CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
Exhibit 10.1
CONFIDENTIAL
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release (“AGREEMENT”) is entered into by and between Xxxxx Xxxxx (“EMPLOYEE”) and The GEO Group, Inc. (“GEO”) (collectively “Parties”).
RECITALS
This AGREEMENT is made with reference to the following facts:
A. | WHEREAS, EMPLOYEE is separating his employment with GEO with a termination date of December 31, 2024 (“Termination Date”), and EMPLOYEE and GEO wish to express the understandings and agreements they have reached concerning EMPLOYEE’s separation from GEO; and |
B. | WHEREAS, all wages due to EMPLOYEE as of December 10, 2024 have been unconditionally paid; and |
C. | WHEREAS, XXX will provide EMPLOYEE with the consideration described below provided EMPLOYEE releases GEO from any claims EMPLOYEE has or may have arising out of his employment with XXX and agrees to comply with the other promises and considerations set forth in this AGREEMENT; |
D. | WHEREAS, notwithstanding the execution of this AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE will retain all rights, interest, and benefits under The GEO Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Senior Officer Retirement Plan (effective December 31, 2008) and all documents executed in connection therewith (the “SORP”); and |
E. | WHEREAS, notwithstanding the execution of this AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE will retain all rights, interest, and benefits under, and previously awarded to him or hereafter to be awarded to him pursuant to, the Performance Shares Agreements dated March 1, 2022 (125,000 Target Shares ), March 1, 2023 (61,323 Target Shares ), and March 1, 2024 (85,194 Target Shares) (all collectively, the “PSA Agreements”) pursuant to the GEO Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to the fullest extent permitted by the PSA Agreements, the Plan, and governing law. |
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties agree to be legally bound by the following terms and conditions:
1. | Recitals: The Parties acknowledge that the “WHEREAS” clauses preceding Paragraph 1 are true and correct and are incorporated herein as material parts to this AGREEMENT. |
2. | Definitions: Throughout this AGREEMENT, the term “GEO” shall include the following: |
(A) The GEO Group, Inc., as well as any subsidiary, parent company, affiliated entity, related entity, operating entity, franchise, or division of The GEO Group, Inc.; and
(B) Any officer, director, trustee, agent, attorney, employee, or insurer of any entity encompassed by subparagraph (A).
3. | Separation from Employment: The effective date of EMPLOYEE’s termination of employment with GEO is December 31, 2024 (“Termination Date”). |
4. | Consideration: In consideration for EMPLOYEE’s execution of this AGREEMENT and in compliance with the promises made herein, XXX agrees as follows: |
• | GEO agrees to pay EMPLOYEE eighty-five thousand, eight hundred and thirty-four dollars ($85,834) (“Consideration”) per month. The Consideration shall commence upon the Effective Date of this Agreement and shall continue through December 31, 2026. |
• | Employee shall be entitled to his 2024 Annual Performance Award (“Bonus”), which will be paid in 2025, at the same time and under the same terms as other GEO executives. |
• | GEO shall continue to provide EMPLOYEE and any covered dependents of EMPLOYEE with the same benefits as described in Section 5 of his January 1, 2024 Employment Agreement for a period of five (5) years after the date of termination of the EMPLOYEE’s employment with the Company. Such benefits shall be provided at no cost to the EMPLOYEE in no less than the same amount, and on the same terms and conditions, as in effect on the date on which the termination of EMPLOYEE occurred. If the EMPLOYEE dies during the five (5) year period following termination pursuant to this Section, GEO shall continue to provide employee benefits to the EMPLOYEE’s covered dependents or, to the extent applicable, to the EMPLOYEE’s estate. |
• | Within ten (10) days following the EMPLOYEE’s separation from employment, GEO shall transfer all of its interest in any automobile used by the EMPLOYEE pursuant to the Company’s Executive Automobile Policy and Section 7 of his Employment Agreement, and shall pay the balance of any outstanding loans or leases on such automobile (whether such obligations are those of the EMPLOYEE or the Company) so that the EMPLOYEE owns the automobile outright (in the event such automobile is leased, the Company shall pay the residual cost of such vehicle). |
• | All outstanding unvested stock options and restricted stock granted to the Employee prior to termination will fully vest immediately upon termination, provided however, that any restricted stock that is still subject to performance-based vesting at the time of such termination shall vest when and to the extent the Compensation Committee of the Board certifies that the performance goals are actually met. |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
