Soun Khountham

Soun Khountham is senior director of New Development at UPMC Enterprises, where she advances UPMC’s clinical research enterprise. Her work centers on building scalable, compliant research infrastructure and operating models that enable innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, and support sustainable growth across the health system.

With more than 20 years of experience across academic medical centers, integrated delivery systems, clinical‑stage startups, and consultative environments, Soun is recognized for turning research strategy into durable operating capability. Her expertise spans enterprise research operations, governance and compliance, and partnership‑driven execution.

Prior to joining UPMC Enterprises, Soun held senior leadership roles at OhioHealth, where she oversaw system‑wide pre‑award and post‑award research operations and IRB administration.

Earlier in her career, she worked across industry and academia at Horizon Therapeutics, ReHeva Biosciences, and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Drug Development Institute, supporting early‑phase oncology development through regulatory advancement, co‑development, and spin‑out ventures. She continues to advise early‑stage biotech companies on operational strategy and program execution.

Soun holds an MBA from Boston University, an MS in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University, a BS in Biology from the University of Minnesota, and is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).