Ian Schwab is the Director of Government Affairs at PEN America. He boasts a distinguished career in advocacy and NGO leadership within the realms of international development, human rights, grassroots activism, and policy reform. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff for The Sentry, an investigative and policy organization committed to dismantling multinational predatory networks perpetuating violent conflict, repression, and kleptocracy. He also held other senior management roles at The Sentry and Enough Project focused on congressional relations, regional policy and grassroots activism.
Prior to his tenure, Schwab served as the Associate Director of Advocacy for American Jewish World Service (AJWS), where he spearheaded policy and advocacy initiatives concerning Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and international debt. In addition to his work in policy and government affairs, Schwab is an experienced community organizer. He has led successful campaigns on state and local issues such as living wage, payday lending, and predatory mortgage lending with Illinois People’s Action.
Schwab holds a Master of Science in Political Science from Illinois State University, attained through the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University.
