Marcel Vernon Sr., executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, stepped down from his role with the authority on Friday. He will remain as an employee until Dec. 31.
This adds another stain on the authority that has had a history of racial discrimination and leadership changes in recent years.
“The Authority 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 separation agreement said.
Vernon’s separation was contingent on board approval. Every board member voted “yes,” except for board chair Emme Handy, who abstained.
In a statement sent to GBH News from his attorney, Vernon said his transition from the authority reflects a move toward “a progressive, growth-oriented environment.”
“There were important points I wanted to make in connection with my decision to depart the Authority, particularly around accountability and transparency,” he added. “These were points I believe needed to be made. I have made them, and I intend to continue advocating for those principles publicly and constructively.”
Vernon will get a separation payment of $500,000 and will receive his base salary until his separation date.
He was named CEO of the authority in October 2024, a year after an independent investigation found a pattern of racial discrimination against employees and vendors at the authority.
But last Sunday, the board had a secret meeting to discuss terminating Vernon’s role with the authority, according to reporting in the Boston Herald. On Thursday, Vernon’s attorney sent a letter to the board’s chair defending Vernon’s tenure at the organization and accusing Handy of directing “extra-legal” activities. The letter states that Vernon was repeatedly asked to “disregard and ... violate” procurement requirements.
It also alleges that Handy asked Vernon to spend taxpayer money with organizations that she had personal relationships with.
Handy is the chief financial officer of the Broad Institute, and the letter alleges this relationship allowed the institute to cancel a contract with MCCA and get a refund, despite missing the deadline.
David Cameron, spokesperson for the Broad Institute, called this claim false and said Handy recused herself from these discussions and wasn’t involved. Handy didn’t return requests for comment.
In the meantime, multiple legislative committees are looking into the authority. Next month, the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion will hold a hearing on reforms the convention center authority has implemented in response to the investigation about racial discrimination. Vernon had previously agreed to testify.
His separation agreement doesn’t limit his ability to speak publicly.
The Massachusetts Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight has also launched an investigation into the convention center authority, first reported by the Boston Herald, alleging mismanagement of public funds and corruption. In a LinkedIn post earlier this week, Vernon applauded the investigation and said he welcomed a full airing of the facts.
“My hope is that those within the Authority who for too long have attempted to obstruct or impede reform will no longer be in a position to do so,” he wrote. “I know that this is what the Senate Committee hopes as well.”
