New London — David McBride, the current executive director of Thames River Innovation Place, is the city’s next finance director.

McBride, who will earn a $140,000 annual salary, will succeed Donald E. Gray Jr., who announced his impending retirement in November.

Gray first started with the city as comptroller in 1982 and became the finance director in 1988. He retired in 2003 but was lured back to the position when Mayor Michael Passero took office in 2016.

McBride, expected to start later this month, is the former director of finance, director of business diversification and vice president of the Fast-Casual Food & Beverage Division for the Mohegan Tribe.

“Dave McBride has the experience, drive, and financial savvy that we need to grow our city. Perhaps more importantly, he has been personally invested in supporting New London businesses for many years,” Passero said in a statement.

“I look forward to the new ideas he will bring to the team as we continue to foster an environment of progress and growth for New London,” Passero said.

McBride earned a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. He has experience managing the purchasing and building services, accounts payable, payroll, budgets and analysis, tax and compliance and financial accounting and reporting divisions for the Mohegan Tribe, the statement reads. McBride also has served as an adjunct accounting and finance professor for numerous years with several universities.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity. The city is undergoing a renaissance not seen in a very long time,” McBride said in a statement. “I am looking forward to playing a role in the future of New London as we continue to invest in our economy and build the future of our city and the entire region.”

As finance director, McBride will be responsible for overseeing the general accounting, accounts receivable, payroll and risk management functions of New London.

In addition to his previous work overseeing the finances of the Mohegan Tribe, McBride has established numerous businesses and organizations based in Southeastern Connecticut.

Tony Sheridan, chairman of the TRIP board of directors and president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, said TRIP has flourished under McBride’s direction.

“David has successfully positioned TRIP for continued success and we look forward to his continued involvement with the organization in other capacities as he pursues this new career opportunity,” Sheridan said in a statement.

Outside of the school district, McBride will be the second-highest-paid city employee behind Joseph Lanzafame, the director of public utilities, who earns $158,230.

g.smith@theday.com