First Northern Community Bancorp 8-K/A, filed Dec 28, 2022
First Northern Community Bancorp (FNRN)
8-K/A
2022-12-28
For: 2022-12-26
View Original
Added on
April 06, 2026
About this 8-K/A
First Northern Community Bancorp filed this 8-K/A on December 28, 2022, reporting on events of December 26, 2022.
Items reported
- Item 5.02: Director or officer change, or executive pay
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K/A
(Amendment No. )
Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): December 26, 2022
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Commission File Number)
|
|
|
|
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
|
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(707 ) 678-3041
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
|
|
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
|
|
|
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
|
|
|
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
|
|
|
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
|
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
Title of each class
|
Trading
Symbol(s)
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
||
| |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter):
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards
provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This filing amends Item 5.02 of the Current Report on Form 8-K of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) filed on May 20, 2022
(the “Original Form 8-K”) to add the information described herein.
ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTOR OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF
CERTAIN OFFICERS.
(c) Appointment of President and Chief Executive Officer
On May 20, 2022, First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K related to the appointment of Jeremiah Z. Smith,
currently the Company’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its subsidiary, First Northern Bank of Dixon (the “Bank”), effective January 1, 2023. At that time, the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Smith were not available. This Amendment is being filed to report a summary of the principal terms of the
employment agreement with Mr. Smith governing the terms of his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as set forth amendments to prior agreements entered into by and between Mr. Smith and the Bank.
The Bank has entered into (i) an employment agreement with Mr. Smith governing the terms of his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective
as of January 1, 2023 (the “Employment Agreement”); (ii) the First Amendment to the Executive Retirement/Retention Participation Agreement with Mr. Smith, effective as of January 1, 2023 (the “First Amendment to Executive Participation Agreement”);
and (iii) the First Amendment to the Participation Agreement of the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 2023 (the “First Amendment to Supplemental Participation Agreement”; together with the Employment Agreement and the
First Amendment to Executive Participation Agreement, the “Compensation Documents”). The principal terms of the Compensation Documents are summarized below.
Employment Agreement
Term. Mr. Smith’s term of employment will commence on January 1, 2023,
and will automatically extend for consecutive one-year periods unless the Bank or Mr. Smith terminates pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement.
Salary and Bonus.
Mr. Smith will receive an annual base salary of $475,000, effective January 1, 2023,
and will be eligible for an annual bonus.
Incentive Compensation. Mr. Smith will be
entitled to participate in any annual and long-term incentive programs which cover employees in positions comparable to that of Mr. Smith.
Benefits. Mr.
Smith will continue to be eligible to participate in the Bank’s employee benefit plans and programs to the extent that Mr. Smith’s position and other factors make Mr. Smith eligible to participate.
Termination.
Upon an involuntary termination without cause (as defined therein) or termination for good reason (as defined therein) outside a change of control period, Mr. Smith will receive, in a lump sum, 150% of the sum of (i) his annual base salary as of the
date of termination and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to him for the three most recent consecutive years prior to the date of termination, as well as subsidized continuation health coverage for himself and his dependents for up to 36
months. Upon an involuntary termination without cause or termination for good reason or election not to extend the term of his employment agreement within two years following a change of control, Mr. Smith will receive, in a lump sum, 250% of the
sum of (i) his annual base salary as of the date of termination and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to him for the three most recent consecutive years prior to the date of termination, subsidized continuation health coverage for
himself and his dependents for up to 36 months and outplacement assistance.
Non-Solicitation.
For 12 months following the termination of Mr. Smith’s employment, Mr. Smith will be subject to certain non-solicitation restrictions.
First Amendment to Executive Participation Agreement
Pursuant to the First Amendment to Executive Participation Agreement, effective January 1, 2023, Mr. Smith will become 50% vested in his Executive
Retirement/Retention Award (as defined therein) and will become fully vested in the remaining 50% of his Executive Retirement/Retention Award upon his 62nd birthday, so long as he remains employed with the Bank and has achieved certain
performance goals.
First Amendment to Supplemental Participation Agreement
Pursuant to the First Amendment to Supplemental Participation Agreement, effective January 1, 2023, the lump sum payment owed to Mr. Smith in the event of a
change in control will be determined based on a retirement age of 62. Additionally, Mr. Smith’s death benefit payment has been increased from $10,000 per month to $15,000 per month (limited to 180 months total). Lastly, the Normal Retirement Age as
defined in the First Northern Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) has been changed to 62 solely with respect to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
The foregoing summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, the First Amendment to Executive
Participation Agreement, and the First Amendment to Supplemental Participation Agreement, a copy of each of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3, respectively, to this Amendment to the Original Form 8-K and incorporated by
reference herein.
(e) Amendment of the SERP
Pursuant to the Second Amendment to the SERP, effective January 1, 2023, the Final Average Compensation (as defined therein) will be calculated to take into
account the bonus paid for the final year of service in the event that a participant in the SERP serves an entire calendar year in their last year of service, even if that bonus remained unpaid as of the termination date. Additionally, the
calculation of the Early Commencement Factor (as defined therein) for purposes of calculating a participant’s disability retirement benefit will not be less than the factor obtained when assuming an early retirement age of 55.
