EX-10.1 INTERIM EXECUTIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT



 





Exhibit 10.1




Tatum, LLC




Interim Executive Services Agreement




April 13,2007




Mr. Erik Vonk

Chairman and CEO

Gevity

9000 Town Center Parkway

Bradenton, FL 34202




Dear Erik:



Tatum, LLC (“Tatum”) understands that Gevity HR, Inc., (the “Company”) desires to engage a partner
of Tatum to serve as interim chief financial officer. This Interim Executive Services Agreement
{this “agreement”) sets forth the conditions under which such services will be provided.



Services:
Fees



Tatum will make available to the Company Gerry Welsh (the “Tatum Partner”); who will serve as the
interim chief financial officer of the Company, The Tatum Partner will become an employee and, if
applicable, a duly elected or appointed officer of the Company and subject to the supervision and
direction of the CEO of the Company, the board of directors of the Company, or both. Tatum will
have no control or supervision over the Tatum Partner. Should additional resources be determined
as necessary, we will discuss this with you as the need arises. The Tatum Partner will serve as
the Company’s “principal financial officer” for purposes of the Company’s SEC filings and
acknowledges that the duties of the Tatum Partner will include the obligation to sign
certifications of the Company’s financial statements as the Company’s “principal financial
officer” as required by SEC rules, but only to the extent the Tatum Partner was the chief
financial officer of the Company during the majority of the time period in which the
certifications relates. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Tatum Partner will not sign
the certifications with respect the 10K for Fiscal Year 2006 and the 10Q for the first quarter of
Fiscal Year 2007. In addition, the Tatum Partner will not be obligated to sign certifications to
the extent he reasonably determines that doing so would be in violation of his fiduciary duties to
the Company or any of its stakeholders or may result in personal liability.



The
Company will pay the Tatum Partner a salary of $39,000.00 a month (“Salary”).



In addition, the Company will pay directly to Tatum a fee of $9,750.00 a month (“Tatum Fees”):
This amount together with the other amounts required to be paid to Tatum hereunder represents the
total compensation owed by the Company to Tatum for all services of Tatum and the Tatum Partner to
the Company in connection with this agreement. The Tatum Partner will remain on his current
medical plan. The Company will reimburse the Tatum Partner for amounts paid by the Tatum Partner
for medical insurance for himself and his family of up to $1,000.00 per month upon presentation of
reasonable documentation of premiums paid by the Tatum Partner. In accordance with the U.S.
federal tax law, such amount will not be considered reportable W-2 income, but instead non-taxable
benefits expense.
















 





As an employee, the Tatum Partner will be eligible for any Company employee retirement and/or 401(k) plan and
for vacation and holidays consistent with the Company’s policy as it applies to senior management, and the Tatum Partner will be exempt from any delay periods otherwise required for eligibility.



Payments: Deposit




Payments to Tatum should be made by direct deposit through the Company’s payroll, or by an automated clearing house
(“ACH”) payment at the same time as payments are made to the employees of the Company. If such payment method is not available and payments are made by check, Tatum will issue invoices to the Company, and the Company agrees to pay such invoices no later than (10) days after receipt of i
invoices.



The Company will reimburse the Tatum Partner directly for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Tatum Partner in providing services hereunder to the same extent that the Company is responsible for such expenses of senior managers of the Company and subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and Schedule A attached hereto.



The
Company agrees to pay Tatum and to maintain a security deposit of
$48,750.00 for the Company’s future payment obligations to both Tatum and the Tatum Partner under this agreement (the “Deposit”).
Upon the termination or expiration of this agreement, Tatum will be entitled to apply the Deposit to its damages resulting from such breach. Upon termination or expiration of this agreement, Tatum will return to the Company the balance of the Deposit remaining after
application of any amounts to unfulfilled payment obligations of the Company to Tatum or the Tatum Partner as provided for in this agreement.



Converting Interim to Permanent




The Company will have the opportunity to make an offer of regular, full-time employment to the Tatum Partner at any time during the term of this agreement by entering into another form of Tatum agreement, the terms of which will be negotiated at such time.



Hiring Tatum Partner Outside of Agreement




During the twelve (12)-month period following termination or expiration of this agreement, other than in connection with another Tatum agreement, the Company will not employ
the Tatum Partner, or engage the Tatum Partner as an independent contractor, to render services of substantially the same nature as those to be performed by the Tatum Partner
as contemplated by this agreement except in accordance with this agreement. The parties recognize and agree that a breach by the Company of this provision would result in the loss to Tatum of the
Tatum Partner’s Annualized Compensation (as defined below), which amount the parties agree in reasonably Proportionate to the probable loss to Tatum and is not intended as a penalty. If,
however, a court or arbitrator, as applicable, determines that liquidated damages are not appropriate for such breach, Tatum will have the right to seek actual damages. The amount will be due and payable to Tatum upon written
demand to the Company. For this purpose, “Annualized Compensation” will mean Salary multiplied by twelve(12).




