The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) board of directors today elected Fred Peterson as its interim executive director, effective July 1.

“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,” Peterson said in a statement. “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.”

The MCCA’s current Executive Director James E. Rooney in March announced that he would leave the authority on June 30 to become the next president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

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 and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, among other roles.

“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,” John McDonnell, board chair of the MCCA and managing director international of Fifth Generation Inc., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, said in a statement. “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.”