Document:

mp_empl.htm

    Exhibit 10.1

       

      EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT

       (James
M. Pearson)

       

      This
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. dated as of December 4, 2009 (this "Agreement"), is by and
between Orion Marine Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
James M. Pearson (the "Key Employee").

       

      WITNES
SETH:

       

      WHEREAS,
the Company has identified you as a Key Employee who is an integral part of the
Company's operation and management;

       

      WHEREAS,
the Company recognizes your efforts as a Key Employee and desires to reward
those efforts to protect and enhance the best interests of the Company;
and

       

      NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and
agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:

       

                                        ARTICLE I 

                             DEFINITIONS,
INTERPRETATIONS, AND SPECIFIC CONSIDERATION

       

      1.1
Specific Considemtion. As consideration for Key Employee executing this
Agreement, the Company will pay Key Employee a one-time signing bonus of
$20,000.00 within thirty days of Key Employee's execution of this
Agreement.

       

      1.2
Definitions.

      

      (a) "Base
Salary" means the Key Employee's base salary described in Section 2.3(a), as
such base salary may be increased (but not decreased) by the Company from time
to time.

      

      (b)
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

      

      (c)
"Cause" means:

      

      (i) A
material breach by Key Employee of Section 3.8 of this Agreement (regarding the
noncompetition and confidentiality provisions);

      

      (ii) The
commission of a criminal act by Key Employee against the Company, including but
not limited to fraud, embezzlement or theft;

      

      (iii) The
conviction, plea of no contest or nolo contendere, deferred adjudication or
unadjudicated probation of Key Employee for any felony or any crime involving
moral turpitude; or

      (iv) Key
Employee's failure or refusal to carry out, or comply with, in any material
respect, any lawful directive of the Board consistent with the terms of
the

      

        
          
             

          

          
             

            
              

            

          

          
             

          

        

      Agreement
which is not remedied within 30 days after Key Employee's receipt of written
notice from the Company.

      

      (d) "Change in Control" means the
occurrence of any of the following events:

      

      (i) A
"change in the ownership of the Company" which will occur on the date that
anyone person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of
stock in the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group,
constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power
of the stock of the Company; however, if anyone person or more than one person
acting as a group, is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market
value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of
additional stock by the same person or persons will not be considered a "change
in the ownership of the Company" (or to cause a "change in the effective control
of the Company" within the meaning of Section 1.2(d)(ii) below) and an increase
of the effective percentage of stock owned by anyone person, or persons acting
as a group, as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires its stock
in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes
of this paragraph; provided, further, however, that for purposes of this Section
1.2(d)(i), the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company or (B) any
acquisition by investors (immediately prior to such acquisition) in the Company
for financing purposes, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
This Section 1.2(d)(i) applies only when there is a transfer of the stock of the
Company (or issuance of stock) and stock in the Company remains outstanding
after the transaction.

      

      (ii) A
"change in the effective control of the Company" which will occur on the date
that either (A) anyone person, or more than one person acting as a group,
acquires (or has acquired during the 12 month period ending on the date of the
most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the
Company possessing 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the
Company, except for (y) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related
trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the
Company or (z) any acquisition by investors (immediately prior to such
acquisition) in the Company for financing purposes, as detennined by the
Committee in its sole discretion or (B) a majority of the members of the Board
are replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or
election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the
date of the appointment or election. For purposes of a "change in the effective
control of the Company," if anyone person, or more than one person acting as a
group, is considered to effectively control the Company within the meaning of
this Section 1.2(d)(ii), the acquisition of additional control of the Company by
the same person or persons is not considered a "change in the effective control
of the Company," or to cause a "change in the ownership of the Company" within
the meaning of Section 1.2(d)(i) above.

      

      (iii) A
"change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets" which
will occur on the date that anyone person, or more than one person acting as a
group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12 month period ending on the date
of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets of the Company
that have a total gross

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      fair
market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of
all the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or
acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the
assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined
without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. Any transfer of
assets to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company
immediately after the transfer, as provided in guidance issued pursuant to the
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, will not constitute a Change in
Control.

      For
purposes of this Section 1.2(d), the provisions of section 318(a) of the Code
regarding the constructive ownership of stock will apply to determine stock
ownership; provided, that stock underlying unvested options (including options
exercisable for stock that is not substantially vested) will not be treated as
owned by the individual who holds the option. In addition, for purposes of this
Section 1.2(d) and except as othelwise provided in an Award agreement, "Company"
includes (x) the Company; (y) the entity for whom the Key Employee performs
services; and (z) an entity that is a stockholder owning more than 50% of the
total fair market value and total voting power (a "Majority Shareholder") of the
Company or the entity identified in ill
above, or any entity in a chain of entities in which each entity is a
Majority Shareholder of another entity in the chain, ending in the Company or
the entity identified in ill
above.

      (e)
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

      

      (f)
"Disability" means a Key Employee's disability within the meaning of the
Company's long-term disability plan. In the event of a dispute between the
parties as to whether the Key Employee is disabled, whether Key Employee is
disabled will be determined by the mutual agreement of a physician selected by
the Company or its insurers (the "Company Physician") and a physician selected
by Key Employee ("Key Employee's Physician"). In the event that the Company
Physician and Key Employee's Physician cannot agree on whether Key Employee is
Disabled, such determination will be made by a third physician who is jointly
selected by the Company Physician and Key Employee's Physician.