2










 





Term & Termination



The term of this agreement shall be thirty (30) days. Unless terminated by the parties, the term of
this agreement will automatically renew for successive thirty (30) day periods. The parties
acknowledge that the entire term of this agreement is expected to be one hundred eighty (180) days.
Either party may, with thirty (30) days’ advance written notice, terminate this agreement, such
termination to be effective on the date specified in the notice, provided that such date is no
earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of delivery of the notice. Tatum will continue to
render services and will be paid during such notice period.



Tatum retains the right to terminate this agreement immediately if (1) the Company is engaged in or
asks the Tatum Partner to engage in or to ignore any illegal or unethical activity by the Company
or any of its officers, directors or employees, (2) the Tatum Partner dies or becomes disabled, (3)
the Tatum Partner ceases to be a partner of Tatum for any other reason, (4) upon written notice by
Tatum of no-payment by the Company of amounts due under this agreement, or (5) the Company no
longer maintains D&O Insurance. The Company retains the right to terminate this agreement
immediately (1) for Cause, (2) if the Tatum Partner dies or becomes disabled, or (3) if the Tatum
Partner ceases to be a partner of Tatum for any other reason. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Cause” shall mean (i) the willful and continued failure by the Tatum Partner to perform
substantially the Tatum Partner’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting
from the Tatum Partner’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) gross negligence or
willful misconduct by the Tatum Partner in the execution of the Tatum Partner’s professional
duties; (iii) conviction of the Tatum Partner of, or a plea by the Tatum Partner of nolo contendere
to, a felony; (iv) a material breach by the Tatum Partner of any provision of this agreement or
Company policy; (v) any misuse, misappropriation or embezzlement by the Tatum Partner of funds or
property belonging to the Company or any of its affiliates; or (vi) use of alcohol or drugs which
interferes with the performance of the Tatum Partner’s duties to the Company. In the event that the
Company or Tatum commits a breach of this agreement, other than for reasons described in the above
paragraph, and fails to cure the same within thirty (30) days following delivery by the
non-breaching party of written notice specifying the nature of the breach, the non-breaching party
will have the right to terminate this agreement immediately effective upon written notice of such
termination.




Insurance



The Company has provided to Tatum written evidence that the Company maintains directors’ and
officers’ insurance that covers the Tatum Partner. The Company agrees to maintain such insurance at
all times while this agreement remains in effect; provided that the Company shall not be obligated
to pay premiums for such insurance in excess of 200% of the current premiums payable for such
insurance. Furthermore, the Company will maintain such insurance coverage with respect to
occurrences arising during the term of this agreement for at least three years following the
termination or expiration of this agreement or will purchase a directors’ and officers’ extended reporting period, or “tail,” policy
to cover the Tatum Partner.




Disclaimers, Limitations of Liability & Indemnity



Tatum assumes no responsibility or liability under this agreement other than to render the services
called for hereunder and will not be responsible for any action taken by the Company in following
or declining to follow any of Tatum’s advice or recommendations. Tatum represents to the Company
that Tatum has conducted its standard screening and investigation procedures with respect to the
Tatum Partner becoming a partner in Tatum, and the results of the same were satisfactory to Tatum.
Tatum disclaims all other warranties, either express or implied. Without




3









 




limiting the foregoing, Tatum makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or
reliability of reports, projections, forecasts, or any other information derived from use of
Tatum’s resources, and Tatum will not be liable for any claims of reliance on such reports,
projections, forecasts, or information. Tatum will not be liable for any non-compliance of reports,
projections, forecasts, or information or services with federal, state, or local laws or
regulations. Such reports, projections, forecasts, or information or services are for the sole
benefit of the Company and not any unnamed third parties. If Tatum determines at any time during
the term of this agreement that the Tatum Partner is not qualified in any material respect to
perform the services contemplated by this agreement, Tatum will give the Company prompt written
notice of such determination.



In the event that any partner of Tatum or the Tatum Partner is subpoenaed or otherwise required to
appear as a witness or Tatum or such partner is required to provide evidence, in either case in
connection with any action, suit, or other proceeding initiated by a third party or by the Company
against a third party, then the Company shall reimburse Tatum for the costs and expenses (including
reasonable attorneys’ fees) actually incurred by Tatum or such partner and provide Tatum with
reasonable and customary compensation for the time incurred.