The foregoing summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Second Amendment to the SERP, a copy of which will be filed as an
exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c) Exhibits
10.1 Employment Agreement for Jeremiah Z. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective
as of January 1, 2023
10.2 First Amendment to Executive Retirement/Retention Participation Agreement for Jeremiah Z. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2023
10.3 First Amendment to the Participation Agreement of the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Jeremiah Z. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1,
2023
99.1 Press Release, dated May 20, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2022)
99.2 Letter to Shareholders and Employees, dated May 20, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2022)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
Date: December 27, 2022
|
First Northern Community Bancorp
(Registrant)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Louise A. Walker
|
|
|
By: Louise A. Walker
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
Exhibit
|
Document
|
EXHIBIT 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of January 1, 2023, by and between FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON, a
California banking corporation (the “Bank”), and Jeremiah Z. Smith (the “Executive”).
RECITAL:
The parties desire to set forth the terms of Executive’s employment with the Bank.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment. The Bank hereby employs
Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment during the Term of Employment upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.
2. Term of Employment. The Bank agrees to
continue Executive’s employment, and Executive agrees to remain in employment with the Bank, from January 1, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”) until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2023 or (ii) the date on which Executive’s employment with the Bank
terminates pursuant to Section 7(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), as applicable (the “Term of Employment”), provided that the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Term of Employment shall automatically extend for consecutive one year
periods, on and after December 31, 2023, unless either Executive or the Bank notifies the other in writing at least sixty days before the end of the then current term that, for any reason, the Executive or the Bank has elected not to extend the
term.
3. Duties. As of the Commencement Date,
Executive is to be employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and, under the direction of the Board of Directors, shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Board of
Directors in connection with the conduct of the Bank’s business.
4. Extent of Services. Executive shall
devote Executive’s entire business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank during the term of Executive’s employment with the Bank. The foregoing, however, shall not preclude Executive from engaging in appropriate civic,
charitable, or religious activities or from devoting a reasonable amount of time to private investments or from serving on boards of directors of other entities, as long as such activities and services do not interfere or conflict with
responsibilities to the Bank.
5. Compensation.
(a) Salary. During the Term of Employment
beginning on the Commencement Date, the Bank shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $475,000 payable in accordance with the standard payroll procedures of the Bank but not less than one time monthly. Executive’s base salary shall be
adjusted annually effective on January 1 of each year to reflect such changes as the Board of Directors of the Bank determines appropriate, based on Executive’s performance for the most recent performance period.
(b) Incentive Programs. During the Term of
Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any annual and long-term incentive programs adopted by the Bank and which cover employees in positions comparable to that of Executive.
(c) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to
prompt reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses incurred in the performance of Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment, subject to the presentment of appropriate vouchers and receipts in accordance with the Bank’s policies.
6. Employee Benefits. During the Term of
Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of the Bank, if any, to the extent that the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health, and other qualifications make Executive eligible to
participate, subject to the rules and regulations applicable thereto.
7. Termination. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Sections 2 hereof, the Term of Employment and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances:
(a) Death. The Term of Employment shall
terminate upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. The Term of Employment shall
terminate three (3) months after the Bank gives Executive written notice that it intends to terminate executive’s employment on account of Disability or on such later date as the Bank specifies in such notice. If Executive resumes the performance of
substantially all duties under this Agreement before the termination becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall be deemed to have been revoked.
(c) Voluntary Termination. Executive may
terminate employment with the Bank at any time by giving the Bank three (3) months’ written notice thereof. The Term of Employment shall end on the earlier of the last day of the notice period or the last day on which Executive performs services for
the Bank.
(d) Termination for Good Reason. Executive
may terminate employment with the Bank for Good Reason by giving the Bank thirty (30) days’ notice of its alleged breach, including the basis upon which Executive believes the alleged breach constitutes Good Reason and a statement of the Executive’s
intent to terminate employment on such basis. If the Bank cures its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice, Executive shall either rescind Executive’s notice of intent to terminate and continue employment, or
terminate employment under Section 8 (c) hereof in which case the Executive’s notice of breach hereunder shall be deemed to satisfy the notice requirement provided for under Section 8 (c) hereof. If the Bank fails to cure its breach within the
thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice or Executive decides to terminate employment as provided in the final clause of Section 8 (c) hereof, the Term of Employment shall end on the last day of the 30-day period following receipt of
such notice.
(e) Involuntary Termination. Executive
acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s employment is at will. The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time whatsoever with or without cause by giving thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive thereof. The Term
of Employment shall terminate on the last day of the notice period, but the Bank may require Executive to cease performing services at any time after such notice is given.
(f) Involuntary Termination for Cause. The
Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause. The Bank shall give Executive written notice of the termination and the reasons therefore. The Term of Employment shall terminate immediately upon receipt of the notice.
8. Benefits on Termination of Employment. If
Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive payments and benefits as follows:
(a) Death; Disability; Voluntary Termination.
(i) If employment is terminated under Section 7(a), (b), (c), or (f) hereof, Executive shall receive:
(1) base salary through the date the Term of Employment ends,
(2) any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid (no incentive compensation will be payable on voluntary
termination).
(3) whatever rights may be specified in Award Agreements with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern
Community Bancorp 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (or any successor thereto),
(4) whatever rights may be specified in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Participation Agreement with the
Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan,
(5) upon death or Disability, whatever rights may be specific in the Executive Retirement / Retention Participation
Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the Executive Deferral Plan of First Northern Bank, and
(6) reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.
(ii) Except as provided in this Section 8(a) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation
shall cease on the last day on which the Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.
(b) Change of Control.
