The Congress Council selects a new executive director

The Massachusetts Convention Center Board of Management voted Monday to appoint Marcel Vernon Sr. to lead the quasi-public agency in its next chapter, choosing the Boston-based social services organization’s chief financial officer with experience in state government over a leader from Washington, D.C. conference center administration.

The board voted 12-0 in favor of Vernon’s nomination Monday afternoon after conducting final interviews with the two finalists at an open public meeting.

The search for a new chief executive to lead the agency took nearly a year after former chief executive David Gibbons resigned last November.

Vernon is the CFO and senior vice president of finance at Bay Cove Human Services, based in Boston. During discussions about who should lead the agency, a number of board members cited Vernon’s strong ties to the Boston area and relationships with the local community among his strengths.

He also served as chief financial officer for the state Department of Revenue and, since 2018, as chief financial officer for the trial courts and the Office of Court Management.

The board voted for Vernon over another finalist, Hutan Kaboli. Kaboli is senior vice president of operations at Events DC, an organization that brings conventions, entertainment, sports and cultural events to the nation’s capital. According to his LinkedIn, he worked for the organization for eight years, holding several positions.

“One thing that stands out about Marseille is the local connections, right? He has experience here in Massachusetts, connections with people, and some experience working in the state in several different positions. For me, I think this particularly stands out because we’re bringing someone into this role that is so deeply rooted in the community, and someone who we know needs to rebuild trust in a variety of ways. board member Ashley Groffenberger.

The quasi-governmental agency responsible for $845 million in economic impact in the Boston and Springfield areas has struggled with its public image over the past several years as problems with racial discrimination and an allegedly opaque government treatment process came to light. land it owns, and a new state audit alleging the company “chose carefully when it was convenient or not convenient” to follow state laws and internal policies related to public reporting, procurement and settlement agreements.

The search for a new chief executive was touted as an opportunity to make a fresh start at the organization, placing greater emphasis on the priorities of inclusion and equity in the organization of more than 400 employees.

From 2010 to 2013, Vernon was the chief financial officer of Elite Prototype Athletics, a sports and entertainment complex in Brooklyn, New York, he said. Vernon moved to Massachusetts in 2013 with his wife and children, he said. In the 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” was a recurring theme Vernon raised during his final in-person interview with the 12-member board Monday afternoon in Boston.

Saying it offers a “results-oriented experience and transformation…”, he added: “I’m not saying there needs to be transformation. But, you know, I certainly think I can be a change agent that can really help move the government to a new level of success.”

Although he has no direct convention experience, board members said they believe his work experience is transferable.

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

“Previously, we had no idea how deep Marcel’s experience in the industry was. And frankly, that was a big problem for me because I work in this industry,” said Cindy Brown, CEO of Boston-based Duck Tours. “But once I talked to him in detail about the hands-on work he has done in casinos and hotels that essentially double as convention centers, I was blown away by his expertise.”

During his interview, Kaboli emphasized his “hands-on” and “immediately transferable” skills, as he currently works as the senior vice president of operations for one of MCCA’s convention competitors.

He said he negotiates directly with unions, builds the workforce culture at Events DC, manages $30 million in internal sales and attracts outside sales to the convention center, and works with local governments for funding and approval when needed, he said. noting that many of these responsibilities will be transferred to the Massachusetts job.

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

“Marseille, in my opinion, is going to bring unity back to this convention center,” said Aisha Miller, who co-chaired the selection committee with Collier.

The executive director position carries a salary of between $250,000 and $320,000 for each position at contract search firm Koya Partners.

– Sam Drysdale/State House News Service