Kendalle Burlin O’Connell

As CEO and President, Kendalle 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 14 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.

Kendalle has played a critical role in MassBio’s growth into the largest life sciences trade association in the world with over 1,600 members. Kendalle has overseen the rebrand of a number of MassBio’s core programs and services, including the MassBioEdge, MassBio’s savings and rewards program and MassBio’s highly-rated Employee Rewards program. She also led the development of the MassBioHub conference and business center.

In 2022, Kendalle was instrumental in the launch of MassBio’s newest entrepreneurial accelerator program, MassBioDrive and MassBio’s Innovation Week, two initiatives focused on advancing breakthrough science and providing opportunities for innovators from diverse backgrounds in all areas of the life sciences ecosystem. She also built the professional relationship with Beacon Capital Partners to create the MassBio workforce training center in Dorchester which will offer, once completed in late 2023, fast-track pathways to industry-aligned credentials and careers.

Kendalle has earned wide acclaim for her leadership and is active in mentoring and professional organizations. She is 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. Currently, Kendalle serves as Vice Chair of the Eastern New England Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, Co-Chair of the 2022 New England ReasearcHERS program, a Board of Director for the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd), and an Advisory Committee member for the Suffolk University Law School All Rise Program.

Prior to joining MassBio, Kendalle practiced law in the areas of Estate and Medicaid Planning, Probate and Asset Protection. She graduated cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. She resides in Haverhill, Massachusetts with her husband and two children.