(i) If, within two years following a Change of Control, Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of
Section 7(d) or (e) hereof or as a result of the Bank’s election not to extend this Agreement and the Term of Employment pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Executive shall receive:
(1) 250% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) hereof as in effect on the date the Term
of Employment ends and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to Executive by the Bank for the most recent three consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends,
(2) any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid, and
(3) any expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.
(4) outplacement assistance.
(ii) The payment to which Executive is entitled pursuant to Section 8(b)(i)(1) shall be paid in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of
termination with no percent value or other discount.
(iii) Upon Termination of Employment within two years following a Change of Control, Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be
entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life,
disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans. For a period up to the first twenty-four (24) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay
the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees. If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new
employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage. Beginning with the twenty-fifth (25th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.
(iv) Delayed Payments to Specified Employees. If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of
Employment, benefit payments under this subsection shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).
Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of
Employment.
(v) Except as provided in this Section 8(b) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation
shall cease on the last day on which she performs services as an employee of the Bank.
(vi) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section
8(b) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.
(vii) In the event of a Change in Control of the Bank during the period Executive remains in Service, all shares of
restricted stock and stock options which are unvested as of the effective date of such Change in Control shall immediately become vested. For the purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(e) of the First
Northern Community Bancorp 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (or any successor thereto).
(viii) If employment is terminated due to a Change in Control of the Bank the Executive shall receive whatever rights
may be specified pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.
(ix) If employment is terminated due to a Change in Control of the Bank the Executive shall receive whatever rights
may be specified pursuant to the Executive Deferral Plan of First Northern Bank.
(c) Involuntary Termination; Termination for Good Reason.
(i) If Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof and such termination is
not within two years following a Change of Control, Executive shall receive:
(1) 150% of the sum of (i) Executive's annual base salary under Section 5(a) as in effect on the date the Term of
Employmnet ends; and (ii)
the average of the annual bonuses awarded to the Executive by the Bank for the three most recent consecutive years prior
to the date the Term of Employment ends. The payment shall be made by the Bank in a single installment within
forty-five (45) days of termination with no
percent value or other discount.
(2) any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid,
(3) whatever rights may be specified in Award Agreements with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Community 2016
Bancorp Stock Incentive Plan (or any successor thereto), it being understood that the definition of Change of Control set forth in such Award Agreement may differ from that set forth herein,
(4) whatever rights may be specified in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Participation Agreement with the Executive executed
pursuant to the First Northern Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan,
(5) whatever rights may be specified in Executive Retirement/Retention Participation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the
Executive Deferral Plan of First Northern Bank, and
(6) reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.
(ii) Upon Termination of Employment under Section 7(d) or (e), Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation
coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health
insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans. During the first eighteen (18) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance
premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees. If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be
responsible for the cost of continuation coverage. Beginning with the nineteenth (19th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.
(iii) Except as provided in this Section 8(c) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and
compensation shall cease on the last day on which Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.
(iv) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section
8(c) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.
(v) Delayed Payments to Specified Employees. If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of
Employment, benefit payments under this section shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).
Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of
Employment.
9. Excess Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Bank or otherwise to or for the benefit of the Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 or any
interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then no additional amounts shall be payable by the Bank to the Executive (i.e., no “Gross-Up Payment” shall be made)
and the Executive shall be responsible for the Excise Tax.
(a) If Excise Tax is imposed as described above and the Excise Tax can be avoided or
eliminated by reducing any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement by 20% or less, then the amounts payable to the Executive shall be reduced by the amount necessary to avoid or eliminate the Excise Tax.
10. Definition of Terms. The following
terms used in this Agreement when capitalized have the following meanings:
(a) “Board of Directors” means the Bank’s
board of directors.
(b) “Cause” means that Executive has:
(i) willfully breached or habitually neglected or breached the duties which the Executive was required to perform
under the terms of this Agreement or the policies of the Bank or
(ii) committed act(s) of dishonesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud, misrepresentation, or other act(s) of moral turpitude
against the Bank, its subsidiaries or affiliates, its shareholders, or its employees or which adversely impact the interest of the Bank.
| (c) |
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events with
respect to the Bank or its parent holding Company, First Northern Community Bancorp (“Bancorp”):
|
| (i) |
Merger: A merger into or consolidation with another corporation,
or merger of another corporation into Bank or Bancorp, and as a result less than 50% of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of Bank or
Bancorp immediately before the merger or consolidation;
|
| (ii) |
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership: One person, or more
than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock possessing thirty percent (30%) or more of the
total voting power of the stock of Bank or Bancorp (this constitutes acquisition of “Effective Control”). No Change of Control shall occur if additional voting shares are acquired by a person or persons who possessed Effective Control prior
to acquiring additional shares. This subpart (b) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which Bank or Bancorp directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of the
outstanding voting securities, or voting shares held by an employee benefit plan maintained for the benefit of the Bank’s employees.
|
| (iii) |
Change in Board Composition: A majority of the members of the
Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp before the date of the
appointment or election. This subparagraph shall only apply with respect to Bancorp if no other corporation is a majority shareholder of Bancorp.
|
A Change of Control shall only occur with respect to Bancorp if Bancorp (i) is a majority shareholder of the Bank; (ii) is a majority
shareholder of any corporation in a chain of corporations in which each corporation is a majority shareholder of another corporation in the chain, ending in the Bank; or (iii) is otherwise a "Relevant Corporation" as that term is used and defined in
Section 409A. For purposes of this section, majority shareholder means a shareholder owning more than 50% of the total fair market value and total voting power of the
Bank, Bancorp, or a corporation in the chain referenced above. No Change of Control shall occur unless the event constitutes a "Change in the Ownership of a Corporation" or a "Change in the Effective Control of a Corporation" as defined
under Section 409A.
