UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant   ☐

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant   ☐

Check the appropriate box:

☐

Preliminary Proxy Statement

​

☐

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

​

☑

Definitive Proxy Statement

​

☐

Definitive Additional Materials

​

☐

Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12

​

AMERIS BANCORP

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

☑

No fee required.

​

☐

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

​

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
   

​

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
   

​

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
   

​

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
   

​

(5)

Total fee paid:
   

​

☐

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

​

☐

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

​

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:
   

​

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
   

​

(3)

Filing Party:
   

​

(4)

Date Filed:
   

​

 

 
3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia 30305

April 27, 2020

Dear Shareholder:

It is my pleasure to invite you to this year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., local time, at Two Ameris Center, 3500 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

The enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders describes the formal business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting. We will also report on our operations and related matters of current interest to our shareholders.

The Internet will be the primary means by which we furnish proxy materials to our shareholders. We will send shareholders a notice with instructions for how to access these materials. That electronic notice will also provide information on how shareholders may obtain paper copies of our proxy materials if they so choose, as most will not otherwise receive paper copies. We believe this process, which lowers our costs and saves paper, contributes to both our efficiency and sustainability efforts and provides our shareholders a convenient way to connect with the information they need about the matters on which we will vote at the Annual Meeting.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as soon as possible to ensure your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. You may vote via the Internet, by telephone or, if you receive a paper proxy card in the mail, by mailing the completed proxy card. If you attend the Annual Meeting, then you may vote in person even though you have previously voted your proxy.

We continue to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). In the interest of the health and well-being of our shareholders, we are planning for the possibility that the Annual Meeting may be held solely by means of remote communication. If we make this change, then we will announce the decision to do so in advance and provide details on how to participate at www.amerisbank.com.

On behalf of Ameris Bancorp, I thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at this year’s Annual Meeting.

 

 

 
3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia 30305

 

 

 

 

 
3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia 30305

 

1

 

 

2

 

•

Adjusted return on average assets of 1.52%, compared with 1.50% in 2018;

​

•

Growth in tangible book value of 10.5%, from $18.83 at the end of 2018 to $20.81 at the end of 2019; and

​

•

Enhanced shareholder value through an increase in our annual dividend rate to $0.60 per share of Common Stock and disciplined repurchases under our Common Stock repurchase plan.

​

Adjusted net income, adjusted efficiency ratio and adjusted return on average assets are performance measures determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). See “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement for a reconciliation to 2019 GAAP results.

Director Nominees

The Company has a classified board of directors (the “Board” or the ‘Board of Directors”), with the Class II directors currently serving terms that expire at the Annual Meeting. In addition, and in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code and the Company’s Bylaws, the Class I and Class III directors who were former Fidelity directors and who were appointed to the Board in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity in July 2019 also serve terms that expire at the Annual Meeting.

At the Annual Meeting, shareholders are being asked to re-elect the director nominees identified below to serve in the Classes identified. If re-elected at the Annual Meeting, the Class I, Class II and Class III director nominees identified below will serve until the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2022, 2023 and 2021, respectively.

To implement the declassification of the Board if Proposal 6 is approved by our shareholders, each of our directors whose term would otherwise extend beyond the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2021 (including all the director nominees set forth below) on April 24, 2020 tendered his or her irrevocable resignation from the Board, effective upon the 2021 annual meeting and subject to our shareholders approving Proposal 6. See “Proposal 6 — Amendment of Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to Declassify Our Board of Directors” in this Proxy Statement.

 

Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation Program Highlights

Our corporate governance and executive compensation policies promote the long-term interests of shareholders. Below are highlights of our corporate governance and executive compensation framework.

 

4

 

Why am I receiving these materials?

The Board has made these materials available to you on the Internet or, upon your request, has delivered printed versions of these materials to you by mail, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of the Board for use at the Annual Meeting to be held at Two Ameris Center, 3500 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30305, on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., local time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. These materials will be first made available to shareholders on or about April 27, 2020. Shareholders of the Company are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are requested to vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement.

What is included in these materials?

These materials include:

•

The Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting; and

​

•

The 2019 Annual Report, which includes the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.

​

If you request printed versions of these materials by mail, then these materials will also include the proxy card for the Annual Meeting.

What am I voting on?

You will be voting on each of the following:

•

To elect (i) two Class I directors for a two-year term of office, (ii) four Class II directors for a three-year term of office and (iii) two Class III directors for a one-year term of office (Proposal 1);

​

•

To ratify the appointment of Crowe LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020 (Proposal 2);

​

•

To approve, on advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal 3);

​

•

To approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 100 million shares to 200 million shares (Proposal 4);

​

•

To approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation to eliminate the supermajority vote required to amend certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (Proposal 5); and

​

•

To approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to declassify our Board of Directors (Proposal 6).

​

In addition to the above matters, we will transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no other matters that will be brought before the Annual Meeting.

You may not cumulate your votes for any matter being voted on at the Annual Meeting, and you are not entitled to appraisal or dissenters’ rights.

Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail or e-mail notification regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

Pursuant to rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Company has provided access to its proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, the Company is sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”). All shareholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice, free of charge, or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the

 

5

 

Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, shareholders may request to receive proxy materials electronically by e-mail on an ongoing basis.

How can I get electronic access to the proxy materials?

The Notice provides you with instructions regarding how to:

•

View proxy materials for the Annual Meeting on the Internet and execute a proxy; and

​

•

Instruct the Company to send future proxy materials to you electronically by e-mail.

​

Choosing to receive future proxy materials by e-mail will save the Company the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and will reduce the impact of its annual meetings on the environment. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by e-mail, then you will receive an e-mail next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting site. Your election to receive proxy materials by e-mail will remain in effect until you terminate it.

Who can vote?

You may vote if you were a shareholder of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on April 2, 2020, the Record Date for the Annual Meeting. Your shares can be voted at the Annual Meeting only if you are present or represented by a valid proxy. As of the Record Date, there were 69,441,274 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, then you will receive voting instructions from such holder of record. You must follow the voting instructions of the holder of record in order for your shares to be voted.

How do I vote?

If you hold shares in your own name, you may vote by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting. To vote by proxy, you may select one of the following options:

•

Over the Internet, which you are encouraged to do if you have access to the Internet;

​

•

By telephone;

​

•

For those shareholders who request to receive a paper proxy card in the mail, by completing, signing and returning the proxy; or

​

•

By attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

​

The Notice provides instructions on how to access your proxy card, which contains instructions on how to vote via the Internet or by telephone. For those shareholders who request to receive a paper proxy card in the mail, instructions for voting via the Internet, by telephone or by mail are set forth on the proxy card. Please follow the directions on your proxy card carefully.

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, then you will receive voting instructions from such holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. You must follow the voting instructions of the holder of record in order for your shares to be voted. Although most banks, brokers and other holders of record will offer telephone and Internet voting, availability and specific procedures will depend on their voting arrangements. Please follow their voting instructions carefully.

Can I vote at the Annual Meeting?

You may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting if you attend in person. Even if you plan to be present at the Annual Meeting, you are encouraged to vote your shares by proxy. You may vote your proxy via the Internet, by telephone or by mail. Even if you have already voted your shares by proxy, you may change your vote and vote your shares at the Annual Meeting if you attend in person.

 

6

 

Please note that if the holder of record of your shares is a broker, bank or other holder of record and you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, then you must request a legal proxy or broker’s proxy from your bank, broker or other holder of record that holds your shares and present that proxy and proof of identification at the Annual Meeting in order for you to vote at the Annual Meeting.

What if my shares are registered in more than one person’s name?

If you own shares that are registered in the name of more than one person, each person must sign the proxy. If an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or any other person signs the proxy in a representative capacity, then the full title of the person signing the proxy should be given and a certificate should be furnished showing evidence of appointment.

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?

If you receive more than one Notice, then you have multiple accounts with brokers or the Company’s transfer agent. Please vote all of these shares. It is recommended that you contact your broker or the Company’s transfer agent, as applicable, to consolidate as many accounts as possible under the same name and address. The Company’s transfer agent is Computershare Investor Services, which may be contacted by telephone at (800) 568-3476.

Can I change my mind after I vote?

If you are a shareholder of record and vote by proxy, then you may revoke that proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by using one of the following methods:

•

Voting again by telephone or over the Internet prior to 9:30 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on June 11, 2020;

​

•

Giving written notice to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305;

​

•

Delivering a later-dated proxy; or

​

•

Voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

​

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, then you must follow the instructions provided by such holder of record if you wish to change or revoke your vote.

How many votes am I entitled to?

Each share of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting is entitled to one vote for each director nominee with respect to the proposal to elect directors and one vote for each of the other proposals to be voted on.

How many votes must be present to hold the Annual Meeting?

In order for the Company to conduct the Annual Meeting, the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the Record Date must be present at the Annual Meeting. This is referred to as a quorum. Your shares will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting if you do one of the following:

•

Vote via the Internet or by telephone;

​

•

Return a properly executed proxy by mail (even if you do not provide voting instructions); or

​

•

Attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person.

​

Shares represented by valid proxies received but marked as abstentions, and shares represented by valid proxies received but reflecting broker non-votes (further discussed below), will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum.

 

7

 

How many votes are needed to elect directors?

The Company requires majority voting in uncontested elections, which is an election in which the number of nominees for director is less than or equal to the number of directors to be elected. As a result, each director will be elected by a majority of the votes cast with respect to the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, meaning that each director nominee must receive a greater number of such shares voted “for” such director than the number of such shares voted “against” such director. In an uncontested election, withholding authority for a particular nominee by checking the “withhold” box by the nominee’s name where it appears on the proxy card will have the effect of voting against such nominee.

