100 Influential Women in Oncology 2026 — Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PHD

Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, is a globally recognized cancer scientist and healthcare leader who currently serves as CEO and Board Member of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, where she leads efforts to accelerate the translation of breakthrough immunotherapy discoveries into new treatments for patients. Previously, she served as CEO of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, becoming the first woman to lead the organizations, and earlier directed the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health while overseeing oncology services across the health system.