The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Board of Directors is speaking out following the signing of a $500,000 severance agreement with CEO Marcel Vernon as a state committee investigates corruption at the agency.

The board, overseen by Gov. Maura Healey, sent a letter to employees Friday following the agreement to part ways with Vernon.

“We wanted you to hear directly from the Board about what is happening at the top of the organization, the board wrote to its employees, informing them that as part of the agreement, Vernon will remain on staff through the end of the year, but will no longer oversee day-to-day operations. “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.”

The board also noted what it calls “a period that has raised both questions and concerns” at the agency.

“We are aware that the organization is managing through a period that has raised both questions and concerns across departments. However, the Board believes the steps we are taking will allow the MCCA to address those challenges most effectively,” the board said.

“There may be adjustments and uncertainty in the days ahead, and we greatly appreciate your professionalism and continued commitment to the Authority. Your work serving our local communities, enhancing our state’s economy, and hosting visitors from around the world remains vital to the MCCA’s mission and success,” it said.

The agreement comes as the Senate Committee on Post Audit & Oversight probes leadership at the quasi-public agency for corruption related to procuring documents, mismanagement of public funds, destruction of records, surveilling employees without consent and more.

It further stipulates that Vernon will be allowed to discuss the Authority, privately and publicly, without any confidentiality restrictions. In his Dec. 5 summons letter, Committee Chair and state Senator Mark Montigny (D-2nd Bristol & Plymouth) called on Vernon to provide information on the listed allegations by Dec. 19. Vernon welcomed the investigation in a written response to Montigny.

“I regard this investigation as very important, and necessary and I regard the Committee as an ally of those of us who have been working to reform the Authority. There will no doubt be some who will try to impede the investigation. I will not be one of them. Like the Committee, I believe that the public is entitled to complete transparency about this subject, and I intend to work actively to help the Committee achieve that transparency,” Vernon said.

Following Vernon’s response, the board scheduled an “emergency meeting” that violated Massachusetts Open Meeting Law by failing to notify the public within 48 hours and within two business days. The December 7 meeting, held behind closed doors in executive session, was meant to “discuss strategy with respect to litigation,” according to the meeting agenda. There were rumors the meeting was intended to fire Vernon in retaliation for welcoming the investigation, but the board ultimately made no decision.

Vernon was appointed to the position after the timing of these allegations, in October 2024, to curb reports of racial bias and discrimination.

In a statement following the signing of the agreement, the board noted “a number of extremely important achievements and advances at the Authority,” adding that he will remain as an employee for the remainder of the year as the board appoints an interim-CEO.

“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. Today, Mr. Vernon has decided voluntarily to tender his resignation as CEO,” the board said.

“During this transition period, the Board and Mr. Vernon have agreed that he will stay on as an employee through the end of the year in order for the Authority to receive the benefit of his advice, and the terms of his departure have been laid out in a formal agreement. The Board will soon be appointing an interim CEO to ensure that the critical work of the MCCA proceeds without interruption. The Authority thanks Mr. Vernon for his service and has no doubt that he will continue his success in the endeavors he has decided to pursue,” it said.

Montigny and the committee are ordering the requested records be delivered within two weeks, setting a deadline of December 19.

The new investigation was launched just days after the Herald reported that Vernon and other MCCA officials have been called to testify before the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion on efforts to curb racial bias and discrimination from the Authority.