4955 Technology Way

Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Telephone: (561) 893-0101

March 17, 2023

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2023 annual meeting of the shareholders of The GEO Group, Inc. We will hold the meeting virtually, conducted via live audio webcast on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. (EDT).

This year we are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily on the Internet rather than mailing paper copies of the materials to each shareholder. As a result, most of you will receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials instead of paper copies of this proxy statement and our annual report. The notice contains instructions on how to access the proxy statement and the annual report over the Internet, as well as instructions on how to request a paper copy of our proxy materials. This process significantly lowers the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials. On or about March 17, 2023, we mailed to shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

Your vote is very important to us. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting virtually, your shares should be represented and voted. After reading the enclosed proxy statement, please vote your shares as soon as possible. Shareholders may vote via the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GEO2023, by telephone, or by completing and returning a proxy card. Submitting a vote before the annual meeting will not preclude you from voting virtually at the meeting should you decide to attend. If you wish to participate in the meeting, please refer to pages 65-66 for additional guidelines.

Sincerely,

George C. Zoley

Executive Chairman

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE GEO GROUP, INC.

4955 Technology Way

Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Telephone: (561) 893-0101

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April 28, 2023

March 17, 2023

The annual meeting of the shareholders of The GEO Group, Inc. will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. (EDT). The meeting will be held virtually, conducted via live audio webcast for the purpose of considering and acting on the following proposals:

Only shareholders of GEO’s common stock of record at the close of business on March 7, 2023, the record date and time fixed by the board of directors, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. Additional information regarding the proposals to be acted upon at the annual meeting can be found in the accompanying proxy.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has adopted a “Notice and Access” rule that allows companies to deliver a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice of Internet Availability”) to shareholders in lieu of a paper copy of the proxy statement and related materials and the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders (the “Proxy Materials”). The Notice of Internet Availability provides instructions as to how shareholders can access the Proxy Materials online, contains a listing of matters to be considered at the meeting, and sets forth instructions as to how shares can be voted. Shares must be voted either by telephone, online or by completing and returning a proxy card. Shares cannot be voted by marking, writing on and/or returning the Notice of Internet Availability. Any Notices of Internet Availability that are returned will not be counted as votes. Instructions for requesting a paper copy of the Proxy Materials are also set forth on the Notice of Internet Availability.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Joe Negron

Senior Vice President, Legal Services, General Counsel

and Corporate Secretary

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE

ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023.

GEO’s proxy statement and annual report are available online at: www.proxyvote.com

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PROXY STATEMENT

THE GEO GROUP, INC.

4955 Technology Way

Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Telephone: (561) 893-0101

March 17, 2023

The GEO Group, Inc. (“GEO,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”) is furnishing this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors (the “Board of Directors” or “Board”) for use at the annual meeting of shareholders on April 28, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time. This year’s annual meeting will be a virtual meeting of shareholders, conducted via live audio webcast. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online, vote your shares electronically and submit your questions during the Annual Meeting via a live audio webcast by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GEO2023. Please note that the format of the proxy card provides an opportunity to specify your choice between approval, disapproval or abstention with respect to any individual director nominee and the proposals indicated on the proxy card. A proxy card which is properly executed, returned and not revoked will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated. A proxy voted by telephone or the Internet and not revoked will be voted in accordance with the shareholder’s instructions. If no instructions are given, proxies that are signed and returned or voted by telephone or the Internet will be voted as follows:

“FOR” the election of the nominated directors for the ensuing year;

“FOR” the proposal to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the independent registered public accountants of GEO for the fiscal year 2023;

“FOR” the advisory approval of the resolution on named executive officer compensation;

“FOR” the option of one year as the preferred frequency for future advisory votes on executive compensation; and

“AGAINST” the shareholder proposal regarding a third-party racial equity audit and report, if properly presented before the meeting.

Under New York Stock Exchange rules, brokerage firms have authority to vote shares on routine matters for which their customers do not provide voting instructions. The ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2023 is considered a routine matter. As a result, if you hold your shares through a broker and do not direct the broker how to vote your shares on this routine matter, your broker may vote the shares on your behalf.

Under New York Stock Exchange rules, the election of directors, the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation, the advisory vote on the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation and the shareholder proposal are not considered routine matters. As a result, if a brokerage firm does not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner of shares held by the firm, those shares will not be voted and will be considered broker non-votes with respect to those matters. A broker non-vote will have no effect on the election of directors, the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation, the advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation and the shareholder proposal.

This proxy statement, the notice of annual meeting, the proxy card and our 2022 annual report will be mailed or made accessible via the Internet on or about March 17, 2023.

Management is not aware of any other matters to be presented for action by shareholders at the annual meeting.

Holders of GEO common stock at the close of business on March 7, 2023, the record date, will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock outstanding in their name on the books of GEO at that date. On March 7, 2023, GEO had 124,568,023 shares of common stock outstanding.

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The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum for purposes of the annual meeting. The election of directors requires a majority of the votes cast. The appointment of Grant Thornton LLP will be ratified if the number of votes cast in favor of ratification exceeds the number of votes cast against ratification. The advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of approval exceeds the number of votes cast against approval. The alternative receiving the greatest number of votes with respect to the advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation will be considered the frequency that shareholders approve. The shareholder proposal will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of approval exceeds the number cast against approval. Shares of common stock represented by proxies that reflect abstentions or “broker non-votes” (i.e., shares held by a broker or nominee which are represented at the annual meeting, but with respect to which such broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a particular proposal) will be counted as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for the proposal but will not be counted as “votes cast” with respect to the election of directors, the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation, the advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation and the shareholder proposal. If less than the majority of the outstanding shares of common stock are represented at the annual meeting, a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn the annual meeting to another date and time.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder

Meeting to be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The Proxy Statement

and 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at www.proxyvote.com.

Any person giving a proxy has the power to revoke it any time before it is voted by providing written notice to GEO addressed to the Corporate Secretary, by executing and delivering a later dated proxy, or by participating in the meeting and voting the shares electronically.

The costs of preparation, assembly and mailing this proxy statement and the accompanying materials will be borne by GEO. GEO will also pay the cost of soliciting your proxy and reimbursing brokerage firms and others for forwarding proxy materials to you. Certain of GEO’s officers, directors and employees may participate in the solicitation of proxies by mail, personal interview, letter, fax and telephone without additional consideration.

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PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director Nominees

GEO’s Board of Directors is currently comprised of ten (10) members. Nine directors are nominated for election at our annual meeting, including seven independent directors, our Executive Chairman and our Chief Executive Officer. All of the nominees are presently directors of GEO. Except for Ms. Koren, who was appointed to GEO’s board of directors subsequent to GEO’s 2022 annual meeting, all nominees were elected by the shareholders at GEO’s 2022 annual meeting. Each director is elected to serve a one-year term, with all directors subject to annual election. Anne N. Foreman, who has served on the Board since 2002 is not standing for re-election. Accordingly, she is not included as a nominee for election at the annual meeting. The Board thanks Ms. Foreman for her years of service to The GEO Group, Inc. and substantial contributions to the Board and our shareholders. Effective as of the annual meeting, our authorized number of directors will be reduced to nine.

If instructed, the persons named on the accompanying proxy card will vote for the election of the nominees named below to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If any nominee for director shall become unavailable (which management has no reason to believe will be the case), it is intended that the shares represented by the enclosed proxy card will be voted for any such replacement or substitute nominee as may be nominated by the board of directors.

The following is a brief biographical statement for each director nominee:

Director Nominees

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Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” each of the nine nominees for director.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF GEO

The executive officers of GEO as of March 7, 2023 are as follows:

George C. Zoley — Please refer to the biographical information listed above in the “Director Nominees” section.

Jose Gordo — Please refer to the biographical information listed above in the “Director Nominees” section.

Brian R. Evans — Brian R. Evans joined GEO in 2000 and has over 20 years of business management experience. Since joining the company, Mr. Evans has served in increasingly senior business management positions including as Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller and was named GEO’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2009. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Evans is responsible for the overall financial management of GEO and its subsidiaries and the Company’s acquisition, disposition and growth initiatives. Since joining the Company, Mr. Evans has overseen significant financial growth and shareholder value creation.

During his tenure at GEO, Mr. Evans has been instrumental in successfully executing the Company’s strategy for three secondary public offerings of equity; the execution of multiple financing transactions; and the successful completion of major business transactions including the acquisitions of Correctional Services Corporation in 2005, CentraCore Properties Trust in 2007, Cornell Companies in 2010, BI Incorporated in 2011, LCS Corrections in 2014 and Community Education Centers in 2017.

Prior to joining GEO, Mr. Evans worked for Arthur Andersen LLP as a Manager in the Audit and Business Advisory Services Group from 1994 until joining GEO. During his tenure at Arthur Andersen, Mr. Evans supervised the financial statement audits of both public and private companies and city and county governments. From 1990 until 1994, Mr. Evans served as an Officer in the Supply Corps of the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Monterey in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Evans graduated in 1990 from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Mr. Evans is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Wayne Calabrese — Mr. Calabrese was appointed GEO’s Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer in December 2022 and previously served as GEO’s Senior Vice President of Legal Services from September 2021 through December 2022. Mr. Calabrese brings extensive knowledge and experience to GEO’s management team. His legal training and experience, together with his prior service in various GEO leadership positions, makes him

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uniquely qualified to serve as GEO’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Calabrese had previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Operating Officer of GEO until his retirement in December 2010. Mr. Calabrese originally joined GEO as Vice President of Business Development in 1989 and served in a range of increasingly senior positions. Prior to joining GEO, Mr. Calabrese was a partner in the Akron, Ohio law firm of Calabrese, Dobbins and Kepple. He also served as an Assistant City Law Director in Akron, Ohio; an Assistant County Prosecutor and Chief of the County Bureau of Support for Summit County, Ohio; and Legal Counsel and Director of Development for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Mr. Calabrese received his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Akron and his Juris Doctor from the University of Akron Law School.

