Exhibit 10.2

 THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered as
of the 19th day of February, 2020, by and among SOUTHERN NATIONAL BANCORP OF
VIRGINIA, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Bancorp”), SONABANK, a Virginia
state-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of the Bancorp (the “Bank”; the
Bancorp and the Bank are collectively referred to herein as the “Employer”),
and DENNIS J. ZEMBER, JR. (“Executive”).

 

BACKGROUND

 

WHEREAS, the expertise and experience of Executive in the financial institutions
industry are valuable to the Employer;

 

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Employer to maintain an experienced
and sound executive management team to manage the Employer, further the
Employer’s overall strategies and protect and enhance shareholder value; and

 

WHEREAS, the Employer and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to
establish the scope, terms and conditions of Executive’s continued employment by
the Employer;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

 

1.          Effective Date. The effective time and date of this Agreement shall
be deemed to be 5:00 p.m. on the date of its making first set forth above (the
“Effective Date”).

 

2.          Employment. Executive is employed as the President and Chief
Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of the Bancorp and the
Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Executive’s responsibilities, duties,
prerogatives and authority in such offices shall be those customary for persons
holding such offices of institutions in the financial institutions industry, as
well as such other duties of an executive, managerial or administrative nature,
which are consistent with such offices, as shall be specified and designated
from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Bancorp (the “Bancorp
Board”). Executive will report directly to Bancorp Board and the Board of the
Directors of the Bank.

 

3.          Employment Period. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with
Section 6 hereof, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall begin as of
the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter for a term of three years (the
“Employment Period”). Commencing on the third anniversary of the Effective Date,
this Agreement and the Employment Period shall automatically renew for
successive three (3) year periods unless the Employer or the Executive delivers
written notice of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration
of the then current Employment Period.  A non-renewal of the Employment Period
by the Employer shall not constitute a termination of the Executive’s employment
without Cause.

  

4.          Extent of Service. During the Employment Period, and excluding any
periods of vacation, sick or other leave to which Executive is entitled under
this Agreement, Executive agrees to devote all of Executive’s business time and
efforts to serving the business and affairs of the Employer commensurate with
Executive’s offices. During the Employment Period, it shall not be a violation
of this Agreement for Executive, subject to the requirements of Section 11, to
(i) serve on civic or charitable boards or committees or (ii) manage personal
investments, so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of
Executive’s responsibilities to the Employer or violate the Employer’s conflicts
of interest or other applicable policies.

 

5.          Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a)          Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Employer will pay to
Executive a base salary at the rate of $600,000 per year (“Base Salary”), less
normal withholdings, payable in equal monthly or more frequent installments as
are customary under the Employer’s payroll procedures from time to time. In
accordance with

the policies and procedures of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of
the Bancorp Board, the Employer shall review Executive’s total compensation at
least annually and in its sole discretion may adjust Executive’s total
compensation from year to year, but during the Employment Period the Employer
may not decrease Executive’s Base Salary below $600,000; provided, however, that
periodic increases in Base Salary, once granted, shall not be subject to
revocation. The annual review of Executive’s total compensation will consider,
among other things, changes in the cost of living, Executive’s own performance
and the Bancorp’s consolidated performance.

 

(b)          Incentive Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be
entitled to participate, as determined by the Committee, in all incentive plans
of the Employer applicable to senior executives of the Employer generally,
including, without limitation, short-term and long-term incentive plans and
equity compensation plans that shall be competitive with industry norms taking
into consideration the complexity of the Company’s strategies, operating
performance, geography and other elements deemed appropriate,  subject to
eligibility requirements and terms and conditions of each such plan; provided,
 however, that nothing herein shall limit the ability of Employer to amend,
modify or terminate any such plans, policies or programs at any time and from
time to time.  Without limiting the foregoing,

(i)Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual cash incentive bonus (the
“Annual Bonus”) payable in cash, pursuant to the performance criteria and
targets established and administered by the Bancorp Board (or the Compensation
Committee of the Bancorp Board, to which such responsibility may be delegated by
the Bancorp Board).  Executive’s Annual Bonus for calendar year 2020 shall be
not less than fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s Base Salary subject only to the
Executive’s performance relative to certain agreed upon criteria . The Annual
Bonus payable to Executive each year shall be determined and payable as soon as
practicable after year-end for such year (but no later than March 15th of the
year following the year to which the Annual Bonus relates). Except as provided
in Section 7, to be entitled to receive any Annual Bonus, Executive must remain
employed through the last day of the calendar year to which the Annual Bonus
relates. 

