Document:

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EXHIBIT
10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

WINDSTREAM CORPORATION AND JEFFERY R. GARDNER

     This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made, entered into, and is effective as of
November 7, 2006 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Windstream Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (“Windstream”), and Jeffery R. Gardner (the “Executive”).

     The Executive is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Windstream. Windstream is
desirous of assuring the continued employment of the Executive and wishes to establish certain
terms and conditions of employment of the Executive, to provide certain benefits to the Executive
in the case of his termination of employment, and to obtain certain agreements from the Executive
for the benefit of Windstream.

     Windstream and the Executive agree as follows:

Section 1.
Definitions.

     For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

     1.1 “Annual Incentive Benefit” shall mean the higher of the Annual Incentive Target or the
Prior Annual Incentive Amount.

     1.2 “Annual Incentive Plan” shall mean the Windstream Corporation Performance Incentive
Compensation Plan, the Windstream Corporation Executive Incentive Compensation Plan and any one or
more other formalized plans, if any, in which the Executive is eligible to participate providing
incentive compensation payable in cash to eligible participants determined on the basis of a
measuring period not in excess of 12 calendar months, but shall expressly exclude, without
limitation, the Windstream Management Deferred Compensation Plan, the Windstream Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan, the Windstream Benefit Restoration Plan, any plan qualified or intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and any plan supplementary thereto, the Windstream 2006
Equity Incentive Plan, and any other plan or arrangement under which stock, stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock or similar options, stock, or rights are issued, any
amendment or restatement of, or successor plan to, any of the foregoing plans in effect from time
to time, and any executive fringe benefits.

     1.3 “Annual Incentive Target” shall mean the amount of cash compensation that would be payable
to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan for the measuring period during which the
Termination Date occurs, computed assuming that the level of performance with respect to a
performance goal identified in accordance with the terms of the Annual Incentive Plan as the
“target” level of performance has been achieved. Where no level of performance has been
specifically identified as the “target” level, the “target” level shall be (i) the only level if
one level is identified, (ii) the higher of two levels if two levels are identified, and (iii) the
highest level if three or more levels are identified. Where the amount of compensation depends on
the achievement of multiple performance goals, the achievement of each target level of performance
with respect to each goal shall be assumed.

 

 

     1.4 “Base Salary” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 5.1, except that where
the Base Salary of the Executive has, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.1, been reduced,
Base Salary shall mean the Base Salary without giving effect to the reduction.

     1.5 “Beneficiary” shall mean the person so designated by the Executive in a written notice to
Windstream prior to his death, and in the absence of a written beneficiary designation, the
Executive’s Beneficiary shall be his surviving Spouse, or if he has no surviving Spouse, his
estate, except (in each case) where otherwise required by law or the terms of an applicable
compensation arrangement or employee benefit plan.

     1.6 “Board” (or “Windstream’s Board”) shall mean the Board of Directors of Windstream or a
duly authorized committee of the Board, including, without limitation, the Compensation Committee
of the Board.

     1.7 “Cause” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 7.3.

     1.8 “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or, with
respect to any period during which there is no Compensation Committee of the Board, the Board.

     1.9 “Disability” shall mean the incapacity of the Executive, due to injury, illness, disease,
or bodily or mental infirmity, to engage in the performance of his usual duties as contemplated by
Section 3 (Position and Responsibilities), except for an incapacity of the Executive for a period
of 60 calendar days or less in the aggregate during any period of 12 consecutive calendar months in
the absence of a reasonable expectation that the Executive’s incapacity will exist for more than 60
calendar days. “Disability” shall be determined by the Board in the good faith exercise of its
discretion upon receipt of and in reliance on competent medical advice from one or more individuals
who are qualified to give professional medical advice on the matters that are relevant to the
Executive’s condition selected by the Board.

     1.10 “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence on or after the Effective Date and no more than
180 calendar days prior to the date that notice of termination is given by the Executive in
accordance with Section 7.5 (Termination by Windstream Other Than for Cause or by Executive for
Good Reason), without the Executive’s express written consent, of any one or more of the following:

          (i) Any action of Windstream that results in a material adverse change in the Executive’s
position (including status, offices, title, and reporting requirements), authorities, duties, or
other responsibilities, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent action that is remedied by
Windstream promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

          (ii) A material reduction by Windstream in the Executive’s compensation, as contemplated by
Section 5;

          (iii) The failure of the Board to nominate the Executive for election or re-election to the
Board; and

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          (iv) A material breach by Windstream of any provision of this Agreement that is not remedied
by Windstream promptly after receipt of notice thereof given to Windstream by the Executive.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any of the following constitute “Good
Reason”:

          (i) A reduction in any component of the Executive’s compensation if coincident with the
reduction in that component of the Executive’s compensation one or more other components of the
Executive’s compensation is or are increased or a substitute or alternative is provided so that the
Executive’s overall compensation is not materially reduced;

          (ii) The Executive does not earn cash bonuses or benefit from equity incentives awarded to the
Executive because one or more performance goals or targets (including appreciation in value related
to equity awards) was or were not achieved; and

          (iii) The suspension of the Executive for the period during which the Board is making a
determination whether to terminate the Executive for Cause in accordance with Section 7.3
(Termination for Cause).

     1.11 “Non-Interference/Assistance Period” shall mean the period commencing with the
Termination Date and ending on the first anniversary of the Termination Date.

     1.12 “Notice of Termination” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 12.1.

     1.13 “Ordinary Termination Benefits” shall mean (i) the Executive’s Base Salary earned but not
paid through the Termination Date and (ii) Other Vested Benefits.

     1.14 “Other Vested Benefits” shall mean all compensation and benefits to which the Executive
has a vested right on the Termination Date, including but not limited to any amount payable to the
Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan’s terms with respect to the measuring period ending
immediately prior to the measuring period during which the Termination Date occurs, and any other
benefits payable under this Agreement, but expressly excluding Base Salary or Severance Benefits.

     1.15 “Prior Annual Incentive Amount” shall mean the amount of cash compensation that was paid
or payable to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan for the measuring period ending
immediately prior to the measuring period during which the Termination Date occurs.

     1.16 “Prorated Annual Incentive Benefit” shall mean the Annual Incentive Benefit multiplied by
a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of calendar months (counting a partial calendar
month as a full month) that have elapsed in the measuring period during which the Termination Date
occurs prior to the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is twelve (12); reduced by the
amount, if any, paid or payable to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan’s terms with
respect to the measuring period during which the Termination Date occurs.

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     1.17 “Protective Covenants” shall mean the Executive’s obligations under Section 8 of this
Agreement.

     1.18 “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and any proposed, temporary or final regulations, or any other guidance, promulgated with respect
to such Section 409A by the U.S. Department of Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service.

     1.19 “Severance Benefits” shall mean a lump sum payment, in cash, equal to the sum of (i) the
Executive’s annual Base Salary multiplied by two; and (ii) the Prorated Annual Incentive Benefit;
and reduced by any cash severance benefit otherwise paid or payable to the Executive under any
severance plan or other severance arrangement of the Windstream Group.

     1.20 “Spouse” shall mean the person (if any) to whom the Executive is legally married at the
relevant time, or if the Executive is deceased, the person (if any) to whom the Executive was
legally married at the time of the Executive’s death.

     1.21 “Term” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.

     1.22 “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date of the termination of the Executive’s
employment with the Windstream Group during the Term.

     1.23 “Windstream Group” shall mean, collectively, Windstream and all other entities that are
direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates of Windstream from time to time, and a “member” of
the Windstream Group shall mean Windstream or any of such entities.

Section 2. Term of Agreement.

          (A) Windstream shall employ the Executive, and may cause any other member of the Windstream
Group to employ the Executive, and the Executive shall continue his employment in accordance with
the terms and conditions set forth herein, for the “Term” of this Agreement.

          (B) The “Term” shall mean the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the
earlier of: (i) the Termination Date; or (ii) December 31, 2009. To the extent not previously
terminated, the Term shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods upon the terms
and conditions set forth herein, commencing on December 31, 2009, and on each December 31
thereafter, unless either party gives the other party written notice at least 90 calendar days
prior to the end of such initial or extended Term that the Term shall not be so extended. For
purposes of this Agreement, any reference to the “Term” of this Agreement shall include the
original term and any extension thereof.

Section 3. Position and Responsibilities.

     During the Term, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer and President of
Windstream, with such duties and responsibilities as are commensurate with such positions,
reporting directly to the Board. In addition, the Company shall cause the Executive to serve as a
member of the Board, and during the Term, the Executive shall remain on the Board, subject to

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Section 8.6. The Executive agrees to serve, without additional compensation, as an officer
and director for each member of the Windstream Group (other than Windstream), as determined by
Windstream, provided, that such service does not materially interfere with the Executive’s
performance of his duties and responsibilities as a member of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
and President of Windstream.

Section 4. Standard of Care.

     During the Term, the Executive shall devote substantially his full business time, attention,
and energies to the business of the Windstream Group. During the Term, it shall not be a violation
of this Agreement for the Executive, to serve as a director of or officer of or otherwise
participate in other businesses and civic, charitable, and educational organizations so long as
that service or participation is not injurious to the Windstream Group, does not violate any
provision of Section 8 (Protective Covenants By the Executive), and does not interfere with the
performance of his duties for the Windstream Group. During the Term, the Executive shall:

     (i) Devote his best efforts to the fulfillment of his employment obligations hereunder;

     (ii) Exercise the highest degree of care and loyalty to the Windstream Group and the highest
standards of conduct in the performance of his duties;

     (iii) Comply with the corporate governance board guidelines and code of ethics of each member
of the Windstream Group; and

     (iv) Do nothing that intentionally harms, in any way, the business or reputation of the
Windstream Group.

Section 5. Compensation.

     As remuneration for all services to be rendered to the Windstream Group by the Executive
during the Term and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Windstream shall pay or
provide, or cause another member of the Windstream Group to pay or provide, to the Executive the
following:

     5.1 Base Salary.

     During the Term, the Executive shall receive a base salary (“Base Salary”) at a rate of no
less than $700,000 per annum. During the Term, the Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed
annually by the Board and may be increased by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion. If so
increased, the Base Salary shall be increased for all purposes of this Agreement. Once so
increased, the Base Salary shall not be decreased during the Term. The Executive’s Base Salary
shall be paid to the Executive in installments throughout the year, consistent with the normal
payroll practices of Windstream.

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     5.2 Annual Bonus.

     For each fiscal year during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the
Annual Incentive Plan under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of
Windstream; provided, however, that the Executive’s “target” annual bonus opportunity shall not be
less than 100% of his Base Salary (or such higher percentage as determined by the Board from time
to time). Nothing contained in this Section 5.2 will guarantee the Executive any specific amount
of incentive compensation, or prevent the Board from establishing performance goals and
compensation targets applicable only to the Executive.

     5.3 Other Benefits.

     During the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all equity incentive,
employee benefits and perquisite plans, programs and arrangements that are no less favorable to the
Executive than the plans, programs and arrangements provided to other senior executives of
Windstream from time to time.

Section 6. Expense Reimbursement.

     Windstream shall pay or reimburse the Executive for ordinary and necessary employment-related
expenses of the Executive on a basis that is no less favorable to the Executive than the basis on
which payment or reimbursement of employment-related expenses is made from time to time to other
senior executives of Windstream.

Section 7. Employment Termination.

     7.1 Termination Due to Death.

          (A) In the event of the death of the Executive during the Term, Windstream shall pay or
provide to the Executive’s Beneficiary, in full satisfaction of all amounts due, the Ordinary
Termination Benefits.

