On August 20, 2024, Auditor Diana DiZoglio released a scathing report detailing numerous issues with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA). The audit, covering the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, revealed a pattern of non-compliance with state laws and internal policies related to public records, procurement, and settlement agreements. Previous leaders of the MCCA were accused of selectively following regulations when it was convenient for them, leading to potential violations of state laws.
One of the key findings of the audit was the MCCA’s failure to obtain sufficient quotes for several purchases, as well as not following procurement policies for a media contract worth over $100,000. Additionally, the agency was found to have executed vendor contracts without proper board approval and entered into a costly employee settlement without the necessary oversight. These actions raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the MCCA’s operations under previous leadership.
Auditor DiZoglio highlighted the most troubling discovery in the report, which was the execution of a $1.2 million non-disclosure agreement to conceal allegations of racial discrimination. This violation of the law underscored the lack of ethical practices within the organization and further emphasized the need for reform and oversight.
In response to the audit findings, MCCA officials acknowledged the shortcomings and admitted that previous leadership had not followed proper procedures. The agency’s interim executive director, Gloria Cordes Larson, was commended for her cooperation with the audit team in addressing the issues identified in the report. The MCCA pledged to take immediate action to rectify the deficiencies and ensure compliance with state laws and internal policies moving forward.
The report also raised concerns about potential violations of state laws, prompting auditors to refer the matter to other agencies for further investigation and potential enforcement. The attorney general’s office and the State Ethics Commission were among the agencies tasked with examining the findings and taking appropriate action to hold accountable those responsible for the lapses in compliance.
Overall, the audit of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority shed light on systemic issues within the organization that had gone unchecked for years. The revelations of non-compliance with state laws and internal policies underscored the need for greater transparency, accountability, and oversight in the operations of public agencies. Auditor DiZoglio’s report served as a wake-up call for the MCCA and a call to action for reform to prevent similar lapses in the future.