Elected Mayor of the City of Shaker Heights in 2007, Earl Leiken previously served two four-year terms as a City Council member, from 2000 through 2007. 

He was a member of the Shaker Heights Board of Education and served as its president. Leiken was a partner of the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, and past president of Shaker Family Center. He also served on the Youth Center Board. 

He has been a member of the Jewish Community Center board and served as its president. Mayor Leiken is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.