Ricardo Maduro Joest

Ricardo Maduro Joest Former President of Honduras (2002 - 2006).

"Maduro began his political career in the 1980s as founding member of the Unity and Change movement, designed to reinvigorate the National Party. This movement catapulted Rafael Callejas to the office of president in 1989 with Maduro serving as campaign manager in 1985 and 1989, and president of the National Party Central Committee. Callejas named Maduro president of the Central Bank, a post he held from 1990–94.

"Under Maduro’s guidance, Honduras negotiated and ratified the US–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), became the first Latin American country to sign a Millennium Challenge Account compact with the US, and actively promoted greater Central American integration. As President he implemented a universal school lunch program, and promoted legislative changes that opened the political parties and strengthened the rule of law in Honduras.

"In memory of his son Ricardo Ernesto, who was killed in a 1997 kidnapping attempt, Maduro established an education foundation, FEREMA, to promote policy change in education.

"A successful businessman, Maduro has founded and organized many different companies ranging from agriculture businesses to hotels. He won the 1983 Honduran American Chamber of Commerce “Businessman of the Year” award, one of many for his business achievements.

"Maduro earned a bachelors degree in economics from Stanford University."


 * Advisory Board, Kellogg Institute
 * Vice Chairmen, International Democrat Union

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 * Alejandro Toledo
 * Global Center for Development and Democracy