Elena Spencer
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and Violinist
Elena Spencer is a seasoned biopharmaceutical operations leader and the cofounder and CEO of the Kendall Square Orchestra (K²O). With more than 20 years of experience in the life sciences, she has built a career at the intersection of science, strategy, and leadership, enabling innovation that improves patients’ lives. She currently serves as Head of Research Governance & Portfolio Management at Biogen, where she directs strategic decision-making and operational excellence across the company’s R&D portfolio.
Elena began her career as a research scientist before moving into strategy and operations, bringing together her deep scientific training with sharp business acumen to drive organizational impact. She holds a BS and MS in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
In addition to her professional work, Elena serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Women in the Enterprise of Science & Technology (WEST), championing diversity and equity in STEM through mentorship, education, and workforce development initiatives.
Inspired by the power of music to connect people across backgrounds, Elena brings to K²O the same values of leadership, collaboration, and community that define her career in science, helping cultivate an orchestra where innovation, artistry, and human connection thrive side by side.