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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2024
Freedom House Announces Executive and Board Leadership Transitions
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The Executive Board will launch a new search for Freedom House President.
WASHINGTON—Freedom House is pleased to announce that Norman Willox
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will serve as the Chairman of its Board of Trustees effective January 1. Congresswoman Jane Harman and Wendell Willkie II—the current co-Chairs, who over the past few years have guided the organization through a period of growth—will continue their service on the Freedom House Executive Board as co-Chairs Emeritus.
“I am honored to accept the role of Board Chair and am grateful to Jane and Wendell for recommending me and for their extraordinary leadership and continued service to Freedom House,” said Willox. “Freedom House is a national treasure and a global beacon for democracy. We are fortunate to have such expert leaders, employees, and partners that passionately accept their responsibility to carry on the mission of this institution. I have long been proud to support the mission of expanding and defending freedom, which I believe is essential to the security, peace, and prosperity of people and governments around the world.”
Freedom House also announced that Suzanne Nossel, the incoming board-appointed President and CEO, has decided not to join Freedom House in January as planned, and that the Executive Board will launch a new nationwide search to fill the role. Nossel’s selection was announced in October, citing her service with distinction for nearly a dozen years as CEO of PEN America, where she vastly expanded the organization’s programs, fundraising, staff, budget, and impact.
“Suzanne presented a compelling vision to the board for advancing our goals of battling authoritarianism and upholding American democratic values. As we got to know her better in recent months, she demonstrated why she is widely known as a tested, collegial, and clear-headed leader with a powerful track record of success,” said Willkie, Freedom House co-Chair. “We understand that, as a new chapter takes shape in Washington, the role is no longer an ideal match for her goals. We respect her decision and look forward to finding other ways to work together.”
“The world needs the hope Freedom House brings to those who are standing up for their rights in some of the most challenging circumstances,” said Nossel. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such an important institution, reflecting my commitment to the bipartisan defense of fundamental freedoms. Having assessed what the organization needs to go forward amid emerging clarity on the directions and priorities of an incoming administration and Congress, I have determined that Freedom House will be best served by a different leader. I will remain a staunch ally of Freedom House, having long admired its vital work.”
Gerardo Berthin
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, Vice President of International Programs, and Annie Boyajian
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, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, will share the role of interim President while the Executive Board conducts a new presidential search.
“We are grateful to Norm for his willingness to accept the chairmanship baton at such a pivotal time for Freedom House and the world,” said Congresswoman Harman, Freedom House co-Chair. “Norm’s deep understanding of the risks autocracy poses to the United States and the world, and his extensive board leadership experience make him the exact right person for this moment in Freedom House’s history.”
“Freedom House is in exceptional hands,” said Willkie. “Annie and Gerardo bring great leadership skills, integrity, commitment, and passion to their roles and we are grateful for their leadership during this transition.”
Willox, who has served on the Freedom House Board of Trustees since 2020, brings decades of experience in the public and private sectors. He is Managing Partner and CEO of Bluewater International, a leading information risk investment advisory firm he founded in 2009. Previously, Willox co-founded Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions group and spearheaded several government initiatives after the attacks of September 11, 2001, to address the emerging threats of global terrorism and cybercrime.
Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free.
We inform the world about threats to freedom, mobilize global action, and support democracy’s defenders.
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