James H. Black — Mr. Black joined GEO in June 1998 as Senior Warden of a GEO correctional facility. Mr. Black has more than 37 years of experience in corrections and currently serves as the Senior Vice President and President of Secure Services. In this role, Mr. Black oversees approximately 79,000 beds and over 17,000 employees at 68 diverse facilities across the U.S., Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Black began his career in corrections in 1985 as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Over the next eight years, he rose through the ranks to the position of Senior Warden. After joining GEO, he served as Warden at several GEO-operated facilities in Texas and Florida before accepting the position of Assistant Director of Operations in GEO’s Central Region Office. In 2005, Mr. Black was promoted to Director of Compliance for the Western Region. He later transferred to the position of Director of Operations before being named Vice President of the Western Region Office in 2009, where he was responsible for the operational oversight of 25 facilities and over 15,000 beds. He was later named Vice President of GEO’s Central Region.

Mr. Black graduated from the Palestine Independent School District in 1981. Mr. Black is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management at California Southern University.

Joe Negron — Mr. Negron joined GEO in December 2018, became Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary effective January 2019 and became GEO’s Senior Vice President, Legal Services, General Counsel and Secretary effective December 2022. Prior to joining GEO, Mr. Negron had 30 years of experience in business law and complex corporate and commercial litigation. Mr. Negron has worked for several prestigious Florida law firms throughout his career, most recently in the litigation practice at Akerman LLP. Mr. Negron also served in the Florida Legislature for fifteen years, including service as both House and Senate Appropriations Chair, as well as President of the Florida Senate in his final term.

Mr. Negron received his undergraduate degree from Stetson University, his Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law and a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Matthew T. Albence — Mr. Albence joined GEO in 2022 as Senior Vice President of Client Relations. Since September 2020, Mr. Albence has served as a Principal at GrindStone Strategic Consulting, LLC, a boutique consulting firm providing services in the area of national security, law enforcement, business development, and management and leadership consulting. Prior to that, Mr. Albence had a 26-year career in federal law enforcement. From May 2012 to August 2020, Mr. Albence served in a variety of roles for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, culminating as the Acting Director, where he led an organization of 20,000 professionals in over 400 domestic and international offices, responsible for the enforcement of hundreds of federal statutes. He also served as Deputy Director, Executive Associate Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Assistant Director for the Enforcement and Removal Operations Enforcement Division. Mr. Albence holds a B.S. in Justice from American University and a M.S. in Administration of Justice from Southern Illinois University.

Richard K. Long — Mr. Long joined GEO in 2017 after a distinguished career working for Balfour Beatty Construction for 30 years. Mr. Long has developed extensive expertise with commercial and federal government construction as well as engineering projects using design-build and construction management at risk delivery methods for both public and private sector clients, with a combined construction value in excess of $5.0 billion.

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During his 30-year career at Balfour Beatty Construction, Mr. Long held positions of Civil Engineer, Project Engineer, Chief Estimator, Assistant Project Manager, Vice President of Preconstruction, Senior Vice President of Business Acquisition, and Senior Vice President & South Florida Business Unit Leader responsible for leading Balfour Beatty’s $600 million annual South Florida business.

With over 30 years of construction experience, Mr. Long also finds time for industry service. He is a long-time member and past-chairman of Florida’s largest chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (“ABC”). Additionally, as founding member and past-president of the Society of American Military Engineers (“SAME”) South Florida chapter, Mr. Long accepted multiple accolades at the association’s 2012 National Joint Engineer Training Conference.

Mr. Long received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

Christopher D. Ryan — Mr. Ryan joined GEO in 2011 and has over 30 years of human resources experience. Since joining the company, Mr. Ryan has served in increasingly senior human resources positions, including the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, Vice President of Employee and Labor Relations, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, and was subsequently promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources in 2023. Mr. Ryan also leads the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. DEI remains a top business priority, given the fact that more diverse and inclusive companies tend to outperform other employers. Prior to joining The GEO Group, Mr. Ryan held numerous human resources leadership roles at American Airlines, Florida Power & Light and Southern Wine & Spirits of America. Mr. Ryan is also actively involved in the community and sits on the Board of Directors of several 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations serving youth and other residents of Palm Beach County, Florida.

Mr. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Community Health Services from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh.

Ronald A. Brack — Mr. Brack assumed the role of Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller for the Company in August 2009. Mr. Brack was GEO’s Vice President and Controller from January 2008 to August 2009 and Controller from April 2007 to January 2008. Mr. Brack joined GEO in May 2005 as Assistant Controller. From 2000 until joining GEO, Mr. Brack was with Fort Lauderdale, Florida based NationsRent, Inc. where his most recent position was Assistant Controller. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Brack was with the Fort Lauderdale office of Arthur Andersen, LLP where his most recent position was Senior Auditor in the Audit and Business Advisory Services Group. Prior to that time, Mr. Brack spent over ten years in the fleet management business with World Omni Leasing, Inc. and GE Capital Fleet Services. Mr. Brack attended Florida Atlantic University and has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Shayn P. March — Mr. March joined GEO as Vice President of Finance and Treasurer in March 2009. Prior to joining GEO, Mr. March served as a Managing Director for the Corporate Investment Banking group at BNP Paribas, where he worked for eleven years in increasing capacities. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. March was employed at Sanwa Bank in the Corporate Finance Department. From 1988 to 1994, Mr. March was employed at UJB Financial in the Finance and Credit Audit Departments. Mr. March earned his Masters in Business Administration in Financial Management from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Rutgers University.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows the number of shares of GEO’s common stock that were beneficially owned at March 13, 2023 (unless stated otherwise) by (i) each director and each nominee for election as director at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders, (ii) each named executive officer (“NEOs”) (as defined below) that is not a director, (iii) all directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group, and (iv) each person or group who was known by GEO to beneficially own more than 5% of GEO’s outstanding common stock.

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ITS COMMITTEES AND OTHER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION

GEO’s board of directors held eight meetings during fiscal year 2022. Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the board of directors and of the meetings held by all board committees on which such director served.

Director Independence

Pursuant to the corporate governance standards applicable to companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the board of directors must be comprised of a majority of directors who qualify as independent directors. In determining independence, each year the board of directors affirmatively determines whether directors have a “material relationship” with GEO. When assessing the “materiality” of a director’s relationship with GEO, the board of directors considers all relevant facts and circumstances, not merely from the director’s standpoint, but also from that of the persons or organizations with which the director has an affiliation. An independent director is free from any relationship with GEO that may impair the director’s ability to make independent judgments. Particular attention is paid to whether the director is independent from management and, with respect to organizations affiliated with a director with which GEO does business, the frequency and regularity of the business conducted, and whether the business is carried out at arm’s length on substantially the same terms to GEO as those prevailing at the time from unrelated third parties for comparable business transactions. Material relationships can include commercial, banking, industrial, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships.

Applying the NYSE’s independence standards, the board of directors has determined that, Thomas C. Bartzokis, Jack Brewer, Anne N. Foreman, Scott M. Kernan, Lindsay L. Koren, Terry Mayotte, Andrew N. Shapiro and Julie Myers Wood qualify as independent under the NYSE’s corporate governance standards. Ms. Foreman is not standing for re-election at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. As a result, the board of directors is

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therefore currently comprised and will continue to be comprised subsequent to the annual meeting of a majority of independent directors. The board of directors’ determination that each of these directors is independent was based on the fact that none of the directors had a material relationship with GEO outside of such person’s position as a director, including a relationship that would disqualify such director from being considered independent under the NYSE’s listing standards.

Committees

Under our corporate governance guidelines, the board of directors has established eleven standing committees. The members of the board of directors serving on these committees and the functions of those committees are set forth below. Upon the conclusion of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the board of directors will meet and update the composition of the committees in light of Ms. Foreman not standing for re-election at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with the requirements of NYSE rules and the committee charters of the Audit and Finance Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee.

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Audit and Finance Committee

The Audit and Finance Committee met ten times during fiscal year 2022. The Report of the Audit and Finance Committee is included in this proxy statement.

All of the members of the Audit and Finance Committee established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are independent (as independence is defined under Exchange Act Rule 10A-3, as well as under Section 303A.02 of the NYSE’s listing standards). In addition, the board of directors has determined that Mr. Mayotte and Mr. Shapiro qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K of the SEC’s rules.

The Audit and Finance Committee has a written charter adopted by the board of directors. It can be found on our website at http://www.geogroup.com by clicking on the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking on the links “Governance with Integrity-Corporate Governance.” In addition, the charter is available in print to any shareholder who requests it by contacting our Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations at 561-893-0101. Pursuant to the charter, the main functions and responsibilities of the Audit and Finance Committee include the following:

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee met seven times during fiscal year 2022. The Report of the Compensation Committee is included in this proxy statement.

All of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent (as independence is defined under Section 303A.02 of the NYSE’s listing standards).

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The Compensation Committee has a written charter adopted by the board of directors. It can be found on our website at http://www.geogroup.com by clicking on the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking on the links “Governance with Integrity-Corporate Governance.” In addition, the charter is available in print to any shareholder who requests it by contacting our Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations at 561-893-0101. Pursuant to the charter, the main functions and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include the following:

For further information on the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration and determination of executive compensation, see “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” elsewhere in this proxy statement.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met eight times during fiscal year 2022.

