Leon I. Brauner has worked as a costume designer and educator for over 40 years and has recently retired.  His work during that period has included, designs for academic theatre, regional opera, ballet, theatre, and modern dance companies in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, New York, and other Western and Midwest cities. Brauner's designs have been exhibited in Warsaw, Belgrade, Prague, and a number of cities in the United States.  His most recent seven years prior to retirement have been spent as the Chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Drama at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. 
During his professional Career, Brauner has worked for USITT in a variety of positions, including:  Costume Commissioner, Vice-president for Commissions, Vice-president for Programming, Vice-president for Conferences, and President.   He is currently head of the OISTAT Centre in the United States.  In addition, he serves on the OISTAT Executive Committee.  He is a Fellow of USITT, and has received several national awards, including the USITT Founder’s Award, for his work in the theatre and in support of US designers, technicians, and architects.  He currently serves on the USITT Board of Directors.