Company: ASB
Filing Date: 2025-03-17
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000007789-25-000025
Chunk: 13

Company: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Filing Date: 2025-03-17
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 13
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 Associated. The Board and the Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee require that each director be a person of high integrity with a proven record of success in his or her field. Each director must demonstrate innovative thinking, familiarity with and respect for corporate governance requirements and practices, an appreciation of individuals from different backgrounds and a commitment to sustainability and to dealing responsibly with social issues. In addition to the qualifications required of all directors, the Board conducts interviews of potential director candidates to assess intangible qualities including the individual’s ability to ask difficult questions and, simultaneously, to work collegially. The Board believes that the combination of qualifications, skills and experiences of each of the director nominees will contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board. The Board and the Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee believe that, individually and as a whole Board, the directors possess the necessary qualifications to provide effective oversight of the business and quality advice and counsel to Associated’s management.

| BOARD EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES |

The Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee considers the attributes outlined in the Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee Charter when considering director nominees. While these attributes are considered on an ongoing basis, they are particularly considered in the recruitment and deliberation regarding prospective director nominees. The Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee Charter outlines desired characteristics for Board member experience and competencies. The Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee believes that Associated’s interests are best served by maintaining a diverse and active Board membership with members who are willing, able and well- situated to provide insight into current business conditions, opportunities and risks. The “outside” perspectives of the Board members are key contributors to our success. The Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee periodically assesses the effectiveness of these key attributes. In light of the current Board’s representation of diverse industry, background, communities within Associated’s markets, professional expertise and racial and gender diversity, the Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee believes that Associated’s process for considering director nominees effectively serves the best interests of Associated and its shareholders.

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| BOARD SELF-ASSESSMENT PROCESS |

Associated’s Board undergoes an internal self-assessment process on an annual basis. The internal process consists of interviews with individual directors, led by the Chairman of the Board, intended to solicit feedback on a wide variety of matters as a means of identifying strengths, weaknesses, areas or interest or concern, and opportunities for improvement. Interview topics include, among others, positive aspects of Board operation; areas for improvement; director skill sets, size and age limitation policy; committee effectiveness; tools for providing directors with important information about Associated