The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is leaderless again now that Marcel Vernon Sr. stepped down on Friday from the chief executive’s role after roughly a year in the position.
The MCCA board and Vernon agreed to a $500,000 separation deal, one that keeps him on the payroll through the end of the month, though not with any official duties. The board on Friday voted to approve the deal; chair Emme Handy abstained from the vote.
Both sides offered statements that imply an amicable parting, and the departure was described as voluntary. However, tensions between board members and Vernon began to increase recently as his management came into question and two legislative committees launched inquiries into the convention center authority. Last weekend, a lawyer for Vernon wrote that he was concerned the board was meeting without proper notification to discuss his termination.
On Thursday, Vernon’s attorney filed a whistleblower complaint with Handy, notifying her that Vernon intends to provide formal notice to the state Ethics Commission of violations he has observed.
The separation agreement specifically allows Vernon to provide testimony and information to the Legislature’s racial equity and civil rights committee, the Senate post audit and oversight committee, or “any other legislative, judicial, or governmental body.” A State House committee hearing to discuss progress on diversity at the MCCA is scheduled for Jan. 6.
Vernon, who is Black, was hired by the board in the fall of 2024 to oversee a roughly 400-person organization that runs convention centers in South Boston, the Back Bay, and Springfield. He earned a salary of $330,000.
He was tasked with addressing issues raised by an outside audit that showed the MCCA had fallen short with diversity practices for hiring, promotions, and contracting with vendors. Vernon previously was chief financial officer at Bay Cove Human Services, and he had not had any hospitality or convention experience in at least the past 15 years.
Vernon replaced former Bentley University president Gloria Larson, who was filling in on an interim basis, and David Gibbons, who left abruptly amid a clash with the board two years ago.
Vernon once said he dreamed of becoming a CEO when he was a 20-something business student. On Friday, though, his first role with that title came to an end. The board has not yet named a new interim leader to take over after Vernon’s departure.
“My transition ... reflects a thoughtful move toward a progressive, growth-oriented environment where I can leverage my experience, innovative thinking, and leadership to drive lasting operational and cultural improvement,” Vernon said in a prepared statement. “There were important points I wanted to make in connection with my decision to depart the Authority, particularly around accountability and transparency. ... I am grateful to so many in our community from civic and elected leaders, to the Authority’s employees, to partners and stakeholders who supported the work and appreciated what we accomplished together.”
The board, in its statement included in the separation agreement, said it “acknowledges that in the year that he has been CEO, Mr. Vernon has been responsible for a number of extremely important achievements and advances at the Authority during a challenging time in the Authority’s history. The Board, and his fellow employees, are grateful to him for that.”
The board also sent a letter to MCCA employees on Friday after the vote took place, expressing appreciation for their commitment during a “period that has raised both questions and concerns across departments.”
Among other things, the board said: “This agreement was not entered into lightly, however, we believe it is in the best interest of both the MCCA and Mr. Vernon for the Authority to move forward under different leadership [and] the Board believes the steps we are taking will allow the MCCA to address those challenges most effectively.”
Jon Chesto can be reached at jon.chesto@globe.com. Follow him @jonchesto.