• | Within thirty (30) days following the Effective Date (defined below) of this AGREEMENT, GEO shall pay EMPLOYEE the reasonable legal fees and costs EMPLOYEE expended in connection with the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, (the “Legal Fees”). EMPLOYEE estimates that the Legal Fees will be approximately $25,000, but Employee will provide GEO with the precise amount if the Legal Fees to be paid by GEO within ten (10) days of the Effective Date of this AGREEMENT. |
• | Notwithstanding the execution of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall retain, and does not waive or release, any entitlement to unrestricted stocks or other deferred compensation or other benefits under the SORP or other ERISA plans. |
• | Notwithstanding the execution of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall retain all rights, interest, and benefits previously awarded to him or hereafter to be awarded to him pursuant to the PSA Agreements and the Plan to the fullest extent permitted by the PSA Agreement, the Plan, and by law. For avoidance of doubt, paragraph 7(b) of the PSA Agreement relating to termination by the Company without Cause shall govern EMPLOYEE’s rights thereunder. |
• | All benefits detailed in this paragraph 3 shall be payable to EMPLOYEE’s estate in the event of EMPLOYEE’s death prior to the full amount of all such payments and benefits having been paid to EMPLOYEE. |
4. | Mutual General Release of Claims: |
a. In exchange for and in consideration of the payments, benefits, and other commitments described in Paragraph 4 above, and except for the provisions of this AGREEMENT and the other documents under which EMPLOYEE has retained rights as detailed herein, for himself and for each of his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, EMPLOYEE hereby fully releases, acquits, and forever discharges GEO and each of its predecessors, successors and assigns, parent corporations, subsidiary corporations, affiliates, and the officers, directors, shareholders, partners, managers, employees, attorneys, and agents, past and present, of each of the aforesaid entities (the “GEO Released Parties”) of and from any and all claims, liabilities, causes of action, damages, costs, attorneys’ fees, expenses, and compensation whatsoever, of whatever kind or nature, in law, equity or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that EMPLOYEE may now have, has ever had, or hereafter may have against the Released Parties. This releases all claims, including those of which EMPLOYEE is aware or may not be aware, and those mentioned specifically, and which may not have been mentioned specifically in this general release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EMPLOYEE understands that this release shall not apply to and does not waive any rights or claims that may arise after the date that this AGREEMENT is executed. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, EMPLOYEE specifically releases any and all claims relating to (i) EMPLOYEE’s employment by GEO, the terms and conditions of such employment, employee benefits related to EMPLOYEE’s employment, the termination of
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
EMPLOYEE’s employment, and/or any of the events relating directly or indirectly to or surrounding such termination; (ii) any and all claims of discrimination, harassment, whistle blowing or retaliation in employment (whether based on federal, state, or local law, statutory or decisional), including, without limitation, all claims under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 USC §§ 1981-86, as amended, the Equal Pay Act (“EPA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), the Sarbannes-Oxley Act (“SOX”); the Xxxx-Xxxxx Act; Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“XXXX”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”), the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), the Worker’s Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”); the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 f/k/a Human Rights Act of 1977, the Palm Beach County Equal Employment Ordinance, any and all claims/actions which have been or could have been raised under Florida’s Workers’ Compensation statute (Chapter 440), including, but not limited to, any claims/actions under the retaliation section of that statute (Florida Statute § 440.205), the Florida Private Sector Whistle-Blower Act (Fla. Stat. § 448.101-.105), the Florida Equal Pay Act, any claims under Fla. Stat. § 448.08 for unpaid wages, and waivable rights under the Florida Constitution; (iii) any and all claims for wrongful discharge; (iv) any and all claims for damages of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, compensatory, punitive, treble, liquidated and/or consequential damages; (v) any and all claims under any contract, whether express or implied; (vi) any and all claims for unintentional or intentional torts, for emotional distress and for pain and suffering; (vii) any and all claims for violation of any statutory or administrative rules, regulations, or codes; (viii) any and all claims for attorneys’ fees, paralegals’ fees, costs, disbursements, wages, bonuses, benefits, vacation and/or the like. EMPLOYEE represents that EMPLOYEE knows of no claim that EMPLOYEE has against the GEO Released Parties that has not been released by this Paragraph. EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that this general release is binding on EMPLOYEE and on anyone who succeeds to EMPLOYEE’s rights.
b. In exchange for and in consideration of the benefits and other commitments described in this AGREEMENT, and except for the provisions of this AGREEMENT and the other documents under which XXX has retained rights as detailed herein, the GEO Released Parties hereby fully release, acquit, and forever discharge the EMPLOYEE and his heirs, executors, representatives, beneficiaries, successors, and assigns (the “EMPLOYEE Released Parties “) of and from any and all claims, liabilities, causes of action, damages, costs, attorneys’ fees, expenses, and compensation whatsoever, of whatever kind or nature, in law, equity or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that the GEO Released Parties may now have, has ever had, or hereafter may have against the EMPLOYEE Released Parties. This releases all claims, including those of which GEO is aware or may not be aware, and those mentioned specifically, and which may not have been
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
mentioned specifically in this general release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, GEO understands that this release shall not apply to and does not waive any rights or claims that may arise after the date that this AGREEMENT is executed. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the GEO Released Parties specifically release any and all claims relating to: (i) EMPLOYEE’s employment by GEO and the conduct of Employee during and related to that employment (ii) any and all claims for damages of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, compensatory, punitive, treble, liquidated and/or consequential damages; (iii) any and all claims under any contract, whether express or implied; (iv) any and all claims for unintentional or intentional torts, for emotional distress and for pain and suffering; (v) any and all claims for violation of any statutory or administrative rules, regulations, or codes; (vi) any and all claims for attorneys’ fees, paralegals’ fees, costs, disbursements, wages, bonuses, benefits, vacation and/or the like. XXX represents that XXX knows of no claim that GEO has against the Employee Released Parties that has not been released by this Paragraph. XXX understands and agrees that this general release is binding on GEO and on anyone who succeeds to GEO’s rights.
6. | Tax Liability: In paying the amount specified in Paragraph 4, GEO makes no representation regarding the tax consequences or liability arising from the Payment and nothing herein shall constitute tax advice. EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that he bears sole responsibility for any and all tax consequences and liability (other than payroll taxes) that may be due or become due as a result of the payment of the Consideration referenced in Paragraph 4, and that he will pay any such taxes that may be due or become due and understands and agrees that any necessary tax documentation may be filed by GEO with regard the Payment under this AGREEMENT. EMPLOYEE further agrees to hold GEO harmless from and against any tax or tax withholdings claims, amounts, interest, penalties, fines, or assessments brought or sought by any taxing authority or governmental agency with regard to the above recited sums. In the event GEO receives written notice that any claim or assessments for taxes, withholding obligations, penalties and/or interest arising out of this AGREEMENT are being made or will be made against GEO, GEO shall promptly, after receipt of such written notice, notify EMPLOYEE pursuant to the “Notice Requirements” set forth in Paragraph 26. |
7. | Confidentiality: |
(a) | Non-Disclosure of Confidential and/or Proprietary Information. EMPLOYEE warrants and agrees not to disclose, sell, transfer, and/or use at any time in the future any confidential and/or proprietary information concerning GEO that was acquired during the course of the EMPLOYEE’s employment, including, but not limited to, any and all information regarding: (i) business affiliates, client lists, and prospective clients’ names; (ii) business plans, strategies, operations methods, and techniques; (iii) research; (iv) computer programs, software, applications, directories, databases, passwords, and access codes; (v) payroll records, salary and wage rates paid to employees, and employee identities; (vi) wage administration plans and policies, and benefits plans and policies; (vii) personnel matters and health and safety information; (viii) financial data, accounting, and planning techniques; (ix) operating, administrative and training materials; (x) marketing and fundraising strategies, materials, and information; and (xi) any other service, product, equipment, financial, licensing and marketing information relating to GEO, or the business of GEO (the |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
“Confidential and/or Proprietary Information”), to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and agree that EMPLOYEE has worked at a high level in GEO’s industry for many years and that “Confidential and/or Propriety Information” therefore shall not include EMPLOYEE’s general knowledge and experience regarding that industry or such other information that EMPLOYEE may know that is not specific to GEO, that has been learned from third parties, that is publicly available, or that EMPLOYEE would need to retain in order to work within GEO’s industry in the future. EMPLOYEE agrees not to disclose, sell, transfer, and/or use any Confidential and/or Proprietary Information of GEO for EMPLOYEE’s own use and/or benefit or for the use and/or benefit of any other third Party, whether for personal or business reasons. |
EMPLOYEE agrees that the Confidential and/or Proprietary Information as set forth in this Paragraph 7(a): (i) is valuable, special, and a unique asset of GEO; (ii) has provided and will hereafter provide GEO with a substantial competitive advantage in the operation of its business; and (iii) is a legitimate business interest that justifies the need for the confidentiality restrictions set forth in this Paragraph 7(a) above, and the confidentiality restrictions are reasonably necessary to protect GEO’s legitimate business interests.
