After high school, Izen entered St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he received a degree in mathematics and computer science.

Having decided to become a priest, Izen left 3M to attend Saint Paul Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

[4] The archdiocese assigned Izen as associate pastor at Divine Mercy Parish in Faribault, Minnesota.

[2] Pope Francis appointed Izen as an auxiliary bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on January 5, 2023.

On April 11, 2023, Izen was consecrated as a bishop at the Cathedral of Saint Paul by Bernard Hebda, with Andrew Cozzens and Joseph A. Williams serving as co-consecrators.