Patrick Taps Fired Manager for Pike

Former state Revenue Commissioner Alan LeBovidge is in line to become the state's next Turnpike Authority executive director.

An aide to Governor Deval Patrick says LeBovidge's name is being forwarded to the Turnpike board.

The 65-year-old would succeed Mary Jane O'Meara, who has served as interim Turnpike director since the summer. She's expected to return to her previous job running the Tobin Bridge.

Patrick removed LeBovidge as revenue commissioner in June, ending more than five years in the post for LeBovidge.

An aide to Patrick says the governor feels LeBovidge is the right person for the Turnpike post.

The Turnpike Authority hasn't had a permanent, day-to-day manager since Matthew Amorello was forced to resign last year after a tunnel ceiling collapse in Boston's Big Dig.