Should EMPLOYEE be required to disclose GEO’s Confidential and/or Proprietary Information in response to a valid subpoena issued by a state or federal court or governmental agency, EMPLOYEE agrees that, prior to such disclosure, EMPLOYEE will provide to GEO a copy of such judicial order or subpoena, by facsimile or overnight mail to GEO, c/o The GEO Group, Inc., General 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000, within forty-eight (48) hours after receipt. EMPLOYEE agrees to provide GEO with a reasonable opportunity to intervene to assert what rights it may have to non-disclosure, prior to any response to the order or subpoena.
(b) | Return of Confidential and/or Proprietary Information. EMPLOYEE shall promptly return all Confidential and/or Proprietary Information in EMPLOYEE’s possession or under EMPLOYEE’s control to GEO and shall not retain any copies or other reproductions or extracts thereof, electronic or otherwise. EMPLOYEE shall destroy or have destroyed all memoranda, notes, reports, and documents, whether in “hard copy” form or as stored on magnetic or other media, and all copies and other reproductions and extracts thereof, prepared by EMPLOYEE. |
(c) | Non-Disclosure of Agreement. In consideration of the obligations under this AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE agrees that this AGREEMENT, the circumstances surrounding his termination from employment and the terms and conditions hereof, are and shall forever remain, strictly confidential, and that neither EMPLOYEE nor his heirs, agents, executors, administrators, attorneys, legal representatives, or assigns shall disclose or disseminate, directly or indirectly, any such terms to any third person(s), including, but not limited to, representatives of the media or other present or former associates of GEO, under any circumstances, except that |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
EMPLOYEE may disclose the terms of this AGREEMENT to his attorney, accountant, tax advisor, the Internal Revenue Service, or as otherwise required by law (“Third Parties”), provided, however, that the Third Parties to whom such disclosure is made shall agree in advance to be bound by the terms of this Paragraph 7 and all of its subparts; except the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental entities if restricted by law from doing so. EMPLOYEE acknowledges and agrees that any other disclosure regarding or discussing the terms of this AGREEMENT would constitute a material breach of the AGREEMENT, except as otherwise outlined in Paragraph 11 below. Nothing herein shall be construed to abrogate any contrary rights under the ADEA. If EMPLOYEE is required to disclose this AGREEMENT, its terms or underlying facts pursuant to court order and/or subpoena, EMPLOYEE shall notify GEO, in writing via facsimile or overnight mail, within seventy-two (72) hours of his receipt of such court order or subpoena, and simultaneously provide GEO with a copy of such court order or subpoena. The notice shall comply with the notice requirements set forth below in Paragraph 28. EMPLOYEE agrees to waive any objection to GEO’s request that the document production or testimony be done in camera and under seal. |
8. | Non-Disparagement: EMPLOYEE agrees and warrants that at no time in the future will EMPLOYEE make any statements (orally or in writing, including, without limitation, whether in fiction or nonfiction) or take any actions which in any way publicly disparage or defame any of the Released Parties in any way, directly or indirectly, cause or encourage the making of such statements, or the taking of such actions by anyone else. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that any incitement of others to publicly disparage or to defame any of the Released Parties would constitute a material breach of this AGREEMENT. In the event that such a communication is made to anyone, including, but not limited to, the media, public interest groups, and publishing companies, it will be considered a material breach of the terms of this AGREEMENT. |
9. | Incitement of Claims. EMPLOYEE also agrees that EMPLOYEE will not encourage or incite any person, including, but not limited to, other current or former employees of GEO to assert any complaint or claim in federal or state court against GEO. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that any incitement of others to file such claims would constitute a material breach of this AGREEMENT. |
10. | No Claims or Charges Filed: EMPLOYEE represents and warrants EMPLOYEE has not filed any charges, complaints, causes of action, or other proceedings against the Released Parties, including, but not limited to, any charges of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation with any federal, state, or local agency or court. This representation is a material inducement to GEO for entering into this AGREEMENT. |
11. | Non-Interference: Notwithstanding Paragraphs 9 and 10 above, nothing in this AGREEMENT is intended to limit, restrict, or otherwise interfere with any rights that EMPLOYEE may have to file a charge with or to participate in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), or any other federal, state, or local agency. However, the Payment provided to EMPLOYEE under this AGREEMENT shall be the sole relief provided |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