      

      (g) "Good
Reason" means:

      

      (i) a
material breach of Section 2.3, including but not limited to reduction of any
component of Key Employee's compensation set forth in Section 2.3(a) or (b)
without Key Employee's consent; provided, however, that a reduction of Key
Employee's compensation set forth in 2.3(b) with respect to bonus shall mean the
climination of Key Employee's ability to earn a bonus or a reduction in the
percentage of Base Salary Key Employee is eligible to earn as a
bonus,

      

      (ii) a
material reduction of Key Employee's duties (without the Key Employee's consent)
from those in effect as of the Effective Date or as subsequently agreed to by
Key Employee and the Company, or

      

      (iii) the
relocation of the Key Employee's primary work site to a location greater than 50
miles from the Key Employee's work site as of the Effective
Date.

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      

      

      (h)
"Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rnles" means the limitations or requirements
of section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.

      

      (i)
"Protection Period" means the period beginning on the date that is three months
prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control and ending 12 months following
the occurrence of a Change in Control.

      

      (j)
"Restricted Period" means (i) if Key Employee is terminated for Cause or
voluntarily resigns without Good Reason, the twenty-four month period
immediately following Employee's last day of employment under this Agreement;
(ii) if Key Employee is terminated without Cause or voluntarily resigns with
Good Reason not during the Protection Period, the twelve month period
immediately following Employee's last day of employment under this Agreement; or
(iii) if Key Employee is terminated without Cause or voluntarily resigns with
Good Reason during the Protection Period, the thirty-six month period
immediately following Employee's last day of employment under this
Agreement.

      

      (k)
"Without Cause" means termination by the Company of Key Employee's employment at
the Company's sole discretion for any reason, other than by reason of Key
Employee's death or Disability, and other than a termination based upon
Cause.

      

      1.3
Interpretations. In this Agreement, unless a clear contrary intention
appears,

      

      (a) the
words "herein," "hereof' and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other
subdivision;

      

      (b)
reference to any Article or Section, means such Article or Section hcreof; and
(c) the word "including" (and with correlative meaning "include") means
including, without limiting the generality of any description preceding such
telm.

      

      ARTICLE
II 

      EMPLOYMENT
AND DUTIES

       

      2.1 Term.
The term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date of this Agreement
and end on December 31, 2011 (the "Initial Term"). The Agreement may be extended
for an additional period at the end of the Initial Term ("Renewal Term") upon
the mutual agreement of the parties entered into at least 30 days prior to the
end of the Initial Term.

       

      2.2
Position, Duties and Services. The Key Employee will have such duties and powers
as will be determined from time to time by the Board consistent therewith. The
Key Employee will perform diligently and to the best of his abilities such
duties. The Key Employee's employment will be subject to the supervision and
direction of the Board.

       

      2.3
Compensation.

      

      (a) Base
Salary. Key Employee will receive an initial Base Salary at the rate of Four
Hundred, Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($416,000) per annum payable in periodic
installments in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices and
procedures, which base salary may be increased (but not decreased) by the
Company from time to time.

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      (b)
Bonuses and Perquisites. During the Employment Period, Key Employee will
be entitled to bonuses and perquisites as determined by the Board in its good
faith discretion.

      (c) Car
Allowance. During the Employment Period, Key Employee will be entitled to a
monthly car allowance of$I,250.00.

      (d)
Incentive, Savings, Profit Sharing, and Retirement Plans. During the Employment
Period, Key Employee will be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings,
profit sharing and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable
generally, from time to time, to other similarly situated employees of the
Company.

      (e)
Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Term, Key Employee and/or Key
Employee's family, as the case may be, will be eligible for participation in and
will receive all benefits under the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies
and programs applicable generally, from time to time, to other similarly
situated employees of the Company.

      (f)
Expenses. During the Employment Period, Key Executive shall be entitled to
receive reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses, including, but not
limited to, those expenses expressly provided for in this Agreement, incurred by
the Key Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of
the Company. All such expenses are to be reimbursed to Key Executive in
accordance with the Company's policies and procedures for reimbursing expenses,
but in no event shall any reimbursement payment be paid to Key Executive
following the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which
the expense was incurred. The amount of expenses for which Key Executive is
eligible to receive reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the
amount of expenses for which Key Executive is eligible to receive reimbursement
during any other calendar year during the term of this Agreement. Any
reimbursement payable in accordance with this Section 2.3(f) will not be subject
to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

      
      

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      2.4 Severance Benefit,
Key Employee will be
entitled to receive the severance benefits described in ARTICLE III upon his
termination of employment during the term of this Agreement described in Section
2.1 provided he satisfies the requirements outlined in ARTICLE III.

      ARTICLE
III 

      EARLY
TERMINATION

       

      3.1 Death. Upon
the death of Key Employee during the Employment Period, the Agreement will
terminate and Key Employee's estate will be entitled to payment of his Base
Salary through the date of such termination plus any benefits accrued up to the
date of his death payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans specified
in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a participant.

       

      3,2 Disability.
In the event of Key Employee's Disability during the term of this
Agreement described in Section 2.1, the Company may terminate Key Employee's
employment in which case this Agreement will terminate and Key Employee will be
entitled to payment of the following benefits: (a) his Base Salary through the
date of such termination; (b) long-term

      Austin 814324v.2
5

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      disability
benefits pursuant to the terms of any long-tetlli disability policy provided to
similarly situated employees of the Company in which Key Employee has elected to
participate; and

      (c)
payment of any benefits payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans
specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a participant.

       

      3.3 Termination for
Cause or Volnntary Resignation by Key Employee Without Good Reason. If
Key Employee's employment is terminated during the term of this Agreement for
Cause or Key Employee voluntarily resigns from the employment of the Company
without Good Reason, Key Employee will be entitled to receive (a) his Base
Salary in effect at the time notice of termination is given through the date of
termination, (b) payment of any benefits payable pursuant to the terms of the
benefit plans specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a participant,
and (c) reimbursement of any outstanding expense eligible for
reimbursement.