All of the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent (as independence is defined under Section 303A.02 of the NYSE’s listing standards).

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has a written charter adopted by the board of directors. It can be found on our website at http://www.geogroup.com by clicking on the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking on the links “Governance with Integrity-Corporate Governance.” In addition, the charter is available in print to any shareholder who requests it by contacting our Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations at 561-893-0101. Pursuant to the charter, the main functions and responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include the following:

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In fulfilling the committee’s duties to identify and recommend candidates for election to our board of directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the mix of skills, experience, character, commitment, and diversity — diversity being broadly construed to mean a variety of opinions, perspectives and backgrounds, such as gender, race and ethnicity differences, as well as other differentiating characteristics, all in the context of the requirements of our board of directors at the time of election.

Executive Committee

Periodically during fiscal year 2022, members of the Executive Committee informally discussed various matters relating to GEO’s business. The Executive Committee has full authority to exercise all the powers of the board of directors between meetings of the board of directors, except as reserved by the board of directors. All actions taken by the Executive Committee in 2022 were ratified by the board of directors at their next quarterly meeting.

Corporate Planning Committee

The Corporate Planning Committee periodically reviews with management various corporate strategic initiatives, including potential merger and acquisition activities, business expansion issues and corporate finance matters.

Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Committee

The Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Committee guides and oversees the Company’s efforts regarding rehabilitation and anti-recidivism.

Human Rights Committee

The Human Rights Committee guides and oversees the Company’s efforts regarding the protection of human rights.

Cyber Security and Environmental Oversight Committee

The Cyber Security and Environmental Oversight Committee guides and oversees the Company’s efforts regarding cybersecurity, privacy and environmental sustainability concerns.

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Operations and Oversight Committee

The Operations and Oversight Committee reviews with management various issues relating to our operations that may arise from time to time.

Legal Steering Committee

The Legal Steering Committee reviews with management strategic issues with respect to material litigation and other discrete legal issues.

Independent Committee

The Independent Committee considers matters that may arise from time to time that the board of directors designates for independent director review.

Director Identification and Selection

The processes for director selection and director qualifications are set forth in Section 3 of our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The board of directors, acting on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, will nominate a slate of director candidates for election at each annual meeting of shareholders and will elect directors to fill vacancies, including vacancies created as a result of any increase in the size of the board, between annual meetings. Nominees for director are selected on the basis of outstanding achievement in their personal careers, broad experience, wisdom, integrity, ability to make independent, analytical inquiries, understanding of the business environment, and willingness to devote adequate time to the duties of the board of directors. The board believes that each director should have a basic understanding of (i) the principal operational and financial objectives and plans and strategies of GEO, (ii) the results of operations and financial condition of GEO and of any significant subsidiaries or business segments, and (iii) the relative standing of GEO and its business segments in relation to its competitors. The board is committed to diversified membership and it does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion or disability in selecting nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may, to the extent it deems appropriate, engage a third party professional search firm to identify and review new director candidates and their credentials.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider proposed nominees whose names are submitted to it by shareholders. We adopted proxy access in advance of our 2017 annual meeting of shareholders.

Our proxy access provisions are set forth in Article II, Section 6 of our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”). The proxy access provisions permit a shareholder, or a group of up to twenty (20) shareholders, owning three percent (3%) or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock continuously for at least three (3) years, to nominate twenty percent (20%) of the number of directors then in office (rounding down to the nearest whole number) provided that the shareholder or group and each nominee satisfy the eligibility, procedural and disclosure requirements for proxy access as specified in the Bylaws, including that the Company receive notice of such nominations between 90 and 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders. Since our annual meeting for 2023 is scheduled for April 28, 2023, any nomination pursuant to our proxy access process to be considered at the 2024 annual meeting must be properly submitted to us not earlier than December 30, 2023 or later than January 29, 2024.

In addition to satisfying the requirements under our Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, a person who intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice to the Company that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act, including a statement that such person intends to solicit the holders of shares representing at least 67% of the voting power of the Company’s shares entitled to vote in the election of directors in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees.

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There are no other differences between the considerations and qualifications for director nominees that are recommended by shareholders and director nominees recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Other than adopting proxy access, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not adopted a formal process because it believes that the informal consideration process has been adequate to date. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee intends to review periodically whether a more formal policy should be adopted. If a shareholder wishes to suggest a proposed name of a nominee for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee outside of the proxy access process, the name of that nominee and related personal information should be forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in care of the Corporate Secretary, at least six months before the next annual meeting to assure time for meaningful consideration by the committee.

Board Leadership Structure

Although the GEO Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Board believes it is appropriate and efficient for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to also serve as Chairman of the Board, the Board retains the authority to separate those functions if it deems such action appropriate.

As a result of the CEO succession discussed below in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section of this proxy statement, the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman are now held by two separate individuals. George C. Zoley serves as our Executive Chairman and Jose Gordo serves as our Chief Executive Officer.

As a company that is focused on its core business, we believe the Executive Chairman is in the best position to direct the independent directors’ attention on the issues of greatest importance to the Company and its shareholders. Since our Executive Chairman knows the Company’s business, is a pioneer in the industry and has over forty years of experience, we believe that our Executive Chairman is the appropriate person to lead the board of directors.

We believe the current leadership structure of the board of directors supports the risk oversight functions described below by providing independent leadership at the Board and committee level with ultimate oversight by the full board of directors led by our Executive Chairman. The board of directors periodically reviews and considers whether the current Board leadership structure continues to be appropriate for our Company.

Board Risk Oversight

Our board of directors has overall responsibility for risk oversight with a focus on the most significant risks facing the Company. Throughout the year, the board of directors and the committees to which it has delegated responsibility dedicate a portion of their meetings to review and discuss specific risk topics in greater detail. The board of directors has delegated responsibility for the oversight of specific risks to the following committees:

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Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to GEO’s directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives, including its consultants, which we refer to as the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct strives to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, full, fair, accurate, timely and transparent disclosure, compliance with the applicable government and self-regulatory organization laws, rules and regulations, prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code of Conduct, and accountability for compliance with the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct can be found on our website at http://www.geogroup.com by clicking on the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking on the link “Governance with Integrity-Business Conduct & Ethics.” In addition, the Code of Conduct is available in print to any shareholder who requests it by contacting our Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations at 561-893-0101.

Code of Ethics for CEO, Senior Financial Officers and Other Employees

Pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the board of directors has also adopted a code of ethics for the CEO, its senior financial officers and all other employees, which we refer to as the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. The text of this Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is located in Section 19 of GEO’s Code of Conduct. The Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers can be found on our website at http:// www.geogroup.com by clicking on the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking on the link “Governance with Integrity-Business Conduct & Ethics.” In addition, the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is available in print to any shareholder who requests it by contacting our Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations at 561-893-0101.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines to promote the effective functioning of the board of directors and its committees, and the continued implementation of good corporate governance practices. The corporate governance guidelines address matters such as the role and structure of the board of directors, the selection, qualifications and continuing education of members of the board of directors, board meetings, non-employee director executive sessions, board self-evaluation, board committees, CEO performance review, succession planning, non-employee director compensation, certain shareholder matters and certain shareholder rights.

The corporate governance guidelines can be found on our website at http://www.geogroup.com by clicking on the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking on the link “Governance with Integrity-Corporate Governance.” In addition, the corporate governance guidelines are available in print to any shareholder who requests them by contacting our Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations at 561-893-0101.

Annual Board and Committee Self-Assessments and Non-Employee Director Executive Sessions

The board of directors conducts a self-assessment annually, which is reported by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to the board of directors. In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also undergo annual self-assessments of their performance. The non-employee directors of the board of directors meet in executive session at least twice per year and such meetings are presided over by a presiding director who is typically the chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Communications with Directors

The board of directors has adopted a process to facilitate written communications by shareholders or other interested parties to the entire board, the independent members of the board as a group or any individual member

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of the board, including the presiding director for non-employee director executive sessions. Persons wishing to write to the board of directors of GEO, or to a specified director (including the presiding director for non-employee director executive sessions) or a committee of the board, should send correspondence to the Corporate Secretary at 4955 Technology Way, Boca Raton, Florida 33431.

The Corporate Secretary will forward to the directors all communications that, in his or her judgment, are appropriate for consideration by the directors. Examples of communications that would not be appropriate for consideration by the directors include commercial solicitations and matters not relevant to the shareholders, to the functioning of the board, or to the affairs of GEO.

Board Member Attendance at Annual Meetings

GEO encourages all of its directors to attend the annual meeting of shareholders. All of our directors at the time attended the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders.

Human Rights and ESG

On September 26, 2019, GEO published its first annual Human Rights and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Report, which was based on 2018 data. The Report was developed referencing the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

GEO is committed to publishing an annual Human Rights and ESG Report. In 2020, GEO published its second annual Human Rights and ESG Report updating disclosures and metrics for the 2019 calendar year based on recognized ESG reporting standards, related to the development of our employees; our adherence to ethical governance practice throughout our company; and our efforts to advance environmental sustainability in the custodian and operation of our facilities.

In September 2021, GEO issued its third Human Rights and ESG report.