to EMPLOYEE for the claims that are released herein, and EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that he is releasing XXX from and agrees to waive any compensation, damages, or any other form of relief in any proceeding without regard to who has brought such complaint, charge or proceeding. |
12. | Affirmations: EMPLOYEE acknowledges that EMPLOYEE has been afforded the opportunity to consider the terms of this Agreement for a period of twenty-one (21) days prior to its execution and has been advised in writing to consult with an attorney before signing this AGREEMENT and incorporated general release and has done so. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that no representation, promise, or inducement has been made other than as set forth in this Agreement, and that EMPLOYEE enters into this Agreement without reliance upon any other representation, promise or inducement not set forth herein. EMPLOYEE acknowledges and represents that EMPLOYEE assumes the risk for any mistake of fact now known or unknown and that EMPLOYEE understands and acknowledges the significance and consequences of this Agreement. EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that EMPLOYEE has read this Agreement in its entirety; that EMPLOYEE fully understands all of its terms and their significance; and that EMPLOYEE has signed it voluntarily and of EMPLOYEE’s own free will. EMPLOYEE represents, acknowledges, and affirms that as of the date of this AGREEMENT he has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits are due him, except as provided for in this AGREEMENT. EMPLOYEE further affirms that he has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested under the Family and Medical Leave Act and has not suffered any workplace injuries. |
13. | References: The Parties agree that unless otherwise required by law GEO will respond to reference inquiries regarding EMPLOYEE by providing only EMPLOYEE’s dates of employment, last position held, and last salary. EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that XXX is not responsible for any information given regarding EMPLOYEE that was solicited from any source other than GEO’s Senior Management. |
14. | GEO Property: All GEO property, including, but not limited to, keys, credit cards, passwords, files, charts, data, lists, manuals, CD’s, DVD’s, audiotapes, videotapes, books, records, and accounts, whether prepared by EMPLOYEE or otherwise coming into EMPLOYEE’s possession, shall be returned immediately to the GEO upon termination of employment. |
15. | No Assignment/Transfer of Claims: The Parties represent and warrant that no person other than the signatories hereto had or has any interest in the matters referred to in this AGREEMENT, that the Parties have the sole right and exclusive authority to execute this AGREEMENT, and that the Parties have not sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed, or otherwise disposed of any claim, demand or legal right that is the subject of this AGREEMENT. EMPLOYEE agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless GEO against, without any limitation, any and all rights, claims, warranties, demands, debts, obligations, liabilities, costs, court costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees, paralegals’ fees, and costs, at all levels), causes of action or judgments based on or arising out of any such assignment |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
or transfer. The Parties further warrant that there is nothing that would prohibit either Party from entering into this Agreement. Each Party’s representations to same constitute a material inducement for the other Party to enter into this AGREEMENT. |
16. | Breach/Remedies/Notice and Right to Cure: Should EMPLOYEE ever materially breach any provision or obligation under this AGREEMENT, disclosing, selling, transferring, and/or using GEO’s Confidential and/or Proprietary Information, breaching the confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions of the AGREEMENT, and/or commences a suit, action, proceeding, or complaint in contravention of this AGREEMENT and waiver of claims (except as outlined in Paragraph 11 above), GEO shall be entitled to receive from EMPLOYEE all damages (including, but not limited to, litigation and/or defense costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by GEO as a result of EMPLOYEE’S breach, and all other remedies allowed in law or equity. Nothing in this Paragraph is intended to, nor shall be construed to, limit or restrict any other rights or remedies GEO may have by virtue of this AGREEMENT or otherwise. Further, nothing in this AGREEMENT shall prevent GEO from pursuing an injunction to enforce the provisions of Paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 above. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to abrogate any of EMPLOYEE’s rights under the ADEA. If either party fails to comply with any aspect of this AGREEMENT (each such failure, a “Default”), and such party has not cured any such Default within five (5) business days (the “Cure Period”) of receiving a written notice of such Default, then the non-breaching party may commence suit or otherwise pursue any remediate available under this AGREEMENT or the law at the end of the Cure Period. |
17. | No Admission of Liability: EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that neither this AGREEMENT nor the furnishing of the consideration under Paragraph 4 of this AGREEMENT shall be deemed or construed at any time, for any purpose, as an admission of, or evidence of, liability by GEO for any violation of the law, willful or otherwise, by any person or entity. |
