Belize Central Prison CEO Search Reopens After Succession Plan Falls Through

It was just some three months ago that a succession plan was activated at the Belize Central Prison, with George Gomez undergoing training to take over from longtime Chief Executive Officer Virgilio Murillo. That plan has since fallen through, and the Kolbe Foundation is now publicly advertising the CEO position.  Gomez was being prepared to assume leadership of the institution as Murillo approached the end of his twelve-year tenure as CEO and Director of the prison. Murillo stepped down in early July after serving the Kolbe Foundation for more than two decades.  Francis Woods is now serving as Acting CEO. Woods explained what led to the breakdown of the arrangement involving Gomez and why the Foundation has opened the position to other applicants.

Francis Woods, Acting CEO, Kolbe Foundation: “It’s a simple as this it was not working out. Mr. Gomez did do some positive stuff here at the prison and we will keep those stuff that he did and continue. We’ve had several CEOs over the last twenty four years since Kolbe Foundation has taken over and every CEO has brought some positive to the operation and the organization has grown tremendously because of that. And anything that wasn’t positive it’s just disregarded. So we grow as a unique team with a lot of experience. There are twenty four years we have managed the Belize Central Prison and every CEO that as come has left some positive mark on the place.”

Reporter: So now you start again in terms of welcoming new applicants. 

Francis Woods, Acting CEO, Kolbe Foundation: “Correct. I think ads were just placed recently maybe as close as last week Friday and we’re already receiving quite a bit and we’ll go through the process one more time.”

The Foundation has not issued a detailed written statement on the fallout. Its vacancy notice, however, says it is seeking an experienced, visionary and results-oriented professional to provide strategic leadership, oversee the prison’s operations and work closely with its Board of Directors.  Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minimum of ten years’ senior management experience, including at least five years in an executive leadership role. The successful candidate must also possess a strong background in security and operational management, knowledge of law and policy, effective decision-making abilities and what the Foundation describes as unquestionable integrity.  Woods will continue overseeing the Belize Central Prison in an acting capacity while the Foundation conducts its search for a permanent CEO.