-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, NoaECPnNeWnda2r/j8TxNUxWFUfKT6Yy8hTUUN/bq5NzYslj6GjdmG8JPilxYhXX sHur8Fvulw4O39g5Tse9Sg== 0000950134-07-019444.txt : 20070831 0000950134-07-019444.hdr.sgml : 20070831 20070831171825 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-07-019444 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070827 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20070831 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070831 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: INTERPHASE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000728249 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT [3576] IRS NUMBER: 751549797 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-13071 FILM NUMBER: 071095223 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 13800 SENLAC DR CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75234 BUSINESS PHONE: 2146545000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 13800 SENLAC DR STREET 2: 13800 SENLAC DR CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75234 8-K 1 d49667e8vk.htm FORM 8-K e8vk
 

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PRUSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (date of earliest event reported): August 27, 2007
INTERPHASE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Texas
 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
     
0-13071   75-1549797
     
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
2901 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Plano, Texas   75093
     
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(214) 654-5000
 
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
 
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(C))
 
 

 


 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Item 5.02.   Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
     On August 27, 2007, Felix V. Diaz announced his retirement as Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer of Interphase Corporation (the “Company”). Mr. Diaz will continue to work in an advisory capacity through September 28, 2007. There was no disagreement or dispute between Mr. Diaz and the Company which led to his decision to retire.
     On August 28, 2007, Marc E. DeVinney accepted the position of Vice President of Engineering of the Company, effective August 31, 2007.
     Prior to accepting the position as Vice President of Engineering, Mr. DeVinney, who is 45 years old, spent 25 years with Alcatel, serving in various capacities. Most recently Mr. DeVinney served as Director, Mobile Solutions Circuit Core from 2005 to 2006 and as Program Manager, CTO Product Engineering from 2001 to 2005. Mr. DeVinney holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
     In connection with Mr. DeVinney’s new position, the Company and Mr. DeVinney entered into an employment, confidentiality and non-competition agreement effective August 31, 2007. Under his employment agreement, Mr. DeVinney is entitled to an annual base salary of $170,000 and is eligible to receive an annual bonus based upon his annual bonus target established by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. In addition, in accordance with his employment agreement, Mr. DeVinney received 10,000 shares of Restricted Stock under the Company’s long term incentive plan.
     Mr. DeVinney’s employment agreement permits the Company to terminate him without further compensation for “cause” as defined in the employment agreement, which includes death and disability. If the Company terminates Mr. DeVinney without cause or for non-renewal, Mr. DeVinney will receive six months severance pay at his base salary.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
     (d) Exhibits
          Exhibit 10.1 — Employment, Confidentiality, and Non-Competition Agreement with Mr. Marc E. DeVinney
          Exhibit 99.1 — Press Release Dated August 29, 2007.
SIGNATURE
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.
         
  Interphase Corporation
 
 
Date: August 31, 2007  By:   /s/ Thomas N. Tipton Jr.    
    Title: Chief Financial Officer,   
    Vice President of Finance and Treasurer   

 


 

         
EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit 10.1  
Employment, Confidentiality, and Non-Competition Agreement with Mr. Marc E. DeVinney (filed herewith)
Exhibit 99.1  
Press Release dated August 29, 2007 (filed herewith)

 

EX-10.1 2 d49667exv10w1.htm EMPLOYMENT, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT exv10w1
 

