0000914317-14-001120.txt : 20140814 0000914317-14-001120.hdr.sgml : 20140814 20140814170029 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000914317-14-001120 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20140811 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20140814 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20140814 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: M&F BANCORP INC /NC/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001094738 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 561980549 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NC FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-27307 FILM NUMBER: 141043968 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2634 CHAPTEL HILL BLVD STREET 2: PO BOX 19322 CITY: DURHAM STATE: NC ZIP: 27702-3221 BUSINESS PHONE: 9196831521 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2634 CHAPTEL HILL BLVD STREET 2: PO BOX 19322 CITY: DURHAM STATE: NC ZIP: 27701-3221 8-K 1 form8k-140071_mfbancorp.htm 8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 11, 2014

 


 

M&F BANCORP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

North Carolina   000-27307   56-1980549

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File No.)  

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina 27707

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (919) 683-1521

 

Not Applicable

(Former address of principal executive offices)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 

 

INDEX

  Page
   
Item 1.01 – Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement 3
   
Item 1.02 – Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement 4
   
Item 5.02 – Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers 4
   
Item 9.01 – Financial Statements and Exhibits 4
   
Signatures 4
2
 

 

ITEM 1.01 ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT

 

Executive Officer Compensation. On August 11, 2014, M&F Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned bank subsidiary, Mechanics and Farmers Bank (the “Bank”), Durham, North Carolina, entered into an employment agreement with James H. Sills III, age 56, in connection with his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective September 1, 2014. Effective August 31, 2014, Kim D. Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, will step down from her post. Following Mr. Sills’ appointment, James E. Sansom, Interim President of the Bank, will continue on in his role as Chief Lending Officer.

 

Mr. Sills’ employment agreement provides for an initial term of employment of two years, beginning September 1, 2014. At the end of the initial term, the term of employment will be automatically extended for additional terms of one year (each an “Additional Term”) unless a notice of termination is given by the Company and the Bank (together, the “Employer”) to Mr. Sills not less than 120 days prior to the end of the initial term, or the Additional Term, as applicable.

 

The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $275,000. Mr. Sills will be reimbursed for his reasonable moving expenses, and will receive a temporary housing allowance of $1,500 per month for up to six months. The agreement also provides for reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses and participation in all retirement, welfare, health and other benefit plans or programs currently offered by Employer to other executive officers or which may be later offered to other executive officers. Further, Mr. Sills will be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits, which are now or may be provided to Employer’s executive officers.

 

The employment agreement provides that Mr. Sills may be terminated by the Employer for cause, as defined in the agreement, in which event he will only be entitled to receive payment of sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses incurred through the date of termination.

 

If, following such time as the “golden parachute” prohibitions established pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 are no longer applicable to the Employer, Mr. Sills is terminated without cause, or is terminated as the result of a change of control of either the Bank or the Company, he will be entitled to receive payment of severance compensation equal to 100% of his then monthly base salary for 12 months following the date of termination. Also, Mr. Sills may choose to terminate his employment upon giving Employer not less than 60 days notice.

 

In the event of Mr. Sills’ disability (as defined in the employment agreement) for a period of 180 days, the Employer may terminate the agreement at its option, after which termination it will pay Mr. Sills an amount equal to his then-existing base salary, less any benefits received from any disability benefit or pension plan, until he becomes eligible for benefits under any long-term disability plan or disability insurance program provided by the Employer. In addition, Mr. Sills will receive any bonus earned or accrued through the date of termination. In the event of Mr. Sills’ death during the term of the agreement, the agreement will be terminated. In the event of Mr. Sills’ death, his estate will be entitled to all sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month during which his death occurred, plus any bonus earned or accrued through the date of death.

 

As a consequence of the Company’s participation in the Community Development Capital Initiative, part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (also known as “TARP”), certain restrictions will apply to the compensation otherwise payable to Mr. Sills, including a general prohibition on the payment of incentive compensation, golden parachute payments and severance payments. The employment agreement provides for the application of these executive compensation restrictions for so long as the restrictions apply to the Employer and Mr. Sills.

 

A copy of Mr. Sills’ employment agreement is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 1.02 TERMINATION OF A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT

 

On August 11, 2014, Kim D. Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, gave notice of her retirement, effective August 31, 2014, whereupon her employment agreement will be terminated.

