Longtime PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel To Lead Freedom House

After over a decade of transformative leadership, Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, will step down to become CEO of Freedom House. During her time at PEN, Nossel expanded the organization’s budget tenfold, implementing programs on prison writing, book bans, and advocacy for writers globally.

Significant Growth and Recent Controversy

Under Nossel’s leadership, PEN America’s presence surged through high-profile events, including the annual gala and World Voices Festival, featuring authors from around the world. However, recent tensions arose as PEN faced criticism over its response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to the cancellation of major events after many authors and nominees withdrew in protest.

Freedom House: A New Chapter for Nossel

In her new role at Freedom House, Nossel will lead efforts promoting democracy and human rights, a move she describes as “an extraordinary honor.” Freedom House, founded in 1941, has a long history of advocating against tyranny and promoting democratic values.

PEN America’s Leadership Transition

During the search for a new permanent CEO, PEN America announced that Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf will jointly serve as interim CEOs. Lopez, chief program officer for free expression, and Rosaz Shariyf, chief program officer for literary programs, bring their expertise and dedication to PEN’s mission during this transitional period.

Acknowledgments from PEN America

PEN America President Jennifer Finney Boylan expressed gratitude for Nossel’s decade of service, noting her profound impact on the organization and wishing her well in her future endeavors at Freedom House.