EXHIBIT 10.1
(INTERPHASE LOGO)
[THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION]
EMPLOYMENT, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
     This “Agreement” is between the “Company,” Interphase Corporation, and Marc E. DeVinney, “Executive.” The Company is organized under the laws of the State of Texas. Its principal place of business is located at 2901 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093.
Background Statement
     The Company enables rapid platform design and integration for the global voice and data communications markets through custom and off-the-shelf communications equipment, embedded software development suites, and systems integration and consulting services for telecom and enterprise networks. Executive desires to be employed or continue to be employed by the Company. The Company desires to employ Executive, provided that as an express, prior condition of such employment, Executive enters into this Agreement with the Company.
     This Agreement sets forth the terms of Executive’s employment. The parties agree that this Agreement is supported by valuable consideration, that mutual promises and obligations have been undertaken by the parties to it, and that the agreement is entered into voluntarily by the parties.
Statement of Agreement
1.   Duties. Executive shall devote Executive’s best efforts to the business of the Company. Executive shall perform such duties and responsibilities customary to the position of Vice President of Engineering, including those described on Exhibit A to this Agreement. Executive shall also perform those duties assigned by the Company from time to time.
2.   Terms. The “initial term” of employment under this Agreement shall terminate six (6) months after the date of this Agreement. The initial term of this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive six (6) month periods, referred to as “successor terms,” unless either party gives thirty (30) days written notice of its intention not to renew prior to the expiration of the initial or any successor term or Executive is terminated for cause.

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3.   Terminable Only For Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by the Company prior to the expiration of the initial term or any successor term as follows:
  (a)   Due to the death of Executive;
 
  (b)   Due to a physical or mental disability which prevents Executive from performing the essential functions of his full duties for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days during the term of this Agreement, as determined in good faith by a physician reasonably acceptable to the Company; or,
 
  (c)   For Cause, which is (i) fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other act of material misconduct against the Company or any affiliate of the Company; (ii) failure to perform specific and lawful directives of Executive’s superiors; (iii) violation of any rules or regulations of any governmental or regulatory body, which is materially injurious to the financial condition of the Company; (iv) conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (v) violation of the provisions of 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, or 16; or, (vi) substantial failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of Executive under this Agreement.
In the event of termination under this paragraph, Executive shall be entitled only to Executive’s base salary earned through the date of termination. No accrued but unpaid bonuses or commissions shall be due to Executive.
4.   Termination Without Cause or Nonrenewal. In the event the Company gives Executive thirty days written notice of its intention not renew a term of this Agreement, or if Executive is terminated without cause after the expiration of the initial term, the Executive shall receive an amount equal to six-months severance pay based on the Executive’s base salary at the time of termination, payable in bi-monthly or bi-weekly installments as dictated by the regular pay dates of the Company. No accrued but unpaid bonuses or commissions shall be due to Executive under this Paragraph. No other severance payment or benefits shall be due Executive other than those provided for under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything stated herein to the contrary, in the event Executive becomes employed during the period in which the Executive is eligible to receive post-employment payments under this Paragraph, any amounts received by Executive in the form of compensation, salary, or other payments shall be offset or shall reduce any amounts or liability owed by the Company to the Executive under this Paragraph.

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5.   Compensation. Employer shall pay and provide benefits to Executive according to the provisions of Executive’s compensation plan described in the attached Exhibit B. Executive’s compensation plan shall be reviewed on a periodic basis. The Company reserves the right, and Executive hereby authorizes Company, to make deductions from Executive’s pay or bonuses to satisfy any outstanding obligations of Executive to the Company. The Company may offset against the final payment of wages or bonuses owed to Executive any amounts due the Company from Executive.
 
6.   Changes in Position, Location, or Compensation. If the Company transfers, promotes, or reassigns Executive to another position or geographic area, or both parties agree to a change in compensation or benefits during a term of this Agreement or upon the renewal of a term of this Agreement, an updated employment agreement may be substituted by agreement of the parties but is not required. Mutually-agreeable changes in compensation or benefits shall be effected by amendment to and incorporation of a modified Exhibit B, initialed by the parties or their authorized representative. All provisions, promises, terms or conditions not modified by an amendment of Exhibits A - C shall remain in effect and shall not be deemed revoked or modified beyond the changes set forth in one or more amended Exhibits.
 
7.   Executive Representation/Warranty. Executive represents that Executive is not a party to any agreement with a third party, or limited by a court order, containing a non-competition provision or other restriction which would preclude Executive’s employment with Company or any of the services which Executive will provide on the Company’s behalf.
 
