James J. Leisenring was appointed a member of the International Accounting Standards Board and its liaison member to the FASB in 2001. At the time of his appointment he was Director of International Activities at the FASB.
Mr. Leisenring joined the staff of the FASB in 1982 as director of research and technical activities and became Chairman of the Emerging Issues Task Force when it was formed in 1984. Mr. Leisenring was appointed as a member of the FASB in October 1987 was appointed its vice chairman in January 1988 where he served until June 2000.
He served as chairman of the FASB Derivatives Implementation Group and the FASB Financial Instruments Task Force. He was also a member of the International Joint Working Group on Financial Instruments. Mr. Leisenring also served as chairman of the G4+1 group of standard setters.
Prior to joining the FASB, he was a partner and director of accounting and auditing for Bristol, Leisenring, Herkner & Co. of Battle Creek, Michigan. He served as chairman of the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of CPAs and has been a member of several other Institute committees. From 1964 to 1969 he was a member of the faculty of Western Michigan University.
Mr. Leisenring received his BA from Albion College and an MBA from Western Michigan University. Mr. Leisenring is a member of the Accounting Hall of Fame.