American Cancer Society’s CEO is stepping down. But she plans to stay in Philadelphia
to advance cancer research.

Karen E. Knudsen, a prominent Philadelphia cancer research leader, is stepping down from her role as chief executive of the American Cancer Society after three years to pursue new avenues to advance treatment options and support services.

Knudsen pointed to her success growing the American Cancer Society’s investment arm, which supports clinical trials that have been unable to secure other private-sector funding or public grants, and creating a new cancer-screening partnership with a private company as examples of the types of partnerships she’d like to help forge in Philadelphia.

“We have to be willing to think differently and take bold, innovative steps,” she said.

Philadelphia Inquirer - Oct. 1, 2024