If an incumbent director does not receive a greater number of such shares voted “for” such director than the number of such shares voted “against” such director, then the Company requires that such director must tender his or her resignation to the Board. In that situation, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee would make a recommendation to the Board about whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether to take other action. Within 90 days from the date the election results are certified, the Board will act on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s recommendation and will publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind it.

In a contested election, which is an election in which the number of nominees for director is greater than the number of directors to be elected, director nominees are elected by a plurality vote.

How many votes are needed to ratify the appointment of Crowe LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020 (Proposal 2) or to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal 3)?

Approval of each of Proposal 2 and Proposal 3 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

How many votes are needed to approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock (Proposal 4)?

Approval of Proposal 4 requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

How many votes are needed to approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation to eliminate the supermajority vote required to amend certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (Proposal 5)?

Approval of Proposal 5 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

How many votes are needed to approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to declassify our Board of Directors (Proposal 6)?

Approval of Proposal 6 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

How many votes are needed for other matters that may be brought before the Annual Meeting?

The approval of any other matter that properly comes before the Annual Meeting requires that the votes cast in favor of such matter exceed the votes cast against such matter. The Board knows of no other matters at this time that will be brought before the Annual Meeting. If other matters are properly introduced, then the persons named in the proxy as the proxy holders will vote on such matters in their discretion.

What is the effect of broker non-votes and abstentions?

Under certain circumstances, including the election of directors, matters involving executive compensation and other matters considered non-routine, banks and brokers are prohibited from

 

8

 

exercising discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions to the bank or broker. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.” In these cases, as long as a routine matter is also being voted on, and in cases where the shareholder does not vote on such routine matter, those shares will be counted for the purpose of determining if a quorum is present, but will not be included as votes cast with respect to those matters. Whether a bank or broker has authority to vote its shares on uninstructed matters is determined by stock exchange rules. We expect that banks and brokers will be allowed to exercise discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions only with respect to Proposal 2 and Proposal 4, but not with respect to any of the other proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of Proposal 1, but will have the same effect as votes against Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of Proposals1, 2 and 3, but will have the same effect as votes against Proposals 4, 5 and 6.

Questions regarding these procedures may be directed to the Corporate Secretary at 3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

What do I need to do if I want to attend the Annual Meeting?

You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you are a shareholder of record or a beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock as of the Record Date or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, then you will need to have proof that you are the beneficial owner to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. A recent statement or letter from your bank or broker confirming your ownership as of the Record Date, or presentation of a valid proxy from a bank, broker or other holder of record that is the record owner of your shares, would be acceptable proof of your beneficial ownership. You also should be prepared to present photo identification for admittance. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the other procedures outlined above upon request, then you may not be admitted to the Annual Meeting.

Will the coronavirus (COVID-19) affect the Annual Meeting?

We continue to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). In the interest of the health and well-being of our shareholders, we are planning for the possibility that the Annual Meeting may be held solely by means of remote communication. If we make this change, then we will announce the decision to do so in advance and provide details on how to participate at www.amerisbank.com.

 

9

 

 

•

Gloria A. O’Neal and H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. to serve as Class III directors until the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

​

Proxies cannot be voted at the Annual Meeting for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named.

Unless otherwise directed, the persons named as proxies in the enclosed form of proxy intend to vote “FOR” the election of all nominees as directors for the designated term and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If any such nominee for any reason should not be available as a candidate for director, votes will be cast pursuant to authority granted by the enclosed proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board. The Board is unaware of a nominee who is unable to serve as a director or will decline to serve as a director, if elected.

The following sets forth certain information, as of the Record Date, for the Class I, Class II and Class III nominees standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting:

Class I Director Nominees (to serve until the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders)

 

11

 

Class II Director Nominees (to serve until the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders)

 

12

 

 

13

 

Class III Director Nominees (to serve until the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders)

 

14

 

 

15

 

 

16

 

 

17

 

 

18

 

Director Independence

Each member of the Board, other than Messrs. Miller and Proctor, is “independent,” as defined for purposes of the rules of the SEC and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director does not have a relationship with the Company that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making this determination, the Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including any transactions or relationships between the director and the Company or its subsidiaries.

Committees of the Board

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is currently comprised of four directors, none of whom is a current or former employee of the Company and all of whom are independent directors of the Company. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Bowen, Jeter and Lynch (Chairman) and Ms. O’Neal. The Audit Committee was established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Audit Committee, which operates under a written charter, represents the Board in discharging its responsibility relating to the accounting, reporting and financial practices of the Company and its subsidiaries. Its primary functions include monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, system of internal controls and compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; monitoring the independence, qualifications and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditing services; and providing a vehicle for communication among the independent registered public accounting firm, management, internal audit and the Board. The complete text of the Audit Committee charter is available at www.amerisbank.com.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of four directors — Messrs. Bullard, Hill (Chairman), Jeter and Stern — none of whom is a current or former employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and all of whom are independent directors of the Company. The duties of the Compensation Committee, which operates under a written charter, are generally to establish the compensation for the Company’s executive officers and to act on such other matters relating to compensation as it deems appropriate, including an annual evaluation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the design and oversight of all compensation and benefit programs in which the Company’s employees and officers are eligible to participate. Additional information regarding the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration of executive officer compensation is provided under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement. The complete text of the Compensation Committee charter is available at www.amerisbank.com.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is currently comprised of four directors, none of whom is a current or former employee of the Company and all of whom are independent directors of the Company. The members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are Messrs. Hill, Stern (Chairman) and Veal and Ms. McCague. Pursuant to its written charter, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for considering, and making recommendations to the Board regarding, the size and composition of the Board, recommending and nominating candidates to fill Board vacancies that may occur and recommending to the Board the director nominees for whom the Board will solicit proxies. Additional information regarding the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s processes and procedures is provided under “Identifying and Evaluating Nominees” in this Proxy Statement. The complete text of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee charter is available at www.amerisbank.com.

 

19

 

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is currently comprised of seven directors, only two of whom are current or former employees of the Company. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Ezzell, Hill, Lynch, Miller, Proctor (Chairman) and Stern and Ms. McCague. The Executive Committee is authorized to exercise all of the powers of the Board, except those that under the Georgia Business Corporation Code may not be exercised by a committee of directors.

Enterprise Risk Committee

The Enterprise Risk Committee is currently comprised of three directors, none of whom is a current or former employee of the Company and all of whom are independent directors of the Company. The members of the Enterprise Rick Committee are Mr. Ezzell, Ms. McCague (Chairman) and Ms. O’Neal. Pursuant to its written charter, the Enterprise Risk Committee is responsible for the oversight and governance of risk management functions, programs and activities throughout the Company. The complete text of the Enterprise Risk Committee charter is available at www.amerisbank.com.

Credit Risk Committee

The Credit Risk Committee is currently comprised of three directors, none of whom is a current or former employee of the Company and all of whom are independent directors of the Company. Jon S. Edwards, the Company’s Chief Credit Officer, also serves on the Credit Risk Committee. The directors who are members of the Credit Risk Committee are Messrs. Choate, Lynch and Veal. Pursuant to its written charter, the Credit Risk Committee oversees the Company’s asset quality and credit administration practices by reviewing risk strategies for the loan portfolio, loan applications, overall credit quality standards and performance, new loan products and lending strategies and compliance and adequacy of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”).

Trust Committee

The Trust Committee is currently comprised of four directors, none of whom is a current or former employee of the Company and all of whom are independent directors of the Company. The members of the Trust Committee are Messrs. Bowen, Bullard, Choate and Ezzell (Chairman). Pursuant to its written charter, the Trust Committee is responsible for overseeing the Trust Department’s accounting and financial reporting processes, its system of and adherence to internal controls, and its compliance with the Company’s fiduciary responsibilities.

 

20

 

(1)

Effective July 1, 2019, each of Messrs. Bullard, Choate, Miller and Proctor and Ms. O’Neal was appointed to the Board in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity. Messrs. Bullard, Choate, Miller and Proctor and Ms. O’Neal were appointed to the respective committees on which they serve as reflected in the table above in September 2019.

​

(2)

In addition to his Chair role, Mr. Lynch also serves as a financial expert for the Audit Committee.

​

(3)

On June 27, 2019, Mr. Zember resigned from the Board and as President and Chief Executive Officer.

​

(4)

In addition, the Credit Risk Committee and the Trust Committee held two and four meetings, respectively, in 2019.

​

Each director attended at least 75% of all meetings of the full Board and of those committees on which he or she served and was eligible to attend in 2019. Additionally, the independent directors met in executive sessions, without any members of management or other employees, seven times in 2019. These executive sessions allow the Board to review key decisions and discuss matters in a manner that is independent of management.

The Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders was attended by all members of the Board then serving.

Identifying and Evaluating Nominees

With respect to the nomination process, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the composition and size of the Board to ensure that it has the proper expertise and independence; determines the criteria for the selection of Board members and Board committee members; plans for continuity on the Board as existing Board members retire or rotate off the Board; establishes criteria for qualifications as independent directors, consistent with applicable laws and listing standards; maintains a file of suitable candidates for consideration as nominees to the Board; reviews Board candidates recommended by shareholders in compliance with all director nomination procedures for shareholders; and recommends to the Board the slate of nominees of directors to be elected by the shareholders and any directors to be elected by the Board to fill vacancies.

