PEN America Names Permanent Co-CEOs

Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf to lead literary and free expression organization

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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PEN America, the century-old literary and free expression organization, has appointed Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf as its permanent co-CEOs. The pair had previously served as interim leaders after the departure of former CEO Suzanne Nossel in 2024. PEN America's board of trustees praised Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf's leadership in guiding the organization's literary programming and advocacy for free expression.

Why it matters

The appointment of Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf as permanent co-CEOs comes at a critical time for PEN America, which faced criticism in 2023-24 over its response to the Israel-Hamas war and the rights of Palestinian writers. The new leadership is tasked with rebuilding trust and strengthening PEN's role as a leading voice for literary and free expression causes.

The details

Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf stepped into the interim CEO roles in late 2024 after the departure of Suzanne Nossel, who had led PEN America since 2013. Under Nossel's tenure, the organization saw growth and heightened visibility, but also faced ongoing criticism over its perceived reluctance to criticize Israel and defend the rights of Palestinian writers. This led to the cancellation of PEN's awards ceremony and 'World Voices' festival in 2024, though both events have since resumed.

  • In late 2024, Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf took on the interim CEO roles at PEN America.
  • On February 12, 2026, PEN America announced that Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf have been appointed as the organization's permanent co-CEOs.

The players

Summer Lopez

Co-CEO of PEN America, previously served as the organization's chief program officer for free expression programs.

Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf

Co-CEO of PEN America, previously served as the organization's chief program officer for literary programs.

Dinaw Mengestu

President of PEN America's board of trustees.

Suzanne Nossel

Former CEO of PEN America, who led the organization from 2013 until her departure in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Summer and Clarisse have been the guiding force behind PEN America's extraordinary literary programming and robust defense of free expression. They are relentless advocates for writers and our staff and members, helping to build a stronger and more engaged organization — one that stands firmly by its values and is prepared to meet the extraordinary challenges ahead.”

— Dinaw Mengestu, President of PEN America's board of trustees

What’s next

PEN America's annual dinner gala is scheduled for May 14, 2026, with author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum among the guests of honor.

The takeaway

The appointment of Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf as permanent co-CEOs represents a critical moment for PEN America as it seeks to rebuild trust and strengthen its role as a leading voice for literary and free expression causes, particularly in the wake of past controversies over its response to the Israel-Hamas war and the rights of Palestinian writers.