Phil Klay named president of PEN America

Phil Klay, a National Book Award-winning author and Iraq War veteran, has been named the new president of PEN America. Klay succeeds Dinaw Mengestu, who resigned in July following internal friction regarding a PEN report on the “widening cultural isolation” experienced by Jewish and Israeli writers during the Israel-Hamas war.

Klay takes leadership as the literary organization faces ongoing divisions. Previous leadership changes include the departure of former CEO Suzanne Nossel, who was replaced by co-CEOs Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf and Summer Lopez. The organization has previously faced disruptions, such as the cancellation of its annual awards ceremony and “World Voices” festival due to participant withdrawals related to the conflict.

Klay has expressed support for the recent PEN study while also criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, describing the violence as “unchecked, indiscriminate and targets innocent civilians.” In his introductory statement, Klay emphasized a “broad faith in cultural exchange” and the importance of understanding diverse and uncomfortable ideas.