8.   Duty of Loyalty. Executive acknowledges the common law duties of reasonable care, loyalty, and honesty which arise out of the principal/agent relationship of the parties. While employed and thereafter for whatever term the law may impose, Executive shall not engage in any activity to the detriment of the Company. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, Executive shall not discuss with any customer or potential customer of the Company any plans by Executive or any other Executives of the Company to leave the employment of the Company and compete with the Company.
 
9.   Company Documents. Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive holds as the Company’s property all memoranda, books, papers, letters, and other data, including duplicates, relating to the Company’s business and affairs (“Company Documents”). This includes Company Documents created or used by Executive or otherwise coming into Executive’s possession in connection with the performance of Executive’s job duties. All Company Documents in the possession, custody, or control of Executive shall be returned to the Company at the time of termination of employment.

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Confidential Information and Non-Competition
10.   In exchange for the mutual promises and obligations contained in this Agreement, and contemporaneous with its execution or soon thereafter, Employer promises to deliver to Executive or permit Executive to acquire, be exposed to, and/or have access to material, data, and information of the Company and/or its customers or clients that is confidential, proprietary and/or a trade secret (“Confidential Information”). At all times, both during and after the termination of employment, the Executive shall keep and retain in confidence and shall not disclose, except as required in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company, to any person, firm or corporation, or use for the Executive’s own purposes, any Confidential Information. For the purposes of this paragraph, such information shall include, but is not limited to:
  1.   The Company’s standard operating procedures, processes, formulae, know-how, scientific, technical, or product information, whether patentable or not, which is of value to the Company and not generally known by the Company’s competitors;
 
  2.   All confidential information obtained from third parties and customers concerning their products, business, or equipment specifications;
 
  3.   Confidential business information of the Company, including, but not limited to, marketing and business plans, strategies, projections, business opportunities, client identities or lists, sales and cost information, internal financial statements or reports, profit, loss, or margin information, customer price information; and,
 
  4.   Other information designated by the Company or deemed by law to be confidential information.
11.   Non-Competition. In consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the parties, Executive agrees that during the term of his employment and for a period of twelve (12) calendar months after termination of employment from the Company (whether voluntary or involuntary), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either as principal, agent, manager, employee, partner, shareholder, director, officer, consultant or otherwise:
  1.   Become associated or affiliated with, employed by, or financially interested in any business operation which competes in the business currently engaged in by Company. (The phrase “business currently engaged in by the Company” includes, but is not limited to, the type of activities in which the Company was engaged during Executive’s tenure, such as designs and delivers high performance connectivity adapters for computer and telecommunication

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      networks.)
  2.   Solicit or attempt to solicit the business or patronage of any person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, department of government or other entity with whom the Company has had any contact during a period of twelve (12) calendar months preceding the date of this Agreement (“Customers”), or otherwise induce such Customers to reduce, terminate, restrict or otherwise alter business relationships with the Company in any fashion; or,
 
  3.   In any way solicit or attempt to solicit the business or patronage of any Customers.
 
  4.   The parties intend the above restrictions on competition to be completely severable and independent, and any invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more such restrictions shall not render invalid or unenforceable any one or more restrictions.
12.   Limitations on Scope. In recognition of the broad geographic scope of the Company’s business and the ease of competing with the Company in any part of the United States, the restrictions on competition set forth herein are intended to cover the following geographic areas:
  1.   The geographic territory identified on the attached Exhibit C;
 
  2.   The cities containing a facility or operation owned or managed by the Company; and,
 
  3.   A fifty (50) mile radius outside the boundary limits of each such city.
The parties intend the above geographical areas to be completely severable and independent, and any invalidity or unenforceability of this Agreement with respect to any one area shall not render this Agreement unenforceable as applied to any one or more of the other areas.
13.   Non-Solicitation of Employees. During employment and for a period of twelve (12) months after termination, Executive agrees not to hire, employ, solicit, divert, recruit, or attempt to induce, directly or indirectly, any existing or future employee of the Company to leave their position with the Company or to become associated with a competing business.
Remedies for Breach
14.   Company’s Right to Obtain an Injunction. Executive acknowledges that the Company will have no adequate means of protecting its rights under Paragraphs 10, 11, 12, or 13 of this Agreement other than be securing an injunction (a court order prohibiting the Executive from

