Kelly Koonse
Denver
Summary
Award-winning oncology sales leader with a proven track record driving growth across $340 M territory, consistently ranking Top 10 in the region. Recognized with Directors Award for exceptional sales performance, leadership and cross- functional influence. Experienced in promoting Keytruda mono therapy and Keytruda + Lenvima combination therapy across multiple solid tumor types. Frequently acknowledged by peers for leadership, successful pull-through of educational programs and serving as a trusted liaison between sales and marketing. Known for delivering evidence-based clinical insights to oncologists, laboratories, pharmacy and hospital based pathologists, consistently maintaining a patient first approach in all interactions and decision making. Adept at managing buy-and-bill products, contracts and reimbursement, with expertise in consultative selling, strategic account management and collaboration.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Oncology Clinical Sales Specialist
Merck & Co., Inc
Charlotte
09.2016 - Current
- Responsible for 340 million in annual revenue, achieving TOP-10 regional ranking through disciplined account strategy, clinical education, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Achieve your BEST award winner-increasing market share in competitive immunotherapy market
- Directors' Award Winner—honored for exceptional sales achievement, exemplary leadership, and influence within multidisciplinary oncology networks.
- Drove utilization of Keytruda and the Keytruda + Lenvima regimen for advanced solid tumors (including renal cell, endometrial cancer, and others), partnering with Eisai counterparts to coordinate field strategy, share insights, and optimize market execution.
- ASCO Lung Cancer Certification
- Recognized for leadership and program pull-through, with designated liaison responsibilities connecting sales and marketing teams to enhance clinical education and strategic alignment
- Brought actionable clinical data to oncology decision-makers and maintained a steadfast commitment to patient-first oncology care.
Neuro Oncology Territory Manager
Novocure
08.2015 - 09.2016
- Excellence in execution of corporate and regional strategies within assigned geography resulting in top 10% performance.
- Expert ability in managing innovative oncology therapeutic business across two states, responsible for sales, marketing, reimbursement, contracts and technical support services.
- Promote Optune, a portable non-invasive device for cancer treatment using tumor treating fields certifying large oncology groups and Hospital systems to provide the novel therapy to their patients.
- Managed territory sales for NovoTAL, a workstation-based proprietary software that uses MRI head morphology, tumor size, and location to optimize TTField intensity in the target tumor.
Clinical Diagnostic Manager
Biodesix
09.2013 - 08.2015
- Launched a companion diagnostic tool to Oncologists and Hospitals to determine aggressiveness of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer and identify patients edible for chemotherapy.
- Responsible for Sales of Veristrat growing business 265% in 3 months.
- Maintained Top 3 sales rankings for a key oncology diagnostic by applying expert clinical selling, relationship building, and targeted account strategy.
Diagnostic Territory Manager
PLUS Diagnostics
12.2010 - 09.2013
- Rookie of the Year Award 2011 - recognized for Oncology / Hematology lab sales results
- Ranked 3rd out of 22 Territory Managers
- Proven Diagnostic Sales Specialist with success selling to Oncology practices, hospital labs, and pathology departments, leveraging clinical acumen to expand diagnostic utilization
Executive Territory Manager
Johnson & Johnson
Dayton
01.2002 - 03.2010
- Managed Procrit and Remicade prescription business to Hospitals, Oncologists, Nephrologists and Specialty Pharmacy
- Managed the full cycle for by-and-bill products including contract negotiation. reimbursement conversations, and coordination with practice administrators
- 2009 Awarded 1st place in PCP new business Contest- growing business 190%
- 2005, 2006 Teal Diamond Award Recipient for Exceptional Sales and Leadership.
- 2003, 2005 Field Sales Director Award
Specialty Sales Representative
Tap Pharmaceuticals
Dayton
10.1997 - 03.2010
- Will Hall Saiyushi Award Winner
- Negotiated New and existing Hospital formularies
- Provided solid foundation for Taps new Hires as Certified Field trainer
- Achieved 110% to goal in Gynecology and108% in urology market promoting a sub Q injection Lupron
- District marketing specialist acting as liaison between home office and the field.
Director of Marketing and Sales
Karrington Communities
Dayton
07.1994 - 09.1997
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies, working within a budget, designed to target specific markets via print ads, direct mail, radio and trade shows.
- Exceeded 115% of sales goals.
- Managed the Department of resident services responsible for 40 employees.
- Responsible for purchasing medical supplies from vendors on a local and regional basis
Education
Bachelor of Science - Gerontology / Health
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio, OH05-1994
Skills
- Territory Management (340M )
- Key Account Development & Management
- Buy & Bill product sales
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Product Launch
- Consultative & Solution-Based Selling
- Market Share Growth / Competitive Analysis
- Contract Negotiation and Account Reimbursement
- Immuno-Oncology and Targeted Therapies
- Multi - Solid tumor Portfolio knowledge
- Oncology Diagnostics & Pathology engagement
- Peer Leadership & Team Collaboration
- Oncology Account Stakeholder Knowledge
Timeline
Oncology Clinical Sales Specialist
Merck & Co., Inc
09.2016 - Current
Neuro Oncology Territory Manager
Novocure
08.2015 - 09.2016
Clinical Diagnostic Manager
Biodesix
09.2013 - 08.2015
Diagnostic Territory Manager
PLUS Diagnostics
12.2010 - 09.2013
Executive Territory Manager
Johnson & Johnson
01.2002 - 03.2010
Specialty Sales Representative
Tap Pharmaceuticals
10.1997 - 03.2010
Director of Marketing and Sales
Karrington Communities
07.1994 - 09.1997
Bachelor of Science - Gerontology / Health
Bowling Green State University