In October 2022, GEO issued its fourth Human Rights and ESG report. The Human Rights and ESG report builds on the important milestone the Company achieved in 2013 when GEO’s Board adopted a Global Human Rights Policy by providing disclosures related to how the Company informs its employees of its commitment to respecting human rights; the criteria GEO uses to assess human rights performance; and GEO’s contract compliance program, remedies to shortcomings in human rights performance, and independent verification of GEO’s performance by third party organizations. The Human Rights and ESG report also addresses criteria, based on recognized ESG reporting standards, related to the development of GEO’s employees; its efforts to advance environmental sustainability in the construction and operation of the Company’s facilities; and the Company’s adherence to ethical governance practices throughout the Company. The report covers the year ended December 31, 2021 with supporting data from 2019-2021 where possible. The report showcases, among other items, the company-wide awareness and training programs, GEO’s commitment to a safe and humane environment for everyone in the Company’s care, employee diversity, addressing recidivism through the GEO Continuum of Care, the Company’s engagement efforts with its stakeholders, oversight and contract compliance, conservation measures and enhanced environmental sustainability efforts.

The ESG report was prepared with reference to the GRI Standards related to General Disclosures, Economic Topics, Environmental Topics and Social Topics based on the Global Reporting Initiative, or GRI, issued by the Global Sustainability Standards Board and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. GRI is an international independent standards organization created to help business, government and other organizations understand and communicate how their operations affect issues of global importance, such as human rights, corruption and climate change. GEO has referenced the GRI Standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as the Company has recognized the need for a transparent and disciplined enterprise-wide approach. In GEO’s pursuit of this approach, it has begun with the following set of ongoing objectives:

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The 2021 Human Rights and ESG Report can be found at https://www.geogroup.com/ESG.

Human Rights Risk Assessment/Due Diligence

In December 2021, GEO created a new Board committee focused on criminal justice rehabilitation and human rights. In an effort to continue building upon GEO’s commitment to human rights, the Company is continuing to work with various stakeholders to take steps to improve disclosures addressing the Company’s commitment to human rights and its performance related to salient human rights risks.

Over the last 10 years, GEO has engaged with several shareholders and other stakeholders on matters related to human rights and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices, and as a result of this engagement, GEO’s Board of Directors adopted a Global Human Rights Policy, and corresponding human rights training program for its employees, in 2013.

In September 2019, in response to a shareholder proposal that was approved during the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, GEO published its first annual Human Rights and ESG report. GEO subsequently issued its second and third annual Human Rights and ESG reports in 2020 and 2021, with additional, enhanced disclosures.

GEO has continued to engage with shareholders and other stakeholders to address the important topic of human rights. GEO is currently evaluating several initiatives to continue to enhance its ESG and human rights disclosures.

One of the initiatives GEO recently undertook during 2022 was conducting a Human Rights Risk Assessment and Due Diligence process. The process focused on identifying salient human rights and included interviews with and feedback from a diverse group of internal and external GEO stakeholders. The results of this due diligence process were incorporated into the fourth Human Rights and ESG report. Moving forward, GEO expects to evaluate additional human rights initiatives, including a future review of GEO’s Global Human Rights Policy and its implementation.

Enhanced Political and Lobbying Disclosure

In February 2023, GEO published its enhanced Political Activity and Lobbying Report disclosure for 2022. In light of a shareholder proposal approved during the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders regarding lobbying disclosures, GEO undertook a review of its previous disclosure.

Based on this review and taking into consideration the shareholder feedback as presented in the shareholder proposal, as well as feedback provided by shareholders regarding political contributions disclosures, GEO enhanced its report to provide additional, more detailed information with respect to GEO’s lobbying activities and political contributions made at the corporate level and through its political action committee.

The enhanced Political Activity and Lobbying Report provides new and more detailed disclosures on GEO’s policies on lobbying activities and political contributions; the oversight of these policies and activities by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors; the employee-funded, non-partisan GEO Political Action Committee; breakdowns of political contributions made during 2022; breakdowns and disclosures of both direct and indirect lobbying expenditures during 2022, including expenditures on government relations consultants for direct lobbying, as well as payments made to trade and membership associations and chambers of commerce, inclusive of the estimated portion of those payments that was used for lobbying purposes; and disclosures of the fact that GEO did not make any payments during 2022 that were used for grassroots lobbying communications and that GEO is not a member of, and did not make any payments during 2022 to, any tax-exempt organizations that write or endorse model legislation.

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The enhanced Political Activity and Lobbying Report for 2022 was reviewed and approved by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors in February 2023. The enhanced Political Activity and Lobbying Report for 2022 can be found at https://www.geogroup.com/Political_Engagement.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”) served as GEO’s independent registered public accountants in fiscal years 2022 and 2021. The Audit and Finance Committee of GEO has appointed Grant Thornton LLP as GEO’s independent registered public accountants for the 2023 fiscal year. A member of Grant Thornton will be present at the annual meeting to make a statement if so desired and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. The following sets forth the aggregate fees billed to GEO by Grant Thornton in fiscal years 2022 and 2021.

The Audit and Finance Committee of the board of directors has implemented procedures to ensure that all audit and permitted non-audit services provided to GEO are pre-approved by the Audit and Finance Committee. All of the audit, audit-related and all other services provided by Grant Thornton to GEO in 2022 and 2021 were approved by the Audit and Finance Committee pursuant to these procedures. All non-audit services provided in 2022 and 2021 were reviewed with the Audit and Finance Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Grant Thornton was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions.

Audit and Finance Committee Pre-Approvals of Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Permissible Non-Audit Services

The Audit and Finance Committee periodically approves the provision of various audit, audit-related, tax and other services by Grant Thornton. The Audit and Finance Committee plans to continue to review and pre-approve such services as appropriate. In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee has delegated to its Chairman the authority to grant, on behalf of the Audit and Finance Committee, the pre-approvals required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the provision by Grant Thornton to GEO of auditing and permissible non-audit services; provided, however, that any decision made by the Chairman with respect to any such pre-approvals must be presented at the next regularly scheduled full Audit and Finance Committee meeting that is held after such decision is made.

All of the services provided by Grant Thornton to GEO in 2022 and 2021 were approved by the Audit and Finance Committee pursuant to these procedures. The Audit and Finance Committee will continue to review and pre-approve such services as appropriate.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

Role of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee of our board of directors establishes and regularly reviews our compensation philosophy and programs, exercises authority with respect to the determination and payment of base and incentive compensation to executive officers and administers the employee stock purchase plan and our amended and restated 2018 stock incentive plan. Our Compensation Committee consists of three members, each of whom is independent as that term is defined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations that have been promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Exchange Act, and in the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that was first adopted by our board of directors in February 2004 and has been amended periodically. The charter more fully describes the role, responsibilities and functioning of the Compensation Committee. A current copy of this charter can be viewed on our website at www.geogroup.com by clicking the link “Social Responsibility” on our homepage and then clicking the links “Governance with Integrity — Corporate Governance”.

Say-on-Pay Results

At our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 55% of the votes cast voted to approve the advisory resolution on our executive compensation referred to as the “say-on-pay” vote. The Compensation Committee recognizes the 2022 say-on-pay vote was significantly lower than our historical voting results for the say on pay proposal and significantly lower than the shareholder support that we strive for when designing and evaluating our compensation program. For the eight annual meetings of shareholders prior to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, over 90% of the votes cast voted to approve the advisory resolution on our executive compensation.

The Company engages in shareholder outreach and engagement on a variety of topics that are of interest to our shareholders, including executive compensation. In 2022, prior to our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company engaged extensively with the four institutional investors holding the largest positions in our common stock representing approximately 43% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock as of the most recently available Schedule 13F and Schedule 13G reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the record date of February 18, 2022 for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Our shareholder outreach efforts involved members of management and our Board of Directors, specifically, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and the Chair of the Compensation Committee at that time. Shareholders welcomed the opportunity to discuss compensation-related matters directly with the Company and the Company welcomed the helpful and insightful responses and feedback. Through conversations with our shareholders, we were able to articulate the Company’s rationale for executive compensation and Dr. Zoley’s succession plan. We gained valuable perspectives, and look forward to continued dialogue with our shareholders.

The Compensation Committee understands the concerns raised by select shareholders but on balance believed at the time of approving the CEO succession plan and still believes today that it made the right decision in totality to ensure a smooth and successful CEO succession given the unique nature of the Company’s business and the institutional knowledge and experience Dr. Zoley has which was critical to retain as part of the CEO succession. Additionally, the elements and structure of the CEO succession plan as set forth in the most recent employment agreements entered into by Dr. Zoley and Mr. Gordo had already been negotiated, approved and executed prior to the time of our shareholder outreach and engagement and the “say-on-pay” vote. The Compensation Committee views the CEO succession plan as a unique and non-recurring event.

Under Dr. Zoley’s leadership as Executive Chairman, in the first full year of the CEO succession plan, the financial results in 2022 were the best in the Company’s history. There are other notable accomplishments, as well. Dr. Zoley oversaw a comprehensive refinancing of the Company’s $2 billion of debt, lifting that overhang item of concern to

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many shareholders. Dr. Zoley completed the restructuring of the Legal Department through additional staffing enabling the Company to be more self-sufficient and cost effective in handling complex litigation. Additionally, Dr. Zoley initiated a re-negotiation of vendor contracts and management responsibilities in the BI Division overseeing the fastest growing portion of company growth under ICE Alternatives to Detention (ATD) contract.