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violating the Agreement). Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the Company is entitled to enforce this Agreement by obtaining a temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunction and any other appropriate equitable relief. Executive acknowledges that the Company’s recovery of damages will not be an adequate means to redress a breach of this Agreement. Nothing contained in this paragraph, however, shall prohibit the Company from pursuing any remedies in addition to injunctive relief, including recovery of damages. Executive expressly acknowledges that the Company has sole discretion regarding whether to seek a remedy for breaches of Paragraphs 10, 11, 12, or 13 in a court of competent jurisdiction or by arbitration procedures outlined in paragraph 15.
15.   Arbitration. Executive and the Company agree that any unresolved dispute or controversy involving a claim for monetary damages and/or declaratory or injunctive relief arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a single arbitrator in Dallas, Texas, according to the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The direct expense of any arbitration proceeding shall be borne by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Paragraph is intended to subject a claim by either party arising under Paragraphs 10, 11, 12, or 13 to mandatory arbitration. Any claim arising under Paragraphs 10, 11, 12, or 13 shall be litigated in the courts of the relevant jurisdiction and venue.
Inventions and Discoveries
16.   Discoveries, Inventions, & Copyrights. Executive shall disclose promptly to the Company any and all conceptions and ideas for inventions, improvements, and valuable discoveries, whether patentable or not, which are conceived or made by the Executive, solely or jointly, during Executive’s term of employment and which pertain to the business activities of the Company. Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign all his interest therein to the Company or to its nominee. Whenever requested to do so by the Company, Executive shall execute any and all applications, assignments, or other instruments which the Company shall deem necessary to apply for and obtain Letters of Patent of the United States or any foreign country or to otherwise protect the Company’s interest therein.
General Provisions
17.   Condition to Seeking Subsequent Employment. Executive agrees to show a copy of this Agreement to any Competitor with whom Executive interviews during the Executive’s employment with the Company or with whom the Executive interviews within twelve (12) months following the effective date of the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
18.   Attorneys’ Fees. If any party shall obtain a final judgment of a court of competent

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jurisdiction, subject to no further appeal, pursuant to which any other party shall be determined to have breached its obligations hereunder or made any misrepresentations, such prevailing party shall be entitled to recover, in addition to any award of damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses incurred by such party in obtaining such judgment.
19.   Non-Disparagement and Confidentiality. Except as may be required by law or as consented to in writing by an authorized officer or agent of the Company, Executive agrees not to make any statements whatsoever, directly or indirectly, written or oral, which could reasonably become public, which could be interpreted as embarrassing, disparaging, prejudicial, or in any way detrimental or inimical to the interests of the Company. Furthermore, Executive agrees to hold confidential and not to disclose, make public, or to communicate orally or in writing to any person or entity (other than Executive’s significant other and immediate family), directly or indirectly, the terms of this Agreement or any matters set forth herein, except only: (a) as may be compelled by court orders; (b) as may be necessary to enforce the terms of this Agreement; (c) to legal, accounting, and financial advisors; (d) as may be necessary in connection with the application for or obtaining loans or credit; (e) as may be necessary to comply with applicable laws and government regulations; or, (e) as may be necessary or desirable in obtaining future employment.
20.   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, and assigns.
21.   Nonwaiver. Any waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the Company to be effective. Any waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver by the Company of any different or subsequent breach of this Agreement by Executive.
22.   Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.
23.   Forum Selection Clause. Any and all causes of action for equitable relief relating to the enforcement of this Agreement and not otherwise subject to the mandatory arbitration provisions of Paragraph 15 may, in the Employer’s sole discretion, be brought in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas or the Dallas County District of the Texas State Courts. The parties agree that the provisions of this paragraph benefit both Employer and Executive. Any and all causes of action by and between Employer and Executive can be quickly and efficiently resolved in the agreed-upon forum, which will not unduly burden either Employer or Executive, and which will substantially aid Employer and Executive in providing the opportunity for uniform treatment with respect to any issues relating to the covenants contained in this Agreement.
24.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Company

