The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has agreed to a separation and release package for its most recent former President and CEO after he resigned effective Dec. 31.
David Uran, who took over as the tourism bureau chief in May 2022, will receive 16 weeks of pay, prorated from his base salary of $150,000, and $7,000 for insurance if he abides by the terms of the agreement.
Uran resigned in December citing the desire to spend more time with family. The resignation came Dec. 18, one business day after a Dec. 15 executive session where alleged employee misconduct was listed as the reason.
In January, SSCVA Board President Andy Qunell said being able to negotiate his severance was in his contract. Uran’s contract was set to expire Dec. 31, 2025. His total compensation for 2023 was $203,000, which included a bonus.
The board unanimously approved allowing the executive board to negotiate a separation agreement with Uran for up to nine months of compensation on their behalf. The measure has not since been brought before the full board.
Qunell declined to comment for this article, citing personnel matters. Uran did not respond to a request for comment.
Among the terms of the agreement signed by Uran on Jan. 25 and Qunell on Jan. 27, Uran agrees he will “never sue or file a lawsuit against Releasees including, without limitation, any lawsuit concerning or in any way related to him employment with the Employer, the termination of that employment, the compensation or benefits payable in connection with his employment or any other matter related to the employment relationship,” according to the agreement.
The agreement also contains a non-disparagement clause preventing any “legally impermissible statements or representations that disparage, demean or impugn the other party, including without limitation any legally impermissible statements impugning the person or professional character of Employee or any director, officer, employee or consultant for Employer, nor will the parties encourage or assist others to make any such statements or representations.”
The agreement contains a confidentiality clause that prevents Uran from discussing the agreement with anyone other than his immediate family, accountant and attorney, or managers and or attorneys of the Parties.
“Neither the employee or his agents or representative shall make any statement or comment to the media about this agreement and or its terms. The employee shall instruct his legal counsel not to disclose this Agreement or its terms,” according to the agreement.
The agreement was provided by the SSCVA attorney Scott McClure in response to a public records request.
Kendra Leatherman, general counsel for the State Board of Accounts, said the tourism bureau has general authority under statute to contract and enter into agreements.
Leatherman said the SBOA would likely not take an exception to the severance agreement in its audit.
“In an audit, we would look to ensure the particular funds (were) used where otherwise authorized by the board to be used for this purpose. Or alternatively would not be prohibited from being used for this purpose,” she said Wednesday via email.
Uran was hired to replace former long-term President and CEO Speros Batistatos after the board bought out his contract and refused to renegotiate an extension. Currently, Batistatos is suing the board for wrongful termination.