 

21

 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has not established specific minimum age, education, years of business experience or specific types of skills for potential candidates but, in general, expects qualified candidates will have ample experience and a proven record of business success and leadership. Director candidates will be evaluated based on their financial literacy, business acumen and experience, independence for purposes of compliance with SEC and Nasdaq rules and willingness, ability and availability for service. In addition, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee requires that each Board candidate have the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, including respectfulness, honesty and a commitment to teamwork and high standards consistent with the core values of the Company, and consistently exercise sound and objective business judgment. It is also anticipated that the Board as a whole have individuals with significant appropriate senior management or other leadership experience, a long-term and strategic perspective and the ability to advance constructive debate.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has not adopted a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees. In determining whether to recommend a director nominee, the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee consider and discuss diversity, among other factors, with a view toward the role and needs of the Board as a whole. When identifying and recommending director nominees, the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee generally view diversity expansively to include, without limitation, concepts such as race, gender, national origin, differences of viewpoint and perspective, professional experience, education, skill and other qualities or attributes that together contribute to the functioning of the Board. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes that the inclusion of diversity as one of many factors considered in selecting director nominees is consistent with the goal of creating a Board that best serves the needs of the Company and the interests of its shareholders. At present, almost one-third of the Board’s current members represent diversity through race, ethnicity or gender.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has performed a review of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of the Company’s current directors and nominees and believes that such persons possess a variety of complementary skills and characteristics, including the following:

•

Personal characteristics, including leadership, character, integrity, accountability, sound business judgment and personal reputation;

​

•

Successful business or professional experience;

​

•

Various areas of expertise or experience, including financial, strategic and general management;

​

•

Expertise or experience in various industries, including banking and financial services, hospitality, construction, consumer finance, automotive, real estate, timber, agricultural and mediation services, as well as with various non-profit organizations;

​

•

Residence in the Bank’s market areas;

​

•

Willingness and ability to commit the necessary time to fully discharge the responsibilities of a director in connection with the affairs of the Company; and

​

•

A demonstrated commitment to the success of the Company.

​

For a discussion of the specific backgrounds and qualifications of our current directors and director nominees, see “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” in this Proxy Statement.

Although the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has authority to retain a search firm or consultant to assist in identifying director candidates, to date no such search firm or consultant has been engaged. Additionally, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee would consider any director candidate proposed by any shareholder of record who has given timely written notice to the Corporate Secretary as required by Article III, Section 2(b) of the Company’s Bylaws. The proposing shareholder’s notice to the Corporate Secretary must set forth the information required by such section, including the director candidate’s name, credentials, contact information and his or her consent to be considered as a director candidate, as well as the proposing shareholder’s own contact information and a statement of his or her share ownership (how many shares held and for how long). To be timely, a

 

22

 

proposing shareholder’s notice must be received at the Company’s principal executive office no later than the date determined in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws. There are no differences in the manner in which the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates director candidates it identifies and candidates who are recommended for nomination for membership on the Board by a shareholder.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

The Company is committed to having sound corporate governance principles and practices, and independent board oversight is valued as an essential component of our corporate governance framework. Our commitment to independent oversight is demonstrated by the fact that all of our directors, except our Chairman and our Chief Executive Officer, are independent. In addition, all of the members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Enterprise Risk Committee are independent.

Messrs. Miller and Proctor became our Chairman and our Chief Executive Officer, respectively, on July 1, 2019, upon the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity. In connection with Mr. Miller’s appointment as Chairman, the Board also appointed a Lead Independent Director in furtherance of the Board’s belief that strong, independent board leadership is a critical aspect of effective corporate governance. Mr. Jeter served as Lead Independent Director from July 2019 to September 2019, and Mr. Hill has served as Lead Independent Director since September 2019. The Lead Independent Director, who must be independent, presides over executive sessions of the independent directors, consults as appropriate with the Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer, oversees the flow of information to the Board and acts as liaison between the non-employee directors and management. The Lead Independent Director also serves as a focal point for the independent directors, thereby enhancing and clarifying the Board’s independence from management.

The Board believes that having a separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer provides a depth of dependable, decisive and experienced leadership to execute the Company’s strategy. While the Board believes that having these separate, although non-independent roles, together with an engaged and experienced Lead Independent Director, is the most appropriate leadership structure for the Board at this time, the Board retains the flexibility to revise this structure in the future based upon its assessment of the Company’s needs, including consideration of relevant governance and strategic matters.

The Enterprise Risk Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the Company’s risk management processes on behalf of the full Board, although the Board and all of its committees are sensitive to risks relating to the Company and its operations. Through its interaction with the Company’s Chief Risk Officer, the Enterprise Risk Committee oversees credit risk, market risk (including liquidity and interest rate risk) and operational risk (including compliance and legal risk). The Audit Committee focuses on financial reporting risk, oversees the entire audit function and evaluates the effectiveness of internal and external audit efforts. It receives reports from management regularly regarding the Company’s assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems. Our external auditors meet at least quarterly with the Audit Committee in executive session to discuss potential risk and control issues involving the Company. Our Chief Risk Officer meets with both the Enterprise Risk Committee and the Audit Committee as necessary to discuss potential risk or control issues. The Enterprise Risk Committee and the Audit Committee report regularly to the full Board, which also considers the Company’s entire risk profile, including additional strategic and reputational risks. While the Board oversees the Company’s risk management, management is responsible for the day-to-day risk management processes. We believe that this division of responsibility is the most effective approach for addressing the risks facing the Company; however, we will continue to re-examine our Board leadership structure on a regular basis, recognizing that different structures may be appropriate in different situations faced by the Company.

Director Reviews and Education

The Board conducts a self-assessment annually, and individual directors are separately evaluated each year in connection with director performance reviews. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews and discusses with the Board the results of these annual assessments.

 

23

 

Director education is an essential component of good governance and effective compliance practices for financial institutions. It increases the likelihood of retaining good directors and attracting more highly skilled candidates to serve on the boards of banks. The Board’s regular meetings often include an educational and strategic session focused on a variety of topics, such as legislative and regulatory developments, important banking industry trends and fundamental bank directorship knowledge. In addition, our General Counsel updates the Board as appropriate on relevant developments with respect to corporate governance matters.

Reflecting our commitment to principles of director education, in April 2019, Mr. Bowen completed Crowe LLP’s group internet-based Industry Overview for Financial Institution Audit Committee Members. In November 2019, Mr. Hill attended the Bank Director Bank Compensation & Talent Conference in Amelia Island, Florida. The training focused on the opportunities and challenges that banks face when building and retaining the best talent for today and tomorrow. In December 2019, Mr. Hill attended the “Avoiding the Corporate Crisis” event hosted by DirectorCorps and Nasdaq in New York City, New York. The event focused on preparing boards and leadership for future uncertainties.

Additionally, all directors completed required compliance training during 2019. Topics included BSA/​AML and Compliance, Information Security Awareness, the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, and the Company’s Regulation FD Policy.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Each of Messrs. Bullard, Hill, Jeter, Stern and Lynch served on the Compensation Committee for all or some portion of 2019. None of Messrs. Bullard, Hill, Jeter, Stern or Lynch is or has been an officer or employee of the Company.

Communication with the Board and its Committees

Our shareholders may communicate with the Board by directing correspondence to the Board, any of its committees or one or more individual members, in care of the Corporate Secretary, Ameris Bancorp, 3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. The Corporate Secretary will forward such correspondence to the persons to whom it is addressed.

 

24

 

 

(1)

The stock award figure represents the fair value of the stock awards as calculated in accordance with GAAP. The shares were issued May 15, 2019 and the fair value was $36.02 per share. The shares vest on the earlier of May 15, 2020 and the date of the Annual Meeting, provided that the grantee continues to serve as a director of the Company through the vesting date.

​

(2)

The stock award figure represents the fair value of the stock awards as calculated in accordance with GAAP. The shares were issued on July 23, 2019 and the fair value was $37.49 per share. The shares vest on the earlier of May 15, 2020 and the date of the Annual Meeting.

​

(3)

Represents amounts paid to Mr. Miller pursuant to his employment agreement with the Company, which is described below.

​

Employment Agreement with Mr. Miller

In connection with the execution of the merger agreement between the Company and Fidelity, the Company and the Bank entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Miller, which became effective upon the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity on July 1, 2019 (the “Miller Employment Agreement”). The Miller Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Miller will serve as Chairman and a member of the boards of directors of the Company and the Bank. The term of the employment agreement is three years. In consideration for his services, Mr. Miller will be entitled to: (i) an annual base salary of  $1,000,000; (ii) incentive compensation opportunities that are no less favorable than those provided by Fidelity prior to its acquisition or, if more favorable, those provided to other senior executives of the Company, provided that the target annual incentive opportunities will not be less than 50% of Mr. Miller’s annual base salary; and (iii) employee benefits and fringe benefits (including life insurance, vacation, reimbursement of club dues and automobile benefits) that are no less favorable than those provided by Fidelity prior to its acquisition or, if more favorable, those provided to other senior executives of the Company.

The Miller Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of termination of Mr. Miller’s employment by the Company without cause or by Mr. Miller for good reason, the Company will pay to Mr. Miller, subject to the execution of a release of claims, certain accrued but unpaid amounts and the following severance benefits:

•

A cash severance payment equal to the excess of: (i) the product of (a) three multiplied by (b) the executive’s “Final Compensation” (which is defined generally as the sum of the executive’s annual base salary and the greater of the executive’s target annual cash bonus opportunity and the annual cash bonus paid for the year preceding the year of termination) over (ii) the amount described in the immediately following bullet, payable in installments over 36 months.