          (B) The Ordinary Termination Benefits shall be paid in a single cash lump sum within 10
business days after the Termination Date, except as otherwise required by law, by the terms of any
applicable compensation arrangement or employee benefit plan or by the terms of this Agreement.

     7.2 Termination Due to Disability.

          (A) In the event of the Executive’s Disability during the Term, Windstream’s Board may
terminate or cause to be terminated the Executive’s employment under this Agreement by written
notice to the Executive of the termination of the Executive’s employment for Disability in
accordance with this Section 7.2 given at least 10 business days prior to the effective date of
such termination. A termination for Disability shall become effective upon the end of the
10-business-day notice period. Upon the effective date of the Executive’s termination of
employment on account of Disability, Windstream shall pay or provide to the Executive, in full
satisfaction of all amounts due, the Ordinary Termination Benefits.

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          (B) The Ordinary Termination Benefits shall be paid in a single cash lump sum within 10
business days after the Termination Date, except as otherwise required by law, by the terms of any
applicable compensation arrangement or employee benefit plan or by the terms of this Agreement.

     7.3 Termination for Cause.

          (A) Windstream’s Board may terminate or cause to be terminated the Executive’s employment
under this Agreement for “Cause” in accordance with this Section 7.3 at any time during the Term.
Upon a termination for Cause under this Section 7.3 during the Term, Windstream shall pay or
provide to the Executive, in full satisfaction of all amounts due, the Ordinary Termination
Benefits.

          (B) The Ordinary Termination Benefits shall be paid in a single lump sum within 10 business
days after the Termination Date, except as otherwise required by law, by the terms of any
applicable compensation arrangement or employee benefit plan or by the terms of this Agreement.

          (C) “Cause” shall mean (i) the willful failure by the Executive substantially to perform the
Executive’s duties with the Windstream Group, other than any failure resulting from the Executive’s
incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any actual or anticipated failure after the
issuance of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason by the Executive in accordance with Section
7.5, that continues for at least 30 calendar days after the Board delivers to the Executive a
written demand for performance that identifies specifically and in detail the manner in which the
Board believes that the Executive willfully has failed substantially to perform the Executive’s
duties; (ii) a conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere of the Executive for any felony;
(iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Executive that is intended to or does result in
the Executive’s substantial personal enrichment or a material detrimental effect on the reputation
or business of any member of the Windstream Group; (iv) a material violation by the Executive of
the corporate governance board guidelines and code of ethics of any member of the Windstream Group;
(v) a material violation by the Executive of the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or
other federal or state securities law, rule or regulation; (vi) the repeated use of alcohol by the
Executive that materially interferes with the Executive’s duties, the use of illegal drugs by the
Executive, or a violation by the Executive of the drug and/or alcohol policies of any member of the
Windstream Group; or (vii) a material breach by the Executive of any Protective Covenants during
the Term. For purposes of this definition, no act, or failure to act, on the Executive’s part
shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith
and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s act, or failure to act, was in the best interest
of the Windstream Group. Whether an act or failure to act by the Executive constitutes “Cause”
shall be determined subject to the following requirements:

               (i) Written notice shall be provided to the Executive not less than 10 business days prior to
the effective date of the termination setting forth the intention of Windstream’s Board to consider
terminating the Executive for Cause, including a statement of the intended effective date of
termination and a description of the specific facts believed to constitute Cause;

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               (ii) None of the acts or omissions of the Executive that the Board believes to constitute
Cause shall have occurred more than 365 calendar days before the earliest date on which any member
of the Board who is not a party to the act or omission knew or should have known of such act or
omission;

               (iii) The Executive shall be offered an opportunity to respond to the statement required by
clause (i) above by appearing in person, together with the Executive’s legal counsel, before the
Board prior to the date of termination;

               (iv) By the affirmative vote of at least 75 percent of the non-employee members of the Board
present at the Board meeting at which the determination is made, the Board shall determine that the
specified facts constituted Cause and that the Executive’s employment should accordingly be
terminated for Cause; and

               (v) Windstream shall provide the Executive a copy of the Board’s written determination setting
forth with specificity the basis of the termination for Cause and stating the effective date of
termination.

     Any purported termination for Cause that does not satisfy each substantive and procedural
requirement of this Section 7.3(C) shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as a
termination of the Executive’s employment under Section 7.5 (Termination by Windstream Other Than
for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason).

          (D) By determination of the Board, Windstream (and any other member of the Windstream Group
then employing the Executive) may, upon written notice to the Executive, suspend the Executive from
his duties for a period of up to 30 calendar days with full pay and benefits hereunder during the
period of time during which the Board is making a determination under Section 7.3(C) whether to
terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause.

     7.4 Voluntary Termination by the Executive Other Than for Good Reason.

          (A) The Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement other than for Good Reason
in accordance with this Section 7.4 at any time during the Term by giving the Board at least 30
calendar days’ prior written notice of termination in accordance with this Section 7.4. The
termination automatically shall become effective upon the expiration of the notice period. The
Executive’s right to terminate his employment under this Section 7.4 shall not be affected by the
Executive’s disability or incapacity.

          (B) Upon a termination other than for Good Reason under this Section 7.4 during the Term,
Windstream shall pay or provide to the Executive, in full satisfaction of all amounts due, the
Ordinary Termination Benefits.

          (C) The Ordinary Termination Benefits shall be paid in a single lump sum within 10 business
days after the Termination Date, except as otherwise required by law, by the terms of any
applicable compensation arrangement or employee benefit plan or by the terms of this Agreement.

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     7.5 Termination by Windstream Other Than for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason.

          (A) Windstream’s Board may, in the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion, terminate or
cause to be terminated the Executive’s employment under this Agreement other than for Cause in
accordance with this Section 7.5 at any time during the Term by written notice to the Executive
specifying the effective date of termination, which effective date shall not be earlier than the
date on which the written notice of termination under this Section 7.5 is given to the Executive.
The Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement for Good Reason in accordance with
this Section 7.5 at any time during the Term by giving the Board 30 calendar days’ written notice
of termination in accordance with this Section 7.5, which must set forth in reasonable detail the
facts and circumstances that are claimed to provide a basis for the Good Reason termination. The
termination automatically shall become effective upon the expiration of the notice period. The
Executive’s right to terminate his employment for Good Reason under this Section 7.5 shall not be
affected by the Executive’s disability or incapacity. The Executive’s continued employment under
this Agreement shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or
failure to act constituting Good Reason.

          (B) Upon a termination by Windstream other than for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason
under this Section 7.5 during the Term, Windstream shall pay or provide or cause another member of
the Windstream Group to pay or provide to the Executive in full satisfaction of all amounts due the
Ordinary Termination Benefits and the Severance Benefits.

          (C) The Ordinary Termination Benefits and the Severance Benefits shall be paid in a single
lump sum within 10 business days after the Termination Date, except as otherwise required by law,
by the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or employee benefit plan or by the terms of
this Agreement.

     7.6 Release.

     Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, Windstream shall not be
obligated to pay or provide any Severance Benefits (a) unless the Executive first executes and does
not revoke a release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A; and (b) to the
extent such payment or benefit is subject to the seven-day revocation period prescribed by the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, or to any similar revocation period in effect
on the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, such revocation period has expired.

Section 8. Protective Covenants by the Executive.

     8.1 Return of Property.

     Within five calendar days after the date of the termination of the Executive’s employment with
the Windstream Group, the Executive shall deliver to Windstream all of the Windstream Group’s
property in his possession, custody or control, including, without limitation, all keys and credit
cards, all computers and fax machines, and all files, documents, data and information in

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any medium relating in anyway to the Windstream Group or its employees, suppliers, customers
or business.

     8.2 Non-Disclosure.

     The Executive acknowledges that in the course of his employment with the Windstream Group he
has had and will have access to confidential information and trade secrets proprietary to the
Windstream Group, including, without limitation, information relating to the Windstream Group’s
products, suppliers, and customers, the sources, nature, processes, costs and prices of the
Windstream Group’s products, the names, addresses, contact persons, purchasing and sales histories,
and preferences of the Windstream Group’s suppliers and customers, the Windstream Group’s business
plans and strategies, and the names and addresses of, amounts of compensation paid to, and the
trading and sales performance of the Windstream Group’s employees and agents (hereinafter referred
to as the “Confidential Information”). The Executive further acknowledges that the Confidential
Information is proprietary to the Windstream Group, that the unauthorized disclosure of any of the
Confidential Information to any person or entity will result in immediate and irreparable
competitive injury to the Windstream Group, and that such injury cannot adequately be remedied by
an award of monetary damages. Accordingly, the Executive shall not at any time disclose any
Confidential Information to any person or entity who is not properly authorized by the Windstream
Group to receive the information without the prior written consent of the Chairman of the Board of
Windstream (which consent may be withheld for any reason or no reason) unless and except to the
extent that such disclosure is required by any subpoena or other legal process (in which event the
Executive will give the Chairman of the Board of Windstream prompt written notice of such subpoena
or other legal process in order to permit Windstream to seek appropriate protective orders), and
that he shall not use any Confidential Information for his own account without the prior written
consent of the Chairman of the Board of Windstream (which consent may be withheld for any reason or
no reason).

     8.3 Non-Competition.

     The Executive shall not during his employment with the Windstream Group and thereafter until
the expiration of the Non-Interference/Assistance Period, in any manner, directly or indirectly,
through any person, firm or corporation, alone or as a member of a partnership or as an officer,
director, shareholder, investor or employee of or in any other corporation or enterprise or
otherwise, (i) engage in or be engaged in, or assist any other person, firm, corporation or
enterprise in engaging or being engaged in, any business then actively being conducted by the
Windstream Group, or any business that the Windstream Group has engaged in during the preceding
one-year period, within any state in which any member of the Windstream Group is licensed as an
incumbent or competitive local exchange carrier, or (ii) solicit, service, or accept the business
of any active customer of the Windstream Group, or any person or entity who is or was at any time
during the previous one-year period a customer of the Windstream Group. Nothing in this Section
shall prohibit the Executive from being: (x) a shareholder in a mutual fund or a diversified
investment company or (y) a passive owner of not more than 5% of the outstanding equity securities
of any class of a corporation or other entity which is publicly traded, so long as the Executive
has no active participation in the business of such corporation or other entity.

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     8.4 Non-Interference.

     The Executive shall not during his employment with the Windstream Group and thereafter until
the expiration of the Non-Interference/Assistance Period employ, or assist any person or entity in
employing, any employee of any member of the Windstream Group. The Executive shall not during his
employment with the Windstream Group and thereafter until the expiration of the
Non-Interference/Assistance Period solicit, or assist any person or entity to solicit, any employee
of any member of the Windstream Group to leave the Windstream Group’s employment or to become
employed by any entity that is not a member of the Windstream Group.

     8.5 Harmful Statements.

     The Executive shall not at any time disseminate any information or make any statements,
whether written, oral or otherwise, that are negative, disparaging or critical of Windstream, any
member of the Windstream Group, or any of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, or their
respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, trustees, administrators, or employee
benefit plans, or the representatives, employees, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, or
assigns of any of the foregoing (hereinafter “Windstream Parties”), or their business or
operations, or that place any of the Windstream Parties in a bad light, other than any such
statement or information that is made or disseminated by the Executive in a good faith belief as to
their truth or accuracy and either is required by law or is reasonably necessary to the enforcement
by the Executive of any right the Executive has related to his employment with the Windstream
Group.