The Compensation Committee believes that the historically positive outcome of the say-on-pay vote supports the compensation arrangements established by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee considered the results of the shareholder vote on the 2022 “say-on-pay” proposal as one of the many factors relevant in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities along with the advice of its independent compensation consultant and shareholder feedback. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors will continue to consider shareholder feedback and the outcomes of the future say-on-pay votes when evaluating our executive compensation programs and policies and making compensation decisions for our named executive officers. During 2022, the Compensation Committee continued the compensation program in place during 2021 with the changes noted below under the section titled, “Why Each Element of Compensation is Paid and How the Amount of Each Element is Determined”.

Role and Independence of Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee assessed the independence of Pay Governance LLC (“Pay Governance”), a nationally recognized executive compensation consultant, taking into account the following factors:

Pay Governance has attested to its independence and does not provide any services to GEO other than those related to executive and director compensation consulting. Based on its assessment, the Compensation Committee agreed that the compensation consultant is independent and that the compensation consultant’s work has not raised any conflict of interest.

During 2022, the Compensation Committee engaged Pay Governance to perform the following services: (i) a peer group analysis and review of the compensation levels of the executive officers; (ii) review the proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders including consultation related to the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section of the proxy statement; (iii) calculation of the Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) Performance to determine the performance-based restricted stock payout levels; (iv) calculation of the Accounting Fair Value for performance-based restricted stock awards; (v) a peer group analysis and review of non-employee director compensation; (vi) a review of executive compensation trends and developments; and (vii) recommendations for an updated, non-REIT peer group to be used in the performance-based equity compensation. Other than as described above, Pay Governance was not asked to perform any other services for us in 2022. GEO paid Pay Governance a total of $118,076 related to its work for the Compensation Committee in 2022.

Under its charter, the Compensation Committee has the ability to retain any advisors it deems necessary or desirable in order for it to discharge its duties. The Compensation Committee also has sole authority to terminate the retention of any advisor it has retained.

Process for Determining Compensation

When making decisions regarding the compensation of named executive officers, including the position of Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee considers competitive market data and analyses prepared by Pay Governance, historical pay to the named executive officers and the appropriateness of such compensation,

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including by comparing it to a peer group of companies periodically. Annually, the Compensation Committee will use peer group and broader general industry data to obtain a general understanding of compensation practices and therefore ensure that it is acting in an informed and responsible manner to make sure our executive compensation program is competitive. The Compensation Committee views peer group data as one factor in assisting its compensation decisions. Due to the transition from REIT status in late 2021, the Compensation Committee continued to review compensation data from the REIT peer group while also referencing market data from a broad survey of general industry companies with revenues between $1 and $3 billion.

The REIT peer group (the same peer group used in 2021) consisted of the following companies:

In 2022, the Compensation Committee asked Pay Governance to conduct a peer group analysis to evaluate our compensation programs and practices as a whole, and the compensation levels of our named executive officers.

In July 2022, the Compensation Committee approved the use of the following companies in its future peer group analyses which reflect GEO’s decision to terminate its REIT election and the resulting reclassification of GEO’s Global Industry Classification Standard. When evaluating pay levels and practices of peer companies, the Compensation Committee focused on data from the peer group below of companies in the security and alarm services, the commercial services and supplies and the healthcare facilities categories with similar revenues and market cap:

Important Factors Given Particular Consideration by the Compensation Committee in Setting Compensation for the Named Executive Officers

In setting executive compensation for our named executive officers, the Compensation Committee gives particular attention and focus to the following factors over a several year-period:

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Applying these factors to our Company during the previous several years in setting named executive officer compensation, the Compensation Committee considered the following:

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Our senior management team has consistently made delivering shareholder value a priority. We have experienced volatility and downward pressure on our stock price during the past few years as a result of a number of factors, including the political opposition to the use of public-private partnerships for secure facilities, processing centers and community reentry centers and concerns regarding our future access to financing.

Elements of Compensation

Our compensation program for named executive officers consists of the following components:

Each of these components is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table and is also discussed in further detail below.

Why Each Element of Compensation is Paid and How the Amount of Each Element is Determined

The following is a brief discussion of each element of our named executive officer compensation. The Compensation Committee considers each of these elements in order to ensure that a desirable overall mix is

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established between base compensation and incentive compensation, cash and non-cash compensation and annual and long-term compensation. The Compensation Committee also evaluates on a periodic basis the overall competitiveness of our executive compensation packages as compared to packages offered in the marketplace for which we compete for executive talent. Overall, our Compensation Committee believes that our executive compensation packages are currently appropriately balanced and structured to retain and motivate our named executive officers, who we believe constitute the most experienced senior management team in our industry. The Compensation Committee evaluates GEO’s executive compensation policies and practices on an ongoing basis.

CEO Succession Plan

As we discussed in our proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, we implemented a CEO succession plan in 2021 (the “Succession Plan”). In connection with the Succession Plan, the Compensation Committee made determinations regarding compensation in connection with the CEO transition for Messrs. Zoley and Gordo and entered into executive employment agreements with each of Messrs. Zoley and Gordo, and the terms of such executive employment agreements govern the various elements of compensation paid to Messrs. Zoley and Gordo, as may be modified by the Compensation Committee.

Upon the termination of Dr. Zoley’s employment under the Executive Chairman Agreement by GEO without Cause, by Dr. Zoley for Good Reason, or as a result of the death or Disability of Dr. Zoley (the “Involuntary Termination Date”), GEO shall pay Dr. Zoley a termination payment (the “Termination Payment”) equal to two (2) times the sum of (a) Dr. Zoley’s Base Salary and (b) the target Bonus. For purposes of the Executive Chairman Agreement, “Good Reason” shall exist if (i) there is a material reduction in Dr. Zoley’s authority, duties or responsibilities thereunder, including any requirement that Dr. Zoley is required to report to any person or entity other than the Board; (ii) any material reduction to Dr. Zoley’s Base Salary, Bonus, Equity Award or Retirement Credit; (iii) GEO requires Dr. Zoley to change the geographic location at which he must perform services under this Agreement more than 50 miles from the location at which he was principally employed; or (iv) any material breach of this Agreement by GEO; provided, however, Good Reason will only exist if Dr. Zoley gives GEO written notice of the existence of the above referenced event within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such event and GEO fails to remedy such event within 90 days of such notice.

The Board recognizes that under normal circumstances, it is less common for the Executive Chairman of a company to be the highest paid named executive officer. In implementing the Succession Plan, the Board considered that Mr. Gordo has a unique and diverse executive and managerial skillset and brings to GEO extensive and valuable experience in business operations, organizational management and leadership, finance, corporate law, private equity, capital markets transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. However, he does not possess the extensive correctional and government services industry experience that Dr. Zoley has. Dr. Zoley founded GEO approximately 40 years ago, has been GEO’s only prior Chief Executive Officer and is considered one of the founders of the industry GEO operates in. His institutional knowledge and experience are unmatched and would be nearly impossible to replace over the course of the next five years in the judgment of GEO’s Board of Directors. Dr. Zoley has been instrumental in developing GEO into a leading worldwide company in a highly complex, heavily regulated, and often politically impacted industry, involving the provision of support services for secure correctional facilities, immigration processing centers, community reentry centers and programs, and electronic monitoring services.

Considering these factors, the Board believed it was imperative to retain Dr. Zoley’s services to ensure a successful CEO succession and determined it was appropriate to initially set Dr. Zoley’s compensation at a higher level than Mr. Gordo’s with a plan to transition this pay relationship over time. It is the Board’s expectation that as Mr. Gordo gains further experience in the role of CEO under Dr. Zoley’s guidance and tutelage, over time, his compensation will increase accordingly, and he will become GEO’s highest paid named executive officer. For 2022, excluding the impact of the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” for Dr. Zoley as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, Mr. Gordo was the highest paid named executive officer.

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Base Salaries. The cash salaries paid to the named executive officers are incorporated into the terms of executive employment agreements with our named executive officers. Any increases in salaries have been made either pursuant to the terms of the employment agreements or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

For 2022, our Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to increase the annual base salaries of Messrs. Zoley, Evans, and Black by approximately 5%, increase the annual base salary of Mr. Gordo by approximately 8% and increase the annual base salary of Ms. Schlarb by approximately 9% as compared to their 2021 annual base salaries following their individual performance assessments reflecting their contributions to the strong financial and operational performance of the Company and a review of projected salary increases in the market.

Annual Cash Incentive Compensation. Annual cash incentive compensation for each of our named executive officers is governed by our Senior Management Performance Award Plan, as Amended and Restated on April 27, 2016 (the “plan”), which was approved by our shareholders at the Company’s 2016 annual meeting of shareholders in accordance with the performance-based compensation exception (“Performance-Based Exception”) under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The plan is administered by our Compensation Committee, which has the authority to make all discretionary determinations necessary or appropriate under the plan. The plan is governed by the Compensation Committee and is administered on a day to day basis by the Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President of Human Resources.

Under the plan, each of our named executive officers is eligible to receive annual cash incentive compensation based on our relative achievement of budgeted revenue and net income for the fiscal year. We believe revenue and net income are meaningful metrics to assess our performance. The metrics are used by our management team when it develops its annual operating plan and budget and are used by our investors in evaluating our performance against the annual financial guidance we give on revenue and net income. For purposes of the plan, net income means our net income after all federal, state and local taxes. Extraordinary items and changes in accounting principles, as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, may be disregarded in determining our net income. Non-recurring and unusual items not included or planned for in our annual budget may also be excluded from net income in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee. In determining the amount of annual incentive cash compensation awarded, our net income is weighted 65% and our revenue is weighted 35% (collectively, the “Target Weighting of Revenue and Net-Income-After-Tax”).