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and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersedes all prior agreements dealing with the same subject matter, and may not be changed except in a writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the Agreement, as so changed, is sought.
25.   Severability. The invalidity of any term or provision of this Agreement, including any term or provision of paragraphs 10, 11, 12, or 13 shall not invalidate or otherwise affect any other term or provision of this Agreement.
26.   This agreement shall be effective August 31, 2007.
         
  Interphase Corporation
 
 
  By:   /s/ Gregory B. Kalush    
    Its: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
       
 
         
  Executive
 
 
    /s/ Marc E. DeVinney    
     
     
 

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Exhibit A
(INTERPHASE LOGO)
Job Description
     
Job Title: VP of Engineering
  Department: Engineering
Reports To: President and CEO
  FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared By: D. Shute & G. Kalush
  Approved By: Deborah Shute
Prepared Date: August 7, 2007
  Approved Date: August 13, 2007
SUMMARY
As the senior Engineering individual for the company, the VP of Engineering is fully responsible for representing and leading all global Engineering functions in product development and new product development activities. Ultimately oversees and ensures success of all product development, Engineering schedule accuracy, goal attainment, budget responsibilities, key corporate and Engineering processes, and personnel-related decisions.
The Vice President of Engineering is a member of the Executive Team and has responsibilities critical to the short-term and long-term profitability, growth, and overall success of the Company. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position provides proactive Engineering team leadership and organizational leadership. The VP of Engineering plays a key role in contributing to the company’s strategic direction and overall strategy in conjunction with the Chief Technology Officer, VP of Strategic Marketing, and CEO.
As a member of the Executive Team, the VP of Engineering must embrace the organization’s vision, goals, and values, and display a sense of unity and alignment with the CEO and the rest of the leadership team which is necessary to achieve superior business results within the Company.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Management reserves the right to change these duties at any time.
Engineering Leadership
Overall responsibility for all aspects of Engineering (hardware and software development, SVT, DVT), Interoperability and Systems Integration, and Engineering Project Management for the Company on a worldwide basis. This includes establishing effective metrics/measurements and review processes.
Accountable for creating, gaining approval of, and implementing the Engineering strategy and architecture for the Company.

 


 

Plans and directs the overall Engineering function through local and remote management in multiple development locations toward the achievement of corporate goals and objectives.
Accountabilities encompass:
Software Development
Hardware Development
SVT
DVT
CAD
Interoperability
Systems Integration
Engineering Project Management
Implements processes, procedures, systems that maintain the integrity and accuracy of the Company’s Engineering schedules. Advises the CEO, the Executive Team, and other internal teams on these matters, as required.
Directs a team of Engineering professionals.
Functions as a responsive “business partner” supporting other functions, i.e., sales, marketing, manufacturing, operations, supply chain management, finance, human resources, etc., by providing a broad range of pro-active support, insight and attention to detail in areas such as:
Customer responses (RFI, RFQ, RFP, etc.)
Technical Feasibility studies and ERA (Engineering Requirements Analysis)
CPCD’s & MRD’s
CP-12 process deliverables and execution
PIDs (Product Development Documentation)
Engineering Schedules
Engineering change orders
Operating Plans and Budgeting
Headcount changes
Employee relations
Manages the project management function ensuring Engineering schedules stay on track and that all potential impacts or slips are communication appropriately with the Executives and CEO.
Further the collection and use of information gathering (including schedule status, variances, hours worked by person by product, project expenses) using analytical tools, analyses, and metrics essential to assessing overall business performance and