     8.6 Resignations.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, upon termination of the Executive’s
employment with the Windstream Group, and unless otherwise requested by the Board, the Executive
shall immediately resign as of the Termination Date from all positions that he holds or has ever
held with Windstream and the Windstream Group (and with any other entities with respect to which
the Company has requested the Executive to perform services), including, without limitation, the
Board and all boards of directors of any member of the Windstream Group. The Executive hereby
agrees to execute any and all documentation to effectuate such resignations upon request by
Windstream, but he shall be treated for all purposes as having so resigned upon termination of his
employment, regardless of when or whether he executes any such documentation.

     8.7 Challenge to Validity. The Executive shall not at any time commence any action,
suit, arbitration or proceeding challenging the validity or enforceability of any provision of this
Agreement, or adjudicate the limits or scope of any of its provisions, and the Executive shall not
assert, in any action, suit, arbitration or proceeding against the Executive by any Windstream
Group member for a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 8 that any
provision of the covenants is invalid or unenforceable in any respect or to any extent,
irrespective of the outcome of any such action, suit or proceeding.

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     8.8 Assistance to Windstream.

     During the Non-Interference/Assistance Period, the Executive shall provide such information
and assistance as Windstream reasonably requests to assist any Windstream Group member in the
mediation, arbitration, or litigation of any, claim, action, suit or proceeding maintained against
any Windstream Group member arising from events occurring during the Executive’s employment with
the Windstream Group, provided that Windstream shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable and
necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Executive in complying with this Section 8.8.

     8.9 Revision.

     If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that the restrictions stated herein are
unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period,
scope or geographical area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated
period, scope or area and that the court shall be allowed to revise the restrictions contained
herein to cover the maximum period, scope and area permitted by law.

Section 9. Successors; Binding Agreement; Assignment.

     9.1 As to Windstream.

     This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by
Windstream and its successors. For purposes of this Section 9.1, the term “successor” shall mean
any successor to the business or assets of Windstream by operation of law or otherwise, including,
without limitation, any person, corporation, partnership, or entity that, directly or indirectly,
whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, acquires all or substantially all of the
business or assets of Windstream (and each successor to a successor to Windstream). Any such
successor shall be deemed to be Windstream for all purposes of this Agreement. In addition to any
obligations imposed by law upon any successor, Windstream shall require any successor expressly to
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that
Windstream would be required to perform it if no succession had taken place. A failure of
Windstream to obtain the assumption of and agreement to perform this Agreement prior to the
effectiveness of any succession shall be a material breach of this Agreement by Windstream. The
provisions of this Section 9.1 shall apply to each successor to any successor of Windstream.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.1, Windstream and any other predecessor
to a successor shall remain, with each successor, jointly and severally liable for all obligations
of Windstream hereunder. Except as provided in this Section 9.1, this Agreement shall not be
assigned by Windstream, and any purported assignment of this Agreement by Windstream (except as
provided in this Section 9.1) shall be void.

     9.2 As to the Executive.

     This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Executive and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, and administrators. If
the Executive should die while any amounts payable to the Executive hereunder remain outstanding,
unless otherwise provided herein, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement to the Executive’s Beneficiary, determined in

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accordance with Section 7.1 (Termination Due to Death). This Agreement shall not be assigned
by the Executive, and any purported assignment of this Agreement by the Executive shall be void.

Section 10. Dispute Resolution and Notices.

     10.1 Dispute Resolution.

          (A) Any dispute or controversy arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be
settled by binding arbitration. The arbitration proceeding shall be conducted before a panel of
three arbitrators sitting (i) if the Executive is employed by an Windstream Group member at the
time of the initiation of the arbitration, in the municipality in which the Executive’s principal
place of employment is located at the time, and (ii) if the Executive’s employment with the
Windstream Group has terminated prior to the time of initiation of the arbitration, at a location
which is within 50 miles of the location of the Executive’s principal place of employment at the
time of his termination of employment. The arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the
rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment maybe entered on any
arbitration award in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Windstream
Group shall not be required to seek or participate in arbitration regarding any breach or
threatened breach by the Executive of his Protective Covenants, but may pursue its remedies for
such breach in a court of competent jurisdiction in a federal district court or state court located
in Pulaski County, Arkansas.

          (B) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.1(B), and to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, all expenses of any arbitration under Section 10.1(A), including, without
limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of the legal representative for the Executive, and
necessary costs and disbursements incurred as a result of such dispute or proceeding, and any
prejudgment interest, calculated at the rate provided by law, shall be borne by Windstream, whether
or not the Executive prevails in such arbitration. Windstream shall pay (or reimburse the
Executive for) such fees and expenses on a monthly basis within ten calendar days after the
Executive’s submission of a written request for payment or reimbursement, as applicable, together
with reasonable evidence that the fees and expenses were incurred. If the Executive does not
prevail (after exhaustion of all available arbitral remedies), and the arbitration panel
affirmatively finds that the Executive instituted the proceeding in bad faith or that the
Executive’s claims were frivolous, no further reimbursement for legal fees and expenses shall be
due to the Executive, and the Executive shall repay Windstream for any amounts previously paid by
Windstream pursuant to this Section 10.1(B). With respect to any dispute regarding the provisions
of Section 8 (Protective Covenants by the Executive), if the Executive does not prevail (after
exhaustion of all available arbitral remedies), no further reimbursement for legal fees and
expenses shall be due to the Executive, and the Executive shall repay Windstream for any amounts
previously paid by Windstream to the Executive hereunder pursuant to this Section 10.1(B) in
respect of such dispute. No fees or expenses of the Executive shall be paid by Windstream with
respect to any dispute or controversy as to the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, or
any provision hereof, or in connection with the litigation of any issue arising under this
Agreement in a court of law other than fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in enforcing an
arbitration award entered in favor of the Executive in accordance with this Section 10.1(B).

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     10.2 Notices.

     Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when mailed by United States registered
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth
below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon actual
receipt:

     To the Board, the Compensation Committee, and Windstream:

Windstream Corporation

4001 Rodney Parham Road

Little Rock, Arkansas 72212

Attention: Chairman, Compensation Committee; and General Counsel

     To the Executive:

Jeffery R. Gardner

17 Bretagne Circle

Little Rock, AR 72223

Section 11. Survival of Obligations and Remedies.

     11.1 Survival of Obligations.

     Upon the expiration of the Term of this Agreement in accordance with Section 2, no provision
of this Agreement shall have any further force or effect and all obligations of Windstream and the
Executive hereunder shall immediately terminate, except as follows:

     (i) Windstream shall be required to pay or provide to the Executive, or the Beneficiary in the
case of the death of the Executive, any benefits to which the Executive became entitled under
Section 7 (Employment Terminations), by reason of a qualifying Termination Date (occurring during
the Term), in accordance with the terms thereof, including benefits to be paid or provided within a
specified number of calendar days following the Termination Date, which remain unpaid or unprovided
following the expiration or the Term;

     (ii) The provisions of Section 8 (Protective Covenants By the Executive) shall remain in full
force and effect for the applicable periods of time specified in Section 8 with respect to the
provisions thereof;

     (iii) The provisions of Section 9 (Successor; Binding Agreement; Assignment) shall remain in
full force and effect so long as any rights or obligations of either party continue to exist under
the Agreement; and

     (iv) The provisions of Section 10 (Dispute Resolution and Notice), Section 11.2 (Remedies;
Protective Covenants), and Section 12 (Miscellaneous) shall remain in full force and

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effect with respect to rights and obligations existing on the Termination Date or that may
arise thereafter in accordance with the foregoing clauses of this Section 11.1.

     11.2 Remedies; Protective Covenants.

          (A) The Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any and all claims arising under
this Agreement, for termination of the Executive’s employment with the Windstream Group during the
Term, and for breach hereof by Windstream shall be the right to receive the benefits provided for
under Section 7 (Employment Terminations), and such expenses as are provided for under Section
10.1, in each case, to which the Executive is otherwise entitled pursuant to the terms and
conditions hereof. Without limiting the foregoing, the Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy for
the failure of Windstream or the Windstream Group to provide compensation or expense reimbursement
to the Executive in an amount or form not in conformity with any one or more of the provisions of
Section 5 (Compensation) or Section 6 (Expense Reimbursement) is to seek recovery against
Windstream pursuant to Section 10 (Dispute Resolution and Notices) for only such benefits, if any,
that are expressly provided for consequent upon the Executive’s termination of employment pursuant
to the applicable provisions of Section 7 (Employment Terminations). The Executive’s employment
with the Windstream Group is “at will” and may be terminated by Windstream’s Board for any reason
in its sole and absolute discretion in accordance with any applicable provision of Section 7
(Employment Terminations) and the payment or provision of such benefits as may be required under
this Agreement.

          (B) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that each and every covenant contained in Section 8
(the “Protective Covenants”) is reasonable in period, scope and geographical area and is necessary
to protect the Windstream Group’s legitimate business interests and Confidential Information and
that his compliance with each of the Protective Covenants is necessary to protect the Windstream
Group from unfair injury. The Executive agrees that he will notify Windstream Group in writing if
he has, or reasonably should have, any questions regarding the applicability of the Protective
Covenants. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that a breach of any of the Protective
Covenants will result in irreparable and continuing harm and damage to the Windstream Group for
which there will be no adequate remedy at law. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of
any of the Protective Covenants, each and every member of the Windstream Group shall be entitled to
injunctive relief and to such other relief (whether at law or in equity) as a court of competent
jurisdiction deems proper in the circumstances, in addition to any other remedy or relief to which
any of them may be entitled. The parties agree that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to
limit or otherwise restrict the Windstream Group’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by
law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement, the obligations of each member of the Windstream Group under
this Agreement are conditioned upon compliance by the Executive with each of the Protective
Covenants, and failure by the Executive to comply with any of the Protective Covenants shall
entitle each Windstream Group member to forfeit, terminate payment of, and, to the extent paid,
recover immediately from the Executive any Severance Benefits, benefits, amounts, expenses, or
costs that may have been paid or would otherwise be owing to or vested in the Executive, under
Section 7 (Employment Terminations) of this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that any
forfeiture resulting under the provisions of this Agreement is reasonably related and proportional

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to the harm that the Windstream Group would sustain if he were to violate any of the
Protective Covenants. The Executive acknowledges that the Protective Covenants are a principal
inducement for the willingness of Windstream to enter into this Agreement and make the payments and
provide the benefits to the Executive under this Agreement and that Windstream and the Executive
intend the Protective Covenants to be binding upon and enforceable against the Executive in
accordance with their terms, notwithstanding any common or statutory law to the contrary. The
Executive agrees that the obligations of Windstream under this Agreement (specifically including,
but not limited to, the obligation to provide the Severance Benefits as provided herein) constitute
sufficient consideration for the Protective Covenants.

Section 12. Miscellaneous.

     12.1 Termination Procedures.

     Any intended termination of the Executive’s employment by either party shall be communicated
by written Notice of Termination from the party initiating such termination to the other party
hereto in accordance with Section 10.2. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination”
shall mean a written notice that indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement
relied upon, and, if applicable, the notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the
provision so indicated. Notices under Section 7.3 (Termination for Cause) and Section 7.5
(Termination by Windstream Other Than for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason) shall include the
information required thereunder.