​

 

26

 

•

A cash payment equal to 60% of the annual base salary that would have been payable to the executive during the 18-month restrictive covenant period (as described below), payable in installments over 18 months. (This amount is payable to Mr. Miller in the event of any termination other than death or disability.)

​

•

Continued participation in employee welfare benefit programs for 18 months after the date of termination on the same basis as other executives.

​

•

A prorated annual cash bonus for the year in which termination occurs, determined assuming performance goals are satisfied at the target level.

​

•

Full vesting of any equity or other long-term incentive awards, with any applicable performance goals deemed satisfied at the greater of target and actual performance and with any stock options exercisable for the full remaining term thereof.

​

The Miller Employment Agreement also provides that the Company will maintain, during Mr. Miller’s lifetime, life insurance policies in the aggregate face amount of  $8.0 million. If the compensation and benefits payable under the Miller Employment Agreement would be subject to Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”), such amounts would be reduced to the extent such reduction would place Mr. Miller in a better after-tax position. The Miller Employment Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants, including a perpetual nondisclosure covenant and covenants concerning noncompetition and nonsolicitation of clients, customers and employees, each of which apply for 18 months following Mr. Miller’s termination of employment.

Under the Miller Employment Agreement:

•

“cause” means: (i) any act or omission requiring the Company to terminate the executive in order to comply with certain provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; (ii) the commission of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude or the pleading of nolo contendere to any such act; (iii) the commission of any act or acts of dishonesty when such acts are intended to result or result, directly or indirectly, in gain or personal enrichment of the executive or any related person or affiliated company and are intended to cause harm or damage to the Company or its subsidiaries; (iv) the illegal use of controlled substances; (v) the misappropriation or embezzlement of assets of the Company or its subsidiaries; (vi) the breach by the executive of certain restrictive covenants and confidentiality obligations set forth in the Miller Employment Agreement; or (vii) the breach by the executive of any other material term or provision of the Miller Employment Agreement; and

​

•

“good reason” means: (i) there is a material change in the executive’s position or responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) which, in the executive’s reasonable judgment, represents an adverse change from the executive’s status, title, position or responsibilities; (ii) the assignment to the executive of any duties or responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with the position or responsibilities of the executive; (iii) any removal of the executive from or failure to reappoint or reelect the executive to any of the positions the executive held; (iv) there is a material reduction in the executive’s rate of base salary or a change in the manner the incentive compensation of the executive is calculated and such change will result in a reduction of the incentive compensation of the executive; (v) requiring the executive to relocate his principal business office to any place outside a 15-mile radius from the executive’s current place of employment in Atlanta, Georgia; (vi) the failure of the Company to continue in effect certain welfare plans, life insurance policies and other compensation plans or materially and adversely affecting certain fringe benefits; or (vii) the material breach of any provision of the Miller Employment Agreement which is not timely corrected by the Company within a specified cure period.

​

 

27

 

 

28

 

 

29

 

 

−

decisions on final payments for each element and how these align with performance; and

​

−

plan design changes for 2020; and

​

•

Other compensation and benefit policies affecting our executive officers.

​

2019 Business Performance Highlights

•

Successfully completed the acquisition and integration of Fidelity, the holding company for Fidelity Bank;

​

•

Growth in adjusted net income of 52.5%, from $146.2 million in 2018 to $222.9 million in 2019;

​

•

Improvement in adjusted efficiency ratio to 55.67% in 2019, compared with 56.19% in 2018;

​

•

Organic growth in loans of  $751.8 million, or 9.2%;

​

•

Adjusted return on average assets of 1.52%, compared with 1.50% in 2018;

​

•

Growth in tangible book value of 10.5%, from $18.83 at the end of 2018 to $20.81 at the end of 2019; and

​

•

Enhanced shareholder value through an increase in our annual dividend rate to $0.60 per share of Common Stock and disciplined repurchases under the Company’s Common Stock repurchase plan.

​

Adjusted net income, adjusted efficiency ratio and adjusted return on average assets are performance measures determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. See “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement for a reconciliation to 2019 GAAP results.

2019 Leadership Changes

The Company made several changes in its senior leadership in 2019, including the following:

•

Effective upon the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity on July 1, 2019, Mr. Proctor, former President of Fidelity and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, was elected Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, replacing Mr. Cheney as principal executive officer of the Company. Mr. Proctor entered into an employment agreement with the Company setting forth the terms of his employment.

​

•

On June 27, 2019, Mr. Zember resigned from his positions as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company. On June 27, 2019, following such resignation, the Board appointed Mr. Cheney to serve as the Company’s interim principal executive officer.

​

Shareholder Outreach

The feedback we receive through our shareholder relations and shareholder outreach programs and our advisory votes on executive compensation (“say-on-pay”) enhances our understanding of our shareholders’ views. The Board and senior management remain committed to open and transparent communication and engagement with our shareholders and take all feedback into consideration when evaluating our compensation program design. In 2019, we actively engaged with almost two-thirds of our 30 largest shareholders.

At the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, approximately 65% of the voting shareholders approved the Company’s 2018 executive compensation program for the NEOs, which included significant separation payments to the Company’s former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Edwin W. Hortman, Jr., who retired in September 2018. This one-time event was not repeated when Mr. Zember resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2019. Mr. Zember was not awarded any discretionary compensation, any unvested equity awards previously granted to Mr. Zember were forfeited and Mr. Zember only received certain accrued but unpaid amounts otherwise payable under his then-existing employment arrangements. The Compensation Committee believes our

 

31

 

current program adequately and effectively addresses shareholder concerns, promotes the Company’s business strategy and aligns pay with performance and shareholder value.

Compensation Philosophy and the Objectives of Our Compensation Programs

Our executive compensation program reflects the Company’s commitment to pay for performance and the alignment of the interests of the Company’s executives with those of our shareholders. Our executive compensation program is designed to encourage our executives to take actions that support the Company’s short-term financial goals as well as ensure the Company’s ability to sustain strong shareholder value creation over the long-term. To drive the achievement of our short- and long-termgoals, our executive compensation program is designed to accomplish the following objectives:

•

Aligning the interests of our NEOs with those of our shareholders by delivering a substantial portion of each executive’s total compensation opportunity through performance-based incentives;

​

•

Attracting, retaining and motivating talented executives with significant industry knowledge and the experience and leadership capability to achieve success; and

​

•

Providing a strong link between pay and performance by using cash- and equity-based incentives to reward for the achievement of short- and long-term goals that align with the Company’s strategic priorities.

​

To meet these objectives, the Compensation Committee has carefully structured the Company’s compensation programs to reflect our pay for performance philosophy and support long-termshareholder value creation, as follows:

•

Competitive Compensation Opportunity.   Our compensation levels are benchmarked to peers and industry comparators that are comparable to the Company in terms of factors such as asset size, geography and business model. We target annual pay levels for our NEOs based on a competitive range around the 50th percentile of this market data.

​

•

Well-Balanced Compensation Programs.   The structure of our executive compensation program includes a balanced mix of cash and equity compensation with a strong emphasis on performance-based and at-risk compensation.

​

•

Alignment with Annual Goals.   We use cash-based incentives that rewards our NEOs for the achievement of both the financial and operating objectives of the Company and individual performance objectives, which together support our business strategy.

​

•

Performance-Based Long-Term Incentives.   To strengthen the alignment between pay and performance and ensure retention of key talent, 50% of our equity-based long-term incentive compensation is tied to the achievement of longer-term (three-year) financial and strategic goals, while 50% of our long-term incentive compensation is tied to restricted stock that vests three years from the date of grant, either ratably or at one time.

​

•

Limited Perquisites.   We provide our NEOs with minimal perquisites that are consistent with competitive market practice.

​

•

Independent Decision Makers.   Our Compensation Committee of independent directors works closely with an independent compensation consultant to monitor our executive compensation programs to ensure alignment with market trends and practices, our business plans and long-termstrategy, and the interests of our shareholders.

​

In designing and administering the Company’s executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee strives to maintain an appropriate balance across all of the various compensation elements, realizing that at times some objectives may change. In addition, external factors, such as the general state of the economy and the banking industry or legislative changes impacting executive compensation, may impact the effectiveness of existing approaches to executive compensation. Such events require ongoing monitoring and a careful reconsideration of existing approaches by the Compensation Committee. On an annual basis the Compensation Committee carefully evaluates and, where

 

32

 

appropriate, makes decisions and adjustments to future compensation programs in an effort to consistently implement the strategic objectives of executive compensation.

What Our Executive Compensation Programs are Designed to Reward

Our executive officers’ compensation programs use different components to reward different performance considerations. Base salary is provided to reward each executive for daily contributions and the application of his or her knowledge, experience and talent to the success of the Company. Base salary is also a reflection of the external value of each executive’s position in the job market and the internal value of his or her assigned roles and responsibilities to the success and ongoing viability of the Company.

Annual incentives are provided to focus performance on the key strategic short-term objectives defined and established on an annual basis. These incentives are strongly linked to the success of achieving annual performance objectives and provide each executive with cash rewards commensurate with the Company’s annual performance and the Board’s assessment of the executive’s personal performance.

Long-term incentives reward executives for the longer-term success of the Company. In 2019, the Company granted long-term incentives in the form of restricted stock with both time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. This equity-based compensation rewards executives for the long-term performance of the Company and maintains the alignment between executive compensation levels and shareholder value.

Benefits provided to each executive officer are in line with our broad-based employee benefits, which meet basic health and welfare needs. We also provide supplemental executive retirement programs for certain of our key executive officers. Perquisites for our executives remain conservative and primarily serve to enhance our executives’ business development activities.