Awards under the plan are made as follows: (i) targets for budgeted revenue and net income are set at the beginning of each fiscal year; (ii) the plan includes for each named executive officer an annual incentive target amount as a percentage of the officer’s salary which forms the basis for computing the officer’s award under the plan; and (iii) at the end of the fiscal year, a multiplier set forth in the plan that is based on our relative achievement of budgeted revenue and net income for the fiscal year is applied to each officer’s annual incentive target amount referenced in (ii) above. The multiplier is the same for all named executive officers.

The following table shows, for each named executive officer, the annual incentive target amount as a percentage of salary that the respective officer is eligible to receive under the Amended and Restated Senior Management Performance Award Plan. For 2022, the Compensation Committee determined that based on market changes in executive compensation, it was appropriate to make adjustments to the annual incentive target amount as a percentage of salary for the Chief Executive Officer adjusting the target to 100% from 85%, for the Chief Financial Officer adjusting the target to 80% from 75% and for the Senior Vice Presidents adjusting the target to 75% from 70%. There were no changes to the annual incentive target amount as a percentage of salary for the Executive Chairman which remained at 100% pursuant to the terms of the Executive Chairman Agreement.

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The following table shows how each named executive officer’s annual incentive cash compensation award is calculated by applying a percentage adjustment methodology, or multiplier, separately to the respective Target Weighting of Revenue and Net-Income-After-Tax results on a straight-line basis:

Under the terms of the plan, no amendment to the plan may alter the performance goals, increase the maximum amount which can be awarded to any participant, or change the class of eligible employees.

2022 Cash Incentive Outcomes

The net income target for 2022 was set at $93.0 million, a decrease of $86 million or 48% compared to adjusted net income achieved during 2021. The 2021 performance metric used was based on adjusted net income which reflected adjustments for the change in tax structure from a REIT to a C Corporation.

The revenue target for 2022 was set at $2.17 billion, a decrease of $87.0 million or 4% compared to revenue achieved during 2021. The Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to set the net income targets and revenue targets for 2022 at a reduced level compared to net income and revenue achieved for 2021 due to the challenging financial and operational environment in 2022 associated with the continuation of the impacts from the global COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the executive order directing the U.S. Attorney General not to renew Department of Justice contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities.

In 2022, the Company achieved net income performance above the target performance objective and achieved revenue performance above the target performance objective. The Company believes its strong performance for 2022 is the result of the Company’s multiyear diversification strategy, which has allowed the Company to establish industry-leading positions across the whole spectrum of correctional, detention and community-based services.

Based on these results, the following annual incentive amounts were awarded to the named executive officers for fiscal year 2022 performance:

2022 Equity Incentive Awards

Our Compensation Committee has historically granted awards under our equity compensation plans to our key employees and members of our board of directors to support a performance-oriented culture and to further align the interests of management and our shareholders.

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The amounts of awards granted under our equity compensation plans are determined by the Compensation Committee after taking into account the following factors: the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer (other than for his awards), the share usage rates and potential dilution to shareholders, competitive market practices, the overall performance of the Company and the individual performances of the grantees.

On March 1, 2022, GEO made its annual grants of performance-based restricted stock to our named executive officers, other than Dr. Zoley, that vest, if earned, on March 15, 2025 using the same performance criteria as the grants made in 2021.

Pursuant to the terms of the Executive Chairman Agreement, Dr. Zoley receives shares of restricted stock with a grant date fair value equal to 100% of his base salary that vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date.

For 2022, 100% of our equity incentive awards provided to the NEOs, except for Dr. Zoley, were in the form of performance-based restricted stock awards which was more performance oriented than the mix of performance and time vested equity awards observed across the peer group. On average, the peers deliver approximately 54% of their long-term incentive to NEOs in performance-based equity awards and 46% in time-vested equity.

The following table lists the number of time-based shares of restricted stock and performance-based shares of restricted stock granted to each named executive officer in 2022:

Specifically, the performance targets for the 2022 performance-based restricted stock grants are:

The threshold required for payment under the return on capital employed (“ROCE”) metric is set at +1% of our weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) over the three-year measurement period to ensure that payments only occur during periods of positive returns. The WACC is a product of the cost of our capital over the performance period and will not be known until the performance period has concluded. Additionally, if the current trend of higher interest rates continues, it is likely to require higher levels of net income to achieve the same historical level of ROCE due to increases in the cost of capital.

Additionally, there is a performance “governor” that caps payouts under the Relative TSR metric at 100% of target if GEO’s absolute TSR is negative over the 3-year period. Performance below threshold results in 0% payout on that specific metric. The relative TSR metric uses S&P 600 companies in the Commercial & Professional Services GICS code.

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Equity Incentive Outcomes for 2020 to 2022 Performance Cycle

On March 1, 2020, the Compensation Committee granted target awards of performance-based restricted stock vesting over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2020 provided that certain TSR performance goals and ROCE goals were met as of December 31, 2022. This was prior to Mr. Gordo’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Black’s appointment to Senior Vice President, President GEO Secure Services and as a result they were not eligible and did not receive a grant of performance-based restricted stock. Specifically, the performance targets were:

The Compensation Committee engaged Pay Governance to calculate the final TSR rank and payout calculations for the TSR component of these awards. Pay Governance determined that based upon their calculations for the Company and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index, the Company’s 2020-2022 TSR of -14.5% places the Company in the 44th percentile of the peer group which results in a TSR component payout of 79.0%. Management of the Company calculated the return on capital employed component of the performance-based restricted stock to be 12% which results in a ROCE component payout of 200% of the target award. Based on the calculations of the TSR component and the ROCE component, management of the Company certified to the Compensation Committee that when the TSR component is combined with the ROCE component, the combined award payout is approximately 140% of the target award. After reviewing the information provided to the Compensation Committee by Pay Governance and management, the Compensation Committee approved the vesting of the performance-based restricted stock in the amounts provided below:

2023 Compensation Actions

Base Salary

For 2023, our Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to increase the annual base salaries of Messrs. Zoley, Gordo, Evans, and Black by approximately 3% as compared to their 2022 annual base salaries following their individual performance assessments reflecting their contributions to the strong financial and operational performance of the Company and a review of projected salary increases in the market. Ms. Schlarb retired effective January 31, 2023. This level of base salary increase is consistent with increases and the salary budget for the broad-based, non-union employee population.

Annual Cash Incentive Opportunities

The annual cash incentive compensation for fiscal year 2023 performance will be determined under the Senior Management Performance Award Plan consistent with the methodology used in 2022 based on the budgeted net income and budgeted revenue 2023 performance goals set by the Compensation Committee. There were no changes to the individual target percentages of any of the NEOs.

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Equity Awards

The Compensation Committee granted performance-based restricted stock awards on March 1, 2023 to our named executive officers, other than Dr. Zoley, that will vest on March 15, 2026 based on two performance metrics measured from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 as follows: (i) 50% of the shares of restricted stock in each award vest if GEO meets certain relative TSR performance targets for the 3-year period; and (ii) 50% of the shares of restricted stock in each award can vest if GEO meets certain ROCE performance targets for the 3-year period.

Pursuant to the Executive Chairman Agreement, Dr. Zoley received a grant of restricted stock on March 1, 2023 with a grant date fair value equal to 100% of his base salary that vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date.

The following lists the number of time-based shares of restricted stock and performance-based shares of restricted stock granted to each of the named executive officers on March 1, 2023:

Other Benefits and Perquisites. Our executive compensation program includes other benefits and perquisites as more fully reflected in the table set forth below titled “All Other Compensation.” These benefits and perquisites are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee with respect to amounts and appropriateness. Currently, the benefits and perquisites which the named executive officers are eligible to receive fall into four general categories: (i) retirement benefits pursuant to our executive retirement agreement in the case of Dr. Zoley and pursuant to our senior officer retirement plan in the case of the other named executive officers; (ii) benefits under the deferred compensation plan; (iii) value attributable to life insurance we afford our named executive officers beyond that which is offered to our other employees generally; and (iv) travel and entertainment perquisites, such as an automobile allowance, club dues and personal use of the corporate aircraft. For 2022, Dr. Zoley was allotted thirty (30) hours of personal use of the corporate aircraft, Mr. Gordo was allotted ten (10) hours of personal use of the corporate aircraft and Mr. Evans was allotted five (5) hours of personal use of the corporate aircraft.

Senior Officer Retirement Plan. Messrs. Gordo, Evans and Black and Ms. Schlarb participated during 2022 in our senior officer retirement plan, which is offered to our senior officers. Ms. Schlarb retired effective January 31, 2023. The senior officer retirement plan is a defined benefit plan and, subject to certain maximum and minimum provisions, provides for the payment to the officer of a monthly retirement benefit based on a percentage of the officer’s final average annual salary earned during the employee’s last five years of credited service (excluding bonus) multiplied by the employee’s years of credited service. A participant will vest in his or her benefits under the senior officer retirement plan upon the completion of ten (10) years of service. The amount of benefit increases for each full year beyond ten (10) years of service except that there are no further increases

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after twenty-five (25) years of service. The maximum target benefit under the senior officer retirement plan is 45% of final average salary. Reduced benefits are payable for lesser service and early retirement. Benefits under the senior officer retirement plan are offset 100% by social security benefits received by the officer and are computed on the basis of a straight-life annuity. The plan also provides for pre-retirement death and disability benefits. Amounts owing under the plan are payable from the general assets of the Company.