     12.2 Windstream Representations.

     Windstream hereby represents and warrants to the Executive as follows: The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the performance by Windstream of the actions contemplated hereby
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Windstream. This
Agreement is a legal, valid and legally binding obligation of Windstream enforceable in accordance
with its terms. Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation by
Windstream of the actions contemplated hereby (i) will violate any provision of the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws (or other charter documents) of Windstream, (ii) will violate or be in
conflict with any applicable law or any judgment, decree, injunction or order of any court or
governmental agency or authority, or (iii) will violate or conflict with or constitute a default
(or an event of which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under or
will result in the termination of, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets or properties
of Windstream under, any term or provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other
charter documents) of Windstream or of any contract, commitment, understanding, arrangement,
agreement or restriction of any kind or character to which Windstream is a party or by which
Windstream or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected.

     12.3 No Duplication.

     In no event shall payments in accordance with this Agreement be made in respect of more than
one of Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5.

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     12.4 No Mitigation.

     The Executive shall not be required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to
reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by Windstream pursuant to this Agreement. Further, the
amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any
compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement
benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Windstream Group,
or otherwise.

     12.5 Entire Agreement.

     This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, between the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and constitutes the entire agreement of
the parties with respect thereto. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or
implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement.

     12.6 Modification.

     Except as otherwise provided in Section 12.8, this Agreement shall not be varied, altered,
modified, canceled, changed, or in any way amended, or any provision of this Agreement waived,
except by mutual agreement of the parties in a written instrument executed by the parties hereto or
their legal representatives and in the case of Windstream by an officer specifically designated by
the Board. No waiver by a party to this Agreement at any time of any breach by any party to this
Agreement of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time.

     12.7 Severability.

     In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid
or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected
thereby and shall remain in full force and effect. In the event that any provision of this
Agreement is held unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed so as to be enforced to the
maximum extent possible, and if it is determined that it is not possible to reform any such
provision of this Agreement, such provision shall be severed from this Agreement and the remainder
of this Agreement shall be enforced to the full extent permitted by law.

     12.8 Compliance with Section 409A.

     To the extent applicable, the parties intend that this Agreement comply with the provisions of
Section 409A. This Agreement shall be construed, administered, and governed in a manner consistent
with this intent. Any provision that would cause any amount payable or benefit provided under this
Agreement to be includable in the gross income of the Executive or his beneficiary (or subject to
additional taxes or interest) under Section 409A shall have no force and effect unless and until
amended to cause such amount or benefit to not be so includable (which amendment shall be made
without the consent of the Executive or his beneficiaries and shall maintain, to the maximum extent
practicable, the original intent of the applicable provision

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without violating the requirements of Section 409A). In particular, to the extent that the
Executive has a right to receive a payment or benefit pursuant to this Agreement that is subject to
Section 409A, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such payment or
benefit will be made or provided, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, no earlier
than (a) 10 calendar days after the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company
(determined in accordance with Section 409A); provided, however, that if the
Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A) at such time, then any
payment or benefit that would otherwise be paid or provided during the first six months following
such separation from service shall be accumulated through and paid (together with interest at the
applicable federal rate under Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code in effect on the Termination Date)
no earlier than the first business day following the six month anniversary of such separation of
service; or (b) 10 calendar days after the Executive’s death.

     12.9 Counterparts.

     This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to
be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

     12.10 Withholding.

     Any member of the Windstream Group may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement
all federal, state, city, or other taxes or payments as may be required pursuant to any law or
governmental regulation or ruling or as may be expressly authorized by the Executive to be
withheld, deducted or reduced from those amounts.

     12.11 Change-in-Control Agreement.

     Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Change-in-Control Agreement
dated November 7, 2006, by and between the Executive and Windstream regarding a “change in control”
of Windstream (the “Change-in-Control Agreement”) shall supersede Sections 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5 of this
Agreement (including, without limitation, the definitions of “cause” and “good reason” contained
therein), and no Severance Benefits shall be payable to the Executive hereunder, in the event that
the Executive terminates employment with the Windstream Group on or after a “Change in Control” as
defined in the Change-in-Control Agreement, but all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain
in force in accordance with their terms following the “Change in Control.”

     12.12 Third Party Beneficiaries.

     This Agreement is entered into for the benefit only of (i) the Executive, (ii) the Executive’s
Beneficiary, and (iii) Windstream and the other members of the Windstream Group, and their
successors, and no other parties shall have any rights hereunder, except as otherwise provided in
Section 9 (Successors; Binding Agreement; Assignment).

     12.13 Governing Law.

     To the extent not preempted by federal law, the validity, interpretation, construction, and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without

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giving effect to any conflicts of law principles of the State of Delaware that would require
the application of the laws of another jurisdiction).

(Signatures are on the following page)

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Windstream and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	WINDSTREAM CORPORATION
 	 
	 
	 	By:  	/s/
Francis X. Frantz	 
	 	 	       Francis X. Frantz 	 
	 	 	       Chairman of the Board 	 
	 
	 	EXECUTIVE	 
	 
	 	/s/
Jeffery R. Gardner	 
	 	Jeffery R. Gardner	 

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EXHIBIT A

******

WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

     THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “Waiver and Release”) is entered into by and between
Jeffery R. Gardner (“Executive”) and Windstream Corporation (the “Company”) (collectively, the
“Parties”).

     WHEREAS, the Parties have entered into an Employment Agreement dated November 7, 2006 (the
“Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, Executive’s employment has been or will be terminated on ___in accordance with
the Agreement;

     WHEREAS, Executive is required to sign this Waiver and Release in order to receive the payment
of certain severance benefits under the Agreement following termination of employment; and

     WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to sign this Waiver and Release.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows:

	1.	 	Subject to Section 4 of this Waiver and Release, this Waiver and Release is effective on the
date hereof and will continue in effect as provided herein.

	2.	 	In consideration of the payments to be made and the benefits to be received by Executive
pursuant to Section 7.5 of the Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) which Executive
acknowledges are in addition to payments and benefits to which Executive would be entitled but
for the Agreement (except as otherwise provided in the Agreement), Executive, on behalf of
himself/herself, his/her heirs, representatives, agents and assigns by dower or otherwise
hereby COVENANTS NOT TO SUE OR OTHERWISE VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATE IN ANY LAWSUIT AGAINST, FULLY
RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS and OTHERWISE FOREVER DISCHARGES (i) the Company, (ii)
any companies controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company, and any
predecessors, successors or assigns to the foregoing (together with the Company, the
“Windstream Group”) (iii) the Windstream Group’s compensation, benefit, incentive (including,
but not limited to, individual incentive, project incentive, annual incentive, long-term
incentive and annual bonus), pension, welfare and other plans and arrangements, and any
predecessor or successor to any such plans and arrangements (including the sponsors,
administrators and fiduciaries of any such plan and/or arrangements), and (iv) any of the
Windstream Group’s current or former officers, directors, agents, executives, employees,
attorneys, insurers, shareholders, predecessors, successors or assigns, from any and all
actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character whatsoever,
known or

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	 	 	unknown, which Executive now has or may have had whether or not based on or arising out of
Executive’s employment relationship with the Windstream Group or the termination of that
employment relationship through the date of execution of this Waiver and Release, other than
workers’ compensation claims filed prior to the date of execution of this Waiver and
Release. Executive acknowledges and understands that in the event Executive files a charge
or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the Texas Workforce
Commission Civil Rights Division (“TWCCRD”), the New Mexico Human Rights Commission
(“NMHRC”), or other similar state agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(“OSHA”), or the Secretary of Labor, Executive shall be entitled to no relief,
reinstatement, remuneration, damages, back pay, front pay, or compensation whatsoever from
the Windstream Group as a result of such charge or complaint. Executive understands and
agrees that he is waiving and releasing any and all actions and causes of action, suits,
debts, claims, complaints and demands of any kind whatsoever, in law or in equity,
including, but not limited to, the following:

	 	a.	 	Those arising under any federal, state or local statute, ordinance or common
law governing or relating to the Parties’ employment relationship including, but not
limited to, (i) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with
Executive’s hiring by the Windstream Group, employment with the Windstream Group or the
termination of that employment; (ii) any claims alleged or which could have been
alleged in any charge or complaint against the Windstream Group, including, but not
limited to, those with the EEOC, TWCCRD, NMHRC, or other similar state agency, OSHA and
the Secretary of Labor; (iii) any claims relating to the conduct, including action or
inaction, of any executive, employee, officer, director, agent or other representative
of the Windstream Group; (iv) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation
on any basis; (v) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right
to separate its employees; (vi) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or
punitive damages, front pay, back pay, liquidated damages, treble damages, legal and/or
attorneys’ fees, expenses and litigation costs or other forms of relief; (vii) any
claims for compensation and benefits; (viii) any cause of action or claim that could
have been asserted in any litigation or other dispute resolution process, regardless of
forum (judicial, arbitral or other), against any employee, officer, director, agent or
other representative of the Windstream Group; (ix) any claim for, or right to,
arbitration, and any claim alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge,
complaint or request for arbitration against the Windstream Group; (x) any claim on
account of, arising out of or in any way connected with any employment agreement
between Executive and the Windstream Group; (xi) any claim on account of, arising out
of or in any way connected with the alleged termination of Executive’s employment
without “cause” or for “good reason”; (xii) any claim on account of, arising out of or
in any way connected with medical, dental, life insurance or other welfare benefit plan
coverage; and (xiii) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other
common law basis, including, but not limited to: (a) the breach of any alleged oral or
written contract; (b) negligent or intentional misrepresentations; (c) wrongful
discharge; (d) just cause dismissal; (e) defamation; (f) interference with contract or
business

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	 	 	 	relationship; (g) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; (h)
promissory estoppel; (i) claims in equity or public policy; (j) assault; (k)
battery; (l) breach of employee handbooks, manuals or other policies; (m) breach of
fiduciary duty; (n) false imprisonment; (o) fraud; (p) invasion of privacy; (q)
whistleblower claims; (r) negligence, negligent hiring, retention or supervision and
(s) constructive discharge; and
	 
	 	b.	 	Those arising under any law relating to sex, age, race, color, religion,
handicap or disability, harassment, veteran status, sexual orientation, retaliation, or
national origin discrimination including, without limitation, any rights or claims
arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
§§ 1981 and 2000(e) et seq.; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621 et
seq., as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12,101 et seq.;
Sections 806 and 1107 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the Fair Labor Standards Act
of 1938, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201 et seq.; the National Labor Relations Act, 29
U.S.C. §§ 151 et seq.; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29
U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq.; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2101, et seq.; the Texas Commission on
Human Rights Act, Tex. Lab. Code. Ann. §§21.001 et seq.; Tex. Lab. Code. Ann.
§§21.051; Tex. Lab. Code. Ann. §§21.055, Texas Workers’ Compensation Act; Texas
Whistleblower Act, Arkansas Civil Rights Act, §16-123 et seq., the
Arkansas Equal Pay Law §11-4 et seq.; the New Mexico Human Rights Act,
N.M. Stat. Ann. §281-1-1 et seq., as such statutes may be amended from
time to time; and
	 
	 	c.	 	Those arising out of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended; and
	 
	 	d.	 	Those arising out of the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2601
et seq.; and
	 
	 	e.	 	Those arising under the civil rights, labor and employment laws of any state,
municipality or local ordinance; and
	 
	 	f.	 	Any claim for reinstatement, compensatory damages, back pay, front pay,
interest, punitive damages, special damages, legal and/or attorneys’ fees, expenses and
litigation costs including expert fees; and
	 
	 	g.	 	Any other federal, state or local law that affords employees or individuals
protection of any kind whatsoever.