18. | Prevailing Part Attorneys’ Fees. In any action, motion, application, or other proceeding brought for the enforcement of this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any provision of this Agreement, any prevailing Party or Parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, and all expenses, including nontaxable court or litigation costs (including without limitation, all such fees, costs, and expenses incident to arbitration, appellate, bankruptcy, and all post-judgment proceedings), incurred in that action, motion, application, or proceedings or any appeal, including not only all fees and costs expended in the course of establishing prevailing-party status and entitlement to attorneys’ fees and costs but also all fees and costs expended in conjunction with efforts to establish the proper amount of such fees and costs, in addition to any other relief to which such Party or Parties may be entitled. |
19. | Severability: The Parties explicitly acknowledge and agree that the provisions of this AGREEMENT are both reasonable and enforceable. However, if any portion or provision of this AGREEMENT (including, without implication of limitation, any portion or provision of any section of this AGREEMENT) is determined to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be legal, valid, or enforceable, the remainder of this AGREEMENT shall not be affected or impaired in any |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
way by such determination and shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law, and the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable portion or provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this AGREEMENT. |
19. | Entire Agreement: Except as to documents providing EMPLOYEE with other benefits as set forth or referenced herein, this AGREEMENT sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties hereto, and fully supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements, or conditions, express or implied, oral or written, including any prior obligation of GEO to EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that he has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him in connection with his decision to accept this AGREEMENT, except for those set forth in this AGREEMENT. |
20. | Governing Law and Jurisdiction: This AGREEMENT shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without regard to its conflict of laws principles (except where federal law applies) and shall be decided by a judge, not a jury. THE PARTIES SPECIFICALLY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. In the event of any litigation arising out of or relating to this AGREEMENT, the exclusive venue shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Palm Beach County, Florida. |
21. | Headings: The headings of the provisions herein are intended for convenient reference only, and the same shall not be, nor be deemed to be, interpretative of the contents of such provision. |
22. | Modification of Agreement: This AGREEMENT may not be amended, revoked, changed, or modified in any way, except in writing executed by all Parties. EMPLOYEE agrees not to make any claim at any time or place that this AGREEMENT has been verbally modified in any respect whatsoever. The Parties acknowledge that only an authorized representative of GEO has the authority to modify this AGREEMENT on behalf of GEO. |
23. | Interpretation: The language of all parts of this AGREEMENT shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of the Parties. This AGREEMENT has been negotiated by and between attorneys for the Parties and shall not be construed against the drafter of the AGREEMENT. |
24. | Binding Nature of Agreement: This AGREEMENT shall be binding upon each of the Parties and upon their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each party and to their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns. |
26. | Notice Requirements: Each notice (“Notice”) provided for under this AGREEMENT, must comply with the requirements as set forth in this Paragraph. Each Notice shall be in writing and sent by facsimile or depositing it with a nationally recognized overnight courier service that obtains receipts (such as Federal Express or UPS Next Day Air), addressed to the appropriate party (and marked to a particular individual’s attention, if so indicated) as hereinafter provided. Each Notice shall be effective upon being so telecopied or deposited, |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
but the time period in which a response to any notice must be given or any action taken with respect thereto shall commence to run from the date of receipt of the Notice by the addressee thereof, as evidenced by the return receipt. Rejection or other refusal by the addressee to accept or the inability to deliver because of a changed address of which no Notice was given shall be deemed to be the receipt of the Notice sent. Any Party shall have the right from time to time to change the address or individual’s attention to which notices to it shall be sent by giving to the other party at least ten (10) calendar days’ prior Notice thereof. The Parties’ addresses for providing Notices hereunder shall be as follows: |
Notices to GEO:
The GEO Group, Inc.