(d) “Disability” means Executive (i) is unable
to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or (ii) is, by
reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less
than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering Bank employees.
(e) “Good Reason” means any of (i) a material
reduction in Executive’s compensation under Section 5 hereof or benefits under Section 7 hereof, (ii) a material reduction in the Executive’s title or responsibilities, (iii) a relocation of Executive’s principal office so that Executive’s one-way
commute distance from Executive’s residence is increased by more than forty (40) miles or (iv) failure of the Bank’s successor to assume and perform this Agreement as contemplated by Section 14(a) hereof.
(f) “Specified Employee” – If the Executive
is a Key Employee (defined below) of the Bank or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c) as of December 31st of any year (the “Determination Date”), and the Bank (or any entity that is aggregated with
the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c)) has stock that is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, the Executive shall be treated as a Specified Employee during the 12-month period beginning on the April 1st
following the Determination Date. An Executive is a Key Employee as of a Determination Date if the Executive meets the requirements of Code section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and
disregarding section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the twelve months preceding the Determination Date.
(g) "Termination of Employment" means that
the Executive shall have ceased to be employed by the Bank for any reason whatsoever and that the Executive actually separates from service with the Bank and does not continue in his or her prior capacity. Termination of employment does not include
the Executive’s military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (such as temporary employment with the government) if the period of leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment with
the Bank is provided either in contract or statute. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the terms "termination of employment," "terminates employment" and "employment termination" shall be interpreted consistently with Section 409A.
11. Locations of Performance. Executive’s
services shall be performed primarily within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities . The parties acknowledge, however, that Executive may be required to travel in connection
with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.
12. Proprietary Information.
(a) Executive agrees to comply fully with the Bank’s policies relating to non-disclosure of the Bank’s trade secrets and proprietary
information and processes, including information regarding the Bank’s customers and prospective customers. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive will not, during the term of Executive’s employment by the Bank, disclose any such
secrets, information, or processes to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor shall Executive make use of any such property for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any person,
firm, corporation, or other entity (except the Bank) under any circumstances during or after the term of Executive’s employment, provided that after the term of Executive’s employment, this provision shall not apply to secrets, information, and
processes that are then in the public domain (provided that Executive was not responsible, directly or indirectly, for such secrets, information, or processes entering the public domain without the Bank’s consent).
(b) Executive hereby sells, transfers, and assigns to the Bank all of the entire right, title, and interest of Executive in and to all
inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements, whether patented or unpatented, and copyrightable material, to the extent made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly, during the term of this Agreement, except to the extent prohibited by
Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Executive shall communicate promptly and disclose to the Bank, in such form as the Bank requests, all information, details, and data pertaining to the
aforementioned inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements; and, whether during the term hereof or thereafter, Executive shall execute and deliver to the Bank such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be
required of Executive to permit the Bank to file and prosecute any patent applications relating to such inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyright thereon.
(c) Trade secrets, proprietary information, and processes shall not be deemed to include information which is:
(i) known to Executive at the time of the disclosure;
(ii) publicly known (or becomes publicly known) without the fault or negligence of Executive;
(iii) received from a third party without restriction and without breach of this Agreement;
(iv) approved for release by written authorization of the Bank; or
(v) required to be disclosed by law; provided, however, that in the event of a proposed disclosure pursuant to this
subsection 12(c)(v), the recipient shall give the Bank prior written notice before such disclosure is made.
(d) Executive agrees that in the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the
Bank all property belonging to the Bank, including all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to Executive’s employment with the Bank.
13. Employment Taxes. All payments made
pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.
14. Successors.
(a) Bank’s Successors. The Bank shall
require any successor to all or substantially all of the Bank’s business and/or assets and liabilities (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or otherwise) to assume and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in
the same manner and to the same extent as the Bank would be required to perform if there were no succession. The Bank’s failure to obtain an assumption agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Executive by the effective date of such
succession shall constitute a breach of the Bank’s obligations to Executive under this Agreement as of the effective date of such succession and shall entitle Executive to all of the payments and other benefits described in Section 8(b) hereof.
(b) Executive’s Successors. This Agreement
and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees, it being agreed by
Executive that Executive cannot assign or make subject to an option any of Executive’s rights, including rights to payments and benefits, under this Agreement
15. Notices. Any notice required or
permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and sent by registered mail to Executive at Executive’s residence maintained on the Bank’s records, or to the Bank at its executive offices, or such other addresses as
either party shall notify the other in accordance with the above procedure.
16. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be
liable to the other for any delay or failure to perform hereunder, which delay or failure is due to causes beyond the control of said party, including, but not limited to: acts of God; acts of the public enemy; acts of the United States of America,
or any State, territory, or political subdivision thereto or of the District of Columbia; fires; floods; epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes; or freight embargoes. Notwithstanding, the foregoing provisions of this Section 16, in every case
the delay or failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the party claiming excusable delay.
17. Integration. This Agreement and any
attachments, schedules, and exhibits hereto represent the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral regarding Executive’s
employment at the Bank and all rights, privileges and benefits related thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that effective on the Commencement Date, the terms and conditions of this Agreement
will supplant any different terms and conditions that previously existed or governed Executive’s employment with the Bank. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and
signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto.