The following charts show the relative value of the various compensation components for 2019 (base salary, annual incentive at target, long-term incentive value at grant date and other compensation, including supplemental retirement and perquisites), as a percentage of 2019 total compensation. Mr. Proctor’s pay mix for 2019 was unusual in that he did not receive any long-term incentive or equity awards, having joined the Company midyear from Fidelity. His pay mix for 2020 represents a more balanced compensation opportunity, with the value of the long-term incentive award constituting the largest portion of his annual target compensation.

 

33

 

Process for Determining Executive Officer Compensation

Role of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee administers the Company’s executive compensation program. Throughout 2019, the Compensation Committee included Messrs. Hill, Jeter and Stern. Mr. Lynch served on the Compensation Committee in 2019 until September 2019, and Mr. Bullard was appointed to the Compensation Committee in September 2019. The members of the Compensation Committee all qualify as independent, outside members of the Board in accordance with the requirements of Nasdaq and current SEC regulations.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for all compensation decisions for the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers. The Compensation Committee annually reviews the levels of compensation along with the performance results on goals and objectives relating to compensation for the named executive officers. Based on this evaluation, the Compensation Committee makes decisions related to our executive compensation program with final approval by the Board, except where the Compensation Committee has otherwise been given final authority with respect to a specific component of compensation.

Additionally, the Compensation Committee periodically reviews our incentive plans and other equity-based plans. The Compensation Committee reviews, adopts and submits to the Board any proposed arrangement or plan and any amendment to an existing arrangement or plan that provides or will provide benefits to the executive officers collectively or to an individual executive officer. The Compensation Committee has sole authority to retain and terminate compensation consultants and other advisors as it deems appropriate.

Role of the Executive Officers

The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer work with the Compensation Committee to gather and compile data and supporting materials for review at Compensation Committee meetings, attend Compensation Committee meetings and make recommendations about the design of our executive compensation program plans. The Chief Risk Officer annually reviews and verifies all calculations for purposes of determining incentive payouts. The Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of the other NEOs, after which the Chief Executive Officer presents his conclusions and recommendations to the Compensation Committee for approval. The Compensation Committee has absolute discretion as to whether it approves the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer or makes adjustments, as it deems appropriate.

Role of Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee has retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”) to serve as the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee has sole authority to retain, terminate and approve the fees of its compensation consultant. In its role as the Compensation Committee’s independent advisor, FW Cook regularly attends Compensation Committee meetings and advises on matters including compensation program design, benchmarking compensation and relative pay for performance. FW Cook also provides market data, analyses and advice regarding compensation of our NEOs and other executive officers. FW Cook has not provided any services to the Company other than executive compensation consulting services provided to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee considered the independence of FW Cook in light of current SEC rules and Nasdaq listing standards and concluded that the work of FW Cook did not raise any conflict of interest.

Benchmarking

The Compensation Committee reviews competitive data for comparable executive positions in the market. External market data is used by the Compensation Committee as a point of reference in its executive pay decisions in conjunction with financial and individual performance data. In considering the competitive environment, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation information disclosed by a peer group of comparably sized companies with which we compete for business and executive talent. In addition, information derived from published compensation surveys is used to supplement the peer group data and is used to compare the elements of each executive officer’s target total direct compensation to the market information for executives with similar roles. The Compensation

 

34

 

Committee’s independent compensation consultant compiles this information and size-adjusts the published survey data to reflect our asset size in relation to the survey participants to more accurately reflect the scope of responsibility for each executive officer.

The Compensation Committee, with input from its independent compensation consultant, annually reviews and selects the peer companies, which generally consist of publicly traded regional commercial bank holding companies. For 2019, the peer companies were selected primarily based upon the following criteria: (i) similar business operations and geographic footprint; (ii) assets and market capitalization between approximately one-third and three times our assets and market capitalization; and (iii) competitors for executive talent.

For early-2019 compensation actions, our peer group consisted of the following companies:

After the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity, our assets grew considerably, from approximately $11.0 billion as of June 30, 2019 to over $16.0 billion as of July 1, 2019. Accordingly, the peer group was revised to reflect our new, larger size. As a result of this review and selection process, and in response to the significant asset growth of the Company (with our total assets increasing by approximately 45%, four bank holding companies were removed from our peer group while five bank holding companies were added to it. This revised peer group of 18 bank holding companies is a better representation of our current size and business complexity. For mid-year 2019 compensation actions, our peer group consisted of the following companies:

 

35

 

Base Salary

It is the Company’s philosophy that employees be paid a base salary that is competitive with the salaries paid by comparable organizations based on each employee’s experience, performance and any other unique factors or qualifications. Generally, the Company has chosen to position cash compensation in a range around market median levels in order to remain competitive in attracting and retaining executive talent. The range is also benchmarked, and employees are paid within the market benchmarked range based on their unique situation. Actual base salaries paid vary within a range based on performance over time. The allocation of total cash compensation between base salary and annual bonus or incentives is based on a variety of factors. In addition to the market positioning of the base salary and the mix of total compensation, the Compensation Committee also takes into consideration the following:

•

The executive’s performance;

​

•

The performance of the Company;

​

•

The performance of the individual business or corporate function for which the executive is responsible;

​

•

The nature and importance of the position and role within the Company;

​

•

The scope of the executive’s responsibility; and

​

•

The current compensation package in place for the executive, including the executive’s current annual salary and potential awards under the Company’s incentive plan.

​

 

36

 

After reviewing the total compensation targets for our NEOs against market data, the Compensation Committee approved the following 2019 base salary amounts, effective as of February 25, 2019:

The base salary increases above for Messrs. Zember, Bassett, Edwards, McKendry and Ms. Stokes reflect movement toward the market for their respective positions. Mr. Proctor was employed by Fidelity during this time period, and Mr. Cheney was subject to a consulting agreement with the Company.

After the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity, and the Bank’s asset size and business complexity increased, base salaries were adjusted further as follows, effective as of July 1, 2019:

The table above reflects Mr. Proctor’s commencement of employment with the Company on July 1, 2019.

Annual Incentives

The Compensation Committee believes a formalized annual incentive plan with well-defined and clearly communicated objectives strengthens the link between performance and compensation. The 2019 annual incentive plan was developed to subject a meaningful portion of our NEOs’ cash compensation to achievement of pre-established performance targets to ensure the continued alignment of executive compensation, Company performance and strategic goal attainment. Annual incentive cash payouts reflect the extent to which annual targets for performance goals are met or exceeded. Targets for performance goals are set with the intent that achievement will ultimately result in enhancement to shareholder value. When determining the targets, the Compensation Committee considers past financial performance of the Company and its internal estimates of the current’s year planned financial performance. Growth expectations as well as improved profitability and operating efficiencies are the gauge by which meaningful targets are set and executive performance is measured.

The Compensation Committee uses three performance levels when setting cash incentive targets: Threshold, Target and Maximum. The performance levels are set relative to the prior fiscal year’s actual results and current fiscal year projections. The Compensation Committee expects the Company to achieve or exceed the Target level of performance, which is intended to be a stretch target. The Threshold performance level is the minimum performance level required for any cash incentive payout, while the Maximum level of performance is set at a high level of performance that requires significant efforts and exceptional execution to achieve.

The performance measures were changed slightly in 2019 to align with our internal operating plan and business strategy. While we retained the use of Adjusted ROA (Return on Assets) and Efficiency Ratio, we replaced the deposit growth metric used in 2018 with a measure of credit quality, Non-Performing Asset Ratio. Each measure represented roughly one-third of the total target annual incentive opportunity. The 2019 goals included the following:

 

37

 

For 2019, achievement by the NEOs at Threshold pays out at 50% of the performance goal’s weight. Achievement at Target pays out at 100% of the performance goal’s weight. Achievement at Maximum pays out at 170% (the maximum achievement level or “cap”) of the performance goal’s weight. Actual results are prorated based on where they fall along the continuum from the Threshold amount through the Target amount, and from the Target amount through the Maximum amount.

In addition to the performance measures listed above, the Compensation Committee retains the ability to apply negative discretion to reduce the incentive payout, if needed. Also, total payouts can be adjusted by +/- 10% based on individual performance assessments in order to differentiate payouts based on individual contributions.

During the first quarter of 2019, the Compensation Committee established the Target percentage of base salary for each of the NEOs (with the exception of Mr. Proctor, whose compensation opportunity was established when he joined the Company from Fidelity on July 1, 2019). The Compensation Committee used the 2019 base salary in calculating the annual incentive award payments. The following chart shows the range of annual incentive award opportunities expressed as a percentage of salary for the NEOs.

The Company achieved the Target level of performance with respect to Adjusted ROA and Efficiency Ratio, and achieved slightly below the Target level of performance on Credit Quality. Based on the weighted operating performance results relative to the Targets established for 2019, a 99.11% achievement factor was reached, compared with the targeted payout factor of 100%. The Compensation Committee believes these incentive payments are aligned with the Company’s business results and compensation philosophy.

 

38

 

In deciding the amount of the incentive award, the Compensation Committee can consider, among other things, the Company’s overall performance and the individual participant’s specific contributions and performance throughout the performance period, as well as any actual or perceived inappropriate risks taken by participants. Individual performance criteria for all NEOs in 2019 were reviewed and based on guidance from the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee determined not to make any adjustments to the formulaic calculations.