 

(ii)the Bancorp shall grant to Executive 20,000 restricted shares of its common
stock (the “Initial Restricted Stock Award”), pursuant to, and subject to the
terms and conditions of, the Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. 2017
Equity Compensation Plan.  The Initial Restricted Stock Award will vest in
approximately equal annual installments on each of first five (5) anniversaries
of the Effective Date, subject to Executive’s continued employment on each
vesting date.  The Initial Restricted Stock Award will be granted within three
(3) business days following the date Executive commences employment with the
Company, and shall be subject to subject to other terms and conditions set forth
in the award certificate memorializing the Initial Restricted Stock Award,
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto. 

 

(c)          Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive or
Executive’s dependents, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation
in all employee benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the
Employer applicable to senior executives of the Employer generally (the “Benefit
Plans”),  subject to eligibility requirements and terms and conditions of each
such plan; provided,  however, that nothing herein shall limit the ability of
Employer to amend, modify or terminate any such benefit plans, policies or
programs at any time and from time to time.

 

(d)          Expenses. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled
to receive prompt reimbursement, in accordance with the policies, practices and
procedures of the Employer applicable to senior executives of the Employer
generally, for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement,
including dues for country club memberships and civic organizations in which
Executive is or shall become a member, not to exceed $20,000 in the aggregate
per calendar year.

 

(e)          Vacation, Sick and Other Leave. During the Employment Period,
Executive shall be entitled annually to a minimum of thirty (30) business days
of paid vacation and shall be entitled to those number of business days of paid
disability, sick and other leave specified in the employment policies of the
Employer.

 

(f) Automobile. During the Employment Period, Employer shall provide Executive
with an appropriate automobile for Executive’s use and will maintain and insure
it at Employer’s expense. At least annually, Executive, in accordance with the
Bank's procedure, shall report business and personal usage of the automobile.

 

(g)    Relocation Expenses.  During calendar year 2020 of the Employment Period,
Employer shall reimburse Executive for expenses associated with relocating from
Executive’s current residence promptly following Executive’s submission of
receipts with respect thereto, in accordance with the policies, practices and
procedures of the Employer.  These expenses shall not exceed $100,000 in the
aggregate and include temporary housing, real estate commissions and general
moving expenses. If on or before the first anniversary of the Effective Date,
Executive voluntarily resigns from employment for any reason, or Employer
terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, then Executive shall promptly repay
Employer in full for the amount of such relocation expenses actually paid by
Employer.

 

  6.          Termination of Employment.

 

(a)          Cause. The Employer may terminate Executive’s employment with the
Employer for Cause by providing written Notice of Termination. For purposes of
this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean :

 

(i)          the material failure of Executive to perform Executive’s duties
with the Employer, other than any such failure resulting from Disability (as
defined below), or to follow the lawful directives of the Bancorp Board, which
failure is not cured within ten (10) days following Executive’s receipt of
written notice from the Bancorp Board specifying such failure;

 

(ii)         Executive’s engaging in any illegal conduct, gross misconduct, or
gross negligence in connection with the Employer’s business or relating to
Executive’s duties hereunder;

 

(iii)        Executive’s illegal use of controlled substances;

 

(iv)        Executive’s commission, charge with, indictment for, conviction of,
or entry of a plea of nolo contendere or no contest with respect to: (A) any
felony, or any misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty, moral turpitude, or a
breach of trust (including pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or
lesser charge which results from plea bargaining),  whether or not such felony,
crime or lesser offense is connected with the business of the Employer, or (B)
any crime connected with the business of the Employer;

 

(v)         Executive’s commission of or engagement in any act of fraud,
misappropriation, theft, embezzlement or an act of comparable dishonesty,
whether or not such act was committed in connection with the business of the
Employer;

 

(vi)Executive’s breach of fiduciary duty or breach of any of the covenants set
forth in Section 11 of this Agreement;

 

(vii)        Executive’s breach of any material term or provision of this
Agreement other than the covenants set forth in Section 11 of this Agreement,
which breach (if curable) has not been cured within thirty (30) days of receipt
of written notice of such breach from the Bancorp Board;

 

(viii)Executive’s violation of the Employer’s policy against harassment, its
equal employment opportunity policy, or the Employer’s code of business conduct,
or a material violation of any other policy or procedure of the Employer; or

 

(ix)      conduct by Executive that results in the permanent removal of
Executive from Executive’s position as an officer or employee of the Bancorp or
the Bank pursuant to a written order by any banking regulatory agency with
authority or jurisdiction over the Bancorp or the Bank, as the case may be.