 

ITEM 5.02. DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS; APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS.

 

On August 11, 2014, Kim D. Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, gave notice of her retirement, effective August 31, 2014. Also on August 11, 2014, the Company and the Bank announced that James H. Sills III has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective September 1, 2014. Following Mr. Sills’ appointment, James E. Sansom, Interim President of the Bank, will continue on in his role as Chief Lending Officer.

 

A brief description of the material terms of Mr. Sills’ employment agreement is contained in Item 1.01, “Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement,” above, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

A copy of the Bank’s press release, dated August 11, 2014, making these announcements is attached as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9.01.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

 

(c) Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith:  

     
EXHIBIT NO.   DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
99.1   Employment Agreement between M&F Bancorp, Inc., Mechanics and Farmers Bank and James H. Sills III dated August 11, 2014
99.2   Press Release dated August 11, 2014

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: August 14, 2014

  M&F BANCORP, INC.
  By: /s/ Randall C. Hall
    Randall C. Hall
   

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number   Description of Exhibit
99.1   Employment Agreement between M&F Bancorp, Inc., Mechanics and Farmers Bank and James H. Sills III dated August 11, 2014
99.2   Press Release dated August 11, 2014

 

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EX-99.1 2 ex99-1.htm EX-99.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 11th day of August, 2014, between M&F Bancorp, Inc., a holding company organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina (“Bancorp”), and its subsidiary, Mechanics & Farmers Bank, a commercial bank duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina (the “Bank”) (collectively referred to as “Employer”), and James H. Sills III (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, Bancorp desires to employ Executive as its President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) upon the terms and conditions specified herein; and

WHEREAS, the Bank desires to employ Executive as its President and CEO upon the terms and conditions specified herein; and

WHEREAS, Executive desires to be employed as President and CEO of Bancorp and the Bank upon the terms and conditions specified herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1.          Employment. Executive shall be employed by Employer to render services as President and CEO of Bancorp and the Bank. In this capacity, Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as may be designated to him by Employer from time to time that are not inconsistent with the duties and responsibilities customary and comparable for a person having such position with a commercial bank and a bank holding company, and that are permitted by federal and North Carolina banking laws.

2.           Term. Unless earlier terminated as provide herein, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence on September 1, 2014 and continue for a term of two (2) years (the “Initial Term”). The term of employment shall be extended for additional terms of one year each (“Additional Term”) unless a Notice of Termination, as defined hereinafter, shall be delivered by the Employer to Executive not less than 120 days prior to the end of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, as applicable. A “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice of termination from Employer or Executive that specifies an effective date of termination and indicates upon which termination provision in this Agreement such Notice of Termination is given.

3.          Compensation and Benefits. In consideration of all services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, Employer agrees to provide Executive with the following compensation and benefits:

a.          Base Compensation. Employer shall pay Executive a base annual salary of not less than Two Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($275,000.00), subject to applicable deductions and withholdings as required by law, payable in accordance with the customary payroll practices of Employer. Executive’s annual base salary may be increased at such times as determined by the Boards of Directors of Bancorp and Bank.

 
 

b.          Annual Bonus. At such time as Bancorp and the Bank are no longer subject to applicable prohibitions in the Authorities (as defined in Appendix A), Executive shall be eligible for an annual bonus from Employer, the amount of which shall be determined by the Boards of Directors of Bancorp and Bank in their discretion.

c.          Participation in Employee Benefits Plans. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all retirement, welfare, health and other benefit plans or programs currently offered by Employer to other executive officers or which may be later offered to other executive officers.

d.          Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid time off to be used in his discretion, subject to appropriate prior notice and any banking rules or regulations regarding the same.

e.          Business Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to incur and be reimbursed for all reasonable business expenses, including, for example, mileage, lodging, food, cell phone, a personal computer, home internet service and similar expenses. Employer agrees that it will reimburse Executive for all such expenses upon the presentation by Executive of an itemized account of such expenditures setting forth the date, the purposes for which incurred, and the amounts thereof, together with such receipts showing payments in conformity with Employer’s established policies. Reimbursement shall be made within a reasonable period after Executive’s submission of an itemized account.