Annual incentive payouts for 2019 performance for the NEOs are listed below:

Long-Term Equity Awards

The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s executive compensation program should include a significant equity-based component because this best aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders. The Company’s employees, non-employee directors and consultants and advisors who perform services for the Company and its subsidiaries may participate in the Company’s shareholder-approved 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which was set forth as Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 annual meeting of shareholders. Awards may be granted under the 2014 Plan from time to time and may be in the form of stock options, stock units, stock awards, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards.

The Compensation Committee carefully considers the following factors when determining the type and amount of equity to award:

•

Prior awards issued to the executive officer;

​

•

The current amount and intrinsic value of unvested equity held by the executive officer;

​

•

Current number of shares owned by the executive officer;

​

•

Proportion of total compensation on an annual basis consisting of equity awards; and

​

•

Market data on the median level of equity awarded to comparable positions.

​

We consider long-term equity-based compensation to be critical to the alignment of executive compensation with shareholder value creation. Therefore, a market competitive, long-term equity-based incentive component is an integral part of our overall executive compensation program. The total long-term incentive award in a given year is based on a targeted dollar value that is then converted into the specific equity awards. The following chart reflects the 2019 Target award opportunities for each NEO:

 

39

 

Mr. Proctor and Mr. Cheney did not receive equity awards in 2019 because Mr. Proctor was employed by Fidelity at the time of the equity grant and Mr. Cheney was subject to a consulting agreement with the Company.

Target long-term incentive opportunities are established based on competitive market practices. The fair value of 2019 long-term incentive awards is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement. In 2019, our long-term equity incentive program consisted of the following components:

•

Performance-based restricted stock (50% of long-term incentive award) — During 2019, all NEOs other than Mr. Proctor and Mr. Cheney received performance-based restricted stock awards on February 19, 2019. These performance-based restricted stock grants are awards that will be earned based upon the Compensation Committee’s assessment of the three-year cumulative operating Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) goal tied to the Company’s long-range strategic plan. The Targets and corresponding performance range requires meaningful growth over the three-year performance period. This reflects a departure from the 2018 grants that were based on return on tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) of the Company ranked in terms of a percentile in relation to the three-year ROTCE for the same period of a peer group consisting of the companies comprising the KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index (“KRX”). Also new for 2019, the performance-based restricted stock grants have a relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) modifier comparing the Company to the KRX. To the extent shares are issued and outstanding from the time of grant, the stock awards are eligible to receive dividends declared and have voting rights. Shares earned will vest in the first quarter of 2022. If the Company delivers three-year TSR that falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles, relative to the KRX, no adjustment to the payout determined by the cumulative EPS goal will be applied. However, if performance is below the 25th percentile of the KRX, then a 20% discount will be applied to the earned award. Further, if performance is above the 75th percentile of the KRX, then a 20% premium would be applied to the earned award. Regardless of performance, the total award cannot exceed 200% of Target.

​

•

Time-based restricted stock (50% of long-term incentive award) — Restricted shares are awarded subject to transfer and vesting restrictions. Restricted share awards are intended to build stock ownership and foster executive retention. All of the NEOs other than Messrs. Proctor and Cheney received restricted share awards on February 19, 2019. All of these restricted share awards have dividend and voting rights and are subject to three-year cliff vesting.

​

2020 Compensation Actions

The Company continues to adjust its executive compensation program in response to a number of factors, including: (i) the senior leadership transition; (ii) the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity; (iii) the Company’s business strategy; and (iv) market conditions. Accordingly, for 2020, the Company has adjusted its executive compensation in the following ways:

•

No base salary increases were made for the NEOs.

​

•

No changes were made to the annual incentive plan metrics because we believe continued focus and execution on the same measures offers consistency, continuity and continued alignment with our business strategy.

​

•

Two new long-term performance measures were introduced for the 2020 grant of performance-based restricted stock. While the 2019 awards measured cumulative EPS over the three-year performance period, the 2020 grants will resume three-year measurement of ROTCE relative to the KRX. This was the plan design used in 2018, but new for 2020, a relative TSR modifier of +/-20% will also be applied to ensure the Company is translating ROTCE results into shareholder returns that exceed peers. The TSR modifier will be also be applied to the KRX and applies a 20% discount if the Company TSR is below the 25th percentile and applies a 20% premium if TSR is above the 75th percentile. No adjustment is made if TSR is between the 25th and 75th percentiles. The other performance measure used with the performance based restricted shares is a three-year absolute Tangible Book Value Growth metric. This is a key measure of value creation for the Company and is calibrated with such rigor that the attainment of target or above payouts will likely result in top quartile performance.

​

 

40

 

Commencing with 2020, executive officers, as well as certain other officers whom the Board or its designee has specified as eligible for participation, also may elect to defer amounts of compensation under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in addition to amounts which may be deferred under the Company’s 401(k) Plan. In addition, in March 2020, additional shares of Common Stock were issued to certain NEOs in respect of the performance-based restricted stock grants issued in 2017 which vested in 2020 and exceeded the Target level of the applicable performance condition.

The Compensation Committee may take additional actions regarding 2020 executive compensation as it determines are warranted in response to the impact that may result from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Perquisites

We provide our NEOs with minimal perquisites, including a company car, club membership and moving expenses for certain NEOs. Additional details on perquisites are provided in a supplementary table to the Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement.

We view certain perquisites as being beneficial to the Company, in addition to being directly compensatory to the executive officers. For example, club memberships are regularly used in the general course of our business, such as for business meetings and entertaining. Company cars, which are provided to certain executive officers based on business needs, are used primarily for business purposes. Moving expenses facilitate the relocation of employees as needed for our business. In addition, these perquisites, as a minor expense to the Company, provide a useful benefit in our efforts to recruit, attract and retain top executive talent.

Retirement Benefits

On November 7, 2012, the Bank and certain executive officers and other employees of the Bank and the Company entered into Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements (each, a “Retirement Agreement”), the purpose of which is to provide a select group of employees who are expected to contribute significantly to the future business success of the Company and the Bank with supplemental retirement income and death benefits. Such benefits are meant to retain quality executive talent over a long period of time, which is required in order to execute long-term strategy. Each Retirement Agreement provides for the payment of an annual retirement benefit, payable in monthly installments, commencing when the employee reaches age 65, provided that the employee remains employed by the Bank until the required age of 65. Included among the officers entering into a Retirement Agreement were Messrs. Bassett and Edwards and Ms. Stokes, all of whom are named executive officers, and each of whom is to receive annual retirement benefits under his or her respective Retirement Agreement as follows: (i) Mr. Bassett, $75,000 for 15 years; (ii) Mr. Edwards $100,000 for 15 years; and (iii) Ms. Stokes, $50,000 for 15 years. Although Mr. Zember also entered into a Retirement Agreement, no retirement benefits are payable to him thereunder due to his resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2019.

Each Retirement Agreement provides for a reduced benefit in the event that the employee terminates his or her employment prior to reaching the required age. If the termination is voluntary and without “good reason” (as defined in the Retirement Agreements), then the termination benefit is equal to the liability balance then accrued in the Company’s accounting records for the employee, to be paid out in monthly installments ratably over a period of 10 years; however, Messrs. Bassett and Edwards and Ms. Stokes do not become vested in this benefit until after the 10-year anniversary of the date of his or her Retirement Agreement. If the termination of employment is involuntary and without “cause” (as defined in the Retirement Agreements), or is voluntary but with good reason, then the termination benefit is equal to the liability balance then accrued in the Company’s accounting records for the employee, to be paid out in monthly installments ratably over a period of 10 years without a time-vesting precondition. If the employee is terminated for cause at any time, then all remaining benefits under his or her Retirement Agreement will be forfeited.

Each Retirement Agreement also provides that if the applicable employee dies prior to reaching the required age, then the annual retirement benefit will be payable in monthly installments to the employee’s beneficiary for a period of 10 years, commencing upon the employee’s death. In addition, if the employee becomes disabled prior to reaching the required age, then the employee will be entitled to a benefit

 

41

 

equal to the liability balance then accrued in the Company’s accounting records for the employee, to be paid out in monthly installments ratably over a period of 5 years, commencing at the time of disability.

Under the Retirement Agreement, the following terms shall have the accompanied meanings:

(i)

“cause” means: (a) the commission of an act by the employee involving gross negligence, willful misconduct or moral turpitude that is materially damaging to the business, customer relations, operations or prospects of the Company or the Bank that brings the Company or the Bank into public disrepute or disgrace; (b) the commission of an act by the employee constituting dishonesty or fraud against the Company or the Bank; (c) the employee is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude or any felony; or (d) a consistent pattern of failure by the employee to follow the reasonable written instructions or policies of the employee’s supervisor or the Board.

​

(ii)

“good reason” means: (a) a material reduction in the employee’s rate of regular compensation from the Bank; (b) a relocation of the employee’s principal place of employment by more than 50 miles, other than to an office or location closer to the employee’s home residence and except for required travel on Bank business to an extent substantially consistent with the employee’s business travel obligations as of the date of relocation; or (c) a material reduction in the employee’s authority, duties, title or responsibilities, other than any change resulting solely from a change in the publicly-traded status of the Company or the Bank. Provided, however, that employee must provide notice to the Company and the Bank of the condition employee contends is Good Reason within 90 days following the initial existence of the condition giving rise to Good Reason termination, provides at least 30 days advance written notice to the Company or Bank explaining the same, and the Company and the Bank must have a period of 30 days to remedy the Good Reason following such notice.