       

      3.4 Termination
Without Cause or for Good Reason Not During the Protection Period. If,
during the term of this Agreement as described in Section 2.1, the Key
Employee's employment is tetlliinated by the Company Without Cause or Key
Employee tet111inates his employment with the Company for Good Reason, and
Section 3.5 is not applicable, Key Employee will be entitled to receive (a) Key
Employee's unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination; (b) payment of
any benefits payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans specified in
Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a participant; (c) reimbursement of any
outstanding expenses eligible for reimbursement in accordance with the Company's
policies and practices; (d) continued payment of Key Employee's Base Salary for
a period of twelve months, in accordance with the Company's standard payroll
practices; (e) monthly payment for a period of twelve months of $2,500 to cover
transitional expenses; (f) monthly payment for a period of twelve months of an
amount equal to Key Employee's monthly car allowance; plus (g) a lump sum
payment equal to the most recent bonus awarded to Key Employee pursuant to the
Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) or any replacement plan. The payments and
benefits described in this Section 3.4 shall begin or shall be paid, as
applicable to the form of payment described above for each payment or benefit,
to Key Employee within the sixty day period immediately following the Key
Employee's termination of employment.

       

      3.5 Termination Without
Cause or for Good Reason Dnring the Protection Period. If, during the
tenll of this Agreement as described in Section 2.1, Key Employee's employment
is terminated by the Company Without Cause or Key Employee terminates his
employment with the Company for Good Reason during the Protection Period, Key
Employee will be entitled to receive (a) Key Employee's unpaid Base Salary
through the date of termination; (b) payment of any benefits payable pursuant to
the terms of the benefit plans specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is
a participant; (c) reimbursement of any outstanding expenses eligible for
reimbursement in accordance with the Company's policies and practices; (d) a
lump sum payment equal to thirty six months of Key Employee's Base
Salary;

      (e) a
lump sum payment equal to thirty six times $2,500 to cover transitional
expenses; (f) a lump sum payment equal to thirty six times Key Employee's
monthly car allowance; plus (g) a lump sum payment equal to three times the most
recent bonus awarded to Key Employee pursuant to the Executive Incentive Plan
(ElP) or any replacement plan. The payments and benefits described in this
Section 3.5 shall begin or shall be paid, as applicable to the form of payment
described above for each payment or benefit, to Key Employee on the later to
occur of

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      

      

      (i) the
sixtieth day immediately following the Key Employee's termination of employment,
or

      

      (ii) the
date ofthe Change in Control.

      

      3.6
Termination of Company's Obligations. Upon termination of Key Employee's
employment for any reason, the Company's obligations under this Agreement will
terminate and Key Employee will be entitled to no compensation and benefits
under this Agreement other than that provided in this ARTICLE III.
Notwithstanding such termination, the parties' obligations under this ARTICLE
III, including Section 3.8, will remain in full force and effect.

       

      3.7
Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.7, Key
Employee will be entitled to the additional benefits specified in Section 3.4
(regarding termination Without Cause or for Good Reason not during a Protection
Period) and Section 3.5 (regarding termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
during a Protection Period) (i.e., those in addition to
the payment of his Base Salary through the date of termination and any benefits
payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans specified in Section 2.3 in
which Key Employee is a participant), only upon his execution (and
non-revocation) of a waiver and release of all claims in a form acceptable to
the Company. The waiver and release document must be executed and delivered to
the appropriate Company representative on or before the fiftieth day period
immediately following Key Employee's termination of employment.

       

      3.8
Non-Competition, Confidentiality.

      (a)
Agreement not to Compete. In consideration of the Company's promise to provide
Key Employee with Confidential Information, as defined in Section 3.8(b), the
other mutual promises contained in this Agreement, and Key Employee's employment
with the Company, and so as to enforce Key Employee's promises regarding
Confidential Infonnation contained in Section 3.8(b) of this Agreement, Key
Employee agrees that in the event his employment with the Company is terminated
for any reason whatsoever, Key Employee will not, during the applicable
Restricted Period (extended by any period of time during which Key Employee is
in violation of this Section 3.8), directly or indirectly, carryon or conduct,
in competition with the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, any business
of the nature in which the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates are then
engaged in any geographical area in which the Company or its subsidiaries or
affiliates engage in business at the time of such termination or in which any of
them, prior to termination of Key Employee's employment, evidenced in writing,
at any time during the six month period prior to such termination, an intention
to engage in such business. Key Employee agrees that he will not so conduct or
engage in any such business either as an individual on his own account or as a
partner or joint venturer or as an Key Employee, agent, consultant or salesman
for any other person or entity, or as an officer or director of a corporation or
as a shareholder in a corporation of which he will then own 10% or more of any
class of stock.

      

      (b)
Confidential Information. The Company makes a binding promise not conditioned
upon continued employment to provide Key Employee with certain Confidential
Information above and beyond any Confidential Information Key Employee may have
previously received. Key Employee will not, directly or indirectly, at any time
following termination of his employment with the Company, reveal, divulge or
make known to any person or entity, or use for Key Employee's personal benefit
(including, without limitation, for the

      

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      purpose
of soliciting business, whether or not competitive with any business of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates), any information acquired
during the Employment Period with regard to the financial, business or other
affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (including,
without limitation, any list or record of persons or entities with which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates has any dealings), other than
(i) information already in the public domain; (ii) information of a type not
considered confidential by persons engaged in the same business or a business
similar to that conducted by the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates; or
(iii) information that Key Employee is required to disclose under the following
circumstances: (A) at the express direction of any authorized governmental
entity;

      

      (B)
pursuant to a subpoena or other court process; (C) as otherwise required by law
or the IUles, regulations, or orders of any applicable regulatory body; or (D)
as otherwise necessary, in the opinion of counsel for Key Employee, to be
disclosed by Key Employee in connection with any legal action or proceeding
involving Key Employee and the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the
Company in his capacity as an employee, officer, director, or stockholder of the
Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. Key Employee will, at any
time requested by the Company (either during or within two years after his
employment with the Company), promptly deliver to the Company all memoranda,
notes, reports, lists and other documents (and all copies thereof) relating to
the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates which he
may then possess or have under his control.