18. Waiver. Failure or delay on the part of
either party hereto to enforce any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver thereof. Additionally, a waiver by either party of a breach of any promise hereof by the other party shall not operate as or be
construed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent waiver by such other party.
19. Savings Clause. If any term, covenant,
or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, covenant, or condition to persons or
circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
20. Authority to Contract. The Bank warrants
and represents that it has full authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and that this Agreement is not in conflict with any other agreement to which the Bank is a party or by which it may be
bound. The Bank further warrants and represents that the individuals executing this Agreement on behalf of the Bank have the full power and authority to bind the Bank to the terms hereof and have been authorized to do so in accordance with the
Bank’s corporate organization.
21. Dispute Resolution.
(a) Any controversy or claim between Bank and Executive arising from or relating to this Agreement or any agreement or instrument
delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, including any alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, shall, at the option of Executive or Bank, be submitted to
arbitration, using either the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) in accordance with the rules of either JAMS or AAA (at the option of the party initiating the arbitration) and Title
9 of the U.S. Code. All statutes of limitations or any waivers contained herein which would otherwise be applicable shall apply to any arbitration proceeding under this Section 21(a). The parties agree that related arbitration proceedings may be
consolidated. The arbitrator shall prepare written reasons for the award. Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
(b) No provision of, or the exercise of any rights under, Section 21(a) hereof shall limit the right of any party to exercise self help
remedies or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies, such as injunctive relief from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency of any arbitration. The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit
of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of self help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration.
(c) If any arbitration, legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument
delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party or parties shall be entitled
to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which it or they may be entitled.
22. Remedies. In the event of a breach by
Executive of Sections 10 or 12 of this Agreement, in addition to other remedies provided by applicable law, the Bank will be entitled to issuance of a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction enforcing its rights under such Sections.
23. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be
executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
25. Advice of Counsel. Before signing this
Agreement, Executive either (i) consulted with and obtained advice from Executive’s independent legal counsel in respect to the legal nature and operation of this Agreement, including its impact on executive’s rights, privileges and obligations, or
(ii) freely and voluntarily decided not to have the benefit of such consultation and advice with legal counsel.
26. Prohibition Against Changes to Time and Form of
Payment. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the payment date(s) and form(s) of payment for benefits payable at a specific time, upon the occurrence of a specified event, or in a specified form may not be
changed unless such change is permitted under this Agreement, Section 409A, and other applicable law.
27. Unfunded Arrangement. Executive and his
beneficiary(ies) are general unsecured creditors of the Bank for the payment of deferred compensation benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent a promise to pay by the Bank. The rights to these benefits are not subject in any manner to
anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors.
The deferred compensation benefits provided under this Agreement are intended to constitute an unfunded arrangement maintained by the
Bank primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as described in sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (ERISA). This Agreement shall at all times be construed and interpreted consistently with ERISA to be such an arrangement and consistently with the requirements of Section 409A, as amended from time to time.
28. Non-Solicitation. Following termination of
this Agreement and the Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, the Executive shall not solicit, encourage or assist, directly, indirectly or in any other manner whatsoever, (i) any employees of the Bank or First
Northern Community Bancorp, or their affiliates and subsidiaries such employment within a twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp to resign or to apply for or
accept employment with any other competitive banking or financial services businesses within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities; or (ii) any customer, person or entity that
has a business relationship with the Bank, or during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment was engaged in a business relationship with the Bank, to terminate such business relationship and engage in a
business relationship with any other competitive banking or financial services business within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities. Failure to comply with the foregoing
provisions shall void this agreement, resulting in the forfeiture of severance payments and benefits coverage.
29. Delay or Forfeiture of Benefits
Payable Following Regulatory Action.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any plan or any participation agreement to the contrary, the payment of any executive benefit
shall be delayed or the executive benefit shall be forfeited on or after the occurrence of or as a result of any of the following events:
(a). Temporary Suspension or Prohibition.
If a Participant is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), 12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1),
no executive benefit shall be paid to that Participant. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, any executive benefit that would have been payable during the suspension or temporary prohibition shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable, in
accordance with the Plan.
(b). Permanent Suspension or Prohibition.
If a Participant is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(4) and (g)(1), the executive benefit payable to the
Participant (or which may become payable to the Participant in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participant shall not be entitled to the executive benefit.
(c). Default. If the Bank is in
default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), the executive benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participants shall
not be entitled to the executive benefit. In this event, the Plan shall terminate as of the date of default.
(d). Termination by Regulators. The
executive benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be forfeited, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Plan is necessary for the continued
operation of the Bank: (i) at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA; or (ii) by the FDIC, at
the time it approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank.
In addition, the payment of any and all executive benefits under this Plan shall be subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section
1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder, and any executive benefits and rights under the Plan shall be forfeited to the extent barred or prohibited by an action or order issued by the California Department of Financial Institutions, the
FDIC, or any government agency which has jurisdiction over the Bank.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the day herein first above written.
FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON
/s/ Patrick R. Brady
Patrick R. Brady
Chairman of Board
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Jeremiah Z. Smith
Jeremiah Z. Smith
President & Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit A - California Labor Code Section 2870
EXHIBIT A
CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 2870
Section 2870. Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.
(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that
the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either;
(i) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the
employer.
