The Intercept announced today three high-level appointments following its restructuring as an independent nonprofit organization in January. Annie Chabel has been appointed as the organization’s first CEO, and Nobel Peace Prize winner journalist Maria Ressa and Omidyar Group managing director Pat Christen will join The Intercept’s new board of directors. Roger Hodge will continue to lead the newsroom as editor-in-chief.
Maria Ressa
Ressa is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler, the Philippines’ leading investigative news site, and her work has received multiple international awards, including the Golden Pen of Freedom Award and the Knight International Journalism Award. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 in recognition of her “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.” A globally recognized leader in independent journalism, Ressa brings her expertise as a journalist and entrepreneur in digital media with a commitment to safeguarding press freedom and breaking down disinformation campaigns.
Pat Christen
Pat Christen is a managing director of The Omidyar Group (TOG), and a senior advisor to philanthropists Pierre and Pam Omidyar. Deeply committed to learning, innovation, and impact, Christen’s experience spans several decades, addressing social and health issues at home in the United States, and abroad. Previously, Christen served as President and CEO of Hopelab, an organization focused on the development of technology to drive positive health outcomes among young people. Prior to Hopelab, Christen led the San Francisco AIDS Foundation for 15 years. There she played a role in crafting the federal Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act, which now provides more than $2.3 billion in AIDS funding annually. She also served as President of the Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, setting up AIDS clinics and playing an active role in global AIDS-planning efforts, and helped steward construction of the Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda – a state-of-the-art AIDS clinic, research, and training center.
Annie Chabel
Annie Chabel was previously the Chief Operating Officer at The Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), where she oversaw all business operations for the organization and served as Interim CEO in 2021. Prior to serving as the CIR’s COO, Chabel focused on institutional fundraising and philanthropic partnerships, significantly expanding the organization’s foundation giving. In 2022, Chabel worked with First Look Media and The Intercept to develop strategy for The Intercept, and since has collaborated closely with leaders across the organization to develop a sustainable independent plan that lays groundwork for The Intercept’s growth in the years ahead.
Christen and Ressa’s appointments begin on April 1st. Chabel will join the organization on May 1st. Bralow resumes his role as General Counsel also on May 1.