      

      (c)
Reasonableness of Restrictions. Key Employee acknowledges that the geographic
boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and time duration set forth in this
Section 3.8 are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to
maintain the confidentiality and the goodwill of the Company and the
confidentiality of its Confidential Information and to protect the legitimate
business interests of the Company, and that the enforcement of such provisions
would not cause Key Employee any undue hardship nor unreasonably interfere with
Key Employee's ability to earn a livelihood. If any court determines that any
portion of this Section 3.8 is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this
Section 3.8 will not thereby be affected and will be given full effect without
regard to the invalid provisions. If any court
construes any of the provisions of this Section 3.8, or any part thereof, to be
unreasonable because of the duration or scope of such provision, such court will
have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision and to enforce
such provision as so reduced.

      

      (d)
Enforcement. Upon Key Employee's employment with an entity that is not a
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company (a "Successor Employer") during the
period that the provisions of this Section 3.8 remain in effect, Key Employee
will provide such Successor Employer with a copy of this Agreement and will
notify the Company of such employment within 30 days thereof. Key Employee
agrees that in the event of a breach of the terms and conditions of this Section
3.8 by Key Employee, the Company will be entitled, if it so elects, to institute
and prosecute proceedings, either in law or in equity, against Key Employee, to
obtain damages for any such breach, or to enjoin Key Employee from any conduct
in violation of this Section 3.8.

      

      3.9 Parachute
Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if
Key Employee is a "disqualified individual" (as defined in section 280G(c) of
the Code), and the benefits provided for in this ARTICLE III, together with any
other payments and benefits which Key Employee has the right to receive from the
Company would constitute a

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      "parachute
payment" (as defined in section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the benefits
provided hereunder (begillliing with any benefit to be paid in cash hereunder)
will be reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of such total
amounts and benefits received by Key Employee will be $1.00) less than three
times Key Employee's "base amount" (as defined in section 280G(b)(3) of the
Code) and so that no pOltion of such amounts and benefits received by Key
Employee will be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code.
The determination as to whether such a reduction in the amount ofthe benefits
provided hereunder is necessary will be made by the Board in good faith. If a
reduced cash payment is made and through error or otherwise that payment, when
aggregated with other payments and benefits from the Company used in determining
if a "parachute payment" exists, exceeds $1.00 less than three times the Key
Employee's base amount, then Key Employee will immediately repay such excess to
the Company upon notification that an overpayment has been made. Nothing in this
Section 3.9 will require the Company to be responsible for, or have any
liability or obligation with respect to, Key Employee's excise tax liabilities
under section 4999 of the Code.

       

      3.10
Payments Snbject to Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this ARTICLE III, if the payment of any severance compensation or
severance benefits under this ARTICLE III would be subject to additional taxes
and interest under section 409A of the Code because the timing of such payment
is not delayed as provided in section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then any such
payments that Key Employee would otherwise be entitled to during the first six
months following the date of Key Employee's termination of employment will be
accumulated and paid on the date that is six months after the date of Key
Employee's termination of employment (or if such payment date does not fall on a
business day of the Company, the next following business day of the Company), or
such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under section 409A of the
Code without being subject to such additional taxes and interest.

      ARTICLE
IV

       MISCELLANEOUS

       

      4.1
Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by and will be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law
principles of such State.

       

      4.2
Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified
or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and Key Employee,
and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this
Agreement will be construed as a waiver of such provisions or affect the
validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision
hereof.

       

      4.3
Severability. Any provision in this Agreement which is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction by reason of applicable law will, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating or affecting the remaining provisions
hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction will
not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

       

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      4.4 Entire
Agreement. Except as provided in the
written benefit plans and programs referenced in Section 2.3(d) and Section
2.3(e), this Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede and
preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the
parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in
any way. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not supersede or
preempt any understanding, agreement or representation regarding stock, stock
options, or other equity interests.

       

      4.5 Withholding of
Taxes and Other Employee
Deductions. The Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made
pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city, and other taxes as may be
required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other
normal employee deductions made with respect to the Company's employees
generally.

       

      4.6 Headings.
The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and
will not be used for interpretive purposes.

       

      4.7 Actions by the
Board. Any and all detenninations or other actions required of the Board
hereunder that relate specifically to Key Employee's employment by the Company
or the terms and conditions of such employment will be made by the members of
the Board other than Key Employee (if Key Employee is a member of the Board),
and Key Employee will not have any right to vote or decide upon any such
matter.

       

      4.8 Construction.
The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language
chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict
construction will be applied against any party.

       

      [Signature
Page Follows]

       

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

      IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the
parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date
first set forth above.

      COMPANY: ORION MARINE
GROUP,
INC.