General Counsel
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxx
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
Notices to EMPLOYEE:
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
27. | Waiver/Selective Enforcement: No waiver of any provision of this AGREEMENT will be valid unless it is in writing and signed by the party committing the waiver. The Parties agree that the failure of any Party to enforce or to exercise any right, condition, term, or provision of this AGREEMENT shall not be construed as or deemed a relinquishment or waiver thereof, and the same shall continue in full force and effect, and no waiver shall be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach or rights. All rights are cumulative under this AGREEMENT. |
28. | Execution of Necessary Documents: Each Party shall, upon the request of the other, execute and re-execute, acknowledge and deliver this AGREEMENT and incorporated general release and any and all papers or documents or other instruments, as may be reasonably necessary to implement the terms hereof with any formalities as may be required and otherwise shall cooperate to fulfill the terms hereof and enable the other Party to effectuate any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT. |
29. | Electronic Transmission and Counterparts: This AGREEMENT may be executed in several counterparts and exchanged by electronic transmission (facsimile, pdf, e-mail) and all so executed shall constitute one AGREEMENT, binding on all the Parties hereto, notwithstanding that the Parties are not signatories to the original or same counterpart. |
30. | Compliance with Older Workers Benefit Protection Act: EMPLOYEE, being forty (40) years of age or older, is advised of and acknowledges the following: |
(A) | Twenty-One Day Consideration Period. EMPLOYEE shall have up to twenty-one (21) days to consider and to accept the terms of this AGREEMENT by fully executing and notarizing it below, and returning it to GEO’s counsel, as identified in |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |
Paragraph 28. During this twenty-one (21) day period and before signing this AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE is encouraged to consult with an attorney regarding the terms and provisions of this AGREEMENT, at his own expense. The terms and provisions of this AGREEMENT are null and void if not accepted by EMPLOYEE within the twenty-one (21) day period. EMPLOYEE may sign the AGREEMENT prior to the conclusion of the twenty-one (21) day period. |
(B) | Release of Age Discrimination in Employment Act Claims. By signing this AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE waives any claims he has or might have against GEO under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”) that accrued prior to the date of EMPLOYEE’s execution of the AGREEMENT. |
(C) | Revocation Period. EMPLOYEE shall have seven (7) calendar days from the date he signs this AGREEMENT to revoke the AGREEMENT by notifying GEO in writing prior to the expiration of the seven (7) calendar day period. Any revocation within this period must state “I hereby revoke my acceptance of our Confidential Agreement and General Release.” The written revocation must be personally delivered to GEO in the manner proscribed by Paragraph 28 above, and must be postmarked within seven (7) calendar days of EMPLOYEE’s execution of this AGREEMENT. This AGREEMENT shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired (the “Effective Date”). If the last day of the revocation period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the revocation period shall not expire until the next following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. |
EMPLOYEE IS XXXXXX ADVISED THAT HE HAS UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER THIS AGREEMENT AND IS XXXXXX ADVISED IN WRITING TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY PRIOR TO EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS IN PARAGRAPH 4 ABOVE, EMPLOYEE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE, AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS HE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST GEO.
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
By: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx |
12/13/2024 | ||||||
Xxxxx Xxxxx |
Date | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx |
12/13/2024 | ||||||
The GEO Group, Inc. |
Date |
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EMPLOYEE’s Initials BE | GEO’s Initials CR |