Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Executive
Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into effective November 30, 2020 (the “Effective
Date”), by and between Mike Kaseta (“Executive”) and Liquidia Technologies, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”). Each of the Company and Executive is a “Party”
and, collectively, they are the “Parties.”

 

The Company desires
to employ Executive and, in connection with such employment, to compensate Executive for Executive’s personal services to
the Company; and

 

Executive desires to
provide personal services to the Company in return for certain compensation.

 

Accordingly, in consideration
of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties agree to the following:

 

1.                 
Employment by the Company.

 

1.1             
At-Will Employment. Executive’s employment is expected to commence on November 30, 2020, or such other
date mutually agreed upon between the Parties (the “Start Date”). Executive shall be employed by the
Company on an “at will” basis, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at
any time, with or without cause or advance notice. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive shall be superseded
by this Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute the full and complete agreement between Executive and the Company on the “at
will” nature of Executive’s employment with the Company, which may be changed only in an express written agreement
signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. Executive’s rights to any compensation following a termination
shall be only as set forth in Section 6.

 

1.2             
Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to employ Executive in the position of
Chief Financial Officer, and Executive hereby accepts such employment. Executive will report to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)
and/or such Company officers or directors designated by the CEO.

 

1.3             
Duties. Executive shall faithfully perform all duties of the Company related to the position or positions
held by Executive, including but not limited to all duties set forth in this Agreement and/or in the Bylaws of the Company related
to the position or positions held by Executive and all additional duties that are reasonably prescribed from time to time by the
CEO or other designated officers or directors of the Company. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time and attention
to the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities on behalf of the Company and in furtherance of its best interests.
Executive is expected to perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement principally out of the Company’s corporate
headquarters in North Carolina, unless Executive is otherwise traveling for work. In addition, Executive shall make such business
trips at the Company’s expense to such places as may be necessary or advisable for the efficient operations of the Company.

 

     

     

    

 

1.4             
 Company Policies. Executive shall comply with all Company policies, standards, rules and regulations (a “Company
Policy” or collectively, the “Company Policies”) and all applicable government laws, rules
and regulations that are now or hereafter in effect. Executive acknowledges receipt of copies of all written Company Policies that
are in effect as of the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ
from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

 

2.                 
Compensation.

 

2.1              Salary. During the period Executive is employed with the Company, Executive shall receive a base salary of
$435,000 on an annualized basis, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with
the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”). Executive’s Base Salary may be
increased from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary, the Base Salary may be reduced if the Board determines such reduction is necessary and justified by the financial
condition of the Company and implements an equal percentage reduction in the base salaries of all of the Company’s executive
officers, but in no event will such reduction be greater than ten percent (10%) of the Base Salary. A reduction in Executive’s
Base Salary in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence shall not constitute a material diminution in Base Salary as
described in Section 6.4(b) of this Agreement.

 

2.2              Bonus. During the period Executive is employed with the Company, Executive shall be eligible to earn a discretionary
annual cash bonus of up to 40% of Base Salary (“Target Award”), subject to review and adjustment by the
Company in its sole discretion, pursuant to the terms of the Liquidia Technologies, Inc. Annual Cash Bonus Plan, as amended by
the Company from time to time (the “Bonus Plan”), or its successor plan. Any bonus, if earned, will be
paid to Executive within the time period set forth in the Bonus Plan.

 

2.3              LTIP. Upon employment and subject to approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board, Executive will receive
an incentive stock option entitling the purchase up to 230,000 shares (the “Option”) of common stock
of the Company (“Common Stock”), with the exercise price per share of Common Stock underlying the Option
equaling the Fair Market Value (as defined under the Liquidia Technologies, Inc. 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”))
of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.  The Option shall (i) be granted under and subject to the terms of the Plan
and the form of incentive stock option grant agreement, and (ii) be subject to the following vesting schedule: 25% of the grant
will become vested and exercisable or settled, as applicable, on first anniversary of the Start Date and the balance will become
vested and exercisable or settled, as applicable, in equal monthly installments over the following thirty-six (36) months, subject
to Executive’s continuous employment with the Company on each such vesting date.

 

2.4              Commuting
Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in
connection with Executive’s commute to Morrisville, North Carolina, from Executive’s current residence for up to
eighteen (18) months after the Start Date. Such commuting expenses shall only include the reasonable out-of-pocket cost of
temporary housing and transportation. Ordinary course meals and entertainment-related expenses will not be reimbursed. The
Company shall reimburse such commuting expenses within thirty (30) days following receipt of an invoice or other
documentation that complies with Company policy and the terms of this Agreement. The Company shall make tax gross-up payments
to Executive with respect to any income and employment tax liability incurred by Executive on account of any reimbursement
and/or payment under this Section 2.4.

 

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2.5             
Relocation Allowance. The Company agrees that Executive shall not be required to relocate his permanent residence
for eighteen (18) months following the Start Date. However, Executive agrees that, prior to the second anniversary of the Start
Date, Executive shall relocate Executive’s permanent residence to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina.
Subject to Executive’s relocation to North Carolina within such timeframe and Executive’s continued employment with
the Company through the time of relocation and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, the Company shall reimburse Executive
for the cost of relocating Executive’s household from his current residence to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North
Carolina, up to a maximum aggregate gross amount of $80,000 (the “Relocation Allowance”). Such relocation
expenses may only include the reasonable cost of packing, shipping and transporting household goods, real estate commissions and
closing costs, transfer taxes, airfare or other means of transport and accommodations and meal allowance for the moving of Executive
and Executive’s family, and the payment of income taxes that may be assessed in connection with the payment by the Company
to Executive of such reimbursable expenses. In order to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), any taxable reimbursements incurred pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be paid to Executive
in 2022 and all relocation expenses must be incurred and documentation submitted with respect to all such relocation expenses no
later than June 30, 2022. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive and the Company agree that if, on or before the second anniversary
of the date Executive completes Executive’s relocation to North Carolina, Executive resigns his employment with the Company
without Good Reason or the Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause (as such terms are defined below), then Executive
shall not be entitled to such reimbursement or shall be required to repay the entire Relocation Allowance to the Company. Executive
hereby authorizes the Company to deduct the Relocation Allowance from any amount that may be due to Executive from the Company,
and agrees that any remaining balance not covered by such deduction shall be repaid no later than thirty (30) days after the termination
of employment. For purposes of clarity, Executive shall have no obligation to repay the Relocation Allowance to the Company in
the event that Executive’s employment is terminated due to his death or Disability (as defined below).

 

2.6              Sign-On
Bonus. As an incentive for Executive to commence employment with the Company on the Start Date and to remain
employed with the Company for at least one (1) year thereafter, the Company agrees to pay to Executive a one-time, sign-on
bonus equal to $130,000, less standard payroll withholding requirements (the “Sign-On Bonus”). The Company
shall advance such Sign-On Bonus to Executive on the second payroll date in March 2021, subject to Executive’s
obligation to repay the full amount of the Sign-On Bonus if, prior to the first anniversary of the Start Date,
Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or Executive resigns without Good Reason. In the event
Executive is required to repay the Sign-On Bonus as set forth herein, Executive agrees that the Company may deduct, in
accordance with applicable law, said amount from any payments the Company owes Executive, including but not limited to
Executive’s final paycheck, bonus or other compensation, and any expense reimbursements, and Executive further agrees
to pay to the Company, within thirty (30) days of his termination date, any remaining unpaid balance of the Sign-On Bonus not
covered by such deductions. For purposes of clarity, Executive shall have no obligation to repay the Sign-On Bonus to the
Company in the event that Executive’s employment is terminated due to his death or Disability.

 

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2.7             
Benefits. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in the
Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage
or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan. The Company reserves the
right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion.

 

2.8             
Reimbursements and Compliance with Section 409A. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all customary and
appropriate business-related expenses actually incurred and documented in accordance with Company Policy, as in effect from time
to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of
Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in
which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement
in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange
for another benefit. Any tax gross-up payment that the Executive is entitled to under this Agreement will be made by December 31
of the year following the year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.

 

3.                 
Proprietary Information, Inventions, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Obligations.
As a condition of employment with the Company, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Confidentiality, Inventions and Non-Competition
Agreement (the “Confidential Information Agreement”), which may be amended by the Parties from time to
time without regard to this Agreement. The Confidential Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the Parties
to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

 

3.1              Permissible
Communications. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Confidential Information Agreement, Executive
acknowledges that nothing in the Confidential Information Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from (a) filing
a charge or complaint with, or participating in any proceeding before, a government agency authorized to enforce and
investigate suspected violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, labor relations laws, occupational health and safety
laws, wage and hour laws, and such similar state or local laws; (b) reporting possible violations of federal securities laws
to the appropriate government enforcing agency and make such other disclosures that are expressly protected under such laws,
or (c) responding truthfully to inquiries from, or otherwise cooperating with, any governmental or regulatory investigation
(the activities set forth in clauses (a) through (c) are collectively referred to as the “Protected
Activities”). Executive understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Executive is permitted to
disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from,
the Company; provided, however, that Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized
use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Proprietary Information under the Confidential Information Agreement
to any parties other than the appropriate government agencies. Executive further understands that “Protected
Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications, and that any such
disclosure without the Company’s written consent shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement.

 

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3.2              
Defend Trade Secrets Act. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive acknowledges that Executive
will not have criminal or civil liability under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that
(a) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney
and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other
document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, if Executive files a lawsuit for
retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s
attorney and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive (x) files any document containing the trade
secret under seal and (y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

4.                 
Outside Activities During Employment.
Except with the prior written consent of the Company, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Executive will not, while employed
by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s
responsibilities and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer
services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as Executive may wish
to serve, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit and business communities consistent with Executive’s
duties, and (iii) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Company. This restriction shall not, however, preclude
Executive from owning less than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or employment or
service in any capacity with Affiliates of the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Affiliates” means
an entity under common management or control with the Company.

 

5.                 
No Conflict with Existing Obligations. Executive represents that
Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an executive of the Company do not and will not breach
any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations
Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into,
and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

 

6.                 
Termination Of Employment. The Parties acknowledge that Executive’s
employment relationship with the Company is at-will. The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any,
to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter this at-will status.

 

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6.1             
Termination by the Company Without Cause.

 

(a)              
 The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Section 6.1
at any time without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.2(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this
Agreement. A termination pursuant to Sections 6.3 and 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of
receiving the benefits described in this Section 6.1.

 

(b)              
If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause and provided that such termination constitutes
a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) a “Separation from
Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined below) and, subject to Executive’s
compliance with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, then Executive shall also be entitled to receive (collectively, the “Severance
Benefits”):

 

(i)              
an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for nine (9) months (the “Severance Period”),
less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments beginning on the Company’s first regularly scheduled
payroll date following the Release Effective Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), with the remaining installments occurring
on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter;

 

(ii)             
an amount equal to the unpaid bonus (if any) that Executive would have earned pursuant to the Bonus Plan with respect to
any Performance Period (as defined in the Bonus Plan) completed prior to the termination date but for the employment requirement
set forth in Section 6.3 of the Bonus Plan; and

 

(iii)            
payment of the employer portion of the premiums required to continue Executive’s group health care coverage under
the applicable provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), provided
that Executive timely elects to continue coverage under COBRA, until the earliest of (A) the close of the Severance Period, (B)
the expiration of Executive’s eligibility for the continuation coverage under COBRA, or (C) the date when Executive becomes
eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment (such period from the termination
date through the earliest of (A), (B) or (C), the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if at any time the Company determines in its sole discretion that the payment of the COBRA premiums would result in a violation
of the nondiscrimination rules of Section 105(h)(2) of the Code, or any statute or regulation of similar effect (including but
not limited to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation
Act), then in lieu of providing the COBRA premiums, the Company will instead pay Executive on the last day of each remaining month
of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premiums for that month, subject to applicable tax
withholdings for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period, regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA coverage (the “Special
Severance Payment”). Executive may, but is not obligated to, use such Special Severance Payment toward the cost of
COBRA premiums. If Executive becomes eligible for coverage under another employer’s group health plan or otherwise ceases
to be eligible for COBRA during the COBRA Payment Period, Executive must immediately notify the Company of such event, and all
payments and obligations under this clause will cease.

 

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(c)              Executive
will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s date of termination
from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) of this
Agreement if: (i) Executive signs and delivers to the Company an effective, general release of claims in favor of the Company
and its affiliates and representatives, in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”), by the
60th day following the termination date or such earlier date as set forth in the Release, which cannot be revoked in whole or
part (if applicable) by such date or such earlier date as set forth in the Release (the date that the Release can no longer be
revoked is referred to as the “Release Effective Date”); (ii) if Executive holds any other positions
with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date
(or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all Company property in proper order and condition, reasonable
wear and tear excepted, (including, but not limited to, all books, documents, papers, materials and any other property or assets
relating to the business or affairs of the Company which may be in Executive's possession or under his control but excluding copies
of records related to Executive’s compensation from the Company and any equity ownership in the Company); (iv) Executive
complies with all post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Confidential Information Agreement; and (v) Executive
complies with the terms of the Release, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained
in the Release. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and are not
otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release
spans two calendar years, the payment of Severance Benefits will not be made or begin until the later calendar year.

 

(d)              For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid
salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with
the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement
plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions
of such plan.

 

(e)              The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 is in lieu of, and not in addition to, any benefits
to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program.

 

(f)               Any damages caused by the termination of Executive’s employment without Cause would be difficult to ascertain; therefore,
the Severance Benefits for which Executive is eligible pursuant to Section 6.1(b) above in exchange for the Release is agreed to
by the Parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.

 

6.2             
Termination by the Company for Cause.

 

(a)              Subject to Section 6.2(c) below, the Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company
at any time for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement.

 

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(b)               “Cause”
for termination shall mean that the Company has determined in its sole discretion that Executive has engaged in any of the following:
(i) any material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Executive, or the willful failure of Executive to diligently and properly
perform Executive’s material duties for the Company; (ii) Executive’s misappropriation or unauthorized use of the
Company’s tangible or intangible property that causes or is likely to cause material harm to the Company or its reputation,
or material breach of the Confidential Information Agreement or any other similar agreement regarding confidentiality, intellectual
property rights, non-competition or non-solicitation; (iii) any material failure to comply with the Company Policies or any other
policies and/or directives of the Board; (iv) Executive’s use of illegal drugs or any illegal substance, or Executive’s
use of alcohol in any manner that materially interferes with the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement;
(v) any (A) dishonest or illegal action (including, without limitation, embezzlement) by Executive, or (B) other action, whether
or not dishonest or illegal, by Executive, in either case which is materially detrimental to the interest and well-being of the
Company, including, without limitation, harm to its reputation; (vi) Executive’s failure to fully disclose any material
conflict of interest Executive may have with the Company in a transaction between the Company and any third party which is materially
detrimental to the interest and well-being of the Company; (vii) any adverse action or omission by Executive which would be required
to be disclosed pursuant to public securities laws or which would limit the ability of the Company or any entity affiliated with
the Company to sell securities under any Federal or state law or which would disqualify the Company or any affiliated entity from
any exemption otherwise available to it; or (viii) become prohibited by law or any order from any regulatory body or governmental
body from being an employee or director of any company, firm or entity; provided, however, that prior to any termination
of Executive for “Cause,” if the grounds for such Cause are reasonably capable of cure by Executive, the Company shall
provide Executive with written notice of the grounds for Cause and provide Executive with ten (10) business days in which to cure
such Cause.

 

(c)              
In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance Benefits
or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company
shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

6.3             
Resignation by Executive.

 

(a)              
Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time by giving notice as described in Section
7.1.

 

(b)              In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason (other than a resignation
for Good Reason as described in Section 6.4 below), Executive will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation
or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued
Obligations.

 

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6.4             
 Resignation by Executive for Good Reason. 

 

(a)              
Provided Executive has not previously been notified of the Company’s intention to terminate Executive’s employment,
Executive may resign from employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6.4(b) below).

 

(b)              
“Good Reason” for resignation shall mean the occurrence of any of the following without Executive’s
prior consent: (i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities; (ii) a material diminution
in Executive’s Base Salary; (iii) a requirement that Executive report to an employee other than the CEO; (iv) Executive’s
principal place of employment is relocated by more than fifty (50) miles from the Company’s present location in Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina; or (v) the Company materially breaches its obligations under this Agreement. In addition to any
requirements set forth above, in order for any of the above events to constitute “Good Reason,” Executive must (X)
inform the Company of the existence of the event within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the event, after which date
the Company shall have no less than thirty (30) days to cure the event which otherwise would constitute “Good Reason”
hereunder and (Y) Executive must terminate his employment with the Company for such “Good Reason” no later than ninety
(90) days after the initial existence of the event which prompted Executive’s termination. Any actions taken by the Company
to accommodate a disability of Executive or pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act shall not be a Good Reason for purposes
of this Agreement.

 

(c)              
In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment for Good Reason, and provided that such termination constitutes
a Separation from Service, then subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) above, Executive
shall be eligible to receive the same Severance Benefits as described in Section 6.1 and on the same terms and conditions set forth
in Section 6.1(c) and Section 6.1(e) as if Executive had been terminated by the Company without Cause.

 

(d)              
Any damages caused by the termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason would be difficult to ascertain; therefore,
the Severance Benefits for which Executive is eligible pursuant to Section 6.1(b) above in exchange for the Release is agreed to
by the Parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.

 

6.5             
Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive. 

 

(a)               In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the Parties hereunder
shall terminate immediately, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s
legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

 

(b)               Subject
to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written notice to Executive, to
terminate this Agreement based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment
based on “Disability” shall mean termination because a qualified medical doctor mutually acceptable
to the Company and Executive or Executive’s personal representative has certified in writing that: (A) Executive is
unable, because of a medically determinable physical or mental disability, to perform the essential functions of
Executive’s job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, for more than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days
measured from the last full day of work; or (B) by reason of mental or physical disability, it is unlikely that Executive
will be able, within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days, to resume the essential functions of Executive’s job,
with or without a reasonable accommodation, and to otherwise discharge Executive’s duties under this Agreement. This
definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave
Act, and other applicable law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated based on Executive’s Disability,
Executive will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the
Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

 

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6.6             
Change in Control Benefits. In the event the Company (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminates
Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason within twelve (12) months following the effective
date of a Change in Control (as defined under the Plan), then Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Obligations and, provided
that Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) of this Agreement (including the requirement to provide an effective
Release), Executive shall be eligible to receive the same Severance Benefits as described in Section 6.1(b) and on the same conditions
as if Executive had been terminated by the Company without Cause; provided, however, that (a) the Severance Period shall
be increased to twelve (12) months; (b) the bonus set forth in Section 6.1(b)(ii) shall instead be payable at the Target Amount;
and (c) in the event that Executive’s outstanding equity as of the closing of the Change in Control is assumed or continued
(in accordance with its terms) by the surviving entity in a Change in Control, then 100% of the unvested portion of such equity
shall become vested.

 

6.7              Cooperation
With Company After Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason
and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive agrees to cooperate (a) with the Company in (i) the defense of any
legal matter involving any matter that arose during Executive’s employment with the Company, and (ii) all matters
relating to the winding up of Executive’s pending work and the orderly transfer of any such pending work to such other
employees as may be designated by the Company; and (b) with all government authorities on matters pertaining to any
investigation, litigation or administrative proceeding pertaining to the Company. The Company will reimburse Executive for
any reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation. The Company will also
pay Executive a per diem amount equal to Executive’s Base Salary as of the date of termination divided by two hundred
and thirty (230) for each day or partial day that Executive devotes to fulfilling his obligation to cooperate under this
Section 6.7, unless Executive is then receiving continued payment of his Base Salary under 6.1(b)(ii), above. Following
termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, and in the event of a failure by Executive (following reasonable
efforts by the Company to secure his voluntary cooperation) to resign from any position as officer or director of the
Company, with such resignation to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other
date as requested by the Board), the Company is hereby irrevocably authorized to appoint its then-current Chief Executive
Officer to act in Executive’s name and on his behalf to execute any documents and to do all things reasonably necessary
to effect such resignation. Further, Executive shall not, at any time after termination of Executive’s employment for
any reason, represent himself as being an agent or representative of the Company, unless expressly authorized in a written
agreement executed by an authorized officer of the Company.

 

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6.8             
Application of Section 409A.

 

(a)              
It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible,
the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state
law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4)
and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement
(and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all
required definitions and payment terms.

 

(b)              
The preceding provisions shall not be construed as a guarantee by the Company of any particular tax effect to Executive
under this Agreement. The Company shall not be liable to Executive for any payment made under this Agreement which is determined
to result in an additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A, nor for reporting in good faith any payment as an amount
includible in gross income under Section 409A.

 

(c)              
No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a
 “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)).

 

(d)              
For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)),
Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall
be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all
times be considered a separate and distinct payment.

 

(e)               If
the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred
compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is
defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the
extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the
Severance Benefits will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (i) the date that is six months and one day after
Executive’s Separation from Service, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the
 “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will (1) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to
the sum of the Severance Benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if
the commencement of the payment of the Severance Benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8, and (2) commence
paying the balance of the Severance Benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6.1. No
interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8.

 

    11

     

    

 

6.9             
Parachute Payments.

 

(a)              
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that it shall be determined that any
payment or distribution to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”) would be nondeductible by the Company for Federal
income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code, the Company shall reduce the aggregate present value of the Payments under
this Agreement to the Reduced Amount (as defined below) if, and only if, reducing the Payments under this Agreement will provide
Executive with a greater net after-tax amount than would be the case if no such reduction was made, taking into account the applicable
federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes, including the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code.
If a reduction in the Payments is necessary, such reduction shall occur in the following order: (1) reduction of cash payments;
(2) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (3) cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock
options; and (4) reduction of other benefits paid to Executive. Within any such category of payments and benefits (that is, clauses
(1), (2), (3) or (4) of this Section 6.9(a)), a reduction shall occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred
compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and then with respect to amounts that are. The “Reduced
Amount” shall be an amount expressed in present value that maximizes the aggregate present value of Payments under
this Agreement without causing any Payment to be nondeductible by the Company because of Section 280G of the Code.

 

(b)              
All determinations to be made under this Section 6.9 shall be made at the Company’s expense by a firm of certified
public accountants of national standing selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) which may be
the firm regularly auditing the financial statements of the Company. The Company and Executive shall furnish to the Accounting
Firm such information and documents as the Accounting Firm may reasonably require in order to make a determination under this Section.
To the extent requested by Executive, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in good faith in valuing, and the Accounting Firm
shall value, services to be provided by Executive (including refraining from performing services pursuant to a covenant not to
compete) before, on or after the date of the transaction which cause the application of Section 280G of the Code such that payments
in respect of such services may be considered to be “reasonable compensation” within the meaning of the regulations
under Section 280G of the Code. In making its determinations hereunder, the Accounting Firm shall apply reasonable, good faith
interpretations regarding the applicability of Section 280G and Section 4999, along with any other applicable portions of the Code
or other tax laws. The Accounting Firm shall make all determinations required to be made under this Section and shall provide detailed
supporting calculations to the Company and Executive within 30 days after the Termination Date or such earlier time as is requested
by the Company, and provide an opinion to Executive that he or she has substantial authority not to report any excise tax on his
or her Federal income tax return with respect to any Payments. Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon
the Company and Executive. Subject to Sections 6.1(c) and 6.9, within five business days thereafter, the Company shall pay to or
distribute to or for the benefit of Executive such amounts as are then due to Executive under this Agreement.

 

    12

     

    

 

(c)              
 As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 280G of the Code at the time of the initial determination
by the Accounting Firm or the Company hereunder, it is possible that Payments, as the case may be, will have been made by the Company
which should not have been made (“Overpayment”) or that additional Payments, as the case may be, which
will not have been made by the Company could have been made (“Underpayment”), in each case, consistent
with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon the assertion of a deficiency
by the Internal Revenue Service against Executive which the Accounting Firm believes has a high probability of success determines
that an Overpayment has been made, promptly on notice and demand Executive shall repay to the Company any such Overpayment paid
or distributed by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive together with interest at the applicable Federal rate provided
for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code; provided, however, that no such amount shall be payable by Executive to the Company 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 promptly paid by the
Company to or for the benefit of Executive together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A)
of the Code.

 

7.                 
General Provisions.

 

7.1              
Notices. Any notices required hereunder to be in writing shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal
delivery to the Party to be notified, (b) when sent by electronic mail or confirmed facsimile if sent during normal business hours
of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier,
specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary
office location and to Executive at Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll, or at such other address as the
Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

 

7.2              
Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to
be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable
in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect
any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction
as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

 

7.3             
Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement
in order to effectuate the intent of the Parties will survive any such termination, whether by expiration of the term, termination
of Executive’s employment, or otherwise, for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

 

7.4              
Waiver. If either Party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby
be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

 

    13

     

    

 

7.5             
 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with
regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard
to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements. This Agreement is entered
into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or
amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company, subject to the approval of the Board, its
compensation committee or (if necessary) the stockholders of the Company. The Parties have entered into a separate Confidential
Information Agreement and have entered or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern
other aspects of the relationship between the Parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s
employment under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the Parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable
according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

 

7.6              
Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to
constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

 

7.7              
Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in
whole, but not in part, to any company or other entity with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to
which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by
operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally
made a Party, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or
transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon death.

 

7.8              
Withholding. All amounts payable hereunder shall be subject to applicable tax withholding.

 

7.9              
Choice of Law. This Agreement in all respects shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of North Carolina, both procedural and substantive, without regard to conflicts of law, except to the extent
that federal laws and regulations preempt otherwise applicable law.

 

7.10            
Mandatory Mediation.  Prior to and as a condition of either Party’s filing suit in state or federal
court, the Parties shall engage in a mediated settlement conference in accordance with the North Carolina Superior Court Rules
Implementing Statewide Mediation. The Parties shall mediate in good faith until settlement is reached or an impasse is declared
by the mediator.

 

7.11             Jurisdiction. Each
Party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court located in Wake County,
North Carolina, or any state court located within such state, in respect of any claim relating to this Agreement or
Executive’s employment with the Company, and hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit
or proceeding in which any such claim is made that said Party is not subject thereto or that such action, suit or proceeding
may not be brought or is not maintainable in such courts or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate or that this
Agreement may not be enforced in or by such courts. Any appellate proceedings shall take place in the appropriate courts
having appellate jurisdiction over the courts set forth in this Section.

 

    14

     

    

 

7.12            
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures
of more than one Party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement. Facsimile signatures and signatures
transmitted by PDF shall be equivalent to original signatures.

 

[signatures
to follow on next page]

 

    15

     

    

 

In
Witness Whereof, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first written above.

 

	 	Liquidia Technologies,
    Inc.
	 	 
	 	By:	/s/ Neal Fowler
	 	 	Name: Neal Fowler
	 	 	Title: Chief Executive Officer
	 	 	 
	 	Executive:
	 	 
	 	/s/ Mike Kaseta
	 	Mike Kaseta  

 

    16

     

    

 

Exhibit A

 

Confidentiality,
Inventions and Non-Competition AGREEMENT

 

    A-1Vertex Energy, Inc. 8-K

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

FIFTH AMENDMENT AND LIMITED WAIVER TO CREDIT
AGREEMENT

 

THIS
FIFTH AMENDMENT AND LIMITED WAIVER TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of November 27,
2020 by and among VERTEX ENERGY, INC., a Nevada corporation (“Parent”), VERTEX ENERGY OPERATING, LLC, a Texas
limited liability company (the “Lead Borrower”), the other Borrowers signatory hereto, ENCINA BUSINESS CREDIT,
LLC, as Agent, and the Lenders signatory hereto.

 

W I T N E S E T H:

 

WHEREAS,
Parent, the Lead Borrower, the other Loan Parties, Agent and the Lenders from time to time party thereto are parties to that certain
ABL Credit Agreement dated as of February 1, 2017 (as amended prior to the date hereof and as it may be further amended, restated,
supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”; unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized
terms used herein that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit
Agreement); and

 

WHEREAS,
the Loan Parties have requested that the Agent and Lenders (a) waive an Event of Default arising under Section 7.15 of the Credit
Agreement and (b) amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth
herein, the Agent and the Lenders signatory hereto are willing to do so, on the terms set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration
of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.                 
Limited Waiver. The Borrowers acknowledge that an Event of Default exists as a result
of the Borrowers exceeding the Capital Expenditures limitation for the 2020 Fiscal Year as set forth in Section 7.15 of the Credit
Agreement (herein, the “Existing Default”). Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3
hereof, the Agent and Lenders hereby waive the Existing Default. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not (i) constitute
a waiver of any term or provision of any of the Loan Documents or (ii) constitute a waiver by any Lender or the Agent of any Default
or Event of Default (other than the Existing Default) now existing or hereafter
occurring.

 

2.                 
Amendments to Credit Agreement. Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section
3 hereof, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

		(a)	Section 7.15 of the Credit Agreement is hereby
amended by amending and restating the table set forth therein to read as follows:

 

 

 

    	 

     

    

 

 

	Fiscal Year	Capital Expenditures
	2020	$4,000,000
	
         

        2021 and thereafter
	
         

        $3,000,000

 

		(b)	Section 7.16 of the Credit Agreement is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:

 

“7.16
Minimum Availability. Permit Availability at any time to be less
than (a)

$1,000,000 at any time on or prior to December 31, 2020
and (b) $2,000,000 at any time from and after January 1, 2021.”

 

3.                 
Conditions. The effectiveness of this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction of
the following conditions precedent:

 

a.      
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each Loan Party, Agent and the Lenders; and

 

		b.	the truth and accuracy of the representations and warranties contained
in Section 4 hereof.

 

4.                 
Representations and Warranties. Each Loan Party hereby represents and warrants to Agent
and each Lender as follows:

 

a.      
the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party of this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and does not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any
of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach, termination, or contravention of, or
constitute a default under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Material Contract or any Material Indebtedness to which
such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order,
injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject;
(c) result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any asset of such Loan Party (other than Liens in favor of the Agent under
the Security Documents); or (d) violate any Law;

 

b.     
such Loan Party has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and
perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby;

 

c.      
this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable
against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law;

 

    	 	2	 

     

    

 

d.     
after giving effect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each of the
representations and warranties of such Loan Party contained herein, in Article V of the Credit Agreement or in any other Loan Document
are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, except (i) to the extent that such representations
and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, (ii)
in the case of any representation and warranty qualified by materiality, they shall be true and correct in all respects and (iii)
for purposes of this Section 4(d), the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05
of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively,
of Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement; and

 

e.      
after giving effect to this Agreement (including the waiver set forth herein), no Default
or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

5.                 
No Modification. Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing contained herein shall
be deemed to constitute a waiver of compliance with any term or condition contained in the Credit Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents or constitute a course of conduct or dealing among the parties. Except as expressly stated herein, the Agent and
Lenders reserve all rights, privileges and remedies under the Loan Documents. Except as amended or consented to hereby, the Credit
Agreement and other Loan Documents remain unmodified and in full force and effect. All references in the Loan Documents to the
Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as modified hereby. This Agreement shall constitute a
Loan Document.

 

6.                 
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties
hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute
a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the
subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject
matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 3, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by
the Agent and when the Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of
the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy, pdf or other electronic
transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

7.                 
Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that no Loan Party
may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior
written consent of the Agent and each Lender.

 

    	 	3	 

     

    

 

8.                 
Governing Law. This Agreement and any claims, controversy, dispute or cause of action
(whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Illinois.

 

9.                 
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected
or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision
in any other jurisdiction.

 

10.             
Section Headings. Section headings herein are included for convenience of reference
only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

11.             
Reaffirmation. Each of the Loan Parties as debtor, grantor, pledgor, guarantor, assignor,
or in other any other similar capacity in which such Loan Party grants liens or security interests in its property or otherwise
acts as accommodation party or guarantor, as the case may be, hereby (i) ratifies and reaffirms all of its payment and performance
obligations, contingent or otherwise, under each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party (after giving effect hereto) and
(ii) to the extent such Loan Party granted liens on or security interests in any of its property pursuant to any such Loan Document
as security for or otherwise guaranteed the Borrower’s Obligations under or with respect to the Loan Documents, ratifies
and reaffirms such guarantee and grant of security interests and liens and confirms and agrees that such security interests and
liens hereafter secure all of the Obligations as amended hereby. Each of the Loan Parties hereby consents to this Agreement and
acknowledges that each of the Loan Documents remains in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and reaffirmed. The execution
of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Agent or Lenders, constitute a waiver of
any provision of any of the Loan Documents or serve to effect a novation of the Obligations.

 

12.             
Release of Claims. In consideration of the Lenders’ and the Agent’s agreements
contained in this Agreement, each Loan Party hereby irrevocably releases and forever discharges the Lenders and the Agent and their
affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants and attorneys (each, a “Released
Person”) of and from any and all claims, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings or demands, whether based in contract,
tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law of any kind or character, known or
unknown, which such Loan Party ever had or now has against Agent, any Lender or any other Released Person which relates, directly
or indirectly, to any acts or omissions of Agent, any Lender or any other Released Person relating to the Credit Agreement or any
other Loan Document on or prior to the date hereof.

 

 

[Signature pages
follow.]

 

    	 	4	 

     

    

 

IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the
undersigned has executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

 

 

Lead Borrower:

VERTEX ENERGY OPERATING, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	 Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	 CFO

 

Additional Borrowers:

BANGO
OIL LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

VERTEX
REFINING NV, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

VERTEX MERGER SUB, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

VERTEX RECOVERY MANAGEMENT LA, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

VERTEX REFINING LA, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

VERTEX II GP, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	 

 

VERTEX
ACQUISITION SUB, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

[Signature Page to Fifth
Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement]

    	 

     

    

 

 

CEDAR MARINE TERMINALS, LP

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

VERTEX
RECOVERY, L.P.

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

CROSSROAD CARRIERS, L.P.

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

H&H OIL, L.P.

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

VERTEX RECOVERY
MANAGEMENT, LLC

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	 	Name:	Chris Carlson
	 	Its:	CFO

 

VERTEX ENERGY, INC., as Parent
and as a Guarantor

	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
	Name:	Chris Carlson
	Title:	CFO	 

 

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement]

    	 

     

    

 

 

AGENT:

ENCINA BUSINESS CREDIT, LLC, as Agent

	By:	/s/ Daniel Ross
	Name:	Daniel Ross	 
	Title:	Its Duly Authorized Signatory

 

 

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement]

    	 

     

    

 

ENCINA BUSINESS CREDIT SPV, LLC, as a Lender

 

	By:	/s/ Daniel Ross
	Name:	Daniel Ross	 
	Title:	
        Its Duly Authorized Signatory

 

 

[Signature Page to Fifth
Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement]

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