Longtime hospitality executive, David M. Gibbons of Rockport, Mass., was named by board of directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority as its executive director.

Gibbons becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over most recently for James Rooney, who left to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Gibbons appointment comes after a several-month search process led by executive search firm Korn Ferry.  In his role, Gibbons will oversee ownership and operations of the Authority’s four facilities, including the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the South Boston Waterfront, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., and the 1,350-space Boston Common Parking Garage.

“David brings a very unique leadership skillset that matches with our plans for growing the MCCA brand globally." said John McDonnell, chairman of the Selection Committee and MCCA Board and managing director International of Fifth Generation, Inc., Tito’s Handmade Vodka. 

He added, "He has a proven track record as an innovator, team builder and positive change agent.  He knows how to take established facilities and bring them to new levels of success."

Gibbons has spent 30 years in leadership roles in the hospitality industry.  He has held the role of general manager at Swissotel (Boston), The Drake (New York City), and the Taj Boston. Gibbons is highly regarded for his leadership experience in operations, food and beverage, finance, labor relations, and overall general management. He is also a former chairman of the Massachusetts Lodging Association and was awarded General Manager of the Year by the association. 

“Thank you to Chairman McDonnell, the search committee and the full board for entrusting me with this enormous responsibility," Gibbons said.

He added, "I look forward to working with the Gov. Baker, Mayor Walsh, Mayor Sarno, and the many other important stakeholders across Massachusetts to enhance the MCCA's role in the convention industry and lead the authority towards a self-sustainable business model.”

“I am pleased to welcome David to the MCCA,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. “As a former hospitality executive and head of the Massachusetts Lodging Association, David brings the leadership experience and credentials needed to maintain a thriving convention and tourism industry in Massachusetts. 

The Board assembled a Selection Committee comprised of five board members: board chairman, John McDonnell; Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration & Finance Secretary, Kristen Lepore; Amy Lattimer; Michelle Consalvo; and David Sweeney.  Led by Korn Ferry, the group reviewed or discussed over 100 resumes, and conducted several interviews before coming to consensus to present Gibbons as the new leader of the MCCA.

Fred Peterson, the MCCA’s Director of Facilities Operations, has served as interim executive director since July 1, 2015. 

He will return to this role with the Authority upon Gibbons assuming the executive role Jan. 4.  

"We greatly appreciate Fred for stepping up and leading the MCCA as the interim executive director, and are pleased that he will remain in a leadership role within the organization,” McDonnell said.