Chief Executive Officer
Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, Ph.D., is the chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
SM (ACS CAN). As a well-respected cancer leader, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Knudsen guides the organization on our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. She has a strong commitment to ensuring that all people can benefit from the impact of our work.
Prior to joining ACS, Dr. Knudsen served as executive vice president of Oncology Services and enterprise director for Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers recognized for their research and impact on cancer outcomes. While at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, Dr. Knudsen experienced firsthand how ACS improves the lives of cancer patients and their families through discovery, advocacy, and patient
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IMAGE: HPV infection causes cells to undergo changes. If not treated these cells can, over time, become cancer cells. view more
Credit: National Cancer Institute
Today, doctors and scientists across America at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers and other organizations issued a joint statement urging the nation s health care systems, physicians, parents and children, and young adults to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination back on track.
Dramatic drops in annual well visits and immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a significant vaccination gap and lag in vital preventive services among U.S. children and adolescents especially for the HPV vaccine. The pandemic also has exacerbated health disparities, leaving Black, Indigenous and other people of color; rural; and sexual minority adolescents at even greater risk for missed doses of this cancer prevention vaccine.
Historic, New CEO at American Cancer Society
April 14, 2021
Karen E. Knudsen, M.B.A., Ph.D., will become the first female chief executive officer (CEO) in the 107-year history of the American Cancer Society (ACS). She will be the first scientific and oncology researcher to serve in the top staff position in the modern era.
Knudsen also will become CEO of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), its advocacy affiliate, effective June 1. She will succeed Gary Reedy, who is retiring and has served as both organizations’ CEO since 2015.
The hiring of a female CEO signals a new era for ACS, where all of its past top leaders were men, even though its Women’s Field Army was credited for building what became the modern American Cancer Society, according to an ACS announcement.
American Cancer Society names Jefferson Health s Karen Knudsen as CEO phillyvoice.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from phillyvoice.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.