Krystyna Kowalczyk Named CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Immunotherapy Contract Research Organization

January 28, 2020

TAMPA, Fla. — Krystyna Kowalczyk has joined Moffitt Cancer Center as the chief executive officer of the institution’s new contract research organization (CRO) with a focus on immunotherapy. The wholly owned, for profit subsidiary, first announced in October 2019, will offer end-to-end services for pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking to advance their immuno-oncology product or device.

Kowalczyk, who brings more than 30 years of clinical research operations and management experience to Moffitt, will oversee the cancer center’s new business venture, including development of strategic partnerships in the pharma and biotech sectors, as well as building a network of clinical trial partners in the oncology community.

“We are thrilled to have Krystyna join Moffitt Cancer Center and help us build a first-of-its-kind contract research organization that will accelerate the clinical research necessary to bring new immunotherapies to cancer patients,” said Tim Adams, chair of Moffitt’s Institute Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Moffitt, Kowalczyk was the chief operating officer for Optimal Research, a company providing clinical site solutions to health care companies looking to conduct clinical research studies. She oversaw site management organization and patient acquisition for the company’s clinical research enterprise. She is also a founding member of Novella Clinical, LLC., one of the first CROs focused on using web-based electronic data capture in clinical trials. Kowalczyk has overseen more than 100 clinical trials during her career in various areas, including oncology and vaccine/immunotherapy development.

“Krystyna’s expertise in clinical research, especially in the CRO sector, will be immensely beneficial as we continue to build our new enterprise,” said John Cleveland, Ph.D., interim center director at Moffitt. “Her vision and oversight will help us become the premier partner for advancing immunotherapy-based clinical trials in the United States.”

The CRO is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2020.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt is a Top 10 cancer hospital and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet^® status, its highest distinction. With more than 6,500 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.