f.          Fringe Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits, which are now or may be provided to Employer’s executive officers. To the extent that the level of any such benefits is based upon seniority or compensation levels, Employer shall make an appropriate and proportionate adjustment to Executive’s benefits.

g.          Temporary Housing Allowance. Employer agrees to provide Executive with a temporary housing allowance of Fifteen Hundred Dollars and 00/100 ($1,500.00) per month for a period to end on the earlier of (i) the conclusion of six (6) months from the date of the commencement of the Initial Term and (ii) his occupancy of a residence purchased by him in the Bank’s market area.

h.          Moving Allowance. Employer will pay all reasonable moving expenses incurred by Executive in relocating from Wilmington, Delaware to Durham, North Carolina area, the amount of such expenses not to exceed the average of three (3) bids obtained by Executive from moving companies.

6.          Termination.

a.          Death. The Agreement will be terminated upon the death of Executive. In such event, Executive’s estate shall receive any sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month during which death occurred, plus any bonus earned or accrued through the date of death (including any amounts awarded for previous years but which were not yet paid).

2
 

b.          Disability. Employer may terminate this Agreement upon the disability of the Executive for a period of 180 days which, in the opinion of the Boards of Directors of Bancorp and Bank, renders him unable to perform the essential functions of his job and for which reasonable accommodation is unavailable. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Disability” shall mean that Executive  (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of Employer. During the period of any incapacity leading up to the termination of Executive’s employment under this provision, Employer shall continue to pay Executive his full base salary at the rate then in effect and all perquisites and other benefits (other than any bonus) until Executive becomes eligible for benefits under any long-term disability plan or insurance program maintained by Employer, provided that the amount of any such payments to Executive shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to Executive for the same period under any disability benefit plan or insurance program covering Executive. Furthermore, Executive shall receive any bonus earned or accrued through the date of termination (including any amounts awarded for previous years but which were not yet paid).

c.          Termination for Cause. Employer may terminate this Agreement for Cause upon delivery of a Notice of Termination to Executive. If Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause under this provision, Executive shall receive only any sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses incurred through the date of such termination. “Cause” shall be determined in Employer’s reasonable discretion and shall consist of any of (i) the commission by Executive of a willful act (including, without limitation, a dishonest or fraudulent act), a grossly negligent act, or a willful or grossly negligent omission to act by Executive, which is intended to cause, causes or is reasonably likely to cause material harm to Employer (including harm to its business reputation); (ii) the indictment of Executive for the commission or perpetration of any felony or any crime involving dishonesty, moral turpitude or fraud; (iii) the exhibition by Executive of a standard of behavior within the scope of his employment that is materially disruptive to the orderly conduct of Employer’s business operations (including, without limitation, substance abuse or sexual misconduct) to a level which, in Employer’s good faith and reasonable judgment, is materially detrimental to Employer’s best interest, that, if susceptible of cure remains uncured ten (10) business days following written notice to Executive of such specific inappropriate behavior; (iv) the failure of Executive to devote his full business time and attention to his employment as provided under this Agreement that, if susceptible of cure, remains uncured 30 business days following written notice to Executive of such failure; or (v) failure by Executive to perform any of his material duties required by this Agreement to the reasonable satisfaction of Employer, which failure remains uncured in Employer’s good faith assessment for a period of 30 business days following written notice thereof from Employer.

d.          Termination Without Cause. Employer may terminate this Agreement without Cause upon delivery of a Notice of Termination to Executive. Following such time as the “golden parachute” prohibitions contained in EESA are no longer applicable to Bancorp and the Bank, if Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause under this provision, Employer shall pay Executive severance compensation in an amount equal to 100% of his then current monthly base salary each month for 12 months from the date of termination. Termination without cause shall also include termination of Executive when such termination occurs as the result of a change of control of the Bank or Bancorp.

3
 

e.          Voluntary Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate this Agreement voluntarily at any time by delivering a Notice of Termination. If Executive resigns under this provision, Executive shall receive any sums due him as base salary and/or reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination. Executive shall provide Employer with 60 days prior notice of termination.