 


 

variances from “Plan”. Produces reports and “dashboard” metrics that drive meaningful information and decision making further down the organizational ladder. Ensures the full commitment and optimization of the company’s SAP system, and other software tools available.
Builds and maintains a strong Engineering team. Makes enlightened decisions regarding the staff’s selection, promotion, and development. Must develop a Succession Plan with ready-now backups to engineering leadership within a two to three (2-3) year period and make every effort to develop and broaden the incumbent Directors of Engineering, Managers, and principle staff as appropriate.
Establishes Engineering’s vision and mission, short-term and long-range operating plans, programs, budgets, and development schedules. Implements the necessary strategies, initiatives, and processes to achieve success.
The VP of Engineering is responsible for the establishing and maintaining the processes, metrics, policies, programs, and objectives to ensure Interphase meets its development commitments to it’s customers for all scheduled product deliveries.
Directs and coordinates the activities of local and remote Engineering teams on a global basis and ensures effective communication, consistency, and alignment in their practices and systems, and timeliness of their committed deliverables.
Ensures process excellence and compliance to CP12 and other key processes involving Engineering.
Advances the R&D process from design initiatives at the customer level to specification, design for testing, design for manufacturing, and migration from one technology to another within the context of the design capabilities of the organization.
Ensures the company’s vision and values are instilled in the Engineering/development organization.
Confers with CEO to review achievements and to discuss required changes in programs, resources, processes, strategies or goals as a result of current customer or market conditions.
Maintains significant interaction with suppliers, marketing and Engineering/development teams to effectively evaluate future programs under consideration.
Executive Management
Contributes as a member of the CEO’s Executive Staff on all long-term strategic and annual operating planning activities. Participates in future plans and the associated business/budgeting activities to achieve desired results. Prepares detailed budgets,

 


 

operating plans, CAPEX plans, cost reduction programs, etc.
Supports the integration of new products, programs, customers, partners, vendors, and potential acquisitions from an operational perspective, as well as other proposed business development and strategic alliance initiatives. Visible to customers and involved in “adding value” throughout the organization. (Viewed and leveraged as a resource by peers.)
In tandem with other key leaders, cultivates a synergistic environment in which there is cross-functional discussion and the formulation of action plans to pro-actively address the company’s SWOT, customer requests and requirements, business development opportunities, promising new products, acquisitions, etc.
Actively participates in customer/partner/vendor meetings, audits, and presentations, “world tours”, and trade show activities as appropriate. Presents at Operations Reviews and Board Meetings as requested or required.
The VP of Engineering will assist the Chief Technology Officer, the VP of Strategic Marketing and the CEO and the rest of the company’s executive management team in setting the future direction and vision for the company and helping to develop strategies to achieve the company’s long-term goals. This includes any necessary realignment in the company’s skills, processes, and metrics to be successful in achieving future strategic directions.
This position will assist the CTO in the assessment of emerging technologies for positioning Interphase to take maximum advantage of our company’s core competencies, skills and market position. Also serves to assist the CTO as the technology guide for the company.
Participates closely with the CTO, VP of Global Sales, the VP of Strategic Marketing, and the CEO in developing the strategic product plan for Interphase.
Assists the CTO, VP of Strategic Marketing, and CEO in the formulation and development of the company’s strategic vision, complete with the assessment of resources and skills required, technology risk, development assurance programs and required strategic business partners necessary to secure a strong portfolio of successful programs for a five-year business horizon. Participates in strategic planning sessions.
Recommends outsourcing and partnership opportunities as needs arise to improve time to market, or achieve corporate objectives.