 

(b)          Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with
the Employer for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason”
shall mean:

 

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities;

 

(ii) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must
regularly perform the services to be performed by Executive pursuant to this
Agreement (other than a change in such geographic location to an office or other
location closer to Executive’s home residence); and

 

(iii) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the
Employer of this Agreement; 

 

provided, however, that Executive must provide notice to the Employer of the
condition Executive contends is Good Reason within 90 days after the initial
existence of the condition, and the Employer must have a period of 30 days to
remedy the condition. If the condition is not remedied within such 30-day
period, then Executive must provide a Notice of Termination as set forth in
Section 6(f) within 30 days after the end of the Employer’s remedy period.

 

(c)          Without Cause. The Employer may terminate Executive’s employment
without Cause (a “Termination Without Cause”).

 

(d)          Voluntary Termination. Executive may voluntarily terminate
Executive’s employment without Good Reason (a “Voluntary Termination”).

 

(e)          Death or Disability. Executive’s employment with the Employer shall
terminate automatically upon Executive’s death during the Employment Period. If
Executive is incapacitated by accident, sickness or otherwise so as to render
Executive mentally or physically incapable of performing fully the services
required of Executive under this Agreement (referred to herein as a
“Disability”) for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or for an aggregate
of one hundred twenty (120) business days during any twelve (12) month period,
the Employer may terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement effective
immediately after the expiration of either of such periods, upon giving
Executive Notice of Termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, if it
is determined by the Employer that Executive has a “disability” as defined under
the Americans with Disabilities Act, Executive’s employment shall not be
terminated on the basis of such disability unless it is first determined by the
Employer after consultation with Executive that there is no reasonable
accommodation which would permit Executive to perform the essential functions of
Executive’s position without imposing an undue hardship on the Employer.

 

(f)          Notice of Termination. Any termination (other than for death) shall
be communicated by a Notice of Termination given in accordance with Section
14(i) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of
Termination” means a written notice that (i) indicates the specific termination
provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets
forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated
and (iii) if the Termination Date (as defined below) is other than the date of
receipt of such notice, specifies the Termination Date (which date shall be not
more than 30 days after the giving of such notice, except as otherwise provided
in Section 6(e)). The failure to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact
or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Disability, Cause or Good
Reason shall not waive any right of Executive or the Employer hereunder or
preclude Executive or the Employer from asserting such fact or circumstance in
enforcing Executive’s or the Employer’s rights hereunder.

 

(g)          Termination Date. “Termination Date” means (i) if Executive’s
employment is terminated by the Employer for Cause or without Cause, the date of
Executive’s receipt of the Notice of Termination or a later date specified
therein, as the case may be, (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by
Executive for Good Reason, the date of the Employer’s receipt of the Notice of
Termination, (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive as a
Voluntary Termination, the date of the Employer’s receipt of the Notice of
Termination or a later date specified therein, as the case may be, and (iv) if
Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the
Termination Date shall be the date of death of Executive or the Disability
Effective Date, as the case may be.

 

7.          Obligations of the Employer Upon Termination.

 

(a)          Cause; Voluntary Termination. If, during the Employment Period, the
Employer shall terminate Executive’s employment for Cause or Executive shall
terminate Executive’s employment by a Voluntary Termination, then Executive
shall be entitled to receive the following (collectively, the “Accrued
Amounts”):

 

(i)          any accrued but unpaid Base Salary and accrued but unused vacation,
sick or other leave pay, which shall be paid on the pay date immediately
following the Termination Date in accordance with the Employer’s customary
payroll procedures;

 

(ii)         any earned but unpaid cash bonus with respect to any completed
fiscal year immediately preceding the Termination Date, which shall be paid on
the otherwise applicable payment date; provided, however, that if Executive’s
employment is terminated by the Employer for Cause, then any such accrued but
unpaid cash bonus shall be forfeited;

 

(iii)        reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred
by Executive, which shall be subject to and paid in accordance with the
Employer’s expense reimbursement policies, practices and procedures; and

 

(iv)        such employee benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be
entitled under the Benefit Plans as of the Termination Date.

 

(b)          Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason. If, during the
Employment Period, the Employer shall terminate Executive’s employment without
Cause or Executive shall terminate Executive’s employment for Good Reason, then
Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and, subject to
Executive’s execution of a release of claims in favor of the Employer, its
subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective officers and directors
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (the “Release”) and such
Release becoming effective within 45 days following the Termination Date (such
45-day period, for purposes of this Section 7(b), the “Release Execution
Period”), Executive shall also be entitled to receive the following:

 

(i)          a lump sum amount equal to three times the sum of (A) Executive’s
Base Salary and (B) Executive’s highest cash bonus earned with respect to any
fiscal year within the three most recently completed fiscal years immediately
preceding the Termination Date (or if Termination occurs within the first year
of the Employment Period, 50% of Base Salary), which amount shall be paid in
cash on or before the 60th day after the Termination Date; provided, however,
that if the Release Execution Period begins in one taxable year and ends in
another taxable year, then payment shall not be made until the beginning of the
second taxable year;