7.          Covenants Of Executive.

a.          Nondisclosure Covenant. The parties acknowledge that Employer’s success is attributable largely to the ownership, use and development of certain valuable confidential and proprietary information (the “Proprietary Information”), and that Executive’s employment with Employer will involve access to and work with such information. Executive acknowledges that his relationship with Employer is a confidential relationship, and agrees that he shall not, either directly or indirectly, use any Proprietary Information for his own benefit, or divulge, disclose or communicate any Proprietary Information in any manner whatsoever to any person or entity other than to executives or agents of Employer having a need to know such Proprietary Information to perform their responsibilities on behalf of Employer, and to other persons or entities in the normal course of Employer’s business. This nondisclosure obligation shall apply to all Proprietary Information, whether or not Executive participated in the development thereof. Upon termination of his employment with Employer for any reason, Executive will return to Employer all Proprietary Information in any medium and all other documents, data, materials or property of Employer (including any copies thereof) in his possession. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Proprietary Information” shall include any and all proprietary information related to the business of Employer, including any of its services, products, sales, operations or relationships, which are not generally known to the public, specifically including (but without limitation) pricing, marketing plans, development plans, strategies, forecasts, suppliers, methods and manner of operations; information relating to the identity, needs and location of all past, present and prospective customers; and information with respect to the internal affairs of Employer. The parties stipulate that, as between them, the above-described matters are important and confidential and are critical to the successful conduct of the business of Employer.

b.          Loyalty and Best Efforts. Executive agrees to be a loyal executive and that he will at all times faithfully, industriously and to the best of his ability, experience and talents perform all the duties that may be required of him pursuant to the express and implicit terms hereof, to the reasonable satisfaction of Employer, commensurate with his position, and to comply with all rules, regulations and policies established or issued by Employer or applicable banking regulators. Such duties shall be rendered at such place as Employer reasonably designates.

4
 

8.          EESA Provisions. Executive and Employer agree to the provisions of Appendix A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

9.          Miscellaneous.

a.          Governing Law and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina without regard to conflicts of law principles thereof. Executive hereby submits to the jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts of North Carolina.

b.          Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and Employer with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in their entirety any and all prior oral or written agreements, understandings or arrangements between Executive and Employer relating to the terms of Executive’s employment by Employer, and all such agreements, understandings and arrangements are hereby terminated and are of no force and effect. Executive hereby expressly disclaims any rights under any such agreements, understandings and arrangements.

c.          Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by both parties.

d.          Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

e.          Notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and delivered in person or by nationally recognized overnight courier service or deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

To Employer:

M&F Bancorp, Inc.

c/o Chairman of the Board

2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard

Durham, North Carolina 27707

Mechanics & Farmers Bank

c/o Chairman of the Board

2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard

Durham, North Carolina 27707

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To Executive:

 

James H. Sills III

Mechanics & Farmers Bank

2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard

Durham, North Carolina 27707

 

Notices may be given in person, by overnight courier delivery or by U.S. Mail. Notice shall be deemed given when delivered in person, the first business day after delivery to a nationally recognized overnight courier service and three (3) days after deposit, postage prepaid, in the U.S. Mail, in each case addressed to the applicable address provided in this Section 8(e). Any party hereto may designate by written notice to the other party in accordance herewith any other address to which notices shall be sent.

f.          Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

g.          Waiver. Failure of Employer or Executive to exercise any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.

h.          Successors. The rights and obligations of this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation in which Employer is a party, or any assignee of all or substantially all of Employer’s business and properties.

i.          Assignment. Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by him, except that his right to receive accrued but unpaid compensation, unreimbursed expenses and other rights, if any, provided under this Agreement which survive termination of this Agreement shall pass after death to the personal representative of his estate.

j.          Indemnification. Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless from any and all demands, claims, damages, suits, actions, and legal proceedings brought against Executive, in his individual capacity or in his official capacity, as agent and/or employee of Employer for any incident or activity arising prior to or during the course of employment of Executive by Employer to the full extent provided in the organizational documents of Bancorp and the Bank.

k.          Compliance with Section 409A. To the extent applicable, the parties hereto intend that this Agreement will comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all regulations, guidance, or other interpretative authority thereunder (“Section 409A”). The parties hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in a manner to comply with Section 409A and that should any provision be found not in compliance with Section 409A, the parties are hereby contractually obligated to execute any and all amendments to this Agreement deemed necessary and required by legal counsel for Bancorp and the Bank to achieve compliance with Section 409A. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive irrevocably waives any objections he may have to the amendments required by Section 409A.

