GEORGE ZOLEY

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, GEO GROUP, BOCA RATON

Zoley founded The GEO Group in 1984. GEO has about 18,000 employees worldwide and is a leading provider of support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community re-entry centers; enhanced in-custody rehabilitation through the GEO Continuum of Care; secure transportation; electronic monitoring; and correctional health and mental health care. The company’s foundation, The GEO Group Foundation, donates between $2 million and $2.5 million annually to college and university scholarships, local schools, and community and nonprofit organizations across the U.S.

EDUCATION: Florida Atlantic University (BA, MA), Nova Southeastern University (Ph.D)

MENTOR: George Wackenhut, who hired me in the 1980s and was always open to good business ideas.

READING: The Greeks: A Global History, by Roderick Beaton

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: The late Wayne Huizenga, who was an amazing entrepreneur.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Be grateful for your family, friends, and good health. 

IF I WERE GOVERNOR
“I would continue to invest in Florida’s colleges and universities to provide higher education opportunities for graduating high school seniors.”