Dr. Zoley’s Executive Retirement Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2021, entered into between the Company and Dr. Zoley (the “2021 Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement”), upon the date that Dr. Zoley ceases to provide services to the Company, the Company will pay to Dr. Zoley an amount equal to $3,600,000 which shall be paid in cash (the “2021 Grandfathered Payment”). The value of $3,600,000 was determined based on the approximate value of the retirement payment due to Dr. Zoley under the prior retirement agreement that was payable in shares of GEO common stock based on the closing price per share prior to entering into the 2021 Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement. The payment shall be credited with interest at a rate of 5% compounded quarterly (the “Grandfathered Earnings Account”). Additionally, at the end of each calendar year the Company will credit an amount equal to $1,000,000 provided that Dr. Zoley is still providing services to the Company pursuant to the Executive Chairman Agreement (the “Employment Contributions Account”). The Employment Contributions Account will be credited with interest at the rate of 5% compounded quarterly (approximately 22% annually). Upon the date that Dr. Zoley ceases to provide services to the Company, the Company will pay Dr. Zoley in one lump sum cash payment each of the 2021 Grandfathered Payment, the Grandfathered Earnings Account and the Employment Contributions Account subject to the six-month delay provided in the 2021 Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement. The balance of the 2021 Grandfathered Payment and the Employment Contributions Account was $7.0 million at December 31, 2022.

Deferred Compensation Plan. Our named executive officers are currently excluded from participating in our 401(k) plan by virtue of their compensation level. Accordingly, we have established a deferred compensation plan for certain employees, including the named executive officers, which permits them to defer up to 100% of their compensation to provide for their retirement. Under the deferred compensation plan, the Company may make matching contributions on a discretionary basis. Messrs. Evans and Black participate in the deferred compensation plan. Ms. Schlarb participated in the deferred compensation plan prior to her retirement.

Excess Group Life Insurance. We pay rates for the life insurance policies of our named executive officers above the level that is excludable under applicable tax rules. Payments in connection with the resulting excess coverage are treated as imputed income to the officers and are not deductible by the Company.

How Each Compensation Element Fits into the Overall Compensation Objectives and Affects Decisions Regarding Other Elements

In establishing compensation packages for executive officers, numerous factors are considered, including the particular executive’s experience, expertise and performance, the Company’s overall performance and compensation packages available in the marketplace for similar positions. In arriving at amounts for each component of compensation, our Compensation Committee strives to strike an appropriate balance between base compensation and incentive compensation, including equity based compensation and cash awards under the Senior Management Performance Award Plan. The Compensation Committee also endeavors to properly allocate between cash and non-cash compensation (subject to the availability of equity compensation awards under our then current equity compensation plans), and between annual and long-term compensation.

When considering the marketplace, particular emphasis is placed upon compensation packages available at a comparable group of peer companies.

In 2022, the Compensation Committee requested that Pay Governance provide the Compensation Committee with a report of its review and analysis of executive and director compensation levels, policies,

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practices, and procedures with a comparison to a set of peer companies selected by the Compensation Committee with input from Pay Governance. In 2021, the Compensation Committee requested that Pay Governance provide the Compensation Committee with a report of its review and analysis of the proposed compensation relating to the CEO succession for Dr. Zoley in his new role as Executive Chairman and Mr. Gordo as Chief Executive Officer. In 2022, the Compensation Committee requested that Pay Governance provide the Compensation Committee with a report on executive compensation trends and developments. Pay Governance prepared and submitted the various reports and presentations to the Compensation Committee and, on occasion, discussed the content with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee prior to Compensation Committee meetings.

Executive and Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Company adopted stock ownership guidelines in 2012 applicable to our senior executive officers, including our named executive officers, and our Board members. The guidelines, as most recently amended in 2018, require our CEO to maintain equity holdings in GEO equal in value to at least 6 times his annual base salary, our other executive officers to maintain equity holdings in GEO equal in value to at least 3 times their annual base salaries, and our non-employee directors to maintain equity holdings in GEO equal in value to at least 3 times their annual cash retainers. The guidelines as most recently amended also specify that shares which will count toward the total share ownership requirement are actual shares owned, options and restricted shares, vested and unvested, and unvested performance share awards at the threshold level. Performance share awards at the target and maximum level will not be counted until the performance metrics have been met and the performance shares have vested. All senior executive officers and directors must satisfy the stock ownership guidelines five years from their appointment as a director or a senior executive officer. Each of our senior executive officers and directors has satisfied such guidelines or has time remaining to do so under the guidelines. The Compensation Committee oversees the stock ownership guidelines and any amendments to the stock ownership guidelines.

Clawback/Recoupment Policy

The Company maintains a clawback policy providing that any incentive payment awarded by GEO to an executive officer (including a named executive officer) under any GEO incentive compensation plan may be recouped by GEO in the event of material fraud or misconduct by the recipient and in the event of a required accounting restatement of GEO’s financial statements (whether or not based on misconduct) due to the material noncompliance of GEO with any financial reporting requirement under U.S. federal securities laws.

Prohibition of Hedging and Pledging of Company Shares

The Company prohibits certain transactions in the Company’s securities under the terms of its insider trading policy, including engaging in hedging transactions to hedge against losses on the Company’s securities, including but not limited to collars, forward sale contracts, trading in publicly traded options, puts, calls or other derivative instruments, and engaging in short sales of the Company’s securities. Additionally, directors, officers and employees may not hold Company securities in margin accounts or otherwise pledge Company securities as collateral for a loan unless a waiver from this restriction is granted by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

Conclusion

We believe that our compensation programs appropriately reward executive performance and closely align the interests of our named executive officers and key employees with the interests of our shareholders, while also enabling the Company to attract, retain, and motivate talented executives. The Compensation Committee will continue to evolve and administer our compensation program in a manner that the Compensation Committee believes will be in the best interests of our shareholders. The Compensation Committee monitors the results of the advisory vote on our executive compensation (referred to as the “say-on-pay” vote) and incorporates such results as one of many factors considered in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities.

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SUBMITTED BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Terry Mayotte, Chairman

Anne N. Foreman

Andrew Shapiro

Compensation Policies and Practices as They Relate to Risk Management

Our executive compensation program is designed to attract and retain our officers and to motivate them to increase shareholder value on both an annual and longer term basis primarily by generating increasing levels of revenue and net income. To that end, compensation packages include significant forms of incentive compensation to ensure that an executive officer’s interest is aligned with the interests of our shareholders in generating revenue and net income. Based upon the Compensation Committee’s regular review of the Company’s compensation policies and practices, the Compensation Committee determined that the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table shows compensation earned by each of the named executive officers of GEO during 2022, 2021 and 2020, for services in all capacities while they were employees of GEO, and the capacities in which the services were rendered. For purposes of this proxy statement, GEO’s named executive officers are (i) the Chief Executive Officer of GEO, (ii) the Chief Financial Officer of GEO, and (iii) each of the three most highly compensated executive officers as of December 31, 2022 of GEO other than the executive officers that served as Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. For fiscal year ended 2021, Dr. Zoley served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer until July 1, 2021, when he was appointed Executive Chairman. Mr. Gordo was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2021.

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CERTAIN MATERIAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS

The following executive compensation agreements and arrangements are material to an understanding of the amounts paid and/or payable to our named executive officers disclosed in the table above.

Executive Employment Agreement for George C. Zoley

The Company and Dr. Zoley entered into on May 27, 2021 an Executive Chairman Employment Agreement effective as of July 1, 2021 (the “Executive Chairman Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Executive Chairman Agreement, Dr. Zoley serves as Executive Chairman assisting the new Chief Executive Officer in his transition, among other duties and responsibilities, and reports directly to the Board of Directors for a term of five years ending on June 30, 2026 and subject to automatic renewals for one-year periods unless either the Company or Dr. Zoley gives written notice at least 1 year prior to the expiration of the term. Under the terms of the Executive Chairman Agreement, Dr. Zoley will be paid an annual base salary of $1.0 million and will be eligible to receive target annual performance awards equal to 100% of base salary in accordance with the terms of any plan governing senior management performance awards. Dr. Zoley will also be entitled to receive an annual equity incentive award with a grant date fair value equal to 100% of base salary and subject to a time-based vesting schedule of one (1) year from the date of grant. Lastly, Dr. Zoley is entitled to participate in all benefits and perquisites available to executive officers of GEO.

The Executive Chairman Agreement provides that upon the termination of the Executive Chairman Agreement by the Company without cause, by Dr. Zoley for good reason or upon Dr. Zoley’s death or disability, Dr. Zoley will be entitled to receive a termination payment equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and the target bonus. In addition, the unvested portion of any equity award will fully vest and the Company will provide Dr. Zoley and any of his covered dependents with the executive benefits beginning on the date that they are no longer entitled to the fringe benefits under the separation agreement until the ten (10) year anniversary of the date of termination of the Executive Chairman Agreement. For purposes of the Executive Chairman Agreement, “Good Reason” shall exist if (i) there is a material reduction in Dr. Zoley’s authority, duties or responsibilities thereunder, including any requirement that Dr. Zoley is required to report to any person or entity other than the Board; (ii) any material reduction to Dr. Zoley’s Base Salary, Bonus, Equity Award or Retirement Credit; (iii) GEO requires Dr. Zoley to change the geographic location at which he must perform services under this Agreement more than 50 miles from the location at which he was principally employed; or (iv) any material breach of this Agreement by GEO; provided, however, Good Reason will only exist if Dr. Zoley gives GEO written notice of the existence of the above referenced event within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such event and GEO fails to remedy such event within 90 days of such notice.

Upon the termination of the Executive Chairman Agreement by GEO for cause or by Dr. Zoley without good reason, Dr. Zoley will be entitled to only the amount of compensation that is due through the effective date of the termination, including the retirement benefit due to him under his executive retirement agreement. The Executive Chairman Agreement contains restrictive covenants, including a non-competition covenant that runs through the three (3) year period following the termination of the executive’s employment, and customary confidentiality and work product provisions.

