MassDevelopment CEO Dan Rivera, then mayor of Lawrence, testifies before state lawmakers in January 2020. State House News Service photo / File
The head of a top state quasi-public development finance agency has turned in his resignation, effective immediately.
Dan Rivera was appointed CEO of MassDevelopment by former Gov. Charlie Baker, and had his term extended in December 2022, shortly before Gov. Maura Healey took office.
A spokesperson for the state Executive Office of Economic Development confirmed that Rivera submitted his resignation “to pursue other opportunities” at the agency’s board meeting Friday.
MassDevelopment board member and former state economic development secretary Dan O’Connell will step in as interim CEO, during which time the board will conduct a search for Rivera’s successor.
“EOED and the Administration want to thank Dan Rivera for his tenure and dedication to MassDevelopment over the last three years,” state Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao said in a statement. “Under Dan’s leadership, the agency has funded key housing deals, created economic development opportunities in Gateway Cities, and promoted commercial development across the state. We wish him well on his next endeavor.”
During his three years at the head of MassDevelopment Rivera, the popular former mayor of Lawrence, was lauded for his work expanding state programs that seek to drive public investment into Gateway Cities, including a doubling of its Transformative Development Initiative.
“After an impactful and transformative time leading MassDevelopment I tendered my resignation in consultation and coordination with Secretary Yvonne Hao,” Rivera said in a statement. “I am excited to pursue some personal opportunities that will allow me to continue to work in the development and transformation of cities and towns across the state. It has been an honor to work with the talented and resourceful team at MassDevelopment these past three plus years. I have enjoyed my time leading this great organization and making significant transformative development impact in communities across the commonwealth. I am deeply proud of the work we have all accomplished together in furthering the mission of the agency.”
Editor’s Note: 3:47 p.m. April 26, 2024: This story has been updated with comment from Dan Rivera.