             By:   /s/ Mark R.
Stauffer

             Name: 
Mark R. Stauffer

             Title:
Executive Vice President &
CFO

       

      KEY
EMPLOYEE:

             /s/ J.
Michael Pearsonms_empl.htm

    Exhibit
10.2

     

    EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT 

    (Mark
R. Stauffer)

     

    This
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of December 4, 2009 (this "Agreement"), is by and
between Orion Marine Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
Mark R. Stauffer (the "Key Employee").

     

    WIT NE
SSET H:

     

    WHEREAS,
the Company has identified you as a Key Employee who is an integral pmt of the
Company's operation and management;

     

    WHEREAS,
the Company recognizes your efforts as a Key Employee and desires to reward
those efforts to protect and enhance the best interests of the Company;
and

     

    NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and
agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     

    ARTICLE
I

     DEFINITIONS,
INTERPRETATIONS, AND SPECIFIC CONSIDERATION

     

    1.1
Specific Consideration. As consideration for Key Employee executing this
Agreement, the Company will pay Key Employee a one-time signing bonus of
$20,000.00 within thirty days of Key Employee's execution of this
Agreement.

     
 

    1.2
Definitions.

        (a) "Base
Salary" means the Key Employee's base salary described in Section 2.3(a), as
such base salary may be increased (but not decreased) by the Company from time
to time.

     

    
              (b) "Board" means the
Board of Directors of the Company.

      

              (c) "Cause"
means:

      

             (i) A
material breach by Key Employee of Section 3.8 of this Agreement (regarding the
noncompetition and confidentiality provisions);

      

             (ii) The
commission of a criminal act by Key Employee against the Company, including but
not limited to fraud, embezzlement or theft;

      

        (iii) The conviction,
plea of no contest or nolo contendere, deferred adjudication or unadjudicated
probation of Key Employee for any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude;
or

       
(iv) Key Employee's failure or refusal to carry out, or comply with, in any
material respect, any lawful directive of the Board consistent with the terms of
the

    

     

    
 

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    Agreement
which is not remedied within 30 days after Key Employee's receipt of written
notice from the Company.

    

    (d)
"Change in Control"
means the occurrence of any of the following events:

    

    (i) A
"change in the ownership of the Company" which will occur on the date that
anyone person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of
stock in the Company that, together with stock held by such person 01' group, constitutes more than
50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the
Company; however, if anyone person or more than one person acting as a group, is
considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting
power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by the
same person or persons will not be considered a "change in the ownership of the
Company" (or to cause a "change in the effective control of the Company" within
the meaning of Section 1.2(d)(ii) below) and an increase of the effective
percentage of stock owned by anyone person, or persons acting as a group, as a
result of a transaction in which the Company acquires its stock in exchange for
property will be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this
paragraph; provided, further, however, that for purposes of this Section
1.2(d)(i), the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company or (B) any
acquisition by investors (immediately prior to such acquisition) in the Company
for financing purposes, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
This Section 1.2(d)(i) applies only when there is a transfer of the stock of the
Company (or issuance of stock) and stock in the Company remains outstanding
after the transaction.

    

    (ii) A
"change in the effective control of the Company" which will occur on the date
that either (A) anyone person, or more than one person acting as a group,
acquires (or has acquired during the 12 month period ending on the date of the
most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the
Company possessing 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the
Company, except for (y) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related
trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the
Company or (z) any acquisition by investors (immediately prior to such
acquisition) in the Company for financing purposes, as determined by the
Committee in its sole discretion or (B) a majority of the members of the Board
are replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or
election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the
date of the appointment or election. For purposes of a "change in the effective
control of the Company," if anyone person, or more than one person acting as a
group, is considered to effectively control the Company within the meaning of
this Section 1.2(d)(ii), the acquisition of additional control of the Company by
the same person or persons is not considered a "change in the effective control
of the Company," or to cause a "change in the ownership of the Company" within
the meaning of Section 1.2(d)(i) above.

    

    (iii) A
"change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets" which
will occur on the date that anyone person, or more than one person acting as a
group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12 month period ending on the date
of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets of the Company
that have a total gross

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    fair
market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of
all the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or
acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the
assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined
without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. Any transfer of
assets to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company
immediately after the transfer, as provided in guidance issued pursuant to the
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, will not constitute a Change in
Control.

     

    For
purposes of this Section 1.2(d), the provisions of section 3l8(a) of the Code
regarding the constructive ownership of stock will apply to determine stock
ownership; provided, that stock underlying unvested options (including options
exercisable for stock that is not substantially vested) will not be treated as
owned by the individual who holds the option. In
addition, for purposes of this Section 1.2(d) and except as otherwise
provided in an Award agreement, "Company" includes (x) the Company; (y) the
entity for whom the Key Employee performs services; and (z) an entity that is a
stockholder owning more than 50% of the total fair market value and total voting
power (a "Majority Shareholder") of the Company or the entity identified in
{y} above, or any entity
in a chain of entities in which each entity is a Majority Shareholder of another
entity in the chain, ending in the Company or the entity identified in {y} above.

    (e)
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

    

    (f)
"Disability" means a Key Employee's disability within the meaning of the
Company's long-term disability plan. In the event of a dispute between the
parties as to whether the Key Employee is disabled, whether Key Employee is
disabled will be determined by the mutual agreement of a physician selected by
the Company or its insurers (the "Company Physician") and a physician selected
by Key Employee ("Key Employee's Physician"). In the event that the Company
Physician and Key Employee's Physician cannot agree on whether Key Employee is
Disabled, such determination will be made by a third physician who is jointly
selected by the Company Physician and Key Employee's Physician.

    

    (g) "Good
Reason" means:

    

    (i) a
material breach of Section 2.3, including but not limited to reduction of any
component of Key Employee's compensation set forth in Section 2.3(a) or (b)
without Key Employee's consent; provided, however, that a reduction of Key
Employee's compensation set f01ih in 2.3(b) with respect to bonus shall mean the
elimination of Key Employee's ability to earn a bonus or a reduction in the
percentage of Base Salary Key Employee is eligible to earn as a
bonus,

    

    (ii) a
material reduction of Key Employee's duties (without the Key Employee's consent)
from those in effect as of the Effective Date or as subsequently agreed to by
Key Employee and the Company, or

    

    (iii) the
relocation of the Key Employee's primary work site to a location greater than 50
miles from the Key Employee's work site as of the Effective Date.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    

    

    (h)
"Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules" means the limitations or requirements
of section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder,

    

    (i)
"Protection Period" means the period beginning on the date that is three months
prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control and ending 12 months following
the occurrence of a Change in Control.

    

    (j)
"Restricted Period" means (i) if Key Employee is terminated for Cause or
voluntarily resigns without Good Reason, the twenty-four month period
immediately following Employee's last day of employment under this Agreement;
(ii) if Key Employee is terminated without Cause or voluntarily resigns with
Good Reason not during the Protection Period, the twelve month period
immediately following Employee's last day of employment under this Agreement; or
(iii) if Key Employee is terminated without Cause or voluntarily resigns with
Good Reason during the Protection Period, the thirty-six month period
immediately following Employee's last day of employment under this
Agreement.

    

    (k)
"Without Cause" means termination by the Company of Key Employee's employment at
the Company's sole discretion for any reason, other than by reason of Key
Employee's death or Disability, and other than a termination based upon
Cause,

    

    1.3
Interpretations. In
this Agreement, unless a clear contrary intention appears,

    

    (a) the
words "herein," "hereof' and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other
subdivision;

    

    (b)
reference to any Article or Section, means such Article or Section hereof; and
(e) the word "including" (and with correlative meaning "include") means
including, without limiting the generality of any description preceding such
term.

    

    ARTICLE
II 

    EMPLOYMENT
AND DUTIES

     

    2.1 Term.
The term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date of this Agreement
and end on December 31, 2010 (the "Initial Term"), The Agreement may be extended
for an additional period at the end of the Initial Term ("Renewal Term") upon
the mutual agreement of the parties entered into at least 30 days prior to the
end of the Initial Term,

     

    2.2
Position, Duties and Services. The Key Employee will have such duties and powers
as will be determined from time to time by the Board consistent therewith, The
Key Employee will perform diligently and to the best of his abilities such
duties, The Key Employee's employment will be subject to the supervision and
direction of the Board,

     

    2.3
Compensation.

    

        (a) Base
Salary, Key Employee will receive an initial Base Salary at the rate of Two
Hundred, Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($265,000) per am1Um payable in periodic
installments in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices and
procedures, which base salary may be increased (but not decreased) by the
Company from time to time,

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    (b)
Bonuses and Perquisites. During the Employment Period, Key Employee will
be entitled to bonuses and perquisites as determined by the Board in its good
faith discretion.

    (c) Car
Allowance. During the Employment Period, Key Employee will be entitled to a
monthly car allowance of $950.00.

    (d)
Incentive, Savings. Profit Sharing, and Retirement Plans. During the Employment
Period, Key Employee will be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings,
profit sharing and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable
generally, from time to time, to other similarly situated employees of the
Company.

    (e)
Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Term, Key Employee and or Key
Employee's family, as the case may be, will be eligible for participation in and
will receive all benefits under the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies
and programs applicable generally, from time to time, to other similarly
situated employees of the Company.

    (f)
Expenses. During the Employment Period, Key Executive shall be entitled to
receive reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses, including, but not
limited to, those expenses expressly provided for in this Agreement, incurred by
the Key Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of
the Company. All such expenses are to be reimbursed to Key Executive in
accordance with the Company's policies and procedures for reimbursing expenses,
but in no event shall any reimbursement payment be paid to Key Executive
following the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which
the expense was incurred. The amount of expenses for which Key Executive is
eligible to receive reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the
amount of expenses for which Key Executive is eligible to receive reimbursement
during any other calendar year during the term of this Agreement. Any
reimbursement payable in accordance with this Section 2.3(f) will not be subject
to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    

    

    2.4 Severance Benefit. Key Employee will be
entitled to receive the severance benefits described in ARTICLE III upon his termination of employment
during the term of this Agreement described in Section 2.1 provided he satisfies
the requirements outlined in ARTICLE III.

    

    ARTICLE
III 

    EARLY
TERMINATION

    

    3.1
Death. Upon the death of Key Employee during the Employment Period, the
Agreement will terminate and Key Employee's estate will be entitled to payment
of his Base Salary through the date of such termination plus any benefits
accrued up to the date of his death payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit
plans specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a
participant.

    

    3.2
Disability. In the event of Key Employee's Disability during the term of this
Agreement described in Section 2.1, the Company may terminate Key Employee's
employment in which case this Agreement will terminate and Key Employee will be
entitled to payment of the following benefits: (a) his Base Salary through the
date of such termination; (b) long-term

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    disability
benefits pursuant to the terms of any long-telm disability policy provided to
similarly situated employees of the Company in which Key Employee has elected to
participate; and

    (c)
payment of any benefits payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans
specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a participant.

     

    3.3
Termination for Cause or Voluntary Resignation by Key Employee Without Good
Reason. If Key Employee's employment is terminated during the term of this
Agreement for Cause or Key Employee voluntarily resigns from the employment of
the Company without Good Reason, Key Employee will be entitled to receive (a)
his Base Salary in effect at the time notice of termination is given through the
date of termination, (b) payment of any benefits payable pursuant to the terms
of the benefit plans specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a
participant, and (c) reimbursement of any outstanding expense eligible for
reimbursement.

     

    3.4
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason Not During the Protection Period.
If, during the term of this Agreement as described in Section 2.1, the Key
Employee's employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or Key Employee
terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason, and Section 3.5 is
not applicable, Key Employee will be entitled to receive (a) Key Employee's
unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination; (b) payment of any benefits
payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans specified in Section 2.3 in
which Key Employee is a participant; (c) reimbursement of any outstanding
expenses eligible for reimbursement in accordance with the Company's policies
and practices; (d) continued payment of Key Employee's Base Salary for a period
of twelve months, in accordance with the Company's standard payroll practices;
(e) monthly payment for a period of twelve months of $2,500 to cover
transitional expenses; (f) monthly payment for a period of twelve months of an
amount equal to Key Employee's monthly car allowance; plus (g) a lump sum
payment equal to the most recent bonus awarded to Key Employee pursuant to the
Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) or any replacement plan. The payments and
benefits described in this Section 3.4 shall begin or shall be paid, as
applicable to the form of payment described above for each payment or benefit,
to Key Employee within the sixty day period immediately following the Key
Employee's termination of employment.

     

    3.5
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason During the Protection Period. If,
during the term of this Agreement as described in Section 2.1, Key Employee's
employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or Key Employee terminates
his employment with the Company for Good Reason during the Protection Period,
Key Employee will be entitled to receive (a) Key Employee's unpaid Base Salary
through the date of termination; (b) payment of any benefits payable pursuant to
the terms of the benefit plans specified in Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is
a participant; (c) reimbursement of any outstanding expenses eligible for
reimbursement in accordance with the Company's policies and practices; (d) a
lump sum payment equal to thirty six months of Key Employee's Base
Salary;

    

    (e) a
lump sum payment equal to thirty six times $2,500 to cover transitional
expenses; (f) a lump sum payment equal to thirty six times Key Employee's
monthly car allowance; plus (g) a lump sum payment equal to three times the most
recent bonus awarded to Key Employee pursuant to the Executive Incentive Plan
(ElP) or any replacement plan. The payments and benefits described in this
Section 3.5 shall begin or shall be paid, as applicable to the form of payment
described above for each payment or benefit, to Key Employee on the later to
occur of

     

    
             (i) the
sixtieth day immediately following the Key Employee's termination of employment,
or

             (ii) the date
of the Change in Control.

    

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    3.6 Termination of Company's Obligations. Upon termination
of Key Employee's employment for any reason, the Company's obligations under
this Agreement will terminate and Key Employee will be entitled to no
compensation and benefits under this Agreement other than that provided in this
ARTICLE III. Notwithstanding such termination, the parties' obligations under
this ARTICLE III, including Section 3.8, will remain in fun force and
effect.

     

    3.7
Release. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.7, Key
Employee will be entitled to the additional benefits specified in Section 3.4
(regarding termination Without Cause or for Good Reason not during a Protection
Period) and Section 3.5 (regarding termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
during a Protection Period) (i.
e., those in
addition to the payment of his Base Salary through the date of termination and
any benefits payable pursuant to the terms of the benefit plans specified in
Section 2.3 in which Key Employee is a participant), only upon his execution
(and non-revocation) of a waiver and release of an claims in a form acceptable
to the Company. The waiver and release document must be executed and delivered
to the appropriate Company representative on or before the fiftieth day period
immediately following Key Employee's termination of employment.

     

    3.8 Non-Competition,
Confidentiality.

    

    (a)
Agreement not to Compete. In consideration of the Company's promise to provide
Key Employee with Confidential Information, as defined in Section 3,8(b), the
other mutual promises contained in this Agreement, and Key Employee's employment
with the Company, and so as to enforce Key Employee's promises regarding
Confidential Information contained in Section 3.8(b) of this Agreement, Key
Employee agrees that in the event his employment with the Company is terminated
for any reason whatsoever, Key Employee will not, during the applicable
Restricted Period (extended by any period of time during which Key Employee is
in violation of this Section 3.8), directly or indirectly, carryon or conduct,
in competition with the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, any business
of the nature in which the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates are then
engaged in any geographical area in which the Company or its subsidiaries or
affiliates engage in business at the time of such termination or in which any of
them, prior to termination of Key Employee's employment, evidenced in writing,
at any time during the six month period prior to such termination, an intention
to engage in such business. Key Employee agrees that he will not so conduct or
engage in any such business either as an individual on his own account or as a
partner or joint venturer or as an Key Employee, agent, consultant or salesman
for any other person or entity, or as an officer or director of a corporation or
as a shareholder in a corporation of which he will then own 10% or more of any
class of stock.

    

    (b)
Confidential Information. The Company makes a binding promise not conditioned
upon continued employment to provide Key Employee with certain Confidential
Information above and beyond any Confidential Information Key Employee may have
previously received. Key Employee will not, directly or indirectly, at any time
following termination of his employment with the Company, reveal, divulge or
make known to any person or entity, or use for Key Employee's personal benefit
(including, without limitation, for the

    

     

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    purpose
of soliciting business, whether or not competitive with any business of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates), any information acquired
during the Employment Period with regard to the financial, business or other
affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (including,
without limitation, any list or record of persons or entities with which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates has any dealings), other than
(i) information already in the public domain; (ii) information of a type not
considered confidential by persons engaged in the same business or a business
similar to that conducted by the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates; or
(iii) information that Key Employee is required to disclose under the following
circumstances: (A) at the express direction of any authorized governmental
entity;

    

    (B)
pursuant to a subpoena or other court process; (C) as otherwise required by law
or the rules, regulations, or orders of any applicable regulatory body; or (D)
as otherwise necessary, in the opinion of counsel for Key Employee, to be
disclosed by Key Employee in connection with any legal action or proceeding
involving Key Employee and the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the
Company in his capacity as an employee, officer, director, or stockholder of the
Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. Key Employee will, at any
time requested by the Company (either during or within two years after his
employment with the Company), promptly deliver to the Company all memoranda,
notes, reports, lists and other documents (and all copies thereof) relating to
the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates which he
may then possess or have under his control.

    

    (c)
Reasonableness of Restrictions. Key Employee acknowledges that the geographic
boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and time duration set forth in this
Section 3.8 are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to
maintain the confidentiality and the goodwill of the Company and the
confidentiality of its Confidential Information and to protect the legitimate
business interests of the Company, and that the enforcement of such provisions
would not cause Key Employee any undue hardship nor unreasonably interfere with
Key Employee's ability to earn a livelihood. If any court determines that any
portion of this Section 3.8 is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this
Section 3.8 will not thereby be affected and will be given full effect without
regard to the invalid provisions. If any court construes any of the provisions
of this Section 3.8, or any pall thereof, to be unreasonable because of the
duration or scope of such provision, such court will have thc power to reduce
the duration or scope of such provision and to enforce such provision as so
reduced.

    

    (d)
Enforcement. Upon Key Employee's employment with an entity that is not a
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company (a "Successor Employer") during the
period that the provisions of this Section 3.8 remain in effect, Key Employee
will provide such Successor Employer with a copy of this Agreement and will
notify the Company of such employment within 30 days thereof. Key Employee
agrees that in the event of a breach of the terms and conditions of this Section
3.8 by Key Employee, the Company will be entitled, if it so elects, to institute
and prosecute proceedings, either in law or in equity, against Key Employee, to
obtain damages for any such breach, or to enjoin Key Employee from any conduct
in violation of this Section 3.8.

    

    3.9 Parachute
Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if
Key Employee is a "disqualified individual" (as defined in section 280G(c) of
the Code), and the benefits provided for in this ARTICLE III, together with any
other payments and benefits which Key Employee has the right to receive from the
Company would constitute a

     

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    "parachute
payment" (as defined in section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the benefits
provided hereunder (beginning with any benefit to be paid in cash hereunder)
will be reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of such total
amounts and benefits received by Key Employee will be $1.00) less than three
times Key Employee's "base amount" (as defined in section 280G(b)(3) of the
Code) and so that no portion of such amounts and benefits received by Key
Employee will be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code.
The determination as to whether such a reduction in the amount of the benefits
provided hereunder is necessary will be made by the Board in good faith. If a
reduced cash payment is made and through error or otherwise that payment, when
aggregated with other payments and benefits from the Company used in determining
if a "parachute payment" exists, exceeds $1.00 less than three times the Key
Employee's base amount, then Key Employee will immediately repay such excess to
the Company upon notification that an overpayment has been made. Nothing in this
Section 3.9 will require the Company to be responsible for, or have any
liability or obligation with respect to, Key Employee's excise tax liabilities
under section 4999 of the Code.

    

    3.10
Payments Subject to Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this ARTICLE III, if the payment of any severance compensation or
severance benefits under this ARTICLE III would be subject to additional taxes
and interest under section 409A of the Code because the timing of such payment
is not delayed as provided in section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then any such
payments that Key Employee would otherwise be entitled to during the first six
months following the date of Key Employee's termination of employment will be
accumulated and paid on the date that is six months after the date of Key
Employee's termination of employment (or if such payment date does not fall on a
business day of the Company, thc next following business day of the Company), or
such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under section 409A of the
Code without being subject to such additional taxes and interest.

    

    ARTICLE
IV

     MISCELLANEOUS

    

    4.1
Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by and will be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law
principles of such State.

    

    4.2
Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified
or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and Key Employee,
and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this
Agreement will be construed as a waiver of such provisions or affect the
validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision
hereof.

     

    4.3
Severability. Any provision in this Agreement which is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction by reason of applicable law will, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating or affecting the remaining provisions
hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction will
not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

     

     

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    4.4 Entire
Agreement. Except as provided in the written benefit plans and programs
referenced in Section 2.3(d) and Section 2.3(e), this Agreement embodies the
complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to
the subject matter hereof and supersede and preempt any prior understandings,
agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which
may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. For the avoidance of
doubt, this Agreement does not supersede or preempt any understanding, agreement
or representation regarding stock, stock options, or other equity
interests.

     

    4.5 Withholding of
Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. The Company may withhold from any
benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city,
and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental
regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect
to the Company's employees generally.

     

    4.6 Headings.
The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and
will not be used for interpretive purposes.

     

    4.7 Actions by the
Board. Any and all determinations or other actions required of the Board
hereunder that relate specifically to Key Employee's employment by the Company
or the tenns and conditions of such employment will be made by the members of
the Board other than Key Employee (if Key Employee is a member of the Board),
and Key Employee will not have any right to vote or decide upon any such
matter.

     

    4.8 Construction.
The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language
chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict
construction will be applied against any party.

     

    [Signature
Page Follows]

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the
parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date
first set forth above.

    COMPANY:
ORION MARINE GROUP, INC.

        By: /s/ J.
Michael Pearson

         Name:
J. Michael
Pearson

        Title:
President &
CEO

     

    KEY EMPLOYEE:

        By: /s/ Mark R. Stauffer

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00166-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00166-of-00352.parquet"}]]