Mark Veich Appointed as Chief Organizational Advancement Officer at PICI

Mark Veich Takes the Helm at PICI

On December 2, 2025, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) announced an exciting new appointment that promises to reshape its fundraising and growth strategies. Mark Veich has been named the Chief Organizational Advancement Officer, stepping into this pivotal role with over two decades of experience in both philanthropy and venture capital.

A Mission-Driven Leader

With a strong track record as a mission-driven leader, Veich is celebrated for his expertise in raising and deploying various forms of capital—ranging from philanthropic contributions to venture investments. His primary objective at PICI will be to pioneer a comprehensive fundraising strategy while fostering strategic growth. This aligns seamlessly with the organization's ambitious mission to develop and enhance accessibility to groundbreaking cancer therapies.

His responsibilities will include overseeing the organization’s mission resourcing strategy. Veich aims to cultivate a community of ambassadors who can effectively support and accelerate PICI's mission. Fundamental to this role is his vision of curating innovation from the discovery phase to clinical commercialization, thereby expanding PICI’s research and venture portfolio.

The 2025 milestone marks PICI’s 10th year in operation, pointing to a critical period of growth and development for the institute. Under Veich's leadership, PICI anticipates an influx of resources that will significantly bolster its impact in the fight against cancer.

Mark's Executive Background

Before joining PICI, Veich played a pivotal role at Deerfield Management, where he directed nonprofit initiatives. His tenure as CEO of Advancium Health Network—a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing therapies for rare diseases—exemplifies his commitment to innovative, nonprofit-driven solutions. He also co-founded CobiCure Therapeutics, focusing on curing life-threatening diseases affecting children globally. Through these platforms, Veich has championed the cause of ensuring that critical treatments reach the children who need them most.

In addition to these roles, Veich's previous experiences include serving as Vice Provost for External Affairs at Weill Cornell Medicine and managing director at Michigan Medicine. In these positions, he forged transformative partnerships that raised millions and advanced ground-breaking research, establishing sustainable academic-industry collaborations.

The Urgency of PICI's Mission

Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of PICI, expressed her enthusiasm over Veich’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the PICI team as we accelerate the development of new cancer therapies. Mark brings a rare combination of philanthropic leadership and venture expertise, and his ability to mobilize diverse forms of capital will strengthen every part of our mission.” She added that Veich's arrival will empower PICI to broaden its scientific and venture portfolios, thereby enriching partnerships and hastening the progress toward making more cancers curable.

Veich himself acknowledged the immediate challenge faced by the Parker Institute: transforming the quest for breakthrough immunotherapies into viable, curable solutions for cancer patients. He emphasized, “Unique collaborations are needed to make impactful investments to reshape the healthcare landscape, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.” Veich's commitment to translating PICI's scientific innovations into real-world cures will drive momentum in the coming years.

About the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Established in 2016 through the visionary efforts of Sean Parker, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing cancer treatment. PICI’s objective is to advance the next generation of cancer therapies to make all cancers treatable. The institute seamlessly unites several prominent cancer centers into a collaborative consortium, facilitating high-risk, high-reward scientific endeavors with shared goals, data, and infrastructure.

Unlike traditional research approaches, PICI not only concentrates on scientific discoveries but also actively promotes promising innovations through clinical testing and commercialization. With its extensive network supporting over 1,000 investigators, PICI boasts a diverse portfolio of biotech ventures, having raised more than $4 billion in capital.

By effectively bridging the gap between scientific research and patient access to treatments, PICI is reimagining the process of developing cures and hastening their availability for those in need. As it embarks on this new chapter with the strategic leadership of Mark Veich, all eyes will be on PICI and its initiatives to transform the landscape of cancer treatment.