Brookline Bancorp appointed Thomas J. Meshako its interim chief financial officer and chief accounting officer while the company conducts a search to replace its outgoing CFO.

The company announced earlier this month that Julie A. Gerschick would resign from her post at the year’s end "to pursue other business interests," sparking some speculation about a possible merger or acquisition. According to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gerschick is to receive a severance payment of $615,250, a bonus of $115,600 and the option of continuing health benefits.

Meshako, who has served as Brookline Bancorp’s Director of Finance since October 2011, will step into the role on an interim basis on Jan. 1.

Previously, he worked as senior vice president of operations at Union Bank from 2008 to 2011, and prior to that served as the senior vice president of financial planning and analysis at Chittenden Corp.