The Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) voted to appoint Fred Peterson as its interim executive director, replacing the current director, James E. Rooney, who will be leaving the authority at the end of the month to become the next president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Peterson will assume the Interim role, effective July 1.

“On behalf of the entire board, we are pleased to have a candidate with Fred’s qualifications take the lead as our Interim Executive Director,” said John McDonnell, board chair of the MCCA and managing director International of Fifth Generation, Inc., Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

He added, “With his long history at the MCCA, his experience managing operations from a high level and his understanding of the smallest details that go into what makes the Authority run day-to-day, we have great confidence that the MCCA will continue to do outstanding work while we search for a permanent Executive Director.

Peterson has been with the authority for 16 years, most recently serving as the director of facilities operations, managing operational and external relationships including the public safety department, the transportation department, loading dock management at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, parking operations at the BCEC, Hynes and the Boston Common Garage and overseeing more than 20 contract partners involved in event operations at all MCCA properties.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this interim leadership role while our Board’s search committee works to find the permanent Executive Director for the Authority,” Peterson said.

He added, “The MCCA is a complex organization that does important work for the Commonwealth, and I am confident in my ability to lead the organization in a way that ensures that we keep delivering the world class service our facilities are known for, from Boston to Springfield. With our strong team and culture, I know that we will continue to build upon our successes and reputation for excellence in the meetings and conventions industry.”

At its May meeting, the authority’s board of directors established a search committee to find a permanent executive director for the organization.

This committee met for the first time June 19 and has contracted Korn Ferry, an executive recruitment and talent management firm, to assist in the search efforts.

The board estimates the search for the permanent executive director will take four to six months. Peterson will not be a candidate for the permanent executive director position.

In his 16-year history with the MCCA, Peterson has held a number of critical roles including community liaison during the development and construction of the BCEC; director of business, Government & Community Relations; and deputy COO, among other positions.

He has extensive experience in facility operations and management and holds several leadership roles throughout the meetings industry including: board member for the International Association of Venue Management (IAVM) and IAVM region I director;  board member for the IAVM Foundation Board; chair of the IAVM Industry Affairs Council; and board member for the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA).

In addition, Peterson is the board chair for the Seaport Transportation Management Association and is a member of the Professional Convention Management Association, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the Back Bay Association and A Better City.