Staff
Our international office, based in Central London, is staffed by a diverse and dedicated group that administer PEN International’s campaigns, programmes, events, communications and general affairs. The international office supports PEN Centres worldwide, helping them to be active and vibrant hubs for reading and writing in their countries, and helping them to connect to one another. We work closely with the Board and Centres.
Laura McVeigh, Executive Director
Laura McVeigh is the Executive Director of PEN International. Laura has senior management experience in journalism, publishing, human rights, on international issues and within the charity sector. Prior to joining PEN International she was Global Girls Fund Director.
Read Laura’s messages to members here.
Laura.McVeigh@pen-international.org
Anthony Archer, Finance Manager
Anthony Archer is the Finance Manager of PEN International. He is a Chartered Certified accountant with 35 years of experience of working in the third sector.
Anthony.Archer@pen-international.org
Frank Geary, International Programmes Director
As International Programmes Director Frank’s role is to develop the Regional Programmes which PEN International and PEN Centres have initiated since 2006.
Frank.Geary@pen-international.org
Sara Whyatt, Programme Director Writers in Prison Committee
As Programme Director of the Writers in Prison Committee, Sara’s main job is to oversee the work of the WiPC team, ensuring qood quality research and campaigning material, developing strategy, fundraising and communications with Centres, other NGOs and anyone who is interested in our work for free expression.
Sara.Whyatt@pen-international.org
Patricia Diaz, Research and Campaign Support
Patricia assists in monitoring developments regarding freedom of expression and related issues that affect writers and journalists in Asia/Pacific and Middle East, alongside the researcher of the region. She also supports the work of the WiPC Programme Director monitoring issues on Europe, and assisting her work regarding the United Nations, specifically the Universal Periodic Review.
Patricia.Diaz@pen-international.org
Cathy McCann, Researcher; Asia/Middle East
Cathy is responsible for International PEN’s research and campaigning on attacks against free expression in the regions of Asia/Pacific and Middle East/North Africa.
Cathy.McCann@pen-international.org
Cathal Sheerin, Researcher; Africa/America (maternity cover)
Cathal is responsible for the Writers in Prison Committee’s work on Africa and the Americas.
cathal.sheerin@pen-international.org
Paul Finegan, Office Administrator and Literary Events Coordinator
Paul joined the WiPC team in September 2011. He provides invaluable support to the team in the London office and co-ordinates the literary work of PEN International.
paul.finegan@pen-international.org
Ruth Simister, Communications Officer and International Programmes Assistant
In her Communications role Ruth works with Press and Communications to promote the message and work of PEN International to the membership and global media. In her work for International Programmes she assists Frank Geary on the funding, support and evaluation of programmes in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.
penoffice@pen-international.org
Emilia Griffin, Press and Literary Events Volunteer
Emilia supports PEN International’s press and media relations and works to ensure that PEN gets the coverage its crucial work deserves; she also supports Paul on the literary side of PEN International’s work.
press@pen-international.org
Karis Eaglestone, 90th Anniversary Volunteer
Karis is supporting co-ordination of the PEN International 90th Anniversary strategy.