​

Executive officers are also eligible to participate in our 401(k) and profit sharing retirement plan, which is a Company-wide, tax-qualified retirement plan. The intent of this plan is to provide all employees with a tax-advantaged savings opportunity for retirement. We sponsor this plan to help employees in all levels of the Company save and accumulate assets for use during their retirement. As required, eligible pay under this plan is capped at annual limits in the IRC. The Company offers a discretionary match to employee contributions based upon the performance of the Company and subject to the approval of the Board. Company contributions to the 401(k) and profit sharing plan vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period.

In addition, we also provide our employees with an employee stock purchase plan, which provides the employee with the opportunity to purchase shares of Common Stock via payroll deduction. The minimum purchase is $25, and the plan does not provide discounts or look-back features. The plan covers the administrative costs involved in the purchase of the stock.

Health and Welfare Plans

The named executive officers are eligible to participate in Company-sponsored benefit plans on the same terms and conditions as those generally provided to salaried employees. Basic health benefits, dental benefits and similar programs are provided to make certain that access to healthcare and income protection is available to our employees and their family members. Health benefits also include a Section 125 plan or a health savings account to provide for pre-tax deferral for non-reimbursable health expenses. The cost of Company-sponsored benefit plans is negotiated with the providers of such benefits, and the executive officers contribute to the cost of the benefits.

Severance Agreements

On May 7, 2019, the Company and the Bank entered into a Severance Protection and Restrictive Covenants Agreement (each, a “Severance Agreement”) with each of Messrs. Zember, Bassett, Edwards and McKendry and Ms. Stokes. In the case of each of Messrs. Zember, Bassett and Edwards, the Severance Agreement replaced and superseded his prior employment agreement, which automatically terminated with the execution of the Severance Agreement. In the case of Mr. McKendry, his Severance Agreement replaced and superseded his prior severance agreement, which was materially similar to the

 

42

 

Severance Agreement and automatically terminated with the execution of his Severance Agreement. The Severance Agreements were entered into following a review of executive compensation matters conducted by the Compensation Committee during which the Compensation Committee determined to provide similar terms to all executive officers for the payment of severance and other benefits upon any termination of their employment.

Each Severance Agreement provides that, in the event of termination of the executive’s employment by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the Severance Agreement) or by the executive for “good reason” (as defined in the Severance Agreement), the Company will pay to the executive, subject to the execution of a release of claims, certain accrued but unpaid amounts and the following severance benefits: (i) equal semi-monthly installments for two years in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, totaling two times the sum of  (a) the executive’s base salary and (b) the executive’s target cash bonus opportunity for the year in which the termination of employment occurred; (ii) a pro-rata portion of the cash bonus, if any, that the executive would have earned for the year during which the termination of employment occurred, based on the achievement of applicable performance goals; and (iii) reimbursement for any monthly COBRA premium paid for a period of as many as eighteen months. If a termination without cause or for good reason occurs at the time of, or within one year after, a “change of control” of the Company (as defined in the Severance Agreement), then the amounts described in clause (i) will be paid in a lump sum instead of installments.

In the event of termination of the executive’s employment on account of the executive’s death or disability, the executive (or his or her estate) will be entitled to receive, in addition to certain accrued but unpaid amounts, a pro-rata portion of the cash bonus, if any, that the executive would have otherwise earned for the year during which the termination of employment occurred, based on the achievement of applicable performance goals.

Each Severance Agreement also includes certain restrictive covenants that limit the executive’s ability to compete with the Company and the Bank and to solicit, or attempt to solicit, certain customers and employees for a period of two years after termination or to divulge certain confidential information concerning the Company or the Bank for any purpose other than as necessary in the executive’s performance of his or her duties.

Under the Severance Agreement, the following terms have the accompanied meanings:

(i)

“cause” means: (a) the willful and continued failure of employee to perform employee’s duties with the Company and the Bank, other than any such failure resulting from disability, or to follow the directives of the Board or a more senior executive of the Company or the Bank, following written notice; (b) employee’s willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with the Company’s or the Bank’s business or relating to employee’s duties hereunder; (c) a willful act by employee which constitutes a material breach of employee’s fiduciary duty to the Company or the Bank; (d) employee’s habitual substance abuse; (e) employee’s being convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (f) employee’s willful theft, embezzlement or act of comparable dishonesty against the Company or the Bank; (g) a material breach by employee of the Severance Agreement, which breach is not cured (if curable) by employee within a specified period following notice; or (h) conduct by employee that results in the permanent removal of employee from employee’s position as an officer or employee of the Company or the Bank pursuant to a written order by any banking regulatory agency with authority or jurisdiction over the Company or the Bank, as the case may be.

​

(ii)

“good reason” means: (a) a material reduction in the aggregate amount of employee’s base salary plus annual and long-term incentive compensation opportunities; (b) a material diminution in employee’s authority, duties or responsibilities; (c) a material change in the geographic location at which employee must regularly perform the services to be performed by employee pursuant to the Severance Agreement; and (d) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company and the Bank of the Severance Agreement; provided, however, that employee must provide notice to the Company and the Bank of the condition employee contends is good reason within 90 days after the initial existence of the

​

 

43

 

condition, and the Company and the Bank must have a period of 30 days to remedy the condition. If the condition is not remedied within such 30-day period, then the employee must provide a notice of termination within 30 days after the end of the remedy period.

(iii)

“change of control” means, subject to certain exceptions, the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) any individual, entity or group (a “Person”) becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of either (1) the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (2) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a change of control: (w) any acquisition directly from the Company; (x) any acquisition by the Company; (y) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company; or (z) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (c)(1), (c)(2) and (c)(3) below; (b) individuals who, as of the effective date of the Severance Agreement, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the effective date whose election, or nomination for election by our shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual was a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; (c) consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in each case unless, following such business combination, (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such business combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, greater than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such business combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such business combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such business combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such business combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation (or equivalent securities) resulting from such business combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the business combination, and (3) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such business combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such business combination; or (d) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

​

No severance or other benefits under the Severance Agreement are payable to Mr. Zember in connection with his resignation as Chief Executive Officer and President in June 2019.

 

44

 

Employment Agreements

At this time, Mr. Proctor is the only named executive officer who has an employment agreement with the Company. Mr. Proctor’s employment agreement provides for the payment of severance to him upon a termination of employment by him for “good reason” (as defined in his employment agreement) or by the Company without “cause” (as defined in his employment agreement). We do not maintain a separate severance plan for Mr. Proctor. Severance benefits for Mr. Proctor are limited to those set forth in his employment agreement.

Set forth below are the general terms and conditions of the employment agreement currently applicable to Mr. Proctor, as well as the employment agreements that were applicable to Messrs. Zember, Bassett and Edwards prior to the termination of their respective employment agreements with the Company in May 2019 in connection with the execution of their respective Severance Agreements.

Each employment agreement provides that the executive’s compensation is subject to review and may be increased (but not decreased) from the minimum amount set forth in the executive’s employment agreement. Additionally, each agreement specifies term, position and duties, salary and incentive eligibility, benefits, perquisites, expense reimbursement and vacation. Following are certain details with respect to each agreement.

H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. — Chief Executive Officer

In connection with the execution of the merger agreement between the Company and Fidelity, the Company and the Bank entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Proctor, which became effective upon the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity on July 1, 2019. The employment agreement was amended on June 30, 2019 to provide that Mr. Proctor will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank and as a member of the boards of directors of the Company and the Bank (as so amended, the “Proctor Employment Agreement”). The term of the Proctor Employment Agreement is three years; provided that commencing on the first anniversary of the effective date of the Proctor Employment Agreement, and on each annual anniversary thereafter (such date and each annual anniversary, a “Renewal Date”), unless previously terminated, the term of employment of Mr. Proctor will be automatically extended so as to terminate three years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 180 days prior to the Renewal Date, the Company gives notice to Mr. Proctor that his employment shall not be so extended. In consideration for his services, Mr. Proctor will be entitled to: (i) an annual base salary of $800,000; (ii) incentive compensation opportunities that are no less favorable than those provided by Fidelity prior to its acquisition by the Company or, if more favorable, those provided to other senior executives of the Company, provided that the target annual incentive opportunities will not be less than 50% of Mr. Proctor’s annual base salary; and (iii) employee benefits and fringe benefits (including life insurance, vacation, reimbursement of club dues and automobile benefits) that are no less favorable than those provided by Fidelity prior to closing or, if more favorable, those provided to other senior executives of the Company.

The Proctor Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of termination of Mr. Proctor’s employment by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the Proctor Employment Agreement) or by Mr. Proctor for “good reason” (as defined in the Proctor Employment Agreement), the Company will pay to Mr. Proctor, subject to the execution of a release of claims, certain accrued but unpaid amounts and the following severance benefits:

•

A cash severance payment equal to the excess of: (i) the product of  (a) three multiplied by (b) the executive’s “Final Compensation” (which is defined generally as the sum of the executive’s annual base salary and the greater of the executive’s target annual cash bonus opportunity and the annual cash bonus paid for the year preceding the year of termination) over (ii) the amount described in the immediately following bullet, payable in installments over 36 months.

​

•

A cash payment equal to 60% of the annual base salary that would have been payable to the executive during the 18-month restrictive covenant period (as described below), payable in installments over 18 months.

​

 

45

 

•

Continued participation in employee welfare benefit programs for 18 months after the date of termination on the same basis as other executives.

​

•

A prorated annual cash bonus for the year in which termination occurs, determined assuming performance goals are satisfied at the target level.

​

•

Full vesting of any equity or other long-term incentive awards, with any applicable performance goals deemed satisfied at the greater of target and actual performance and with any stock options exercisable for the full remaining term thereof.