 

(ii)         a lump sum amount equal to the product of (A) the cash bonus, if
any, that Executive would have earned for the fiscal year in which the
Termination Date occurs based on the achievement of applicable performance goals
for such year and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
Executive was employed by the Employer during the year of termination and the
denominator of which is the number of days in such year (the “Pro-Rata Bonus”),
which amount shall be paid in cash on the date that annual bonuses are paid to
senior executives of the Employer generally, but in no event later than
two-and-one-half months following the end of the fiscal year in which the
Termination Date occurs; 

 

(iii)        if Executive timely and properly elects continuation coverage under
the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), then the
Employer shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by
Executive for Executive and Executive’s dependents until the earliest of: (A)
the 18-month anniversary of the Termination Date; (B) the date Executive is no
longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (C) the date on
which Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from
another employer. Such reimbursement shall be paid to Executive on the 15th day
of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits
the premium payment; and

 

(iv) any issued but unvested restricted stock, stock options, phantom stock or
other long-term incentive shall be deemed to be fully vested as of the date of
termination.

 

(c)          Death or Disability. If Executive’s employment is terminated during
the Employment Period on account of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive
(or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries, as the case may be) shall be entitled
to receive the following: (i) the Accrued Amounts; and (ii) a lump sum amount
equal to the Pro-Rata Bonus, if any, that Executive would have earned for the
fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs

based on the achievement of applicable performance goals for such year, which
amount shall be paid in cash on the date that annual bonuses are paid to senior
executives of the Employer generally, but in no event later than
two-and-one-half months following the end of the fiscal year in which the
Termination Date occurs. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein,
all payments made in connection with Executive’s Disability shall be provided in
a manner that is consistent with federal and state law.

 

8.          Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent
or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program,
policy or practice provided by the Employer and for which Executive may qualify,
nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may
have under any contract or agreement with the Employer, except as expressly
provided otherwise in this Agreement. Amounts which are vested benefits or which
Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or
program of or any contract or agreement with the Employer at or subsequent to
the Termination Date shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy,
practice or program or such contract or agreement, except as expressly modified
by this Agreement.

 

9.          No Mitigation. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek
other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
payable to Executive under Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

10.         Code Section 280G.

 

(a)          Certain Reductions in Agreement Payments. Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event a nationally recognized
independent accounting firm designated by the Employer and reasonably acceptable
to Executive (the “Accounting Firm”) shall determine that receipt of all
payments or distributions by the Employer and its affiliates in the nature of
compensation to or for Executive’s benefit, whether paid or payable pursuant to
this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would subject Executive to the excise
tax under Section 4999 of the Code, the Accounting Firm shall determine as
required below in this Section 10(a) whether to reduce any of the Payments paid
or payable pursuant to this Agreement (the “Agreement Payments”) to the Reduced
Amount (as defined below). The Agreement Payments shall be reduced to the
Reduced Amount only if the Accounting Firm determines that Executive would have
a greater Net After-Tax Receipt (as defined below) of aggregate Payments if
Executive’s Agreement Payments were so reduced. If the Accounting Firm
determines that Executive would not have a greater Net After-Tax Receipt of
aggregate Payments if Executive’s Agreement Payments were so reduced, then
Executive shall receive all Agreement Payments to which Executive is entitled.

 

(b)          Accounting Firm Determinations. If the Accounting Firm determines
that aggregate Agreement Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, then
the Employer shall promptly give Executive notice to that effect and a copy of
the detailed calculation thereof. All determinations made by the Accounting Firm
under this Section 10 shall be binding upon the Employer and Executive and shall
be made as soon as reasonably practicable and in no event later than 20 days
following the Termination Date. For purposes of reducing the Agreement Payments
to the Reduced Amount, only amounts payable under this Agreement (and no other
Payments) shall be reduced. The reduction of the amounts payable hereunder, if
applicable, shall be made by reducing the payments and benefits under the
following sections in the following order: first from Section 7(b)(iii), then
from Section 7(b)(ii) and lastly from Section 7(b)(i). All fees and expenses of
the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Employer.

