A virtual wall of silence surrounds what happened at the Research Triangle Foundation that triggered the pending departure of CEO Bob Geolas.
The Foundation’s board chair does acknowledge it is taking some steps to consider what to do.
So far, Geolas has confirmed that he is leaving and pursuing other opportunities in interviews with WRAL TechWire and The News and Observer. As to what happened, he wouldn’t say in his contacts with WTW.
Smedes York, the powerful Raleigh businessman and developer who took over as chair of the RTP Board in 2015, has spoken briefly about Geolas’ departure but will not discuss the circumstances.
As for what the board will do, York said late Thursday that it is taking some moves.
“In terms of moving forward, we’ll know more next week,” York said.
“The executive committee is meeting next week to discuss some of [next steps],” he added. “That’s about all I can say now.”
As he did in the initial exclusive interview with WTW on Wednesday in which he acknowledged that Geolas was leaving, York praised Geolas and said information about what happened would have to come from Geolas, who has led the Park for the past five years.
“It’s a two-way street,” York said. “Get in touch with Bob. Call him.”
Geolas did not respond to followup interview requests from WTW on Thursday.
York went out of his way to praise Geolas’ efforts again Thursday, just as he had on Wednesday.
“I’m not going to really be able to add anything to what I have said already,” York said.
He then added: “We have been implementing a dynamic [master plan] under Bob’s leadership.”