6
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date(s) set forth below.

  MECHANICS & FARMERS BANK
     
     
  By:  
     
  Name:  
     
  Title:  
     
  Date:  
     
     
  M&F BANCORP, INC.
     
     
  By:  
     
  Name:  
     
  Title:  
     
  Date:  
     
     
  EXECUTIVE
     
     
   
  James H. Sills III
     
  Date:  

 

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APPENDIX A

 

 

WHEREAS, Bancorp entered into a letter agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury (“UST”) pursuant to which it issued shares of preferred stock (the “Purchased Securities”) and the UST purchased from Bancorp the Purchased Securities (the “Program”); and

 

WHEREAS, a condition to participation in the Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, enacted October 3, 2008 (“EESA”), is that employment agreements and other agreements with the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and certain other executive officers of Bancorp (each, a “Covered Employee”) must comply with the provisions of the EESA, Treasury Notice 2008-PSSFI, Treasury Notice 2008-TARP, IRS Notice 2008-94, 31 C.F.R. Part 30. Congress has amended the EESA in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”); and, finally, the UST has promulgated Interim Final Rules (June 15, 2009) under the EESA and the ARRA (all of the foregoing acts, notices and rules and all further rules, regulations, notices and guidelines promulgated under the EESA or the ARRA being collectively referenced to herein as the “Authorities”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, Employer and Executive agree to the following as an Appendix to the Employment Agreement, dated as of August 11, 2014, among Bancorp, the Bank and Executive (the “Agreement”):

 

1.          Special Provisions During Treasury Holding Period. The following provisions in this Section 1 shall be in force and effective throughout the period that the UST holds an equity or debt position in Bancorp pursuant to the Program (the “Treasury Holding Period”):

 

a.          Controlled Group of Companies. The term “Bancorp” as used in this Appendix A shall be deemed to include all members of a “controlled group of corporations” (as such term is defined in the Authorities) of which Bancorp is a member.

b.          Return of Incentive and Bonus Compensation. In the event that Executive receives one or more payments of incentive compensation and/or bonus compensation during the Treasury Holding Period, whether pursuant to a plan, agreement, understanding, policy, action of the Board of Directors of Bancorp or other similar arrangement, and it shall thereafter be determined by Bancorp’s Board of Directors, the UST or Bancorp’s or the Bank’s primary federal regulator that the payments of such incentive compensation and/or bonus compensation were calculated, in whole or part, based upon materially inaccurate financial statements of Bancorp and/or materially inaccurate performance metric criteria, then Executive shall promptly, but in no event less than 30 days after such determination is made, pay to Bancorp (or, at Bancorp’s direction, to the Bank) a sum equal (A) the amount of each such payment less (B) the amount which such payment would have been if calculated using accurate financial statements of Bancorp and accurate performance metric criteria.

Within ten (10) days of being advised of any such determination, Executive may exercise an appeal and seek redress from such determination, after having made the repayment set forth in the preceding paragraph, as follows:

 
 

i.          If such determination was made by Bancorp’s Board of Directors, Executive may require such Board of Directors to promptly engage an independent audit firm (which may be Bancorp’s independent audit firm if permissible under laws, regulations and rules applicable to such firm) to review and evaluate the bases of such determination. Such review shall be concluded promptly but in no event more than thirty (30) days after the engagement of such firm. The report of the firm engaged shall be final and may not be challenged by Executive whether by the filing of a civil lawsuit or otherwise (and Executive expressly waives and releases any and all rights to do so). In the event that the firm engaged determines either that (x) neither the applicable financial statements nor the performance metric criteria were materially inaccurate or (y) that aggregate inaccuracies in the financial statements and/or the performance metric criteria were less than 10% of the amounts identified as inaccurate in the applicable determination, then Bancorp shall pay the fees and expenses of such firm incurred in connection with such review and report. In all other instances, Executive shall be responsible for such fees and expenses.