 

(c)          Overpayments; Underpayments. As a result of the uncertainty in the
application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that amounts will have been
paid or distributed by the Employer to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant
to this Agreement which should not have been so paid or distributed (an
“Overpayment”) or that additional amounts which will have not been paid or
distributed by the Employer to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to this
Agreement which should have been so paid or distributed (an “Underpayment”), in
each case consistent with the calculation of the Reduced Amount hereunder. In
the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by
the Internal Revenue Service against either the Employer or Executive which the
Accounting Firm believes has a high probability of success determines that an
Overpayment has been made, Executive shall pay any such Overpayment to the
Employer together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in
Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code; provided, however, that no amount shall be
payable by Executive to the Employer if and to the extent such payment would not
either reduce the amount on which Executive is subject to tax under Section 1
and Section 4999 of the Code or generate a refund of such taxes. In the event
that the Accounting Firm, based upon controlling precedent or other substantial
authority, determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment
shall be paid promptly (and in no event later

than 60 days following the date on which the Underpayment is determined) by the
Employer to or for the benefit of Executive together with interest at the
applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code.

 

(d)          Definitions. The following terms shall have the following meanings
for purposes of this Section 10:

 

(i)          “Reduced Amount” shall mean the greatest amount of Agreement
Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise
tax under Section 4999 of the Code if the Accounting Firm determines to reduce
Agreement Payments pursuant to Section 10(a).

 

(ii)         “Net After-Tax Receipt” shall mean the present value (as determined
in accordance with Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of a
Payment net of all taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto under
Sections 1 and 4999 of the Code and under applicable state and local laws,
determined by applying the highest marginal rate under Section 1 of the Code and
under state and local laws which applied to Executive’s taxable income for the
immediately preceding taxable year, or such other rate(s) as the Accounting Firm
determined to be likely to apply to Executive in the relevant taxable year(s).

 

11.         Restrictive Covenants.

 

(a)          Executive Acknowledgements. Executive acknowledges that (i)
Executive has received good and valuable consideration in exchange for
Executive’s agreement to be bound by the restrictive covenants in this Section
11 and (ii) the Employer will provide certain benefits to Executive hereunder in
reliance on such covenants in view of the unique and essential nature of the
services Executive will perform on behalf of the Employer and the irreparable
injury that would befall the Employer should Executive breach such covenants.
Executive further acknowledges that Executive’s services are of a special,
unique and extraordinary character and that Executive’s position with the
Employer will place Executive in a position of confidence and trust with
customers and employees of the Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliates and
with the Employer’s other constituencies and will allow Executive access to
Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (each as defined below) concerning
the Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Executive further acknowledges
that the types and periods of restrictions imposed by the covenants in this
Section 11 are fair and reasonable, and that such restrictions will not prevent
Executive from earning a livelihood.

 

(b)          Covenants. Having acknowledged the foregoing, Executive covenants
and agrees with the Employer as follows:

 

(i)          While Executive is employed by the Employer and continuing
thereafter, Executive shall not disclose or use any Confidential Information for
any purpose other than as may be necessary and appropriate in the ordinary
course of performing Executive’s duties to the Employer during the Employment
Period.  This obligation shall remain in effect for as long as the information
or materials in question retain their status as Confidential
Information.  Executive further agrees that Executive shall fully cooperate with
the Employer in maintaining the secrecy of the Confidential Information, to the
extent permitted by law. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement
is not intended to, and does not, alter either the Employer’s rights or
Executive’s obligations under any state or federal statutory or common law
regarding trade secrets and unfair trade practices.  Anything herein to the
contrary notwithstanding, Executive shall not be restricted from: (A) disclosing
information that is required to be disclosed by law, court order or other valid
and appropriate legal process; provided,  however, that in the event such
disclosure is required by law, Executive shall provide the Employer with prompt
notice of such requirement so that the Employer may seek an appropriate
protective order prior to any such required disclosure by Executive; or (B)
reporting possible violations of federal, state, or local law or regulation to
any governmental agency or entity, or from making other disclosures that are
protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal, state, or local law or
regulation, and Executive shall not need the prior authorization of the Employer
to make any such reports or disclosures and shall not be required to notify the
Employer that Executive has made such reports or disclosures.  In addition, and
anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive is hereby given
notice that Executive shall not be criminally or civilly liable under any
federal or state trade secret law for: (C) disclosing a trade secret (as defined
by 18 U.S.C. § 1839) in confidence to a federal, state, or local

government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in either
event solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation
of law; or (C) disclosing a trade secret (as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 1839) in a
complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such
filing is made under seal.

 

(ii)         While Executive is employed by the Employer and for a period of 18
months thereafter, Executive shall not (except on behalf of or with the prior
written consent of the Employer), on Executive’s own behalf or in the service or
on behalf of others, solicit or attempt to solicit any customer of the Employer
or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including, without limitation, actively
sought prospective customers, with whom Executive had Material Contact (as
defined below) during Executive’s employment, for the purpose of engaging in,
providing or selling Competitive Services (as defined below).

 

(iii)        While Executive is employed by the Employer and for a period of 18
months thereafter, Executive shall not (except on behalf of or with the prior
written consent of the Employer),  either directly or indirectly, on Executive’s
own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, carry on or engage in
Competitive Services for a financial institution headquartered within the
Restricted Territory.

