NEW YORK (AP) — PEN America announced Thursday that interim CEOs Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf have been appointed to permanently oversee the century-old literary and free expression organization. PEN America names Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf as permanent CEOs “Summer and Clarisse have been the guiding force behind PEN America’s extraordinary literary programming and robust defense of free expression,” Dinaw Mengestu, president of PEN’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “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.” Before taking on their current positions, Lopez had been serving as chief program officer for free expression programs and Rosaz Shariyf as chief program officer for literary programs. Lopez, 48, and Rosaz Shariyf, 49, stepped in near the end of 2024 after the departure of Suzanne Nossel, who had served since 2013. Nossel presided over an era of growth and heightened visibility for PEN …