Gov. Baker said he was pleased Gibbons got the job. "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 governor said in a prepared statement.

John McDonnell, chairman of the selection committee and MCCA board and managing director international of Fifth Generation, Tito's Handmade Vodka, also had high praise for the incoming executive director. "David brings a very unique leadership skill set that matches with our plans for growing the MCCA brand globally," he states. "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."

The MCCA Board's Selection Committee was comprised of five Board members that included chairman McDonnell, Massachusetts executive office for administration & finance secretary, Kristen Lepore; Amy Lattimer; Michelle Consalvo and David Sweeney. Led by executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry, the committee reviewed or discussed more than 100 resumes, and conducted several interviews before coming to consensus to hire Gibbons as the new leader of the MCCA. Gibbons was unavailable for comment at press time.

The Boston Globe reports that Gibbons bested Tom Keady, VP governmental and community affairs at Boston College and Dennis Robinson, chief of staff to New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, for the top post with the MCCA.