 

(iv)        While Executive is employed by the Employer and for a period of 18
months thereafter, Executive shall not (except on behalf of or with the prior
written consent of the Employer), on Executive’s own behalf or in the service or
on behalf of others, solicit or recruit or attempt to solicit or recruit,
directly or by assisting others, any employee of the Employer or its
subsidiaries or affiliates, whether or not such employee is a full-time employee
or a temporary employee of the Employer or its subsidiaries or affiliates,
whether or not such employment is pursuant to a written agreement and whether or
not such employment is for a determined period or is at will, to cease working
for the Employer in order to go to work for a competitor of the Employer.

 

(v)         Executive agrees that Executive will not retain or destroy (except
as set forth below), and will immediately return to the Employer on or prior to
the date Executive’s employment with the Employer ends, or at any other time the
Employer requests such return, any and all property of the Employer that is in
Executive’s possession or subject to Executive’s control, including, but not
limited to, donor or customer files and information, papers, drawings, notes,
manuals, specifications, designs, devices, code, email, documents, diskettes,
CDs, tapes, keys, access cards, credit cards, identification cards, equipment,
computers, mobile devices, other electronic media, all other files and documents
relating to the Employer and its business (regardless of form, but specifically
including all electronic files and data of the Employer), together with all
Confidential Information belonging to the Employer or that Executive received
from or through Executive’s employment with the Employer.  Executive will not
make, distribute, or retain copies of any such information or property.  To the
extent that Executive has electronic files or information in Executive’s
possession or control that belong to the Employer or contain Confidential
Information (specifically including but not limited to electronic files or
information stored on personal computers, mobile devices, electronic media, or
in cloud storage), on or prior to the date Executive’s employment with the
Employer ends, or at any other time the Employer requests, Executive shall (A)
provide the Employer with an electronic copy of all of such files or information
(in an electronic format that readily accessible by the Employer); (B) after
doing so, delete all such files and information, including all copies and
derivatives thereof, from all non-Employer-owned computers, mobile devices,
electronic media, cloud storage, and other media, devices, and equipment, such
that such files and information are permanently deleted and irretrievable; and
(C) provide a written certification to the Employer that the required deletions
have been completed and specifying the files and information deleted and the
media source from which they were deleted.

 

(c)          Definitions. For purposes of this Section 11, the following terms
shall be defined as set forth below:

 

(i)          “Competitive Services” shall mean the business of providing
deposits, money market accounts, certificates of deposit or other typical retail
banking deposit-type services or loans on a retail level, to individuals,
businesses or non-profit entities in any State in the United States in which
Employer has a retail bank branch at the time Executive’s employment ceases.

 

(ii)         “Confidential Information” shall mean data and information: (A)
relating to the business of the Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliates,
regardless of whether the data or information constitutes a trade secret; (B)
disclosed to Executive or of which Executive becomes aware as a consequence of
Executive’s relationship with the Employer; (C) having value to the Employer;
and (D) not generally known to competitors of the Employer. Confidential
Information shall include, without limitation, trade secrets (as defined by
applicable law), methods of operation, names of customers, price lists,
financial information and projections, personnel data and similar
information; provided, however, that such term shall not mean data or
information that (x) has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the
Employer, except where such public disclosure has been made by Executive without
authorization from the Employer, (y) has been independently developed and
disclosed by others or (z) has otherwise entered the public domain through
lawful means.  In addition to data and information relating to the Employer and
its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Confidential Information” also includes any
and all data and information relating to or concerning a third party that
otherwise meets the definition set forth above, that was provided or made
available to the Employer or its subsidiaries or affiliates by such third party,
and that the Employer and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates have a duty or
obligation to keep confidential.  This definition shall not limit any definition
of “confidential information” or any equivalent term under state or federal law.

 

(iii)        “Material Contact” as to a customer or prospective customer shall
mean (A) having dealings with a customer or prospective customer on behalf of
the Employer or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (B) directly coordinating or
supervising dealings with a customer or prospective customer on behalf of the
Employer or its subsidiaries or affiliates; or (C) obtaining Confidential
Information about a customer or prospective customer in the ordinary course of
business as a result of Executive’s employment with the Employer.

 

(iv)        “Restricted Territory” shall mean the geographic territory within a
50-mile radius of each of the Employer’s corporate office located at 6830 Old
Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101; provided, however, that if the physical
location of such office shall change during the Term, then the Restricted
Territory shall mean the geographic territory within a 50-mile radius of the
physical location of such office at such time and, in the event of the
termination of Executive’s employment, the Restricted Territory shall mean the
geographic territory within a 50-mile radius of the physical location of such
office on the Termination Date.

  

(d)          Equitable Remedies. The parties specifically acknowledge and agree
that the remedy at law for any breach of the covenants contained in this Section
11 (the “Protective Covenants”) will be inadequate, and that in the event
Executive breaches, or threatens to breach, any of the Protective Covenants, the
Employer shall have the right and remedy, without the necessity of proving
actual damage or posting any bond, to enjoin, preliminarily and permanently,
Executive from violating or threatening to violate the Protective Covenants and
to have the Protective Covenants specifically enforced by any court of competent
jurisdiction, it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of the
Protective Covenants would cause irreparable injury to the Employer and that
money damages would not provide an adequate remedy to the Employer.  Executive
understands and agrees that if Executive violates any of the obligations set
forth in the Protective Covenants, the period of restriction applicable to each
obligation violated shall cease to run during the pendency of any litigation
over such violation, provided that such litigation was initiated during the
period of restriction.  Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and
not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Employer at law
or in equity.  The parties agree that, if the parties become involved in legal
action regarding the enforcement of the Protective Covenants, the prevailing
party in such action will be entitled, in addition to any other remedy, to
recover from the non-prevailing party its or his reasonable costs and attorneys’
fees incurred in such action.  The Employer’s ability to enforce its rights
under the Protective Covenants or applicable law against Executive shall not be
impaired in any way by the existence of a claim or cause of action on the part
of Executive based on, or arising out of, this Agreement or any other event or
transaction.

 

(e)          Severability and Modification of Covenants. Executive acknowledges
and agrees that each of the Protective Covenants is reasonable and valid in time
and scope and in all other respects.  The parties agree that it is their
intention that the Protective Covenants be enforced in accordance with their
terms to the maximum extent permitted by law.  Each of the Protective Covenants
shall be considered and construed as a separate and independent
covenant.  Should any part or provision of any of the Protective Covenants be
held invalid, void, or unenforceable,

such invalidity, voidness, or unenforceability shall not render invalid, void,
or unenforceable any other part or provision of this Agreement or such
Protective Covenant.  If any of the provisions of the Protective Covenants
should ever be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the scope
permitted by the applicable law, such provision or provisions shall be
automatically modified to such lesser scope as such court may deem just and
proper for the reasonable protection of the Employer’s legitimate business
interests and may be enforced by the Employer to that extent in the manner
described above and all other provisions of this Agreement shall be valid and
enforceable.

 

12.         Executive’s Representations. Executive hereby represents to the
Employer that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the
Employer and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall
not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment
agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or
otherwise bound. Executive represents and warrants that Executive is not subject
to any employment agreement, nondisclosure agreement, common law nondisclosure
obligation, fiduciary duty, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant or
any other obligation to any former employer or to any other person or entity
that conflicts in any way with Executive’s ability to be employed by or perform
services for the Employer.  Executive will not disclose to the Employer or use
on its behalf any proprietary or confidential information of any other party
required to be kept confidential by Executive.

 

13.         Assignment and Successors.

 

(a)          Executive. This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the
prior written consent of the Employer shall not be assignable by Executive
otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal
representatives.

 

(b)          The Employer. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Employer and its successors and assigns. The Bancorp and the
Bank will each require any successor to it (whether direct or indirect, by stock
or asset purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) or to all or
substantially all of its business or assets to assume expressly and agree to
perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent it would be
required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

 

14.         Miscellaneous.

 

(a)          Waiver. Failure of either party to insist, in one or more
instances, on performance by the other in strict accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of
any right granted in this Agreement or of the future performance of any such
term or condition or of any other term or condition of this Agreement, unless
such waiver is contained in a writing signed by the party making the waiver.

 

(b)          Severability. If any provision or covenant, or any part thereof, of
this Agreement should be held by any court to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, either in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality enforceability of the
remaining provisions or covenants, or any part thereof, of this Agreement, all
of which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(c)          Entire Agreement. Except as provided herein, this Agreement
contains the entire agreement between the Employer and Executive with respect to
the subject matter hereof and from and after the Effective Date supersedes and
invalidates all previous employment agreements with Executive. No
representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or otherwise, which
are not embodied herein shall be of any force or effect.

  

(d)          Withholdings. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the Employer shall withhold from any amounts payable or benefits
provided under this Agreement any federal, state and local taxes as shall be
required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

(e)          Compliance with Section 409A.

