Annie Chabel appointed as The Intercept’s inaugural chief executive officer

The Intercept is a news organization that breaks the mold for reporting on the most pressing issues we’re facing at this critical juncture. It’s a privilege to be starting this role as Pat and Maria join.”

Annie Chabel, CEO, The Intercept

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.

“Annie Chabel’s experience and unique skill set makes her the ideal leader for The Intercept, as our organization enters this exciting new phase. We’re honored she has agreed to join us,” said Intercept General Manager David Bralow. “Maria and Pat’s enthusiasm to join our board of directors speaks volumes for The Intercept’s place in the ecosystem of independent journalism. Their incredible experience working to uphold the public good seamlessly aligns with The Intercept’s mission.”

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.

“The mission of journalism has never been as important as it is today,” said Ressa. “We need independent media as a check and balance to power. I look forward to working with The Intercept at a time that demands so much more from news organizations globally, starting with innovations in product, distribution, and our business model. Under Annie and Roger’s leadership, we aim to break new ground in the stories that will shape our collective future.”

Pat Christen is a managing director of The Omidyar Group (TOG), and a senior adviser 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.

“The Intercept’s award-winning investigative journalism is critical to understanding the roles people, corporations and governments play in society. High integrity journalism is needed, more than ever, to make informed and meaningful decisions on the issues that impact our lives, communities, and world,” said Christen. “I’m thrilled to work with the leadership at The Intercept as they move into their next phase as an independent organization.”

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.

“The Intercept is a news organization that breaks the mold for reporting on the most pressing issues we’re facing at this critical juncture. It’s a privilege to be starting this role as Pat and Maria join,” said Chabel. “I am inspired by the depth of The Intercept’s reporting and the dedication of its journalists and staff. I’m grateful for David’s leadership as general manager stewarding the organization through the transition, and look forward to partnering closely with him and Roger on this next chapter.”

Christen and Ressa’s appointments begin on April 1. Chabel will join the organization on May 1. Bralow resumes his role as general counsel also on May 1.

About The Intercept:

The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to fearless, adversarial journalism. Its in-depth investigations and unflinching analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media and more.