As CEO and President of MassBio, Kendalle Burlin O’Connell leads the strategic direction for the organization and drives policy advocacy for the industry to ensure that Massachusetts life sciences companies have the best environment possible to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize breakthrough therapies and cures for people around the world. Pursuing innovation and delivering for members are the hallmarks of Kendalle’s more than 15 years at MassBio, including the launch of several multi-year initiatives focused on realizing a diverse and equitable life sciences industry, supporting the continued growth and sustainability of the industry throughout Massachusetts, and providing resources and solutions to companies across the industry value chain. In 2023, she has been the driving force behind MassBio’s launch of Bioversity, a non-profit created to develop new training pathways and create employer connections for underrepresented populations and individuals traditionally left out of the life sciences, starting with a workforce training center in Dorchester featuring industry-aligned certification and upskilling programs.

Kendalle has earned wide acclaim for her leadership and is active in mentoring and professional organizations. She is ranked number 33 on Boston Magazine’s list of The 150 Most Influential Bostonians in 2023, a 2022 recipient of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Inspire Award recognizing outstanding women leaders in the Cambridge community, a 2022 Boston power player as named by Axios, a 2021 executive fellow in the inaugural class of the Civic Action Project Collaborative, and a 2019 Boston Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree which acknowledges a leader’s impact on Massachusetts’ industries.Kendalle received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society for Eastern New England.