ii.          If such determination was made by the UST or Bancorp’s or the Bank’s primary federal banking regulator, Executive shall have such opportunities for redress as are permitted by the UST or such federal regulator, as applicable, or otherwise by applicable law.

c.          Incentive Compensation Arrangements. Executive agrees that notwithstanding any provision of the Agreement or any incentive compensation plan, agreement, understanding, policy, action of Bancorp’s Board of Directors or other similar arrangement, during the Treasury Holding Period, Executive will only be entitled to participate (to the extent Executive is entitled to participate in incentive compensation arrangements of Bancorp pursuant to an action of the Board of Directors, the Employment Agreement, a policy of Bancorp or other similar development) in incentive compensation arrangements that the compensation committee of Bancorp’s Board of Directors (or a committee acting in a similar capacity) has reviewed as provided in Treasury Notice 2008-PSSFI and has determined do not encourage Bancorp’s senior executive officers to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of Bancorp or the Bank, and that have been certified by such compensation committee (or committee acting in a similar capacity) as required under Treasury Notice 2008-PSSFI as not encouraging Bancorp’s senior executive officers to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of Bancorp or the Bank.

d.          Prohibited Golden Parachute Payments. In the event that Executive is severed from employment with Bancorp during the Treasury Holding Period (i) by reason of an involuntary termination of Executive by Bancorp or the Bank, or (ii) in connection with any bankruptcy filing, insolvency or receivership of Bancorp or the Bank, each of the terms in items (i) and (ii) as defined in the Authorities, notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement; any stock award plan, award, grant, agreement, understanding or other arrangement; any supplemental employee retirement plan, pension plan or profit sharing plan (other than a tax qualified plan); or any other plan, agreement, understanding or other arrangement between Bancorp and Executive providing compensation to or economic benefit for Executive upon the termination of Executive’s employment by Bancorp, Executive shall not receive an aggregate of payments on account of such a severance from employment having a present value which equals or exceeds the “parachute payment” amount set forth in Section 280G(e) of the IRC, as added by the EESA. The calculation of the amount of the present value of aggregate payments of compensation to, or for the benefit of, Executive shall be calculated as provided in IRC Section 280G(e) and IRS Notice 2008-94. Executive shall be permitted to elect which payments and/or benefits shall be reduced and in what amounts to effect any reduction necessary to comply with the foregoing prohibition; provided, however, that if Executive does not make such election within fifteen (15) days following the severance of Executive’s employment, the Bancorp Board of Directors of Bancorp (or any successor entity) or its designee shall make such election. Executive waives any and all rights to contest, seek redress for, or file a civil action to enjoin or obtain damages in connection with any such election by such Board or its designee.

 
 

2.          Waiver and Release. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the ARRA and the Interim Final Rules cause many of the provisions in the Agreement to be without effect (such provisions nonetheless being required to be agreed to by the Authorities), with the consequence that Executive may not receive incentive compensation, golden parachute payments or severance payments except as specifically allowed by the ARRA and the Interim Final Rules. Executive waives and releases any and all claims, actions, claims for relief and causes of action Executive has or may have hereafter against Bancorp and/or Bank arising from or asserted under provisions of the Agreement requiring Bancorp and/or Bank to take actions under the Agreement which Bancorp and/or Bank are prohibited from taking under the Authorities and, accordingly, refrain from taking (“Claims”). This waiver and release shall terminate and be of no prospective effect (but shall remain applicable to Claims existing immediately prior to such termination) at such time as Bancorp and Bank are no longer subject to such prohibitions.

 
 

EX-99.2 3 ex99-2.htm EX-99.2

 

 

For Immediate Release

 

M&F Bank Appoints James H. Sills III as President and CEO

Banking Veteran has Strong Roots in North Carolina

 

DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 11, 2014 – Mechanics and Farmers Bank (M&F Bank), the wholly owned subsidiary of M&F Bancorp, Inc., a one-bank holding company headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, today announced that following a national search, James H. Sills III will lead the bank as president and chief executive officer effective Sept. 1, 2014.