​

The Proctor Employment Agreement also provide that the Company will maintain, during Mr. Proctor’s lifetime, life insurance policies in the aggregate face amount of  $1.5 million. The Proctor Employment Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants, including a perpetual nondisclosure covenant and covenants concerning noncompetition and nonsolicitation of clients, customers and employees, each of which apply for 18 months following Mr. Proctor’s termination of employment.

Under the Proctor Employment Agreement:

•

“cause” means: (i) any act or omission requiring the Company to terminate the executive in order to comply with certain provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; (ii) the commission of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude or the pleading of nolo contendere to any such act; (iii) the commission of any act or acts of dishonesty when such acts are intended to result or result, directly or indirectly, in gain or personal enrichment of the executive or any related person or affiliated company and are intended to cause harm or damage to the Company or its subsidiaries; (iv) the illegal use of controlled substances; (v) the misappropriation or embezzlement of assets of the Company or its subsidiaries; (vi) the breach by the executive of certain restrictive covenants and confidentiality obligations set forth in the Proctor Employment Agreement; or (vii) the breach by the executive of any other material term or provision of the Proctor Employment Agreement; and

​

•

“good reason” means: (i) there is a material change in the executive’s position or responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) which, in the executive’s reasonable judgment, represents an adverse change from the executive’s status, title, position or responsibilities; (ii) the assignment to the executive of any duties or responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with the position or responsibilities of the executive; (iii) any removal of the executive from or failure to reappoint or reelect the executive to any of the positions the executive held; (iv) there is a material reduction in the executive’s rate of base salary or a change in the manner the incentive compensation of the executive is calculated and such change will result in a reduction of the incentive compensation of the executive; (v) requiring the executive to relocate his principal business office to any place outside a 15-mile radius from the executive’s current place of employment in Atlanta, Georgia; (vi) the failure of the Company to continue in effect certain welfare plans, life insurance policies and other compensation plans or materially and adversely affecting certain fringe benefits; or (vii) the material breach of any provision of the Proctor Employment Agreement which is not timely corrected by the Company within a specified cure period.

​

Lawton E. Bassett, III — Executive Vice President and Banking Group President

The Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Bassett effective as of December 15, 2014 (the “Bassett Employment Agreement”). The Bassett Employment Agreement was terminated and superseded by the Severance Agreement Mr. Bassett entered into with the Company and the Bank on May 9, 2019.

The Bassett Employment Agreement had an initial term of one year, which initial term was automatically renewed for additional consecutive one-year terms unless timely notice of non-renewal was given by either the Company or Mr. Bassett. The Bassett Employment Agreement provided that Mr. Bassett would receive a minimum base salary of  $195,000. In addition, the Bassett Employment Agreement provided that Mr. Bassett was entitled to participate, as determined by the Compensation Committee, in all incentive plans of the Company (including short-term and long-term incentive plans and equity compensation plans) and in all employee benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company applicable to its senior executives generally.

 

46

 

Jon S. Edwards — Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer

The Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Edwards effective as of December 15, 2014 (the “Edwards Employment Agreement”). The Edwards Employment Agreement was terminated and superseded by the Severance Agreement Mr. Edwards entered into with the Company and the Bank on May 9, 2019.

The Edwards Employment Agreement had an initial term of one year, which initial term was automatically renewed for additional consecutive one-year terms unless timely notice of non-renewal was given by either the Company or Mr. Edwards. The Edwards Employment Agreement provided that Mr. Edwards would receive a minimum base salary of  $220,000. In addition, the Edwards Employment Agreement provided that Mr. Edwards was entitled to participate, as determined by the Compensation Committee, in all incentive plans of the Company (including short-term and long-term incentive plans and equity compensation plans) and in all employee benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company applicable to its senior executives generally.

Dennis J. Zember Jr. — Former Chief Executive Officer and President

The Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Zember effective as of December 15, 2014 (the “Zember Employment Agreement”). The Zember Employment Agreement was terminated and superseded by the Severance Agreement Mr. Zember entered into with the Company and the Bank on May 9, 2019.

The Zember Employment Agreement had an initial term of two years, which initial term was automatically renewed for additional consecutive two-year terms unless timely notice of non-renewal was given by either the Company or Mr. Zember. The Zember Employment Agreement provided that Mr. Zember would receive a minimum base salary of  $285,000. In addition, the Zember Employment Agreement provided that Mr. Zember was entitled to participate, as determined by the Compensation Committee, in all incentive plans of the Company (including short-term and long-term incentive plans and equity compensation plans) and in all employee benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company applicable to its senior executives generally.

Other Compensation Program Aspects

Stock Ownership Requirements

To further ensure that the long-term interests of the Company’s senior management are aligned with those of our shareholders, the named executive officers, as well as the Company’s non-employee directors, are required by the Company’s stock ownership guidelines to acquire and maintain a specified investment in the Company. Our current guidelines require our non-employee directors to own five times their annual cash retainer in Company stock. Directors have five years to attain this stock ownership level. This program was adopted in 2019 and replaces the prior ownership requirement of 10,000 shares of stock. We require our Chief Executive Officer to own stock with a market value (determined as of the end of the first quarter of each year) equivalent to six times the executive’s base salary and all other named executive officers to own stock with a market value (determined as of the end of the first quarter of each year) equivalent to three times the executive’s base salary. Newly hired or promoted executives are provided a five-year timeframe to meet this ownership requirement. During the annual review conducted in 2019, it was determined that all requirements of ownership were satisfied at that time consistent with the applicable periods to achieve the required ownership levels.

Insider Trading Policy; Hedging Restrictions

The Board has adopted an insider trading policy statement. The provisions of this policy expressly prohibit directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries from trading, either directly or indirectly, in securities of the Company after becoming aware of material nonpublic information related to the Company. To further ensure adherence with this policy, guidelines have been established for blackout periods and for appropriate disclosure of internal information to external parties. The insider trading policy provides guidance as to what constitutes material information and when information becomes public. The insider trading policy addresses transactions by family members and under

 

47

 

Company plans, as well as other transactions which may be prohibited, such as short-term trading, short sales, publicly trading in options, hedging transactions, margin purchases and post-termination transactions. The policy discusses the consequences of an insider trading violation, additional trading restrictions and certain reporting requirements applicable to directors, officers and designated key employees. The policy requires all senior officers, including all named executive officers, to provide written certification of their understanding of, and intent to comply with, the policy.

The insider trading policy also expressly prohibits all officers, directors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries from engaging in shorts sales of Company securities or engaging in any other type of transaction where they will earn a profit based on a decline in the Company’s stock price, or otherwise enter into any hedging or similar arrangement with respect to Company securities.

Equity Grant Policy and Practices

A grant of equity compensation to eligible persons generally is awarded on an annual basis. The Compensation Committee has adopted a schedule and process of reviewing the program provisions and grant levels in the first quarter of the year to coincide with the annual performance management compensation review process established by the Company for all officers and other employees. The Compensation Committee specifically approves all grants of equity compensation to named executive officers, other officers covered by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and other key employees, including the determination of the grant date for those awards.

Compensation Program Risk

We do not believe that our compensation programs encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking. The Compensation Committee annually reviews, with the assistance of the Company’s senior risk officers, compensation arrangements, agreements and benefit plans of the Company made available to the named executive officers and to all other employees of the Company to ensure that such arrangements, agreements and benefit plans do not encourage those employees to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the financial condition of the Company.

In connection with this review, the Compensation Committee reviews an inventory of its executive and non-executive compensation programs, with particular emphasis on incentive compensation plans or programs. The Compensation Committee evaluates, with the assistance of appropriate officers of the Company, the primary components of its compensation plans and practices to identify whether those components, either alone or in combination, properly balance compensation opportunities and risk. The Compensation Committee considers various risk-mitigating policies adopted by the Company in connection with this analysis, including the Company’s stock ownership requirements, incentive compensation and clawback policy. The Compensation Committee concluded, after such review, that the arrangements, agreements and benefit plans of the Company do not encourage those employees to take such risks. The Compensation Committee expects to continue monitoring and periodically evaluating these incentive compensation arrangements, agreements and benefit plans at least annually, as part of the Company’s oversight of risk management for the organization.

Tax Considerations

Section 162(m) of the IRC generally imposes a $1.0 million limit on the amount a public company may deduct for compensation paid to the Company’s “covered employees,” which include our named executive officers. Prior to 2018, this limit did not apply to compensation that qualified as “performance-based”, and the Compensation Committee historically designed certain performance awards in a manner intended to qualify for that exception. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the performance-based compensation exception (other than compensation provided pursuant to a binding written contract in effect as of November 2, 2017 that qualifies for transition relief). While the Compensation Committee continues to consider the deductibility of compensation, the primary goals of our executive compensation programs are to attract, incentivize and retain key employees and align pay with performance, and the Company retains the ability to provide compensation that exceeds deductibility limits as it determines appropriate.

 

48

 

 

(1)

Mr. Proctor was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2019 in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Fidelity.

​

(2)

Mr. Cheney served as the Company’s interim principal executive officer following Mr. Zember’s resignation on June 27, 2019 until Mr. Proctor was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2019.

​

(3)

Mr. Zember resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 27, 2019, at which time he forfeited all unvested equity awards and received only certain accrued but unpaid amounts otherwise payable under his then-existing employment arrangements.

​

(4)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair values of the awards. Grants were made in the form of restricted stock, with 50% of the awards vesting after a three-year period and 50% of the awards vesting at the end of a three-year period provided that established performance goals are achieved. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in this Proxy Statement for more detail on vesting.

​

(5)

Details on the amounts reported for All Other Compensation in 2019 are set forth in the following supplementary table:

​

 

50