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 16 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 was 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 has earned a spot on the Boston Business Journal’s 2023 Power 50: Movement Makers list, is ranked number 33 on Boston Magazine’s 2023 list of The 150 Most Influential Bostonians, 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 a Director on the Board of The Boston Foundation and Vice Chair of the Eastern New England Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society.