Freedom House Executive Board Selects Gerardo Berthin and Annie Boyajian as New Presidents

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Freedom House Executive Board, chaired by Norman Willox, today announced that it has selected Gerardo Berthin and Annie Boyajian to serve as Freedom House's new presidents. Berthin and Boyajian had served as interim copresidents of Freedom House since January.

"These are defining times for global freedom and democracy," said Willox. "As authoritarian forces grow bolder and democratic institutions face profound tests, Freedom House's mission of expanding and defending freedom globally has never been more urgent. At this critical juncture, Freedom House is proud to be guided by two exceptional leaders: Gerardo Berthin and Annie Boyajian. Gerardo and Annie bring decades of experience, a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisan integrity, and a bold vision for how Freedom House can safeguard fundamental rights in this new era. Their leadership has already driven impactful global programming, groundbreaking advocacy, and the strategic innovation needed to counter the ongoing decline in global freedom. We are thrilled to have them steering Freedom House with clarity, conviction, and courage—ensuring we remain the world's most trusted monitor of, advisor on, and champion for freedom."

Berthin has served at Freedom House for five years, most recently as vice president of international programs, the organization's largest division. He has worked in over 50 countries across the world and brings nearly three decades of experience working on democratic governance, anticorruption, human rights, and civil society strengthening. Previously, he served in senior management and advisory roles, working on democratic governance at private firms like Tetra Tech and Casals & Associates, and at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau of Development Policy–Regional Center for Latin America and the Caribbean; he also held UNDP roles at the UN headquarters in New York, in eastern and central Europe, and in the Asia-Pacific region. Berthin has conducted various independent advisory and evaluation consultancies with international development organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the World Bank, and the Swedish Agency for Development Cooperation, among others.

"It is a privilege to lead this organization with Annie, and I thank Norm and the board of trustees for their support," said Berthin. "I also want to recognize our dedicated, talented, and passionate Freedom House team. It is because of them that Freedom House continues to set the standard for first-in-class research, effective advocacy, and impactful programming."

Boyajian has served at Freedom House for 10 years, most recently as vice president of policy and advocacy and the Mark Palmer Distinguished Fellow, where she oversaw Freedom House's policy and advocacy work, including engagement with governments, multilateral bodies, and collaboration with civil society organizations. Boyajian has testified before the US Congress, the Canadian parliament, and Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, and regularly advises policymakers and their staff. Prior to joining Freedom House, Boyajian worked for Republican members of both the US Senate and House, where she held numerous roles focused on foreign policy, human rights, and appropriations issues. During her nearly two decades in Washington, Boyajian has spearheaded civil society efforts around passage and reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Act; helped author and refine legislation on transnational repression, human rights in China, Hong Kong, and Ethiopia, conflict minerals, and international trade; and played a key role in connecting policymakers and civil society actors.

"For more than eight decades, Freedom House has been a trusted voice in the defense of freedom around the world. It is an honor to lead this organization with Gerardo," said Boyajian. "Together, we are already sprinting forward to raise $10 million by the end of the year, and in the coming weeks we will announce a number of exciting new developments. I want to thank Norm and the board for their tremendous support, and the innovative, mission-driven Freedom House team that continues to work tirelessly to help realize our vision of a world where all are free."

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.

SOURCE Freedom House