The following is an excerpt from a story that ran in the Eagle Tribune on January 9, 2025:
On Monday, the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced Kendalle Burlin O’Connell as the newly elected chair of the Eastern New England Board of Directors.
Burlin O’Connell officially began her role on New Year’s Day, leading a 22-member board of qualified individuals in the space of life sciences.
“We are excited to welcome Kendalle as chair. Her experience and leadership will help us move closer to achieving the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone,” said Louise Santosuosso, vice president of New England Development, American Cancer Society.
She joined the board in 2022, ready with years of advocacy for cancer research under her belt as she is CEO and president of MassBio.
As an executive for the world’s largest and oldest biopharma membership organization, Burlin O’Connell is a highly respected individual who, according to Santosuosso, “has an incredible network,” in the life sciences industry.
The new chairperson noted that there is a synergy between MassBio and ACS, and important resources and research will be transferable from one organization to the other now that she holds an executive role in both.
Burlin O’Connell previously served as vice chair of the Eastern New England Area Board, replacing Gwen Spencer. Each chairperson serves a two-year term after being selected by ACS’s Governance Committee.
Their newly-elected chair resides in Haverhill with her husband and their two children. Burlin O’Connell said that many of her friends and family are facing cancer head-on, driving her passion for the cause.
“Cancer touches every family, and no organization has done more to change that reality than the American Cancer Society,” said Burlin O’Connell. “Eastern New England is home to top hospitals where patients go for treatment and the leading biopharma companies developing the newest therapies and cures, and I’m proud to be taking over leadership of this region’s ACS board. I look forward to supporting ACS’s efforts to advance cancer research, advocate for funding, and elevate patient access and care.”