The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy announced the appointment of Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the institute. A visionary leader in oncology, health-care delivery, scientific innovation, and strategic transformation, Dr. Knudsen will take on her new role at a pivotal time—bringing expertise in converting scientific discoveries into real-world benefit among patients with cancer.
Founded in 2016, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy has pioneered a novel approach to cancer research, fostering high-impact collaborations across academic research institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, and investment and industry partners. The institute's mission is to harness the power of the immune system to turn all cancers into curable diseases.
New Leadership at a Pivotal Time
Despite recent groundbreaking advancements such as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-based gene editing and mRNA vaccines, the field of life sciences is currently facing unprecedented challenges that could undermine scientific progress and threaten the engine of scientific discovery. For instance, rapid-fire changes in federal funding and policy along with dysfunction in the biotechnology market are contributing to increasingly limiting conditions for cancer researchers and the biotechnology ecosystem.
“For nearly a decade, [the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy] has been at the forefront of transforming cancer treatment through the power of immunotherapy—reshaping what is possible in the fight against this disease. [However], there is more to be done, particularly at this critical time. I believe the institute's bold, unique model and long-term commitment to catalyzing innovations into clinical testing and near-term patient benefits are exactly the type of support needed to drive continued progress against cancer. This is all the more critical despite the current funding climate,” stressed Dr. Knudsen.
About Dr. Knudsen
Dr. Knudsen previously served as CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and ACS Cancer Action Network, where she led both organizations through a period of transformative growth as well as expanded research investments, advocacy reach, and direct patient support initiatives. Under her leadership, the ACS evolved into a unified, high-performing enterprise, increasing revenue by over 30% and broadening its impact to serve over 55 million patients annually. Additionally, Dr. Knudsen developed and scaled innovative programs that included joint ventures and an impact innovation arm to accelerate progress against cancer.
Prior to the ACS, Dr. Knudsen served as Executive Vice President of Oncology Services at Jefferson Health and Enterprise Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, growing a multistate oncology network and spearheading advancements in translational cancer research that increased early access to the most advanced cancer care.
Dr. Knudsen held leadership roles with organizations including the National Cancer Institute Board of Scientific Advisors, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, and the American Association for Cancer Research. She currently serves on the boards of Exai Bio, Paradigm Health, and Research!America as well as advises multiple biotech ventures including ArteraAI and Transcarent.
A globally recognized expert in prostate cancer, Dr. Knudsen has authored over 200 scientific publications and generated practice-changing discoveries. She holds numerous awards for her scientific and health-care accomplishments, and in 2025, she will be honored with the Allen Lichter Visionary Leader Award from ASCO—recognizing her lifetime achievement of outstanding contributions in the field of oncology.
Dr. Knudsen holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of California, San Diego and an MBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business. She has been recognized as one of Forbes' 50 Over 50: Women of Impact, a CNBC Changemaker, and is a CEO council member for both the Wall Street Journal and CNBC.
CEO of Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
With the addition of Dr. Knudsen to lead the organization, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy will seek to further accelerate its work in immunotherapy, investing in cutting-edge science and translating discoveries into commercialized, life-saving treatments.
“[Dr. Knudsen] is the rare leader who understands the science and also what it takes to advance scientific breakthroughs to clinical reality. She brings experience in health care, academic medicine, and [biotechnology]—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,” emphasized Sean Parker, founder and Chairman of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. “[The institute] was built to accelerate the discovery and development of cancer cures by taking a different approach to funding research. Unlike traditional research grants, [the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy] funds every step in the innovation lifecycle, from basic science to translational research, and all the way to a marketable drug. We focus on funding the most ambitious research, forging collaborations between investigators, and speeding therapies to market by forming new companies to commercialize these therapies. This model allows us to collapse the timeline between scientific discovery and patient benefit,” he continued.
As CEO, Dr. Knudsen will work closely with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy’s Board of Directors, existing leadership team, and the institute’s Network researchers to realize the institute's growth goals. She will oversee the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy’s scientific and strategic vision, ensuring that the institute remains at the forefront of immunotherapy innovation. Her unique blend of biotechnology, scientific, health-care, and nonprofit leadership experience positions her to build large-scale industry partnerships and accelerate the institute's model of venture incubation and investment. By leveraging her deep understanding of translational science and strategic partnerships, Dr. Knudsen will drive the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy’s mission forward—turning groundbreaking discoveries into real-world therapies that transform cancer care and bring curative solutions to patients faster.
“I am honored to lead this extraordinary team of scientists, research institutions, and industry leaders as we push the boundaries and speed of innovation even further. Together, we will accelerate the development of life-saving therapies, expand the reach of [the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy’s] impact, and bring the vision of turning all cancers into curable diseases to reality,” Dr. Knudsen concluded.
