A familiar face is assuming the CEO’s job as head of the Research Triangle Foundation, replacing the departing Bob Geolas.
Elizabeth Rooks, who retired as of Dec. 31, 2015, takes over the CEO job on an interim basis.
Geolas is leaving after five years in the CEO job and helping craft the new strategic plan for the Park that is now unfolding.
“[T]he rest of the management team is still in place,” a spokesperson tells WRAL TechWire.
“The RTF Board of Directors, particularly those members on the Development Committee, will also be very involved in the Park Center development as RTP works through this transition period.”
Rooks had been the RTF’s chief operating officer and executive vice president before retiring. She worked at the foundation for 25 years.
“There’s no one more familiar with RTP and Park Center than Liz Rooks,” said Smedes York, the Raleigh real estate executive and developer who heads the Foundation’s board, in a statement. “She will be a great leader for the Foundation.”
When Rooks announced her retirement, Geolas praised her long record of contributions to the Park.
“Liz Rooks is an institution,” Geolas said. “Her guidance throughout my first few years with The Foundation has been incredibly beneficial. Without her insight, the RTP would not be on the path forward that it is today.”
News about Geolas’ departure was first reported by WRAL TechWire on Sept. 14.
Before retiring, Rooks was deeply involved in the new RTP master plan, which was disclosed in 2012.
The Park is currently home to more than 200 companies.