Executive Employment Agreement for Jose Gordo

Mr. Gordo and the Company entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “CEO Employment Agreement”) on May 27, 2021 to provide that Mr. Gordo will be employed by the Company for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021 (the “Effective Date”). Unless the CEO Employment Agreement is sooner terminated, or not renewed, it will automatically extend upon the end of its initial term for a rolling three-year term. Pursuant to the terms of the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Gordo will serve as Chief Executive Officer and report directly to the Executive Chairman. Either Mr. Gordo or the Company may terminate Mr. Gordo’s employment under the CEO Employment Agreement for any reason upon not less than thirty (30) days written notice.

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Under the terms of the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Gordo will be paid an annual base salary of $900,000, subject to the review and potential increase within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Gordo will also be entitled to receive a target annual performance award of 85% of Mr. Gordo’s base salary and will also be entitled to participate in the Company’s stock incentive plan and upon the Effective Date, the Company granted Mr. Gordo an award of 50,000 performance-shares that will vest ratably over a three-year period.

The CEO Employment Agreement provides that upon the termination of the agreement by Mr. Gordo for good reason, by the Company without cause or upon the death or disability of Mr. Gordo, he will be entitled to receive a termination payment equal to two (2) times the sum of his annual base salary plus target bonus for the fiscal year in which his employment is terminated or, if greater, the target bonus for the fiscal year immediately prior to such termination. The Company will also continue to provide Mr. Gordo and any covered dependents with the Executive Benefits as defined in the CEO Employment Agreement for a period of five (5) years after the date of termination. In the event of Mr. Gordo’s death within such five (5) year period, the Company will continue to provide the Executive Benefits to Mr. Gordo’s covered dependents, and, if applicable to Mr. Gordo’s estate. In addition, the CEO Employment Agreement provides that upon such termination, GEO will transfer all of its interest in any automobile used by the executive pursuant to its employee automobile policy and pay the balance of any outstanding loans or leases on such automobile so that the executive owns the automobile outright. In the event such automobile is leased, the CEO Employment Agreement provides that GEO will pay the residual cost of the lease. In the event the Company does not pay the termination payment by the due date, then any unpaid amount shall bear interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, compounded monthly, until paid. Lastly, all of the outstanding and unvested stock options and restricted stock granted to Mr. Gordo prior to termination will fully vest immediately upon termination; provided, however that any restricted stock that is subject to performance-based vesting shall only vest when and to the extent the Compensation Committee certifies that the performance goals are actually met.

Upon the termination of the CEO Employment Agreement by GEO for cause or by Mr. Gordo without good reason, Mr. Gordo will be entitled to only the amount of compensation that is due through the effective date of the termination. The CEO Employment Agreement includes a non-competition covenant that runs through the three-year period following the termination of the executive’s employment, and customary confidentiality and work product provisions.

Senior Officer Employment Agreements

We have senior officer employment agreements with Messrs. Evans and Black and we had a senior officer employment agreement with Ms. Schlarb prior to her retirement. The employment agreements have rolling two-year terms which continue until each executive reaches age 67 absent their earlier termination.

The amounts of base salaries that were paid to each of these executives during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above. The executives are also entitled to receive a target annual incentive bonus in accordance with the terms of our Senior Management Performance Award Plan which is further described above in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section.

The senior officer employment agreements provide that upon the termination of the agreement for any reason other than by GEO for cause (as defined in the employment agreement) or by the voluntary resignation of the executive, the executive will be entitled to receive a termination payment equal to the following: (1) two years of the executive’s then current annual base salary; plus (2) the continuation of the executive’s employee benefits (as defined in the employment agreement) for a period of two years, plus (3) the dollar value of the sum of paid vacation time that the executive was entitled to take immediately prior to the termination which was not in fact taken by the executive. In addition, the employment agreements provide that upon such termination of the executive, GEO will transfer all of its interest in any automobile used by the executive pursuant to its employee automobile policy and pay the balance of any outstanding loans or leases on such automobile so that the executive owns the automobile outright. In the event such automobile is leased, the employment agreements

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provide that GEO will pay the residual cost of the lease. Also, upon such termination, all of the executive’s unvested stock options and restricted stock will fully vest immediately, provided however, that any restricted stock that is still subject to performance based vesting at the time of such termination shall only vest when and to the extent the Compensation Committee of the Board certifies that the performance goals were actually met.

Upon the termination of the employment agreements by GEO for cause or by the voluntary resignation of the executive, the executive will be entitled to only the amount of salary, bonus, and employee benefits that is due through the effective date of the termination. Each employment agreement includes a non-competition covenant that runs through the two-year period following the termination of the executive’s employment, and customary confidentiality provisions.

Under the terms of the employment agreements, annual base salaries for 2022 approved by the Compensation Committee for Messrs. Evans, Black and Ms. Schlarb were $675,000, $525,000, and $550,000, respectively. Additionally, all outstanding unvested stock options and restricted stock granted to each of Messrs. Evans, Black and Ms. Schlarb fully vest immediately upon a “termination without cause” as such term is defined in each of their employment agreements, as approved by the Compensation Committee. Performance based awards will only vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that the established performance goals have been met.

Executive Retirement Agreement

Please see the “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” section above for a discussion of the Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement the Company has in place with Dr. Zoley.

Senior Officer Retirement Plan

GEO maintains a senior officer retirement plan for all of its senior officers, including Messrs. Gordo, Evans, and Black and Ms. Schlarb. The senior officer retirement plan is a non-qualified defined benefit plan and, subject to certain maximum and minimum provisions, provides for the payment to the officer of a monthly retirement benefit based on a percentage of the officer’s final average annual salary earned during the employee’s last five years of credited service (excluding bonus) multiplied by the employee’s years of credited service. A participant will vest in his or her benefits under the senior officer retirement plan upon the completion of ten (10) years of service, provided such participant remains continuously employed by the Company until at least age fifty-five (55). The amount of benefit increases for each full year beyond ten (10) years of service except that there are no further increases after twenty-five (25) years of service. The maximum target benefit under the senior officer retirement plan is 45% of final average annual salary. Reduced benefits are payable for lesser service and early retirement. Benefits under the senior officer retirement plan are offset one hundred percent (100%) by social security benefits received (or estimated social security benefits to be received, if applicable) by the officer and are computed on the basis of a straight-life annuity. The plan also provides for pre-retirement death and disability benefits. Amounts owing under the plan are payable from the general assets of the Company.

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GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The following sets forth information regarding the grants of plan-based awards to the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2022.

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table sets forth certain information regarding equity-based awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2022.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock option exercises by, and the vesting of stock-based awards of, each of the named executive officers of GEO during 2022.

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PENSION BENEFITS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each plan that provides for payments to each of the named executive officers of GEO at, following, or in connection with retirement from GEO.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

The following table sets forth for each named executive officer the payments that GEO would have been required to make as of December 31, 2022, (i) pursuant to the officer’s employment agreement, in connection with the termination of the officer’s employment as of that date by GEO without cause or by the officer for good reason (as such terms are defined in each officer’s employment agreement), (ii) pursuant to the officer’s employment agreement, in connection with the termination of the officer’s employment as of that date by GEO for cause (as defined in each officer’s employment agreement) or by the officer upon the officer’s resignation, and (iii) pursuant to the officer’s retirement agreement or arrangement, in connection with the termination of the officer’s employment as of that date for any reason (including due to the retirement, death or disability of the officer). All of the payments in the table would have been payable pursuant to the employment and retirement agreements and arrangements described more fully above under “Certain Material Executive Compensation Agreements and Arrangements.” All amounts in the table would have been payable in lump sums from the general assets of GEO.

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PAY RATIO

Under rules adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, we are required to calculate and disclose the total compensation paid to our median employee, as well as the ratio of the total compensation paid to the median employee as compared to the total compensation paid to our CEO. The paragraphs that follow describe our methodology and the resulting CEO pay ratio.

We identified the median employee using our employee population on December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2022, we had approximately 16,000 employees located in the United States, Australia and South Africa. Approximately 88% of our total employees are located in the United States. Our diverse employee population varies significantly in experience, education and specialized training. Regardless of the employee’s role in the organization or their location, the process for determining salaries is the same. Local market competitive data is reviewed to set base pay rates. Individual salaries are then adjusted from these base pay rates to reflect the individual’s role and responsibilities as well as his or her experience, education and specialized training.

Pursuant to the de minimis exception, in identifying the median employee, we excluded 497 employees in South Africa which represents approximately 3% of our workforce. We used the relevant average currency exchange rate to convert the compensation of our Australian employees to U.S. dollars. We did not make cost of living adjustments.

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To identify the median employee from our employee population, we compared the amount of base salary, as reflected in our payroll records for 2022, excluding our CEO. We identified our median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all of our employees included in the calculation. We do not grant equity to a large percentage of our employee population, so using base salary, is considered to be representative. As a result, the total annual compensation for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $47,840 for our median employee and $4,531,272 for our CEO as reflected in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table. The ratio of our CEO’s pay to that of our median employee for 2022 was approximately 95 times.

Because the SEC rules for identifying the median of the annual total compensation of our employees and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allows companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio for our Company, as other companies have headquarters and offices in different states and countries, have different employee populations and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their pay ratios.

This information is being provided for compliance purposes. Neither the Compensation Committee nor management used the pay ratio measure in making compensation decisions.

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