 


 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The VP of Engineering directs and leads subordinate managers including Directors of Engineering (Europe and North America), Director of Interoperability & Systems Integration, and Sr. Manager of Project Management. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws and governmental regulations. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science is required. An advanced technical degree (M.S. or PhD) and/or MBA would be highly desirable.
Prefer fifteen (15+) years of broad Engineering experience, in the design and development of hardware and/or software products for the computer or telecommunications networking industry. Experience should be ideally and predominantly secured with either an established or start-up telecom equipment provider, and/or high tech software/hardware engineering services company. .
Must have strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to perform well and meet company objectives. Must have the ability to translate customer and/or marketing requirements into high performing products. May be asked to interface with major customers to understand their needs and communicate that across the organization to various departments. Leadership skills also include the ability to develop and communicate vision and business strategies. Must have knowledge of market and emerging technologies.
Ideally, five plus (5+) years of background functioning as the senior Engineering leader of a Company, major operating group or subsidiary with accountability for software, hardware, and Engineering project management. Prefer that they been a member of the Executive Committee.
Requires an extremely capable VP of Engineering who can truly operate as an influential member of the CEO’s Staff while making “value-added” contributions in Engineering and throughout the organization. Building solid working relationships with key Executive Officers and the Company’s Board of Directors will also be imperative to the overall execution of the VP’s responsibilities.

 


 

Must possess a balanced business background encompassing more than just technical skills. Equally important, will be the ability to aggressively contribute to the company’s long-term and short-term strategic vision, functioning as a major contributor in support of the Company’s growth strategy, new products, and services is a high priority, as is the need to become the CEO’s confidant and “business partner”.
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS
Must communicate effectively, concisely, and accurately with integrity, having the ability to decipher and understand complex customer and market requirements, analyze and interpret complex scientific and technical journals and documentation, financial reports, and legal documents and be able to explain them accurately. Must possess the ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, partners, regulatory agencies, members of the business community, Board members, or employees that are from the simple to the complex in nature. Must possess the ability to effectively and concisely express key relevant information in written form, whether writing speeches, or articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to customers, the executive Leadership Team, the Board of Directors, our employees, public groups, and/or the media.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with advanced engineering and mathematical concepts such as algorithms, probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY
Excellent ability to read and understand very complex and technical information and then apply that knowledge of information to the company’s own situation to develop strategies and solve problems. Must be able to pro-actively and effectively define problems, collect data, establish facts, make sound recommendations, draw valid conclusions, and solve complex problems daily. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions or engineering schematics in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, stand, and reach with hands and arms. International travel requires sitting for prolonged periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

 


 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position does require regular and significant travel, both national and international. Employee must possess, or be qualified to obtain, a valid passport.
         
 
  Initials                       
 
                          
Exhibit A

 


 

Exhibit B
Compensation
Base Salary. $6,538.47 per pay period ($170,000/year on an annual basis), of which there are 26 in each calendar year, less deductions as may be required by law or authorized by Executive.
Key Talent Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual bonus for FY2007 of $35,000 based upon the Corporation’s existing Executive Bonus Plan. This bonus will be tied to Executive Incentive Targets (MBOs) for 2007. The bonus will be awarded based on achievement of specific corporate objectives, as determined by the Company, and is subject to change annually by the Board of Directors.
Equity. The Corporation shall, according to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and with the approval of the CEO and Board of Directors, grant to Executive 10,000 shares of restricted stock of the Company. Executive’s right, title, and interest to any stock conferred under the Employment Agreement shall be controlled and governed by terms and conditions of the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. The per share price will be determined as of the close of NASDAQ trading on Executive’s first day of employment.
Executive Benefit Plans. Based on the plans in force at the time, and subject to change at any time, the Executive will be provided with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, STD, LTD, etc., all effective on hire date. Executive will be 401k eligible with discretionary matching contribution after 60 days of employment. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in any benefit plan maintained by the Company, according to the terms and conditions of those plans. Executive will pay same as all other Executive and non-Executive employees for health premiums.
Severance Pay. 6 months package, subject to terms and conditions. Please refer to section 4, “Termination Without Cause or Nonrenewal”, on page 2 of the Employment Agreement.
Executive Disability Plan. The Executive is eligible to apply for a voluntary Executive Disability Plan. If approved by the carrier for coverage, the premiums will be paid for by the Executive.
Vacation and Leave. Executive shall be entitled to three (3) weeks of vacation per year, accrued monthly, and six (6) sick days per year, and any other paid leave benefits provided for in the Company’s Policy Guide.
Cell Phone & Computer. Executive will be furnished with a laptop and cell phone/PDA for business purposes.

