The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board voted Monday to name Marcel Vernon Sr. to lead the quasi-public agency in its next chapter, choosing the CFO of a Boston-based social services organization with experience in state government rather than a leader from Washington, DC. convention center authority.

The board voted 12-0 to tap Vernon Monday afternoon, after holding final interviews with the two finalists in an open public meeting.

The search for a new leader to take over the agency lasted almost a year, following the departure of former chief executive David Gibbons last November.

Vernon is the CFO and senior vice president of finance at Bay Cove Human Services, based in Boston. During deliberations over who should lead the agency, a number of board members cited Vernon’s established connections in the Boston area and relationship with the local community among his strengths.

He also worked as chief financial officer at the state Department of Revenue and, starting in 2018, led finances for the trial courts and the Office of Court Management.

The board voted for Vernon over the other finalist, Hootan Kaboli. Kaboli is senior vice president of operations at Events DC, the authority that brings conventions, entertainment, sporting and cultural events to the nation’s capital. He has been with the organization for eight years, according to his LinkedIn, holding several positions.

“What particularly strikes me about Marcel is the local link, isn’t it? He has experience here in Massachusetts, relationships with people and some experience working in the state in several different roles. So for me, I think this is particularly notable in that we’re bringing someone into this role that’s so deeply rooted in the community, and kind of a person that we know needs to rebuild trust in a lot of ways . “ Ashley Groffenberger, board member.

The quasi-public agency responsible for an $845 million economic impact in the Boston and Springfield areas has struggled with its public image in recent years as problems related to racial discrimination have come to light, a supposedly opaque process of managing public affairs. of state-owned lands, and a new state audit that says it “selected when it was practical or not” to follow state law and internal policies related to public records, procurement public and settlement agreements.

The search for a new executive director was presented as an opportunity to turn a new page for the organization, with a greater emphasis on prioritizing inclusiveness and equity within the organization. of 400 employees.

Between 2010 and 2013, Vernon served as the Chief Financial Officer of Elite Prototype Athletics, a sports and recreation complex located in Brooklyn, New York. Vernon moved to Massachusetts in 2013 with his wife and children, he said. In his interview, he highlighted his involvement with Men Organizing for Support and Strength in Dorchester, which he said helps create business opportunities in underrepresented communities.

“Transformation” is a recurring theme Vernon spoke about during his final in-person meeting with the 12-person board Monday afternoon in Boston.

After saying he was bringing “results-driven experiences and transformation…” he added: “I’m not saying transformation is necessary here. But, you know, I certainly think I can be a change agent to really help propel the authority to the next level of success.

Although he does not have direct experience as a convention authority, board members said they believe his work experience is transferable.

Vernon worked for seven years as a casino finance and operations manager for Harrah’s Entertainment, Isle of Capri and Mohegan Sun, according to his LinkedIn.

“At first, we had no idea the depth of Marcel’s experience in the industry. And quite honestly, that was a big deal for me, being in the industry,” said Cindy Brown, CEO of Duck Tours in Boston. “But once we talked to him at length about the hands-on work he does in casinos and hotels, which can essentially double as convention centers, I was blown away by his experience.”

During his interview, Kaboli was keen to highlight his “directly” and “immediately transferable” skills, currently working as senior vice president of operations at one of MCCA’s convention competitors.

He said he negotiated directly with unions, built a staff culture at Events DC, managed $30 million in internal sales and attracted outside sales to the convention center, and worked with local government on financing and approval if necessary – emphasizing that many of these responsibilities would be transferable to employment in Massachusetts.

However, Sheena Collier, who led the council’s search efforts, said that while industry knowledge was “a plus… it’s a broader role than that.”

“Marcel, to me, is going to bring unity back to this Convention Center,” said Aisha Miller, who co-chaired the search committee with Collier.

The executive director position comes with a salary of $250,000 to $320,000, according to a job posting from contract search firm Koya Partners.

— Sam Drysdale / State House Press Office