(ii) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is
against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
FIRST NORTHERN BANK
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT/RETENTION PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
FOR JEREMIAH Z. SMITH
This First Amendment to the Executive Retirement/Retention Participation Agreement (the “Agreement”) for Jeremiah Z. Smith (the “Executive”)
is made effective January 1, 2023, by First Northern Bank of Dixon, a California-chartered, FDIC-insured bank with its main office in Dixon, California (“Company” or “Bank”).
Whereas, the
Company and Executive entered into an Agreement on August 1, 2017,
Whereas, according
to the terms of the Executive Deferral Plan of First Northern Bank and the additional terms of Section 3.1 of the Agreement, the Executive is to become 50% vested in his Executive Retirement/Retention Award balance on the date he becomes Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, and fully vested in the remaining 50% of his Executive Retirement/Retention Award balance upon his 65th birthday, in each case provided he remains in continuous Service through such date, and
Whereas, the
Executive will become Chief Executive Officer of the Company on January 1, 2023, and Executive is expected to become 50% vested in his Executive Retirement/Retention Award balance on such date, and
Whereas, the
Company now desires to modify Executive’s Agreement to provide that Executive shall become fully vested in the remaining 50% of his Executive Retirement/Retention Award upon his 62nd birthday, provided he remains in continuous Service
through such date, and to clarify the Company’s intent that the grant of any Executive Retirement/Retention Award remains solely in the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Amendment
In accordance with the Agreement, Section 1, the Company hereby adopts the following amendments to the Agreement:
|
1.
|
Purpose. Section
1, the first sentence, will be deleted:
|
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide a supplementary Executive Retirement/Retention Award to the Executive that
vests and becomes payable upon continued employment of the Executive through the later of the date he becomes the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his 65th birthday, as described below.
Replaced with:
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide a supplementary Executive Retirement/Retention Award to the Executive that
vests and becomes payable upon continued employment of the Executive through the later of the date he becomes the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his 62nd birthday, as described below.
|
2.
|
Executive Retirement/Retention
Award. Section 2.07, the first two sentences, will be deleted:
|
“Executive Retirement/Retention Award” means the bonus paid to the Executive, and immediately deferred, based on the
extent to which the Performance Goal approved by the Compensation Committee was achieved. The Compensation Committee shall determine and communicate to the Executive the Executive Retirement/Retention Award in advance of each year, except the initial
Executive Retirement/Retention Award shall be communicated upon the execution of this Agreement.
Replaced with:
“Executive Retirement/Retention Award” means such bonus as may be paid to the Executive, and immediately deferred,
based on the extent to which any Performance Goal approved by the Compensation Committee was achieved. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine and communicate to the Executive the Executive Retirement/Retention Award, if
any, in advance of each year, except the initial Executive Retirement/Retention Award shall be communicated upon the execution of this Agreement.
|
3.
|
Performance Goal:
Section 2.08 will be deleted:
|
“Performance Goal” means goals determined by the Compensation Committee the achievement of which shall result in the
payment, and immediate deferral, of an Executive Retirement/Retention Award under this Agreement. The Compensation Committee shall determine and communicate to the Executive the Performance Goal in advance of each year, except the initial Performance
Goal shall be communicated upon the execution of this Agreement.
Replaced with:
“Performance Goal” means such goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee the achievement of which shall
result in the payment, and immediate deferral, of any Executive Retirement/Retention Award under this Agreement. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine and communicate to the Executive the Performance Goal, if any, in
advance of each year, except the initial Performance Goal shall be communicated upon the execution of this Agreement.
4. Vesting of Executive
Retirement/Retention Awards, Section 3, 3.1 Vesting, the second sentence will be deleted:
Unless otherwise provided in this section, the Executive shall become 50% vested in his Executive Retirement/Retention
Award balance on the date he becomes Chief Executive Officer of the Company and fully vested in the remaining 50% of his Executive Retirement/Retention award balance upon his 65th birthday, in each case provided he remains in continuous Service through such date.
Replaced with:
Unless otherwise provided in this section, the Executive shall become 50% vested in his Executive Retirement/Retention
Award balance on the date he becomes Chief Executive Officer of the Company and fully vested in the remaining 50% of his Executive Retirement/Retention award balance upon his 62nd birthday, in each case provided he remains in continuous Service through such
date.
In Witness Whereof,
the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Participation Agreement as of the day and year shown below.
The Executive: The Company:
First Northern Bank of Dixon
/s/ Jeremiah Z. Smith
BY: /s/ Patrick R. Brady
Jeremiah Z. Smith
Its: Chairman of the Board
Date: 12/26/2022
Date: 12/23/2022
EXHIBIT 10.3
FIRST NORTHERN BANK
FIRST AMENDMENT
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
FOR JEREMIAH Z. SMITH
This First Amendment to the Participation Agreement (the “Agreement”) of the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for Jeremiah Z.
Smith (the “Executive”) is made effective January 1, 2023, by First Northern Bank of Dixon, a California-chartered, FDIC-insured bank with its main office in Dixon, California (“Company” or “Bank”).
Recitals
|
1.
|
The Company and Executive entered into an Agreement on June 1, 2011,
|
|
2.
|
The Executive will become Chief Executive Officer of the Company on January 1, 2023.
|
|
3.
|
The Company now desires to further amend the participation agreement to change the Normal Retirement Age to 62.
|
|
4.
|
The Company now desires to further amend the amount of the death benefit.
|
Amendments
The terms in this Participation Agreement are amended as follows:
|
1.
|
2.1. Amendments Following a Change in Control -Change
in Control Benefit-
|
Delete:
1. A lump sum payment Actuarially Equivalent to the benefit determined under Section 4.1 of the Plan with the following
changes: (a) the Target Retirement Percentage used shall be the Target Retirement Percentage assuming Service to age 65, and (b) the Profit Sharing Benefit and Social Security Benefit shall be determined as of the 1st of the year of
termination. The lump sum payment shall be determined using Treasury Rate in effect on the date of termination and shall be discounted for the period the lump sum payment precedes the date the Participant attains age 65.
Replace with:
1. A lump sum payment Actuarially Equivalent to the benefit determined under Section 4.1 of the
Plan with the following changes: (a) the Target Retirement Percentage used shall be the Target Retirement Percentage assuming Service to age 62, and (b) the Profit Sharing Benefit and Social Security Benefit shall be determined as of the 1st
of the year of termination. The lump sum payment shall be determined using Treasury Rate in effect on the date of termination and shall be discounted for the period the lump sum payment precedes the date the Participant attains age 62.
|
2.
|
2.3 Amendment of Death Benefit.
|
Delete:
|
(1)
|
$10,000 per month paid each month for 120 months plus 6 months for each full year of Service over 10 years
(limited to 180 months total). This benefit shall be limited in present value to the net amount of at risk of all insurance policies owned by First Northern Bank as of the Executive’s date of death on the life of the Executive and under
which First Northern Bank is the sole beneficiary. This present value limitation shall be determined using a 5% discount rate.
|
Replace with:
|
(1)
|
$15,000 per month paid each month for 120 months plus 6 months for each full year of Service over 10 years
(limited to 180 months total). This benefit shall be limited in present value to the net amount of at risk of all insurance policies owned by First Northern Bank as of the Executive’s date of death on the life of the Executive and under
which First Northern Bank is the sole beneficiary. This present value limitation shall be determined using a 5% discount rate.
|
This section, solely for the purpose of benefits earned by this Executive, of the First Northern Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan is amended as follows:
|
1)
|
2.10 Normal Retirement Age
|
The following sentence is added:
Effective as of January 1, 2023, “Normal Retirement Age” shall mean age 62 solely with respect to the benefit of the
person then holding the title of Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
In Witness Whereof,
the Executive and a duly authorized Company officer have signed this Participation Agreement as of the day and year shown below.
The Executive: The Company:
First Northern Bank of Dixon
/s/ Jeremiah Z. Smith
BY: /s/ Patrick R. Brady
Jeremiah Z. Smith
Its: Chairman of the Board
Date: 12/26/2022
Date: 12/23/2022
EXHIBIT 99.1
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Louise A. Walker May 20, 2022
President & Chief Executive Officer
First Northern Community Bancorp
& First Northern Bank
P.O. Box 547
Dixon, California
(707) 678-3041
Walker Announces Retirement – Smith to Take the Reins
Dixon, California – Louise Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Northern Bank and First Northern Community Bancorp, has formally announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2022. With unanimous support of the
Board, Ms. Walker announced today that Jeremiah Smith, currently Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will be promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank effective January 1, 2023, as her
successor. Ms. Walker will remain on the boards of the Company and the Bank; upon succeeding to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Smith will join both Boards as a director.
“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve First Northern Bank’s customers, employees, and community members for over 43 years. After 12 years as
CEO, navigating some of the most challenging times during my career, it seems about as right as it can be to make this transition. I am proud to have had the opportunity to uphold First Northern Bank’s purpose of building long-lasting relationships by
addressing specific financial needs on a personalized basis, providing opportunities for our employees, and being committed and passionate about making a difference in our communities.”
“After Jeremiah’s 19 years of service to the Bank, I am confident that he will continue to lead First Northern as a purpose-driven organization, and the Bank
will continue to adapt and grow through his strong and thoughtful leadership. Jeremiah has demonstrated over the years that his leadership abilities during crisis and steady state are exceptional. Community banking is a people business, and he cares
deeply about our employees. He is an incredible community banker who is committed to our customers and understands how important the Bank’s role is to the communities it serves.”
Mr. Smith commented, “I am honored and humbled by this opportunity. Louise has done an outstanding job of leading First Northern over the past 12 years. I am
fortunate to have Louise as a mentor, and I look forward to carrying on the great work she has done for our shareholders and the communities we serve.”
Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from California State University, Sacramento. Mr. Smith received a graduate certificate from the
Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Mr. Smith currently serves as a Board member on the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Western Bankers, West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and West Sacramento Rotary, and serves on
various policy committees for American Bankers Association and California Bankers Association. He is also a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum.
Chairman of the Board Richard Martinez added, “On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Louise for her numerous contributions to the Bank and for its success.
During Louise’s tenure as CEO, First Northern Bank has grown in scope and strength. Louise’s passion for the Bank’s mission and commitment to service is to be celebrated. She has been deeply committed to leading First Northern Bank to be one of the
premier community banks in our region. The Board also looks forward to working with a transformational and charismatic leader like Jeremiah. The Bank could not be in better hands for the next chapter.”
Louise currently serves as Treasurer of the American Bankers Association, past Chair of California Bankers Association and board member of Western Bankers,
Director of the Pacific Coast Bankers Bank and numerous local boards, including Valley Vision, Yolo Food Bank, Solano Economic Development Corporation, Lambda Alpha International of Sacramento, Rotary and Soroptimist International of Dixon.