 


 

Office Furnishings. The Company agrees to provide office space and furnishings to Executive commensurate with the Company’s decor and culture.
         
 
  Initials:                       
 
                          
Exhibit B

 


 

Exhibit C
Designated Cities — Per Paragraph 11a of Employment, Confidentiality,
and Non-Compete Agreement.
The Continental United States
         
 
  Initials:                       
 
                          
Exhibit C

 

EX-99.1 3 d49667exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1
(INTERPHASE LOGO)
 
Press Release
     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
   
 
   
PR Contact:
  Investor Contact:
Julie Parenzan
  Joseph Hassett
Interphase Corporation
  Interphase Corporation
214-654-5000
  866-630-INPH
pr@iphase.com
  ir@iphase.com
Interphase Announces New Vice President of Engineering
PLANO, Texas — August 29, 2007 — Interphase Corporation (NASDAQ: INPH), a leading international supplier of next-generation networking technologies, today announced that Marc E. DeVinney has accepted the position of vice president of engineering.
Prior to joining Interphase, Mr. DeVinney spent 25 years with Alcatel, serving in various capacities. Most recently, Mr. DeVinney served as Director, Mobile Solutions Circuit Core for Alcatel in Paris, France. Mr. DeVinney holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
“Marc has been recognized throughout his career for his contributions in reducing time-to-market, process quality and leadership,” said Gregory B. Kalush, president and chief executive officer of Interphase Corporation. “His technical education, telecom and engineering background, exceptional customer relationship skills, combined with his extensive experience leading global and cross-functional teams and excellent leadership abilities made him an outstanding choice for our company.”
Mr. DeVinney, who will assume his duties at the Company beginning August 31, 2007, replaces Felix V. Diaz, who announced his retirement as vice president of engineering and chief technology officer on August 27, 2007. Mr. Diaz will continue to work in an advisory capacity to assist in the transition through September 28, 2007. The company is currently conducting a search for a chief technology officer.
“Felix has been a major contributor to our company’s strategy over his tenure at the company and his dedication and commitment to Interphase and his team was a major force in our transition from an enterprise networking company to an embedded telecommunications company,” said Mr. Kalush. “His vision, tenacity and perseverance during some of our company’s most challenging times led to our positioning of Interphase for success in the telecommunications market over the next several years. We wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter of his life.”

 


 

About Interphase Corporation
Interphase Corporation (NASDAQ: INPH) is a leading provider of robust building blocks, highly integrated subsystems and innovative gateway appliances for the converged communications network. Building on a 30-year history of providing advanced I/O solutions for telecom and enterprise applications and addressing the need for high speed connectivity, Interphase has established a key leadership role in delivering next generation AdvancedTCA® (ATCA), MicroTCA™ and AdvancedMC™ (AMC) solutions to the marketplace. Headquartered in Plano, Texas with sales offices across the globe, Interphase clients include Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard, Lockheed Martin, Motorola Inc., Nortel Networks Ltd., Nokia-Siemens Networks and Samsung. Interphase is a contributor member of the Scope Alliance and the Communications Platform Trade Association (CP-TA). Additional information about Interphase and its products is available on the company’s Web site at www.interphase.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to financial results and certain other matters. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, fluctuations in demand, the quality and price of similar or comparable networking products, access to sources of capital, general economic conditions in the company’s market areas, and that future sales and growth rates for the industry and the company could be lower than anticipated.
###
Interphase, the Interphase logo, SlotOptimizer and iNAV are trademarks or registered trademarks of Interphase Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

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