Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Announces Senior Event Operations and Venue Leadership Appointments

Boston – The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) today announced the appointment of Diane DiAntonio as Chief Operating Officer, Kristen Kinahan as General Manager, and Carol Gagnon as Senior Director of Standardization and Quality Assurance. 

Diane DiAntonio has spent more than two decades with the MCCA and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of all Authority facilities. Reporting to Interim Executive Director John Barros, she will oversee Facility Operations, Event Services, Public Safety, Transportation, and related operational functions, ensuring consistency, accountability, and operational excellence across multiple properties. DiAntonio most recently served as General Manager.

“Diane has an exceptionally strong understanding of our operations paired with deep institutional knowledge,” said John Barros, Interim Executive Director of the MCCA. “She has long-standing relationships with our staff, vendors, and customers and is widely respected throughout the meetings and conventions industry. We are incredibly fortunate to have Diane step into this important role.”

Kristen Kinahan has been appointed General Manager, providing immediate operational coverage and continuity. Kinahan is a seasoned event operations leader with more than 20 years of experience in the convention and hospitality industry. She most recently served as Assistant General Manager of the MCCA, where she oversaw large-scale event planning and execution at both the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.

Carol Gagnon has been appointed Senior Director of Standardization and Quality Assurance, where she will support contract continuity, risk management, and operational excellence. In this role, she oversees the MCCA’s book of business and collaborates across multiple disciplines to standardize processes and maximize efficiency. Carol brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, spanning both the client and facility sides. She is passionate about giving back to the hospitality community and currently serves as President of the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA).

“I’m honored and excited to serve in this new role,” said Diane DiAntonio, Chief Operating Officer of the MCCA. “We have an exceptional team across all our facilities, and I’m confident that Kristen and Carol will bring strong leadership and focus to their new roles as we move through an especially busy and exciting time for the Authority.”

About the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA)
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns and oversees the operations of the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC), the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center, Convention Center Carpark & The Landing in Springfield, MA, the Boston Common Parking Garage, The Lawn on D and The Lot on D. The MCCA's mission is to deliver world-class event experiences that drive statewide economic growth, foster innovation, and exceed customer expectations all while cultivating a workplace culture that values excellence, inclusivity, and employee well-being.