	3.	 	The Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that this Waiver and
Release fully complies with the requirements of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (29
U.S.C. § 626) and any similar law governing the release of claims. Accordingly, Executive
hereby acknowledges that:

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	 	a.	 	Executive has consulted with an attorney prior to executing this Waiver and
Release and acknowledges being given the advice to do so. Executive represents that
Executive has read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Waiver and
Release. Executive represents that Executive is voluntarily signing this Waiver and
Release.
	 
	 	b.	 	Executive has been offered at least forty-five (45) days in which to review and
consider this Waiver and Release.
	 
	 	c.	 	Executive waives any right to assert any claim or demand for reemployment with
the Windstream Group.
	 
	 	d.	 	Executive acknowledges receipt of the attached OWBPA Notice containing the
titles and ages of employees who are eligible and ineligible for this program in
Executive’s decisional unit.

	4.	 	The Parties agree that this Waiver and Release shall not become effective and enforceable
until the date this Waiver and Release is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days
after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Waiver and
Release for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the following individual
within seven (7) days after he has signed this Waiver and Release, thereby forfeiting
Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits and rendering this Waiver and Release null
and void in its entirety:

Mr. Tommy Keet

Windstream Corporation

4001 Rodney Parham Drive

Little Rock, Arkansas 72212

	5.	 	Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the sole matters to which the Waiver and
Release do not apply are: (i) Executive’s rights of indemnification and directors and officers
liability insurance coverage to which he was entitled immediately prior to                      with
regard to his service as an officer or director of any member of the Windstream Group; (ii)
Executive’s rights under any tax-qualified pension or claims for accrued vested benefits under
any other employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement (whether tax-qualified or not)
maintained by the Windstream Group or under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1985; or (iii) Executive’s rights under Section 7.5 of the Agreement which are intended to
survive termination of employment.

	6.	 	Executive specifically agrees and understands that the existence and terms of this Waiver and
Release are strictly CONFIDENTIAL and that such confidentiality is a material term of this
Waiver and Release. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by
the Company in writing, Executive agrees that he shall not communicate, display or otherwise
reveal any of the contents of this Waiver and Release to anyone other than his spouse,
attorney or financial advisor, provided, however, that they are first advised
of the confidential nature of this Waiver and Release and Executive obtains their

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	 	 	agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may respond to
legitimate inquiries regarding his employment with the Company by stating that the Parties
terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have entered into a
confidential Waiver and Release that prohibits him from further discussing the specifics of
his separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Executive from
discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of any obligations as
set forth in the Agreement. Further, nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit
or otherwise restrict the Windstream Group’s ability to disclose the terms and conditions of
this Waiver and Release as may be required by law or business necessity.

	7.	 	In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Waiver and
Release, he agrees that the Windstream Group shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable
and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive
relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Windstream Group has an adequate remedy at
law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the
Windstream Group shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by
the Windstream Group in any successful effort to enforce the terms of this Waiver and Release.
Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise
restrict the Windstream Group’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including
the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues
any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing Waiver and Release, Executive agrees
to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all Severance Benefits received to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

	8.	 	The Parties acknowledge that this Waiver and Release is entered into solely for the purpose
of ending their employment relationship on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an
admission of liability or wrongdoing by either Party and that both the Windstream Group and
Executive have expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing. Executive agrees that
he/she is eligible for re-employment by Windstream Group only by mutual agreement and consent
of the Parties.

	9.	 	Each of the promises and obligations contained in this Waiver and Release shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and
successors in interest of each of the Parties.

	10.	 	The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this
Waiver and Release is severable and that, if any portion of this Waiver and Release should be
deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining
portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law.

	11.	 	This Waiver and Release shall be interpreted, enforced and governed under the laws of the
State of Delaware, without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.

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	12.	 	Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Waiver and Release he does not
rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Windstream Group or
by any of the Windstream Group’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or
attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Waiver and Release other
than those specifically contained herein.

	13.	 	This Waiver and Release represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the
subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist
between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the
post-termination obligations contained in the Agreement), and shall not be altered, amended,
modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. WITH RESPECT TO EXECUTIVE,

THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE INCLUDES A COMPLETE RELEASE OF ALL

KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have themselves signed, or caused a duly authorized agent
thereof to sign, this Waiver and Release on their behalf and thereby acknowledge their intent to be
bound by its terms and conditions.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	EXECUTIVE	 	 	 	WINDSTREAM CORPORATION
	 
	Signed:

	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Printed:

	 	Jeffery R. Gardner
	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Dated:

	 	 	 	 	 	Dated:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 

-26-exv10w2

 

EXHIBIT
10.2

CHANGE-IN-CONTROL AGREEMENT

     This Change-in-Control Agreement, dated November 7, 2006 (“Agreement”), is made by and between
Windstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (as hereinafter defined, the “Corporation”), and
                                         (as hereinafter defined, the “Executive”).

     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Corporation (as hereinafter defined, the “Board”)
recognizes that the possibility of a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) of the Corporation
exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty it may cause, may result in the departure or
distraction of key management employees of the Corporation or of a Subsidiary to the detriment of
the Corporation and its stockholders; and

     WHEREAS, the Executive is a key management employee of the Corporation or of a Subsidiary; and

     WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the Corporation should encourage the continued
employment of the Executive by the Corporation or a Subsidiary and the continued dedication of the
Executive to his assigned duties without distraction as a result of the circumstances arising from
the possibility of a Change in Control;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the
Corporation and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

     1. Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated below:

          (A) “Annual Incentive Plan” shall mean the Windstream Corporation Performance Incentive
Compensation Plan, the Windstream Corporation Executive Incentive Compensation Plan and any one or
more other formalized plans, if any, in which the Executive is eligible to participate providing
incentive compensation payable in cash to eligible participants determined on the basis of a
measuring period not in excess of 12 calendar months, but shall expressly exclude, without
limitation, the Windstream Management Deferred Compensation Plan, the Windstream Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan, the Windstream Benefit Restoration Plan, any plan qualified or intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and any plan supplementary thereto, the Windstream 2006
Equity Incentive Plan, and any other plan or arrangement under which stock, stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock or similar options, stock, or rights are issued, any
amendment or restatement of, or successor plan to, any of the foregoing plans in effect from time
to time, and any executive fringe benefits.

          (B) “Annual Incentive Target” shall mean with respect to any measuring period, the amount of
cash compensation that would be payable to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan for such
measuring period, computed assuming that the level of performance with respect to a performance
goal identified in accordance with the terms of the Annual Incentive Plan as the “target” level of
performance has been achieved. Where no level of performance has been specifically identified as
the “target” level, the “target” level shall be (i) the only level if one level is identified, (ii)
the higher of two levels if two levels are identified, and (iii) the highest level if three or more
levels are identified. Where the amount of

 

 

compensation depends on the achievement of multiple performance goals, the achievement of each
target level of performance with respect to each goal shall be assumed.

          (C) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Corporation, as constituted from time to
time.

          (D) “Cause” for termination by the Corporation of the Executive’s employment shall mean (i)
the willful failure by the Executive substantially to perform the Executive’s duties with the
Corporation or a Subsidiary, other than any failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due
to physical or mental illness or any actual or anticipated failure after the issuance of a Notice
of Termination for Good Reason by the Executive in accordance with paragraph (A) of Section 8, that
continues for at least 30 calendar days after the Board delivers to the Executive a written demand
for performance that identifies specifically and in detail the manner in which the Board believes
that the Executive willfully has failed substantially to perform the Executive’s duties, (ii) a
conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere of the Executive for any felony, (iii) the
willful engaging by the Executive in misconduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to
the Corporation or any Subsidiary, monetarily or otherwise, (iv) a material violation by the
Executive of the corporate governance board guidelines and code of ethics of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary; (v) a material violation by the Executive of the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 or other federal or state securities law, rule or regulation, (vi) the repeated use of
alcohol by the Executive that materially interferes with the Executive’s duties, the use of illegal
drugs by the Executive, or a violation by the Executive of the drug and/or alcohol policies of a
the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or (vii) a material breach by the Executive of any of the
protective covenants contained in Section 9. For purposes of this definition, no act, or failure
to act, on the Executive’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by
the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s act, or failure
to act, was in the best interest of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries.

          (E) A “Change in Control” shall mean, if at any time subsequent to the date of this Agreement
any of the following events shall have occurred:

               (i) The acquisition by any individual, entity or “group,’’ within the meaning of Section
13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (a “Person’’), of beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of voting securities of the Corporation
where such acquisition causes any such Person to own fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Voting Securities’’); provided, however,
that for purposes of this definition, any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction
that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subparagraph (iii) below shall not be deemed to
result in a Change in Control;

               (ii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board’’)
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any
individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for
election by the Corporation’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the
directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though

2

 

such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any
such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened
election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;

               (iii) The consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other
disposition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the assets of the Corporation (a “Business
Combination’’), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially
all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the
Outstanding Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares
of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from
such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such
transaction owns the Corporation or all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets either
directly or through one or more subsidiaries), in substantially the same proportions as their
ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Voting Securities, as
the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination
or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Corporation or such corporation resulting
from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or
more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting
from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the
Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the
corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the
time of the execution of the initial agreement, or the action of the Board, providing for such
Business Combination; or

               (iv) Approval by the stockholders of the Corporation of a complete liquidation or dissolution
of the Corporation.

          (F) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

          (G) “Corporation” shall mean Windstream Corporation and any successor to its business or
assets, by operation of law or otherwise.

          (H) “Date of Termination” shall have the meaning stated in paragraph (B) of Section 8 hereof.

          (I) “Disability” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the Corporation of the
Executive’s employment, if, as a result of the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental
illness, the Executive shall have been absent from the full-time performance of the Executive’s
duties with the Corporation or a Subsidiary for a period of six consecutive months, the Corporation
shall have given the Executive a Notice of Termination for Disability, and, within 20 business days
after the Notice of Termination is given, the Executive shall not have returned to the full-time
performance of the Executive’s duties.

3

 

          (J) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          (K) “Executive” shall mean the individual named in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

          (L) “Good Reason” for termination by the Executive of the Executive’s employment shall mean
the occurrence, without the Executive’s express written consent, of any one of the following:

               (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the Executive’s status as
an executive officer of the Corporation or of a Subsidiary or a substantial adverse alteration in
the nature or status of the Executive’s responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to
the Change in Control;

               (ii) a reduction by the Corporation in the Executive’s annual base salary to any amount less
than the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;

               (iii) the relocation of the principal executive offices of the Corporation to a location more
than 35 miles from the location of such offices immediately prior to the Change in Control or the
Corporation’s requiring the Executive to be based anywhere other than the principal executive
offices of the Corporation, or in the case that the Executive was not based at the principal
executive offices of the Corporation immediately prior to the Change of Control, to a location more
than 35 miles from the location where the Executive was based immediately prior to the Change of
Control, except for required business travel to an extent substantially consistent with the
Executive’s business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in Control;

               (iv) the failure by the Corporation to pay to the Executive any portion of the Executive’s
current compensation, or to pay to the Executive any deferred compensation under any deferred
compensation program of the Corporation, within five calendar days after the date the compensation
is due (taking into account applicable restrictions under Section 409A) or to pay or reimburse the
Executive for any expenses incurred by him for required business travel;

               (v) the failure by the Corporation to continue in effect any compensation plan in which the
Executive participates immediately prior to the Change in Control that is material to the
Executive’s total compensation, including but not limited to, stock option, restricted stock, stock
appreciation right, incentive compensation, bonus, and other plans, unless an equitable alternative
arrangement embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan has been made, or the failure by
the Corporation to continue the Executive’s participation therein (or in a substitute or
alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of
compensation provided and the level of the Executive’s participation relative to other
participants, than existed immediately prior to the Change in Control;

               (vi) the failure by the Corporation to continue to provide the Executive with benefits
substantially similar to those enjoyed by the Executive under any of the Corporation’s pension,
profit-sharing, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability, or other employee benefit
plans in which the Executive was participating immediately prior to the

4

 

Change in Control; the failure by the Corporation to continue to provide the Executive any
material fringe benefit or perquisite enjoyed by the Executive immediately prior to the Change in
Control; or the failure by the Corporation to provide the Executive with the number of paid
vacation days to which the Executive is entitled in accordance with the Corporation’s normal
vacation policy in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;

               (vii) any purported termination by the Corporation of the Executive’s employment that is not
effected in accordance with a Notice of Termination satisfying the requirements of paragraph (A) of
Section 8 hereof; or

               (viii) any failure by the Corporation to comply with and satisfy Section 12(A) of this
Agreement, other than a failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Corporation
promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive.

