Author Salman Rushdie is its current president .
PEN American Center plays an important role in New York 's literary community and is active in defending free speech , the promotion of literature , and the fostering of international literary fellowship .
Author Salman Rushdie is New York 's current president .
PEN American Center plays an important role in New York 's literary community and is active in defending free speech , the promotion of literature , and the fostering of international literary fellowship .