About First Northern Bank
First Northern Bank is an independent community bank that specializes in relationship banking. The Bank, headquartered in Solano County since 1910, serves
Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, and Contra Costa Counties, as well as the west slope of El Dorado County. Experts are available in small-business, commercial, real estate and agribusiness lending, as well as mortgage loans. The Bank is an SBA
Preferred Lender. Non-FDIC insured Investment and Brokerage Services are available at every branch location, including Dixon, Davis, West Sacramento, Fairfield, Vacaville, Winters, Woodland, Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn, and Rancho Cordova. The Bank
also has a commercial lending office in Walnut Creek. Real estate mortgage and small-business loan officers are available by appointment in any of the Bank’s 11 branches. First Northern is rated as a Veribanc “Blue Ribbon” Bank and a “5-Star Superior”
Bank by Bauer Financial for the earnings period ended December 31, 2021 (www.veribanc.com) and (www.bauerfinancial.com). The Bank can be found on the Web at thatsmybank.com, on Facebook and on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and other public statements may include certain “forward-looking statements” about First Northern
Community Bancorp and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, including but not limited to statements about the Company’s expectations about its future results, growth and
positioning, and its senior management transition and the timing and expected impacts thereof, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in
global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors. Given the many challenges and uncertainties resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, such as the extent and duration of the impact on public health, the U.S. and
California economies, financial markets and consumer and corporate customers and clients, including economic activity, employment levels and market liquidity, and on our business, results of operation and financial condition, as well as the various
actions taken in response to the challenges and uncertainties by governments, regulatory agencies and others, our forward-looking statements are subject to the risk that conditions will be substantially different than we are currently expecting. More
detailed information about these risk factors is contained in the Company’s most recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, each as it may be amended from time to time, which identify important risk factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The financial information contained in this release should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company’s most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and any reports on Form 8-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they
are made. For further information regarding the Company, please read the Company’s reports filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.
EXHIBIT 99.2
May 20, 2022
Dear Valued Shareholders and Employees,
I am writing to you today to inform you that I plan to retire as President and CEO of First Northern Bank and First Northern Community Bancorp, effective
December 31, 2022. While I am retiring at the end of the year, I will remain on the Boards of Directors of the Bank and Bancorp, and I plan to stay active in the banking industry. This has been a difficult decision for me, but I believe it’s time
to shift my energies to spending more time with family.
I have had an amazing 43-year career at First Northern Bank, and there is so much to say. Most of all, I want to express my gratitude; gratitude for having
grown up in an organization that believed in me and gave me so much opportunity to achieve milestones I never thought possible. First Northern Bank will always hold a very special place in my heart starting with the remarkable group of employees,
past and present, with whom I have been so fortunate to work every day. There is never a perfect time for a transition, but this seems about as right as it can be. I have cherished every moment as CEO.
The Bank and I have grown up together. When I began my career, First Northern Bank had less than $35 million in assets and three branches (Dixon, Winters,
and Davis), and today we are approaching $2 billion in assets with 11 branches in four counties. There have been many pivotal moments in the banking industry during my career: the introduction of technology, a heightening regulatory environment,
several volatile economic cycles including the housing collapse during the Great Recession, and the current situation we’re in with the worldwide pandemic. Having gone through all of that, I have to say that witnessing the success our employees had
in helping our customers and small businesses during their time of need with the Paycheck Protection Program tops the list. It was so rewarding to see the commitment our employees had for doing everything they could to keep our local businesses from
failing during the unprecedented health crisis. It reinforced the importance of what community banks do best, and how building long-lasting relationships with customers is what truly matters.
When asked if there is something I am most proud of when looking back over my career, I’d have to say there are a couple of things. It starts with staying
true to always doing the right thing, no matter the cost; and then it’s reflecting on the many accomplishments achieved by the outstanding employees, extraordinary management team, and Board of Directors with whom I’ve been so blessed to work with
along the way. My career has been the most amazing journey of my life. I love this Bank and the people associated with it.
I would also like to make another important announcement. The Board of Directors has chosen Jeremiah Smith, First Northern’s Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer, to be my successor as President and CEO. He will also become a member of the Boards of Directors. Jeremiah and I have worked together as a team since he began his career at First Northern Bank 19 years ago. I am
especially proud of the leader that Jeremiah has become. I am confident and excited about turning my position over to such an exceptional and energetic leader. Jeremiah has been an integral part of the Bank’s growth and success, as well as
developing the Bank’s culture into what it is today.
Jeremiah’s roles and responsibilities over the past 19 years have increasingly expanded from the front line in the branch to Controller, Chief Financial
Officer, member of the Management Loan Committee, and Chief Operating Officer, which includes management oversight of the following Bank departments: Mortgage, Investment Services, Human Resources, Operations, Accounting & Finance, Risk
Management, and Compliance. Jeremiah is more than ready and capable of transitioning into this role. He has the passion, aptitude, character, intellectual capacity, fortitude, commitment, and determination to drive First Northern Bank to continued
growth and success. The Bank will be in good hands because he loves First Northern as much as I do.
Thank you again for allowing me the privilege to lead this incredible organization. I can truly say, it has been and always will be, “First Northern, That’s
My Bank!” for me.
It goes without saying, please feel free to contact Jeremiah or me on our direct lines at 707.678.7878 or 707.678.7853, respectively. We always welcome the
opportunity to talk with the members of our First Northern Bank family.
Very Truly Yours,
Louise A. Walker
President