 

(i)          It is intended that this Agreement shall conform with all
applicable Section 409A requirements to the extent Section 409A applies to any
provisions of the Agreement. Accordingly, in interpreting, construing or
applying any provisions of the Agreement, the same shall be construed in such

manner as shall meet and comply with Section 409A, and in the event of any
inconsistency with Section 409A, the same shall be reformed so as to meet the
requirements of Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, each payment made
under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment and the right to a
series of installment payments under this Agreement is to be treated as a right
to a series of separate payments. In no event shall Executive, directly or
indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment. Executive acknowledges that
the Employer has not made, and does not make, any representation or warranty
regarding the treatment of this Agreement or the benefits payable under this
Agreement under federal, state or local income tax laws, including, but not
limited to, Section 409A or compliance with the requirements thereof.  Neither
Employer nor its directors, officers, employees, or advisers shall be held
liable for any taxes, interest, penalties, or other monetary amounts owed by
Executive as a result of the application of Section 409A.

 

(ii)        Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the
extent that any amount or benefit that would constitute non-exempt “deferred
compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code (“Non-Exempt Deferred
Compensation”) would otherwise be payable or distributable hereunder, such
Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation will not be payable or distributable to
Executive by reason of such circumstance unless the circumstances giving rise to
such payment event meet any description or definition of “separation from
service” in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations (without giving
effect to any elective provisions that may be available under such definition).
   

 

(iii)         To the extent Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in
Section 409A, notwithstanding the timing of payment provided in any other
Section of this Agreement, no payment, distribution or benefit under this
Agreement that constitutes a distribution of deferred compensation (within the
meaning of Section 409A) upon separation from service (within the meaning of
Section 409A), after taking into account all available exemptions, that would
otherwise be payable, distributable or settled during the six-month period after
separation from service, will be made during such six-month period, and any such
payment, distribution or benefit will instead be paid, distributed or settled on
the first business day after such six-month period; provided, however, that if
Executive dies following the Termination Date and prior to the payment,
distribution, settlement or provision of any payments, distributions or benefits
delayed on account of Section 409A, then such payments, distributions or
benefits shall be paid or provided to the personal representative of Executive’s
estate within 30 days after the date of Executive’s death. 

 

(f)If Executive is entitled to be paid or reimbursed for any taxable expenses
under this Agreement, and such payments or reimbursements are includible in
Executive’s federal gross taxable income, the amount of such expenses
reimbursable in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount reimbursable
in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be
made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense
was incurred.  No right of Executive to reimbursement of expenses under this
Agreement shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

(f)          Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this
Agreement to the contrary, any bonus, incentive-based, equity-based or other
similar compensation paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other
agreement or arrangement with the Employer which is subject to recovery under
any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement will be
subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant
to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any
policy adopted by the Employer pursuant to any such law, government regulation
or stock exchange listing requirement).

 

(g)          Governing Law. Except to the extent preempted by federal law, the
laws of the State of Virginia shall govern this Agreement in all respects,
whether as to its validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise.

 

(h)          Arbitration. Except for any claim for injunctive relief hereunder
or as provided in Section 11 hereof, any controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by binding
arbitration in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American
Arbitration Association. The place of arbitration shall be selected by the
Employer. The decision of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding upon
the parties, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitration panel may
be entered by any court having

jurisdiction. The parties agree that Executive and the Employer shall each bear
one-half of the administrative expenses (filing and arbitrator costs) associated
with the arbitration, and the prevailing party shall be entitled to
reimbursement for the additional costs and expenses, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by such party in connection
with any such dispute.

 

(i)          Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by nationally
recognized overnight courier service or sent by certified, registered or express
mail, postage prepaid. Any such notice shall be deemed given when so delivered
personally, when delivered by nationally recognized overnight courier service
or, if mailed, five days after the date of deposit in the United States mail, as
follows:

 

To the Employer:

 

SONABANK

6830 Old Dominion Drive

McLean, Virginia 22101

Attention: Board of Directors

 

To Executive:

 

At the most recent address on file for Executive with the Employer.

 

(j)          Any party may change the address to which notices, requests,
demands and other communications shall be delivered or mailed by giving notice
thereof to the other party in the same manner provided herein.

 

(k)          Survival. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, the provisions of Sections 7, 10, 11 and 14(e)-(j), the definitions of
defined terms used therein and the remaining provisions of this Section 14 (to
the extent necessary to effectuate the survival of the foregoing provisions)
shall survive the termination of this Agreement and any termination of
Executive’s employment hereunder.

 

(l)          Amendments and Modifications. This Agreement may be amended or
modified only by a writing signed by all parties hereto that makes specific
reference to this Agreement.

 

[Signature page follows.]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this
Executive Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

BANCORP

 

By:       __________________________

Name: __________________________

Title:    __________________________

 

 

BANK

 

By:       __________________________

Name: __________________________

Title:    __________________________

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

/s/ Dennis J. Zember, Jr.