The Company agrees that, with respect to any claims the Company may assert against Tatum in
connection with this agreement or the relationship arising hereunder, Tatum’s total liability will
not exceed two (2) months of the Tatum Fees, except in a case of fraud by Tatum.



As a condition for recovery of any liability, the Company shall assert any claim against Tatum as
promptly as practicable after discovery of the claim but in any event within 18 months after
termination of this agreement.



Tatum will not be liable in any event for incidental, consequential, punitive, or special damages,
including without limitation, any interruption of business or loss of business, profit, or
goodwill.




Arbitration



If the parties are unable to resolve any dispute arising out of or in connection with the
agreement, either party may refer the dispute to arbitration by a single arbitrator selected by the
parties according to the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”); and the decision of
the arbitrator will be final and binding on both parties. Such arbitration will be conducted by the
Atlanta, Georgia, office of the AAA. In the event that the parties fail to agree on the selection
of the arbitrator within thirty (30) days after either party’s request for arbitration under this
paragraph, the arbitrator will be closed by AAA. The arbitrator may in his discretion order
documentary discovery but shall not allow depositions without a showing of compelling need. The
arbitrator will render his decision within ninety (90) days after the call for arbitration. The
arbitrator will have no authority to award punitive damages. Judgment on the award of the
arbitrator may be entered in and enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator
will have no authority to award damages in excess or in contravention of this agreement and may not amend or
disregard any provision of this agreement, including this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
either party may seek appropriate injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, and
either party may seek inductive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.




Miscellaneous



Tatum will be entitled to receive all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incidental to
the collection of overdue amounts under this agreement, including but not limited to attorneys’
fees actually incurred.





4










 




During the term of this agreement, the Company agrees to allow Tatum to use the Company’s logo
and name on Tatum’s website and other marketing materials for the sole purpose of identifying the
Company as a client of Tatum. Tatum will not use the Company’s logo or name in any press release or
general circulation advertisement without the Company’s prior written consent.



Neither the Company nor Tatum will be deemed to have waived any rights or remedies accruing under
this agreement unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the party electing to waive the right
or remedy. This agreement binds and benefits the respective successors of Tatum and the Company.



Neither party will be liable for any delay or failure to perform under this agreement (other than
with respect to payment obligations) to the extent such delay or failure is a result of an act of
God, war, earthquake, civil disobedience, court order, labor dispute, or other cause beyond such
party’s reasonable control.



The provisions on the attached Schedule A are incorporated herein by reference. The provisions
concerning payment of compensation and reimbursement of costs and expenses, limitation of
liability, directors’ and officers’ insurance, and arbitration will survive the expiration or any
termination of this agreement.



This agreement will be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance with the laws of the
State of Georgia, without giving effect to conflicts-of-laws principles.



The terms of this agreement are severable and may not be amended except in writing signed by the
party to be bound. If any portion of this agreement is found to be unenforceable, the rest of the
agreement will be enforceable except to the extent that the severed provision deprives either party
of a substantial benefit of its bargain.



Nothing in this agreement shall confer any rights upon any person or entity other than the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and the Tatum Partner.



Each person signing below is authorized to sign on behalf of the party indicated, and in each case
such signature is the only one necessary.




Bank Lockbox Mailing Address for Deposit and Fees:




Tatum, LLC

P.O. Box 403291

Atlanta, GA 30384-3291




Electronic Payment Instructions for Deposit and Fees:



Bank Name: Bank of America

Branch: Atlanta

Routing Number:   For ACH Payments: 061 000 052

                                 For Wires: 026 009 593



Account Name: Tatum, LLC

Account Number: 003 279 247 763

Please reference Gavity in the body of the wire.



Please sign below and return a signed copy of this letter to indicate the Company’s agreement with
its terms and conditions.





5









 







We look forward to serving you.




Sincerely yours,




TATUM,
LLC




	 	 	 
	/s/ John A. Woelfel
	 
	Signature

	 	 






John
A. Woelfel




Area Managing Partner for TATUM, LLC








 




 





Acknowledged and agreed by:




Gevity
HR, Inc.




	 	 	 
	/s/ Edwin E. Hightower, Jr.
	 
	Signature

	 	 
	 
	 	 
	Edwin E. Hightower, Jr.
	 
	(Print Name)
	 
	 	 
	Vice President & General Counsel
	 
	(Title)
	 
	 	 
	4/16/2007
	 
	(Date)






















 




Exhibit
10.1




Schedule A



Travel and Living Expenses. We understand that the assignment requires the Tatum Partner to work out of the Sarasota/Bradenton corporate headquarters and to be available on a full-time basis commensurate with the role.



The
Company will provide local living accommodations. As well, the Tatum Partner will be reimbursed for the fair and reasonable cost of travel, meals and related out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy.