Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, is a nationally recognized CEO and healthcare strategist, leading organizations at the intersection of discovery, commercialization, and policy. As CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), Dr. Knudsen drives a first-in-class model that accelerates immune-based scientific breakthroughs from lab to clinic to marketplace. By aligning top-tier research institutions, biotech, and venture capital under one collaborative platform, PICI is creating faster pathways to transformative cancer cures. Dr. Knudsen also serves on the Board of Directors for AstraZeneca, Paradigm Health, Exai Bio, and Research!America, and advises leading health and biotech companies. With three decades of executive leadership spanning academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector, she is known for building high-impact organizations that scale scientific innovation into tangible patient outcomes and market success. Previously, Dr. Knudsen served as CEO of the American Cancer Society, where she advanced a bold vision for improving patient access and driving healthcare innovation nationally. She is a sought-after voice on translational science, public-private partnerships, and sustainable healthcare solutions.