Today's Read Contributor On February 12, 2026, PEN America, one of the most influential literary and free expression organizations in the United States, announced a major leadership shift that could have lasting implications for the publishing world, authors, and the broader literary community. Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf were named co‑chief executive officers of the century‑old nonprofit, marking a new chapter in the organization’s history after years of internal change and external scrutiny.
Who PEN America Is and Why It Matters
Founded in 1922, PEN America champions free expression and the rights of writers while advocating for literature’s role in society. The organization’s work spans literary awards and festivals, book advocacy, prison writing programs, translation initiatives, and press freedom efforts. PEN’s influence extends into cultural debates about reading, writing, censorship, and the protection of diverse voices in public life.
Its leadership and programming often act as a bellwether for the literary community, offering insight into trends that affect authors, publishers, educators, and readers alike.
Leadership Transition: What Happened
Lopez and Rosaz Shariyf served as interim CEOs beginning in late 2024 after the departure of longtime leader Suzanne Nossel, who stepped down after more than a decade at the helm. On February 12, the board of PEN America confirmed them in their roles permanently.
- Summer Lopez previously led PEN America’s free expression programs, focusing on defending authors, journalists, and artists against censorship and systemic pressure.
- Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf has overseen the organization’s literary initiatives, championing writing programs, awards, and public engagement.
Their appointments follow a period of organizational tension over how PEN responded to international and domestic controversies, including criticism of the organization’s stance during the 2023–24 Middle East conflicts, which affected participation in festivals and awards. Events canceled in response to withdrawals from writers in 2024 have since resumed, but the leadership transition reflects broader efforts to unify PEN’s mission with evolving expectations from the literary community.
What This Means for the Literary Community
PEN America’s leadership matters because the organization plays a significant role in shaping discourse around literature, free expression, and intellectual debate in the U.S. Its programs touch everything from defending authors’ rights to publishing works on contentious subjects to awarding excellence in fiction and nonfiction writing.
Under the new leadership, PEN plans to expand its reach by continuing its flagship events, including:
- The PEN America Literary Awards, which celebrate outstanding work across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. These prizes are anticipated later this spring and help spotlight authors whose work resonates culturally and artistically.
- An annual gala on May 14, where figures such as bestselling author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum will be honored, a sign of PEN’s strong ties with creative industries.
The Role of Advocacy and Free Expression Today
Beyond celebrations of literary creativity, PEN America remains deeply engaged in advocacy work that affects what books are available, what voices are heard, and how literature intersects with social issues. This includes:
- Monitoring book bans and censorship trends in education and libraries.
- Supporting authors in environments where free expression is under threat.
- Providing platforms for marginalized and underrepresented writers.
These efforts resonate in a broader cultural context where debates about curricula, reading lists, and the availability of diverse literature are increasingly prominent in schools, libraries, and public institutions. PEN’s leadership and programming choices influence how such debates unfold and how authors and readers engage with literature on both sides of contentious issues.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Literary Engagement
As PEN prepares for its annual awards season and a packed calendar of events, the organization’s new leadership could shape how literary culture evolves in 2026. For authors, whether established or emerging, PEN America’s initiatives represent opportunities for recognition, engagement, and advocacy.
The organization’s work illustrates how literature intersects with community, advocacy, and cultural conversation, reminding readers and writers alike that books are not just objects on a shelf but catalysts for connection, debate, and understanding.