Mr. Sills leaves his appointed position of Secretary of the Department of Technology and Chief Information Officer for the State of Delaware to serve as the president and CEO of both M&F Bank and M&F Bancorp, Inc. Kim Saunders, president and CEO of M&F Bancorp, Inc., will step down from her post on August 31, and James Sansom, interim president of M&F Bank, will continue on in his role as chief lending officer.

In 2009, Mr. Sills was appointed by Gov. Jack Markell to his Cabinet. In this role, he oversaw the department’s information technology budget, implemented numerous enterprise technology projects and led the department’s Technology Investment Council in executing IT governance and consolidation initiatives for the State of Delaware.

“Under Jim’s leadership as Cabinet Secretary, our Department of Technology and Information experienced a positive cultural shift while implementing technology solutions and programs that are not only cost-effective, but enhance productivity and service delivery,” said Governor Jack Markell. “He earned the respect of many throughout the State of Delaware and though we are sad to see him leave, we know his exceptional leadership skills and extensive banking background will serve Mechanics and Farmers Bank well.”


With the appointment of Mr. Sills, M&F Bank aims to expand its connection and service to the community in new ways through enhanced online capabilities while continuing to serve its legacy customers.


“The future of community banking is in the technology arena, and Jim has been driving innovation at the intersection of banking and IT for more than 20 years,” said M&F Board of Directors Chairman James A. Stewart. “Jim has an impressive track record of success in executive leadership roles, and we are confident that his enthusiasm and insight will enable us to deliver even greater business value to customers across North Carolina and enhance shareholder value.”

Founded more than 100 years ago, M&F Bank holds great historical and cultural significance in Durham. The original nine incorporators were prominent businessmen united by a common goal: to provide African Americans in their community with banking services that were largely unavailable to them in the early 20th century. More than a century later, M&F Bank still embodies its founding principle of service to the community. It is committed not only to meeting the financial needs of personal and business customers, but to supporting underserved communities and promoting community development.

 
 

During her seven years of service as M&F's outgoing president and CEO, Kim Saunders steered the bank as it fought through and emerged victorious from the financial crisis. “I am confident the new leadership will continue the legacy of success for the community and the great people associated with M&F Bank," said Saunders.

 

Prior to his appointment to the Cabinet of Gov. Markell, Mr. Sills served in multiple senior leadership positions. Earlier in his career, Mr. Sills served as chief operating officer of First Tuskegee Bank and also served as president and CEO of Memphis First Community Bank (now Landmark Bank). For five years, he served as executive vice president of MBNA America Bank/Technology Sector (now Bank of America). Following this role, he founded Homeland Security Verification, LLC, a small employment verification company, in 2007.

 

Mr. Sills has strong family ties to North Carolina. His father was born and raised in Wake County, and other family members from the Henderson and Louisburg area. Lastly, Mr. Sills’ grandmother graduated from Shaw University.


"I am honored to be selected to lead Mechanics & Farmers Bank. This institution has great history, great customers and experienced and dedicated associates,” said Sills. “We plan to continue to build on the successes of the founders, current board of directors and associates to take it to the next level. We are committed to delivering new products, services and technologies to the communities we serve. I look forward to this exciting opportunity and working with our existing and new customers."

Mr. Sills holds a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in retail bank management from the University of Wisconsin. He serves as chairman of the Delaware Technology Investment Council and is an executive committee member of the National Association of State CIOs. Jim Sills is married to Launice Sills and they have three adult daughters.

 

About M&F Bank

Mechanics and Farmers Bank (M&F Bank) is a state-chartered commercial bank founded in 1907, and has operated continuously and profitably since 1908. M&F Bank is one of few NC banks designated by the United States Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Its vision is to be the preferred community bank in its markets. M&F Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of M&F Bancorp, Inc., a one-bank holding company headquartered in Durham, NC, with assets of approximately $299.9 million as of March 31, 2014. M&F Bancorp’s common stock is quoted in the over-the-counter market through the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “MFBP.” For additional information, contact M&F Bancorp Corporate Headquarters, 2634 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham, NC at (919) 687-7800 or visit www.mfbonline.com.

 

###

 

Media Contact

Julie Cooper

Largemouth Communications (on behalf of M&F Bank)

(919) 459-6459

julie@largemouthpr.com

 
 

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