliance, enforcement, and taxpayer protections operate in practice.
The Law in Play
The IRS operates within the Internal Revenue Code under the Department of the Treasury.
The Commissioner has broad authority to organize internal functions and appoint senior executives. The core question is how much enforcement and taxpayer-facing work can change without statutory amendments.
Supporters argue that reorganization improves accountability and efficiency within existing legal bounds.
Timeline
April 2024: Guy Ficco becomes chief of IRS Criminal Investigation.
May 7, 2025: Frank Bisignano starts as Social Security Commissioner.
October 6, 2025: Treasury names Bisignano as the IRS's CEO, while he retains the SSA role.
2025: IRS workforce shrinks by about 26% following Trump administration exit incentives.
January 20–21, 2026: Bisignano issues the executive org overhaul and new leadership assignments.
Present: Jarod Koopman leads Criminal Investigation and also serves as the chief tax compliance officer under the new structure.
Leadership Changes
Frank Bisignano now co-leads tax compliance while also serving as Social Security Commissioner. Guy Ficco exits as chief of Criminal Investigation after less than a year in the role. Jarod Koopman becomes head of Criminal Investigation and co-chief of tax compliance.
Gary Shapley is appointed deputy chief of Criminal Investigation. Joseph Ziegler moves into a new role as chief of internal consulting. Both previously testified before Congress on the Hunter Biden tax investigation and received Republican support.
Todd Newnam becomes chief financial officer. His portfolio includes procurement, facilities, and privacy functions. He joined Treasury during the Trump administration as part of the Department of Government Efficiency initiative.
Other changes include:
David Borden is replacing John Hinding as chief of the Independent Office of Appeals.
Alex Kweskin is replacing David Traynor as chief human capital officer.
Dottie Romo is shifting from chief operating officer to chief risk and control officer.
Elimination of the chief operating officer role entirely.
Several senior officials remain in place, including the National Taxpayer Advocate, heads of taxpayer services, information technology, data analytics, communications, and the chief of staff.
The Larger Story
The IRS is adapting to a smaller workforce with centralized control. Leadership turnover has weakened institutional continuity across enforcement and appeals functions.
The reorganization reflects broader executive branch pressure to align tax administration with immigration, privacy, and oversight priorities. It also shows how administrative authority can redirect agency focus without changing tax law.
What It Means in Practice
Expect tighter coordination between civil compliance and criminal investigation.
Appeals and taxpayer protections remain structurally intact but may face resource strain.
Procurement and data governance now report directly through leadership aligned with administration priorities.
Enforcement priorities may shift toward politically sensitive areas, including tax-exempt organizations.
Internal controls and risk management take precedence over operational independence.
Next Steps
Watch for updated enforcement guidance and internal compliance directives. Congressional oversight hearings may revisit whistleblower roles and enforcement decisions. Any statutory changes would require legislative action, not administrative reorganization.
One More Thing
With fewer executives and more direct reporting lines, IRS policy will reflect leadership priorities faster than before.