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Suzanne Nossel Steps Down as CEO of PEN America
Suzanne Nossel has announced her departure from her role as CEO of PEN America, where she will begin a new chapter as the leader of Freedom House, a nonprofit focused on human rights, starting January 7. In the interim, the organization has appointed chief program officers Summer Lopez and Clarissa Rosaz Shariyf to serve as co-CEOs while a national search for a permanent replacement is underway. Nossel will remain available to support the transition process.
Nossel’s leadership at PEN America began in 2013 after a distinguished career in the nonprofit sector, including roles as the chief operating officer of Human Rights Watch and executive director of Amnesty International USA. Before these positions, she served as deputy assistant secretary of state under the Obama administration. Her tenure saw PEN America experience a remarkable transformation, with its revenue reportedly increasing nearly sixfold, as highlighted in tax filings. This period was marked by an expanded budget, a growing staff, and increased membership. Notably, she facilitated the merger with PEN Center USA and the establishment of new offices in Washington, D.C., and Miami.
Throughout her decade-long leadership, Nossel emerged as a prominent advocate for freedom of expression, particularly within the American literary landscape. Her influence was recognized in 2016 when she was named one of the notable figures of the year by Publishers Weekly. Her profile further rose in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory and the subsequent legal challenges PEN initiated against his administration, as well as in the ongoing debate over book bans that have raised pressing issues surrounding free speech.
Despite her accomplishments, Nossel’s tenure was not without controversy. In 2015, PEN’s decision to honor the staff of Charlie Hebdo with its Freedom of Expression Courage Award spurred significant backlash, culminating in an open letter signed by 242 members expressing dissent. Additionally, the recent humanitarian emergency in Gaza has heightened scrutiny of PEN’s responses, placing Nossel and the organization under intense public pressure.
In 2023, the organization faced further backlash, leading to the cancellation of its annual Literary Awards and World Voices festival. Critics pointed to a perceived inconsistency in PEN’s responses to violence against Palestinian civilians compared to its condemnations of attacks on other populations, including Israeli and Ukrainian civilians. In the lead-up to the awards, more than two dozen authors withdrew their work or refused recognition, forcing PEN to call off the award ceremony scheduled for April 29. The World Voices Festival, planned for May 8-11, was similarly canceled amid concerns regarding author participation.
In light of these events, Jennifer Finney Boylan, the president of the PEN America board, announced plans for a comprehensive review of the organization’s actions over the past decade. Meanwhile, Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf has expressed intentions to organize a town hall to address present issues affecting the literary community and PEN America itself.
Under Nossel’s leadership, PEN America also saw the formation of its employee union, PEN America United, in 2022. Following a protracted 21-month negotiation period that included a strike authorization, the union successfully reached its first collective bargaining agreement this summer. During a rally, a striking illustration of the disparity in wages emerged, with demonstrators highlighting Nossel’s salary in contrast to the proposed minimum for staff.
Expressing optimism about the transition, Boylan stated, “We are thrilled to have Summer and Clarisse take the helm of PEN America as interim co-CEOs,” underscoring their commitment to the organization’s mission of elevating literature and safeguarding free expression. She added appreciation for Nossel’s contributions and wished her success in her new role.
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