          (M) “Non-Interference/Assistance Period” shall mean the period commencing with the Date of
Termination and ending on the first anniversary of the Date of Termination.

          (N) “Notice of Termination” shall have the meaning stated in paragraph (A) of Section 8
hereof.

          (O) “Payment Trigger” shall mean the occurrence of a Change in Control during the term of this
Agreement coincident with or followed at any time before the end of the second anniversary of the
Change in Control by the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Corporation or a
Subsidiary for any reason other than (i) by the Executive without Good Reason, (ii) by the
Corporation as a result of the Disability of the Executive or with Cause or, (iii) as a result of
the death of the Executive.

          (P) “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code and any proposed, temporary or final
regulations, or any other guidance, promulgated with respect to such Section 409A by the U.S.
Department of Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service.

          (Q) “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation or other entity or enterprise, whether
incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least a majority of the securities or other interests
having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others
serving similar functions with respect to such corporation or other entity or enterprise is owned
by the Corporation or other entity or enterprise of which the Corporation directly or indirectly
owns securities or other interests having all the voting power.

     2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and,
subject to the second sentence of this Section 2, shall continue in effect until the earliest of
(i) a Date of Termination in accordance with Section 8, or the death of the Executive, shall have
occurred prior to a Change in Control, (ii) if a Payment Trigger shall have occurred during the
term of this Agreement, the performance by the Corporation of all its obligations, and the
satisfaction by the Corporation of all its obligations and liabilities, under this Agreement, (iii)
the five year anniversary of the date of this Agreement if, as of that five year anniversary, a
Change in Control shall not have occurred and be continuing, or (iv) in the event, as of the five
year anniversary of the date of this Agreement, a Change in Control shall have occurred and be

5

 

continuing, either the expiration of such period thereafter within which a Payment Trigger
does not or can not occur or the ensuing occurrence of a Payment Trigger and the performance by the
Corporation of all of its obligations and liabilities under this Agreement. Any Change in Control
during the term of this Agreement that for any reason ceases to constitute a Change in Control or
is not followed by a Payment Trigger shall not effect a termination or lapse of this Agreement.
Any transfer of the Executive’s employment from the Corporation to a Subsidiary, from a Subsidiary
to the Corporation, or from one Subsidiary to another Subsidiary shall not constitute a termination
of the Executive’s employment for purposes of this Agreement.

     3. General Provisions.

          (A) The Corporation hereby represents and warrants to the Executive as follows: The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the performance by the Corporation of the actions contemplated
hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Corporation.
This Agreement is a legal, valid and legally binding obligation of the Corporation enforceable in
accordance with its terms. Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation
by the Corporation of the actions contemplated hereby (i) will violate any provision of the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other charter documents) of the Corporation, (ii) will
violate or be in conflict with any applicable law or any judgment, decree, injunction or order of
any court or governmental agency or authority, or (iii) will violate or conflict with or constitute
a default (or an event of which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default)
under or will result in the termination of, accelerate the performance required by, or result in
the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets or
properties of the Corporation under, any term or provision of the certificate of incorporation or
bylaws (or other charter documents) of the Corporation or of any contract, commitment,
understanding, arrangement, agreement or restriction of any kind or character to which the
Corporation is a party or by which the Corporation or any of its properties or assets may be bound
or affected.

          (B) No amount or benefit shall be payable under this Agreement unless there shall have
occurred a Payment Trigger during the term of this Agreement. In no event shall payments in
accordance with this Agreement be made in respect of more than one Payment Trigger.

          (C) This Agreement shall not be construed as creating an express or implied contract of
employment and, except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Executive and the Corporation,
the Executive shall not have any right to be retained in the employ of the Corporation or of a
Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence or any other provision of this
Agreement, no purported termination of the Executive’s employment that is not effected in
accordance with a Notice of Termination satisfying paragraph (A) of Section 8 shall be effective
for purposes of this Agreement. The Executive’s right, following the occurrence of a Change in
Control, to terminate his employment under this Agreement for Good Reason shall not be affected by
the Executive’s Disability or incapacity. The Executive’s continued employment shall not
constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act
constituting Good Reason under this Agreement.

6

 

     4. Payments Due Upon a Payment Trigger. Upon the occurrence of a Payment Trigger
during the term of this Agreement:

          (A) The Corporation shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 10 calendar days
after the Payment Trigger an amount equal to the sum of: (i) the Executive’s annual base salary
through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (ii) the amount of any
incentive compensation that has been allocated or awarded to the Executive for a completed fiscal
year or other measuring period preceding the occurrence of the Date of Termination under any
incentive compensation plan but has not yet been paid to the Executive, (iii) the product of (x)
the Annual Incentive Target in effect immediately prior to the Payment Trigger and (y) a fraction,
the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the current fiscal year through the Date
of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, reduced by the amount, if any, paid or payable
to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan’s terms with respect to the fiscal year during
which the Date of Termination occurs, and (iv) any accrued vacation pay to the extent not
theretofore paid.

          (B) The Corporation shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 10 calendar days
after the Payment Trigger an amount equal to the product of: (i) [___] multiplied by, (ii) the sum
of: (x) the higher of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the
occurrence of the Change in Control or the Executive’s annual base salary in effect immediately
prior to the Payment Trigger, plus (y) the higher of the Executive’s Annual Incentive Target in
effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the Change in Control or the Executive’s Annual
Incentive Target in effect immediately prior to the Payment Trigger.

          (C) The Corporation shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 10 calendar days
after the Payment Trigger an amount equal to the product of (i) the Executive’s monthly premium for
health and dental insurance continuation coverage for the Executive and the Executive’s family
under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), based on the monthly
premium rate for such coverage in effect on the Date of Termination, multiplied by (ii) [___]
months.

          (D) The Corporation shall, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with
outplacement services from a recognized outplacement service provider, the scope of which shall be
selected by the Executive in his sole discretion, provided that (i) the cost to the Corporation
shall not exceed [___], and (ii) to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, in no event
shall the period during which the outplacement service expenses are incurred or the period during
which the expenses are paid, extend beyond the end of the second calendar year that begins after
the Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A (or such other period
as permitted under Section 409A).

          (E) To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Corporation shall timely pay or
provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the
Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or
agreement of the Corporation or any Subsidiary.

7

 

The amount determined under paragraphs (A)(iii), (B), (C) and (D) of this Section 4 shall be
reduced by any cash severance benefit otherwise paid to the Executive by the Corporation or its
Subsidiaries under any applicable severance plan or other severance arrangement.

     5. Gross-Up Payments.

          (A) This Section 5 shall apply if a Payment Trigger shall have occurred during the term of
this Agreement.

          (B) In the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Corporation or
other amount with respect to the Corporation to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid
or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise,
but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 5 (a
“Payment”), is (or will be) subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any
interest or penalties are (or will be) incurred by the Executive with respect to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Code with respect to the Corporation (the excise tax, together with
any interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the
Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional cash payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) from the
Corporation in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of all taxes (and any interest
or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income and
employment taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax
imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, but excluding any income taxes and penalties imposed pursuant to
Section 409A, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax
imposed upon the Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(B), if it
shall be determined that the Executive is entitled to a Gross-Up Payment, but that the Payments do
not exceed 110% of the greatest amount (the “Reduced Amount”) that could be paid to the Executive
such that the receipt of Payments would not give rise to any Excise Tax, then no Gross-Up Payment
shall be made to the Executive and the Payments, in the aggregate, shall be reduced to the Reduced
Amount. The Gross-Up Payments, if any, shall be paid to the Executive at the same time as any
Payment subject to the Excise Tax is paid or provided to the Executive, or as soon as
administratively practicable thereafter (or as otherwise permitted under Section 409A).

          (C) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (D) of this Section 5, all determinations required
to be made under this Section 5, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the
amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at the
determination, shall be made by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm designated
by the Executive (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both
to the Corporation and the Executive within 30 calendar days after the receipt of notice from the
Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Corporation.
In the event that at any time relevant to this Agreement the Accounting Firm is serving as
accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control, the
Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized certified public accounting firm to make the
determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the
Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by
the Corporation. If the Accounting

8

 

Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall so indicate to the
Executive in writing. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the
Corporation and the Executive. As a result of uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of
the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments that the Corporation should have made will not have been made (an
“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event the
Corporation exhausts its remedies in accordance with paragraph (D) of this Section 5 and the
Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall
determine the amount of Underpayment that has occurred and the Underpayment shall be promptly paid
by the Corporation to or for the benefit of the Executive.

          (D) The Executive shall notify the Corporation in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue
Service that, if successful, would require a Gross-Up Payment (that has not already been paid by
the Corporation). The notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten
business days after the Executive is informed in writing of the claim and shall apprise the
Corporation of the nature of the claim and the date on which the claim is requested to be paid.
The Executive shall not pay the claim prior to the expiration of the 30 calendar day period
following the date on which the Executive gives notice to the Corporation or any shorter period
ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to the claim is due. If the Corporation
notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of the 30 calendar day period that it
desires to contest the claim, the Executive shall:

               (i) give the Corporation any information reasonably requested by the Corporation relating to
the claim;

               (ii) take any action in connection with contesting the claim as the Corporation shall
reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal
representation with respect to the claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Corporation;

               (iii) cooperate with the Corporation in good faith in order effectively to contest the claim;
and

               (iv) permit the Corporation to participate in any proceedings relating to the claim.

The Corporation shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest
and penalties) incurred in connection with the contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive
harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties
with respect thereto), but excluding any income taxes and penalties imposed pursuant to Section
409A, imposed as a result of the representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without
limitation of the foregoing provisions of this Section 5, the Corporation shall control all
proceedings taken in connection with the contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any
and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings, and conferences with the taxing authority in
respect of the claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax
claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive
agrees to prosecute the contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal,

9

 

in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Corporation shall
determine. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, if the Corporation directs the
Executive to pay the claim and sue for a refund, the Corporation shall advance the amount of the
payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis, and shall indemnify and hold the Executive
harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties
with respect thereto) imposed with respect to the advance or with respect to any imputed income
with respect to the advance; and any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of
taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which the contested amount is claimed
to be due shall be limited solely to the contested amount. The Corporation’s control of the
contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable
hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other
issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

          (E) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Corporation pursuant
to paragraph (D) of this Section 5, the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with
respect to the claim, the Executive shall, subject to the Corporation’s compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (D) of this Section 5, promptly pay to the Corporation the amount of the
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If,
after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Corporation pursuant to paragraph
(D) of this Section 5, a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any
refund with respect to the claim and the Corporation does not notify the Executive in writing of
its intent to contest the denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 calendar days after the
determination, then the advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the
amount of the advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required
to be paid.

     6. Compliance with Section 409A. To the extent applicable, the parties intend that
this Agreement comply with the provisions of Section 409A. This Agreement shall be construed,
administered, and governed in a manner consistent with this intent. Any provision that would cause
any amount payable or benefit provided under this Agreement to be includable in the gross income of
the Executive (or subject to additional taxes or interest) under Section 409A shall have no force
and effect unless and until amended to cause such amount or benefit to not be so includable (which
amendment shall be made without the consent of the Executive and shall maintain, to the maximum
extent practicable, the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the
requirements of Section 409A). In particular, to the extent that the Executive has a right to
receive a payment or benefit pursuant to this Agreement that is subject to Section 409A, then
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such payment or benefit will be made or
provided, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, no earlier than (a) 10 calendar days
after the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (determined in accordance with
Section 409A); provided, however, that if the Executive is a “specified employee” (within the
meaning of Section 409A) at such time, then any payment or benefit that would otherwise be paid or
provided during the first six months following such separation from service shall be accumulated
through and paid (together with interest at the applicable federal rate under Section 7872(f)(2)(A)
of the Code in effect on the Date of

10

 

Termination) no earlier than the first business day following the six month anniversary of
such separation of service; or (b) 10 calendar days after the Executive’s death.

     7. Release. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Corporation
shall not be obligated to make any payment or provide any benefit under Sections 4(A)(iii), 4(B),
4(C), 4(D) or Section 5, (a) unless the Executive first executes and does not revoke a release
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A; and (b) to the extent such payment
or benefit is subject to the seven-day revocation period prescribed by the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1967, as amended, or to any similar revocation period in effect on the date of
termination of the Executive’s employment, such revocation period has expired.

     8. Termination Procedures.

          (A) During the term of this Agreement, any purported termination of the Executive’s employment
(other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination from one
party hereto to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 13 hereof. For purposes of this
Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that indicates the specific
termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and, if applicable, the notice shall set forth
in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the
Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated. Further, a Notice of Termination for
Cause shall include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a
majority of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board that was called and held
for the purpose of considering the termination (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an
opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard by the members of the Board)
finding that, in the informed, reasonable, good faith judgment of the Board, the Executive was
guilty of conduct set forth in the definition of Cause in Section 1(D), and specifying the
particulars thereof in detail.

          (B) “Date of Termination” with respect to any purported termination of the Executive’s
employment during the term of this Agreement (other than by reason of death) shall mean (i) if the
Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, 20 business days after Notice of Termination
is given (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of the
Executive’s duties during that 20 business day period) and (ii) if the Executive’s employment is
terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which, in the
case of a termination by the Corporation, shall not be less than ten business days except in the
case of a termination for Cause, and, in the case of a termination by the Executive, shall not be
less than ten business days nor more than 20 business days, respectively, after the date such
Notice of Termination is given.

     9. Non-Disclosure; Non-Competition; and Non-Interference

          (A) The Executive acknowledges that in the course of his employment with the Corporation and
its Subsidiaries he has had and will have access to confidential information and trade secrets
proprietary to the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, information
relating to the Corporation’s and its Subsidiaries’ products, suppliers, and customers, the
sources, nature, processes, costs and prices of the Corporation’s and its

11

 

Subsidiaries’ products, the names, addresses, contact persons, purchasing and sales histories,
and preferences of the Corporation’s and its Subsidiaries’ suppliers and customers, the
Corporation’s and its Subsidiaries’ business plans and strategies, and the names and addresses of,
amounts of compensation paid to, and the trading and sales performance of the Corporation’s and its
Subsidiaries’ employees and agents (hereinafter referred to as the “Confidential Information”).
The Executive further acknowledges that the Confidential Information is proprietary to the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries, that the unauthorized disclosure of any of the Confidential
Information to any person or entity will result in immediate and irreparable competitive injury to
the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, and that such injury cannot adequately be remedied by an
award of monetary damages. Accordingly, the Executive shall not at any time disclose any
Confidential Information to any person or entity who is not properly authorized by the Corporation
or its Subsidiaries to receive the information without the prior written consent of the Chairman of
the Board of the Corporation (which consent may be withheld for any reason or no reason) unless and
except to the extent that such disclosure is required by any subpoena or other legal process (in
which event the Executive will give the Chairman of the Board of the Corporation prompt written
notice of such subpoena or other legal process in order to permit the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries to seek appropriate protective orders), and that he shall not use any Confidential
Information for his own account without the prior written consent of the Chairman of the Board of
the Corporation (which consent may be withheld for any reason or no reason).

          (B) The Executive shall not during his employment with the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and
thereafter until the expiration of the Non-Interference/Assistance Period, in any manner, directly
or indirectly, through any person, firm or corporation, alone or as a member of a partnership or as
an officer, director, shareholder, investor or employee of or in any other corporation or
enterprise or otherwise, (i) engage in or be engaged in, or assist any other person, firm,
corporation or enterprise in engaging or being engaged in, any business then actively being
conducted by the Corporation or its Subsidiaries, or any business that each of the Corporation or
its Subsidiaries has engaged in during the preceding one-year period, within any state in which the
Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries is licensed as an incumbent or competitive local exchange
carrier, or (ii) solicit, service, or accept the business of any active customer of the Corporation
or its Subsidiaries, or any person or entity who is or was at any time during the previous one-year
period a customer of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit
the Executive from being: (x) a shareholder in a mutual fund or a diversified investment company or
(y) a passive owner of not more than 5% of the outstanding equity securities of any class of a
corporation or other entity which is publicly traded, so long as the Executive has no active
participation in the business of such corporation or other entity.

          (C) The Executive shall not during his employment with the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and
thereafter until the expiration of the Non-Interference/Assistance Period employ, or assist any
person or entity in employing, any employee of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries. The Executive
shall not during his employment with the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and thereafter until the
expiration of the Non-Interference/Assistance Period solicit, or assist any person or entity to
solicit, any employee of any member of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries to leave the employment
of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries or to become employed by any other entity.

12

 

          (D) If a court holds that the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances
then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area
reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated period, scope or area and
that the court shall be allowed to revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum
period, scope and area permitted by law.

          (E) The Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Section 9 are a principal
inducement for the willingness of the Corporation to enter into this Agreement and make the
payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under this Agreement and that the Corporation
and the Executive intend the covenants to be binding upon and enforceable against the Executive in
accordance with their terms, notwithstanding any common or statutory law to the contrary. The
Executive agrees that the obligations of the Corporation under this Agreement (specifically
including, but not limited to, the obligation to make any payment or provide any benefit under
Sections 4(A)(iii), 4(B), 4(C), 4(D) or Section 5) constitute sufficient consideration for the
covenants contained in this Section 9. The Corporation and the Executive further agree that the
restrictions contained in this Section 9 are reasonable in period, scope and geographical area and
are necessary to protect the legitimate business interests and Confidential Information of the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries. The Executive agrees that he will notify the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries in writing if he has, or reasonably should have, any questions regarding the
applicability of this Section 9. Because the Executive’s services are unique and because the
Executive has access to Confidential Information, the parties agree that the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Section 9 were
not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached and that money
damages would be an inadequate remedy for any such non-performance or breach. In the event that
the Executive breaches or threatens to breach any such provision of this Section 9, the parties
agree that the Corporation and its Subsidiaries shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and
legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief to
prevent any breach or threatened breach of any of such provisions and to enforce such provisions
specifically (without posting a bond or other security). The Executive hereby waives any claim
that the Corporation or its Subsidiaries have an adequate remedy at law. The parties agree that the
foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the ability of the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery
of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages.

     10. No Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to seek other employment or to
attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by the Corporation pursuant to
this Agreement. Further, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall
not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another
employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive
to the Corporation or a Subsidiary, or otherwise.

     11. Disputes.

          (A) Any dispute or controversy arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall, upon
a written notice from the Executive to the Corporation either before suit

13

 

thereupon is filed or within 20 business days thereafter, be settled exclusively by binding
arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association. The arbitration proceeding shall be conducted before a panel of three arbitrators
sitting (i) if the Executive is employed by the Corporation or any Subsidiary at the time of the
initiation of the arbitration, in the municipality in which the Executive’s principal place of
employment is located at the time, and (ii) if the Executive’s employment with the Corporation or
any Subsidiary has terminated prior to the time of initiation of the arbitration, at a location
which is within 50 miles of the location of the Executive’s principal place of employment at the
time of his termination of employment. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any
court having jurisdiction. The Executive shall, however, be entitled to seek specific performance
of the Corporation’s obligations hereunder during the pendency of any dispute or controversy
arising under or in connection with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation
shall not be required to seek or participate in arbitration regarding any breach or threatened
breach by the Executive of his obligations in Section 9, but may pursue its remedies for such
breach in a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with Section 11(B) below.

          (B) Any legal action concerning this Agreement, other than an arbitration described in
paragraph (A) of this Section 11, whether instituted by the Corporation or the Executive, shall be
brought and resolved only in a state court of competent jurisdiction located in the territory that
encompasses the city, county, or parish in which the Executive’s principal residence is located at
the time such action is commenced. The Corporation hereby irrevocably consents and submits to and
shall take any action necessary to subject itself to the personal jurisdiction of that court and
hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of the action shall be instituted, heard, and
determined in that court. The Corporation agrees that such court is a convenient forum, and hereby
irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient
forum to the maintenance of the action. Any final judgment in the action may be enforced in other
jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

          (C) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation shall pay all costs and
expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements, of the Corporation and, at least monthly,
the Executive in connection with any legal proceeding (including arbitration), whether or not
instituted by the Corporation or the Executive, relating to the interpretation or enforcement of
any provision of this Agreement, provided that if the Executive instituted the proceeding and the
judge, arbitrator, or other individual presiding over the proceeding affirmatively finds that the
Executive instituted the proceeding in bad faith, the Executive shall pay all costs and expenses,
including attorney’s fees and disbursements, of the Executive and the Corporation. The Corporation
shall pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by the Executive as a result of such
proceeding, calculated at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code.

     12. Successors; Binding Agreement.

          (A) In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to the Corporation, the
Corporation shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the

14

 

Corporation expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to
the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform it if no such succession had
taken place. The provisions of this Section 12 shall continue to apply to each subsequent
employer of Executive bound by this Agreement in the event of any merger, consolidation, or
transfer of all or substantially all of the business or assets of that subsequent employer.

          (B) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s
personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees,
devisees, and legatees. If the Executive shall die while any amount would be payable to the
Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of the
Executive) if the Executive had continued to live, the amount, unless otherwise provided herein,
shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal
representatives, or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

     13. Notices. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications
provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
delivered or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed to the respective addresses set forth below, or to such other address as either party may
have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of
address shall be effective only upon actual receipt:

     To the Corporation:

Windstream Corporation

4001 Rodney Parham Road

Little Rock, Arkansas 72212

Attention: Chairman of the Board

     To the Executive:

     [Insert]

     14. Miscellaneous. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6, no provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such waiver, modification, or discharge is
agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and an officer of the Corporation specifically
designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other
party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed
by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at
the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which
are not expressly set forth in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation, construction, and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. All
references to sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any
successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of
any applicable withholding required under federal, state, or local law and any additional
withholding to which the Executive has agreed.

