Karen Knudsen, MBA, PhD
Dr. Knudsen is the chief executive officer of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), where she leads efforts to advance bold science, catalyze cross-institutional collaboration, and accelerate breakthrough immune-based therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. A globally recognized leader and cancer scientist known for discoveries that shaped understanding and clinical management of advanced prostate cancer, she brings deep expertise in healthcare innovation, strategic partnerships, and organizational growth to 3T.
At PICI, Dr. Knudsen oversees a portfolio of more than 100 clinical and preclinical studies spanning combination immunotherapies, emerging technologies, and cell-based gene therapies. She previously served as CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the ACS Cancer Action Network advocacy affiliate, where she guided major expansions in research investment, advocacy, and patient support. She also held senior executive roles at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, served as executive director and executive vice president of oncology services for the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and served on national committees including the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, the American Society for Clinical Oncology, and the American Association for Cancer Research. Dr. Knudsen holds a doctorate in biological sciences from the University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from Temple University.
