arXiv welcomes inaugural CEO and founding Board of Directors

"We have exciting news to share today: the appointment of Dr. Penelope Lewis as arXiv’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer and the establishment of our Board of Directors.

If you’ve been following arXiv’s transition to an independent nonprofit organization, these leadership appointments mark a significant step in our journey. Having a CEO and Board in place strengthens our governance, sustainability, and capacity to serve the global research community for generations to come.

For more than three decades, arXiv has enabled rapid and open sharing of scientific research. It has operated largely on the support and dedication of its staff, moderators, volunteers, members, funders, and, for the past 25 years, the institutional backing of Cornell. As the scale, reach, and importance of the platform have grown, so too has the need for more formal leadership and governance structures that support long-term sustainability.

The appointment of the first CEO and creation of an international governing board reflect our commitment to maintaining arXiv as a trusted, community-centered resource while preparing for future opportunities and evolution.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Penelope Lewis as arXiv’s inaugural CEO, effective August 17, 2026."