CNBC Honors PICI CEO for Transformative Leadership

Dr. Karen Knudsen named 2025 CNBC Changemaker for bold leadership, relentless focus on patient impact

Change in cancer research isn’t just about breakthroughs in the lab — it’s about making sure those discoveries reach the people who need them most. That’s why we’re proud to share that Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, has been named to CNBC’s 2025 Changemakers list.

Dr. Knudsen’s story spans decades and disciplines: from her early days pioneering cancer research at the NIH during the AIDS crisis, to transforming the American Cancer Society to now guiding PICI’s mission to make all cancers curable. Her leadership is driven by two questions: How can every action we take make a difference for patients? And how do we deliver innovation — faster — to those who need it most?

In a new feature and video interview, Dr. Knudsen shares what drew her to PICI and why this is a pivotal moment for progress in cancer. In less than a decade, PICI has supported more than 1,000 investigators, launched 17 biotech companies, and unlocked over $4 billion in follow-on capital — all by de-risking science from the start and accelerating discovery from lab to clinic.

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“We’ve de-risked the science from the very beginning. We’re not waiting for someone to pitch for us. So I’m feeling very bullish about the ability to crank this wheel.”
– Dr. Karen Knudsen, PICI CEO

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Behind every breakthrough is a story of curiosity, grit and heart. That’s what makes a true Changemaker. Join us in celebrating this recognition of Dr. Knudsen’s transformative leadership.

Don’t miss the story and full video interview that reveal what’s possible when leadership and innovation converge. Read the CNBC article and watch the interview.