Women of Influence 2023
Each year, the Philadelphia Business Journal seeks to honor such trailblazing individuals for our Women of Influence awards. Now in its 30th year, this year’s Women of Influence have achieved their own firsts. Charlene Barker Gedeus is the first Black female shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Alexa Dembek is the first woman to be chief technology and sustainability officer at DuPont. Karen Knudsen is the first woman to lead the American Cancer Society. Nicole LeVine is the first woman chief operating officer at PECO. Dr. Natalia Ortiz was the first Hispanic woman elected president of the Philadelphia County Medical Society. And Leslie Storms is the first woman president at DePuy Synthes U.S.
From researcher to leader…
When Karen Knudsen was named CEO of the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in 2021, she became the first woman in the nonprofit’s history to hold the title. Knudsen is no stranger to health care, having previously served as executive vice president of oncology services and enterprise director at Philadelphia’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health and as an endowed oncology professor at Thomas Jefferson University. At the American Cancer Society, Knudsen leads strategic planning for the organization that touches 55 million people annually through advocacy, research and patient support. Last year, the society exceeded its revenue growth goal, enabling it to further its impact on cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Knudsen also launched two new national roundtables to support the White House’s relaunch of the Cancer Moonshoot and created the American Cancer Society Center for Diversity in Research Training treatment to ensure care is equitable.
Education: B.S., The George Washington University; MBA, Temple University Fox School of Business; Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Originally from: Nowhere – I grew up in a military family. Philadelphia is my adopted home.
A word that best describes me: Passionate
My first big break: Working at the National Cancer Institute as a sophomore in college.
My proudest career accomplishment: Prior to ACS, it was generating discoveries in the laboratory that directly contributed to increasing survival in prostate cancer and changed oncology practice.
The most influential person on my career: Dr. Steve Klasko, former CEO of Jefferson Health, who believed in me, and set me on a “no limits” path to improve lives.
How I’m using my influence to impact change: Our entire business model is geared toward preventing and improving outcomes from cancer. Through our actions, we are measurably accelerating progress against the 200 diseases we call “cancer.”
To uplift other women, I: Actively advocate for, mentor, and sponsor women in academic medicine and health care.
My philosophy as a mentor: Be genuine, honest, supportive, and empathetic, but above all, inspire!
A female business icon I admire: Roz Brewer, former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance
For fun I like to: Golf, ski, hike, garden, and go to Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers games.
Guilty pleasure: Gelato