15

 

     15. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect.

     16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument.

(Signatures are on the following page)

16

 

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

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	WINDSTREAM CORPORATION

 	 
	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	       Francis X. Frantz	 
	 	 	       Chairman of the Board	 
	 
	 	EXECUTIVE
	 
	 
	 	 	 

17

 

	 	 	 	 	 

EXHIBIT A

******

WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

     THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “Waiver and Release”) is entered into by and between
                                         (“Executive”) and Windstream Corporation (the “Company”) (collectively, the
“Parties”).

     WHEREAS, the Parties have entered into a Change-in-Control Agreement dated November 7, 2006
(the “Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, Executive’s employment has been or will be terminated on                      in accordance with
the Agreement;

     WHEREAS, Executive is required to sign this Waiver and Release in order to receive the payment
of certain severance benefits under the Agreement following termination of employment; and

     WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to sign this Waiver and Release.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows:

	1.	 	Subject to Section 4 of this Waiver and Release, this Waiver and Release is effective on the
date hereof and will continue in effect as provided herein.

	2.	 	In consideration of the payments to be made and the benefits to be received by Executive
pursuant to Sections 4 and 5 of the Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) which Executive
acknowledges are in addition to payments and benefits to which Executive would be entitled but
for the Agreement (except as otherwise provided in the Agreement), Executive, on behalf of
himself/herself, his/her heirs, representatives, agents and assigns by dower or otherwise
hereby COVENANTS NOT TO SUE OR OTHERWISE VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATE IN ANY LAWSUIT AGAINST, FULLY
RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS and OTHERWISE FOREVER DISCHARGES (i) the Company, (ii)
any companies controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company, and any
predecessors, successors or assigns to the foregoing (together with the Company, the
“Windstream Group”) (iii) the Windstream Group’s compensation, benefit, incentive (including,
but not limited to, individual incentive, project incentive, annual incentive, long-term
incentive and annual bonus), pension, welfare and other plans and arrangements, and any
predecessor or successor to any such plans and arrangements (including the sponsors,
administrators and fiduciaries of any such plan and/or arrangements), and (iv) any of the
Windstream Group’s current or former officers, directors, agents, executives, employees,
attorneys, insurers, shareholders, predecessors, successors or assigns, from any and all

18

 

	 	 	actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character
whatsoever, known or unknown, which Executive now has or may have had whether or not based
on or arising out of Executive’s employment relationship with the Windstream Group or the
termination of that employment relationship through the date of execution of this Waiver and
Release, other than workers’ compensation claims filed prior to the date of execution of
this Waiver and Release. Executive acknowledges and understands that in the event Executive
files a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the
Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (“TWCCRD”), the New Mexico Human Rights
Commission (“NMHRC”), or other similar state agency, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (“OSHA”), or the Secretary of Labor, Executive shall be entitled to no
relief, reinstatement, remuneration, damages, back pay, front pay, or compensation
whatsoever from the Windstream Group as a result of such charge or complaint. Executive
understands and agrees that he is waiving and releasing any and all actions and causes of
action, suits, debts, claims, complaints and demands of any kind whatsoever, in law or in
equity, including, but not limited to, the following:

	 	a.	 	Those arising under any federal, state or local statute, ordinance or common
law governing or relating to the Parties’ employment relationship including, but not
limited to, (i) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with
Executive’s hiring by the Windstream Group, employment with the Windstream Group or the
termination of that employment; (ii) any claims alleged or which could have been
alleged in any charge or complaint against the Windstream Group, including, but not
limited to, those with the EEOC, TWCCRD, NMHRC, or other similar state agency, OSHA and
the Secretary of Labor; (iii) any claims relating to the conduct, including action or
inaction, of any executive, employee, officer, director, agent or other representative
of the Windstream Group; (iv) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation
on any basis; (v) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right
to separate its employees; (vi) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or
punitive damages, front pay, back pay, liquidated damages, treble damages, legal and/or
attorneys’ fees, expenses and litigation costs or other forms of relief; (vii) any
claims for compensation and benefits; (viii) any cause of action or claim that could
have been asserted in any litigation or other dispute resolution process, regardless of
forum (judicial, arbitral or other), against any employee, officer, director, agent or
other representative of the Windstream Group; (ix) any claim for, or right to,
arbitration, and any claim alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge,
complaint or request for arbitration against the Windstream Group; (x) any claim on
account of, arising out of or in any way connected with any employment agreement
between Executive and the Windstream Group; (xi) any claim on account of, arising out
of or in any way connected with the alleged termination of Executive’s employment
without “cause” or for “good reason”; (xii) any claim on account of, arising out of or
in any way connected with medical, dental, life insurance or other welfare benefit plan
coverage; and (xiii) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other
common law basis, including, but not limited to: (a) the breach of any alleged oral or
written contract;

19

 

	 	 	 	(b) negligent or intentional misrepresentations; (c) wrongful discharge; (d) just
cause dismissal; (e) defamation; (f) interference with contract or business
relationship; (g) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; (h)
promissory estoppel; (i) claims in equity or public policy; (j) assault; (k)
battery; (l) breach of employee handbooks, manuals or other policies; (m) breach of
fiduciary duty; (n) false imprisonment; (o) fraud; (p) invasion of privacy; (q)
whistleblower claims; (r) negligence, negligent hiring, retention or supervision and
(s) constructive discharge; and
	 
	 	b.	 	Those arising under any law relating to sex, age, race, color, religion,
handicap or disability, harassment, veteran status, sexual orientation, retaliation, or
national origin discrimination including, without limitation, any rights or claims
arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
§§ 1981 and 2000(e) et seq.; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621 et
seq., as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12,101 et seq.;
Sections 806 and 1107 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the Fair Labor Standards Act
of 1938, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201 et seq.; the National Labor Relations Act, 29
U.S.C. §§ 151 et seq.; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29
U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq.; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2101, et seq.; the Texas Commission on
Human Rights Act, Tex. Lab. Code. Ann. §§21.001 et seq.; Tex. Lab. Code. Ann.
§§21.051; Tex. Lab. Code. Ann. §§21.055, Texas Workers’ Compensation Act; Texas
Whistleblower Act, Arkansas Civil Rights Act, §16-123 et seq., the
Arkansas Equal Pay Law §11-4 et seq.; the New Mexico Human Rights Act,
N.M. Stat. Ann. §281-1-1 et seq., as such statutes may be amended from
time to time; and
	 
	 	c.	 	Those arising out of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended; and
	 
	 	d.	 	Those arising out of the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2601
et seq.; and
	 
	 	e.	 	Those arising under the civil rights, labor and employment laws of any state,
municipality or local ordinance; and
	 
	 	f.	 	Any claim for reinstatement, compensatory damages, back pay, front pay,
interest, punitive damages, special damages, legal and/or attorneys’ fees, expenses and
litigation costs including expert fees; and
	 
	 	g.	 	Any other federal, state or local law that affords employees or individuals
protection of any kind whatsoever.

	3.	 	The Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that this Waiver and
Release fully complies with the requirements of the Older Workers Benefit Protection

20

 

	 	 	Act (29 U.S.C. § 626) and any similar law governing the release of claims. Accordingly,
Executive hereby acknowledges that:

	 	a.	 	Executive has consulted with an attorney prior to executing this Waiver and
Release and acknowledges being given the advice to do so. Executive represents that
Executive has read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Waiver and
Release. Executive represents that Executive is voluntarily signing this Waiver and
Release.
	 
	 	b.	 	Executive has been offered at least forty-five (45) days in which to review and
consider this Waiver and Release.
	 
	 	c.	 	Executive waives any right to assert any claim or demand for reemployment with
the Windstream Group.
	 
	 	d.	 	Executive acknowledges receipt of the attached OWBPA Notice containing the
titles and ages of employees who are eligible and ineligible for this program in
Executive’s decisional unit.

	4.	 	The Parties agree that this Waiver and Release shall not become effective and enforceable
until the date this Waiver and Release is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days
after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Waiver and
Release for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the following individual
within seven (7) days after he has signed this Waiver and Release, thereby forfeiting
Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits and rendering this Waiver and Release null
and void in its entirety:

Mr. Tommy Keet

Windstream Corporation

4001 Rodney Parham Drive

Little Rock, Arkansas 72212

	5.	 	Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the sole matters to which the Waiver and
Release do not apply are: (i) Executive’s rights of indemnification and directors and officers
liability insurance coverage to which he was entitled immediately prior to                      with
regard to his service as an officer or director of any member of the Windstream Group; (ii)
Executive’s rights under any tax-qualified pension or claims for accrued vested benefits under
any other employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement (whether tax-qualified or not)
maintained by the Windstream Group or under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1985; or (iii) Executive’s rights under Sections 4 and 5 of the Agreement which are
intended to survive termination of employment.

	6.	 	Executive specifically agrees and understands that the existence and terms of this Waiver and
Release are strictly CONFIDENTIAL and that such confidentiality is a material term of this
Waiver and Release. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by
the Company in writing, Executive agrees that he shall not communicate,

21

 

	 	 	display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Waiver and Release to anyone other
than his spouse, attorney or financial advisor, provided, however, that they
are first advised of the confidential nature of this Waiver and Release and Executive
obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may
respond to legitimate inquiries regarding his employment with the Company by stating that
the Parties terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have
entered into a confidential Waiver and Release that prohibits him from further discussing
the specifics of his separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent
Executive from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of any
obligations as set forth in the Agreement. Further, nothing contained herein shall be
construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Windstream Group’s ability to disclose the
terms and conditions of this Waiver and Release as may be required by law or business
necessity.

	7.	 	In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Waiver and
Release, he agrees that the Windstream Group shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable
and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive
relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Windstream Group has an adequate remedy at
law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the
Windstream Group shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by
the Windstream Group in any successful effort to enforce the terms of this Waiver and Release.
Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise
restrict the Windstream Group’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including
the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues
any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing Waiver and Release, Executive agrees
to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all Severance Benefits received to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

	8.	 	The Parties acknowledge that this Waiver and Release is entered into solely for the purpose
of ending their employment relationship on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an
admission of liability or wrongdoing by either Party and that both the Windstream Group and
Executive have expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing. Executive agrees that
he/she is eligible for re-employment by Windstream Group only by mutual agreement and consent
of the Parties.

	9.	 	Each of the promises and obligations contained in this Waiver and Release shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and
successors in interest of each of the Parties.

	10.	 	The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this
Waiver and Release is severable and that, if any portion of this Waiver and Release should be
deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining
portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law.

22

 

	11.	 	This Waiver and Release shall be interpreted, enforced and governed under the laws of the
State of Delaware, without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.

	12.	 	Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Waiver and Release he does not
rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Windstream Group or
by any of the Windstream Group’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or
attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Waiver and Release other
than those specifically contained herein.

	13.	 	This Waiver and Release represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the
subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist
between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the
post-termination obligations contained in the Agreement), and shall not be altered, amended,
modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. WITH RESPECT TO EXECUTIVE,

THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE INCLUDES A COMPLETE RELEASE OF ALL

KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have themselves signed, or caused a duly authorized agent
thereof to sign, this Waiver and Release on their behalf and thereby acknowledge their intent to be
bound by its terms and conditions.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	EXECUTIVE	 	 	 	WINDSTREAM CORPORATION
	 
	Signed:

	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Printed:

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Dated:

	 	 	 	 	 	Dated:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 

23

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