MCCA Board Appoints John Barros Interim Executive Director

John Barros

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) board of directors voted unanimously to appoint John Barros interim executive director of the authority, with a start date of Jan. 14.

Barros brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a career focused on economic development, equitable growth, and community impact. From 2014 to 2021, he served as chief of Economic Development for the city of Boston, where he led the creation of a newly consolidated Economic Development Cabinet focused on equity and inclusion, and advanced initiatives to create jobs, strengthen tourism, train the workforce, and revitalize neighborhoods.

Most recently, Barros served as managing principal at Civitas Builders, a Boston-based firm focused on improving communities through responsive real estate development and strategic project execution.

“As Massachusetts prepares for an extraordinary, nation-leading year ahead for events, tourism, and economic development, the MCCA is going to play a pivotal role,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “I’m confident that, under John’s experienced and strategic leadership, the authority will continue fulfilling its mission to boost our economy and competitiveness, and I thank the MCCA board for its work to ensure stability at this vital organization.”

As chief of Economic Development for the city of Boston under Mayor Martin Walsh, Barros co-chaired the development of Imagine Boston, the city’s first citywide, comprehensive plan, and oversaw initiatives focused on access to capital, local wealth creation, job connections, and neighborhood-centered growth. Under his leadership, Boston added 140,000 new jobs and significantly expanded public investment in workforce development and community-centered economic strategies.

As interim executive director, he will oversee the MCCA’s venue portfolio and operations, including the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center, and the Lawn on D, while advancing the authority’s mission to drive economic impact through events and tourism.

“I am honored to step into this role at such a critical moment for the MCCA and grateful to the board for their support and confidence,” Barros said. “As a world-class cultural and economic engine, what happens here impacts not just Boston, but the entire Commonwealth. I am looking forward to working with the team and ensuring we continue to deliver on our mission of driving economic impact, fostering a fair and equitable workplace, and event excellence.”