Career

Karen Knudsen has been appointed as the CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Karen Knudsen/LinkedIn

Mar 31, 2025, 16:23

Karen Knudsen has been appointed as the CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Please join us in welcoming Karen Knudsen, MBA, PhD, as Chief Executive Officer of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy!

Dr. Knudsen embodies the leadership and values that define PICI: scientific rigor, bold thinking and a deep commitment to transformative patient impact.

A visionary in cancer research, healthcare and nonprofit strategy, Dr. Knudsen most recently served as CEO of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), where she led both organizations through a period of transformative growth – expanding research investment, advocacy reach and direct patient support initiatives.

Prior to joining ACS, Dr. Knudsen served as EVP of Oncology Services at Jefferson Health and Enterprise Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson, growing a multi-state oncology network and spearheading advancements in translational cancer research that increased early access to the most advanced cancer care.

A globally recognized expert in prostate cancer, she has authored more than 200 scientific publications and generated practice-changing discoveries.

‘Karen is the rare leader who understands the science and also what it takes to advance scientific breakthroughs to clinical reality. She brings experience in healthcare, academic medicine and biotech, along with an entrepreneurial drive to pioneer new models for accelerating cures to patients.

This combination of vision and relentless focus on patient outcomes are exactly the characteristics that PICI needs to achieve its mission.’ said Sean Parker, PICI Founder and Chairman.

Read more about Dr. Knudsen’s appointment as PICI CEO on our website.”

Karen Knudsen has been appointed as the CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy