Document:

cece-ex101_48.htm

Exhibit 10.1

SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Separation and Consulting Agreement (this “Separation Agreement”) between CECO Environmental Corp. (the “Company”) and Dennis Sadlowski (“you” and similar words) sets forth certain terms of your separation from the Company, including certain terms required under the Executive Employment Agreement, dated June 10, 2017, between the Company and you (the “Employment Agreement”) or otherwise, in order for you to receive certain separation payments and benefits, as set forth in detail below.

By signing this Separation Agreement, you and the Company agree as follows:

1.Status of Employment

You agree that you will terminate from your position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective July 5, 2020 (the “Separation Date”).  You also agree that, as of the Separation Date, you will resign from all other positions (including any directorships) you hold with, and as an employee of, the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates, as applicable, and that you will promptly execute any documents and take any actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the Company to effectuate or memorialize your termination from all positions with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates.  You agree that the terminations described in this Paragraph 1 shall be treated as set forth in Paragraph 2 of this Separation Agreement.

2.Severance Benefits

Within 30 days after the Separation Date, the Company will pay to you a lump sum in cash representing your Accrued Obligations (as defined in the Employment Agreement), which will consist of the following, all subject to applicable tax withholding:

	
 
	
•
	
your Annual Base Salary (as defined in the Employment Agreement) through the Separation Date, to the extent not theretofore paid;

	
 
	
•
	
your business expenses that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 2(b)(v) of the Employment Agreement but have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Separation Date; and

	
 
	
•
	
any vacation pay accrued by you to the extent not theretofore paid.

In consideration for you (a) signing this Separation Agreement, and (b) signing, no earlier than the Separation Date and no later than 52 days following the Separation Date, a general waiver and release of claims, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”), and letting the Release become effective as set forth in the Release, (I) for purposes of your Employment Agreement and this Separation Agreement, your separation from the Company will be deemed a termination of your employment without Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement), and (II) you will receive the payments and benefits as specified on 

 

 

Exhibit B attached hereto, all subject to applicable tax withholding (the “Severance Benefits”).  

The Accrued Obligations and the Severance Benefits will be in full satisfaction of any amounts due under the Employment Agreement, the CECO Environmental Corp. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Equity Plan”), and other compensation arrangements of the Company.  You acknowledge and agree that the Severance Benefits do not constitute a benefit to which you would otherwise be entitled as a result of your employment with the Company, that the Severance Benefits would not be due unless you sign the Release, and that the Severance Benefits constitute fair and adequate consideration for your promises and covenants set forth in this Separation Agreement and the Release.

3.Consulting

To assist the Company with the transition of your responsibilities and duties as an independent advisor to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s management team, during the period from July 6, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Consulting Period”), you will provide consultation to the Company on a non-exclusive basis as a consultant on such matters related to the Company, its business, operations, customer relations and industry associations, and industries it serves, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his designee may reasonably request (“Consulting Services”), subject to the following terms and conditions:

	
 
	
•
	
Regarding the Consulting Services, you will report directly and be accountable directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer;

	
 
	
•
	
During the Consulting Period, you agree to provide Consulting Services to the Company up to eight hours per week as may be reasonably agreed between the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) and you.  However, your obligations during the Consulting Period as set forth in this Paragraph 3 shall not require you to report to work or otherwise be physically present at the Company on a regular basis, nor to work any definite hours, and all scheduling shall take into account your personal and family plans so as not to interfere unreasonably with those plans;

	
 
	
•
	
During the Consulting Period, you will at all times be and remain an independent contractor and will not be covered as or be recognized as an employee under any benefit plans of the Company.  You shall be free to exercise your own judgment as to the manner and method of providing the Consulting Services to the Company, subject to applicable laws and requirements reasonably imposed by the Company; and

	
 
	
•
	
In consideration of your performance of the Consulting Services, and contingent upon you signing and not revoking the Release (as described in Paragraph 2), the Company will pay to you a fee in cash at the rate of $48,917 per month (the “Consulting Fee”), which Consulting Fee will be 

 

 

 

	
 
		
paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable after January 1, 2021 (but in no event later than March 15, 2021).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consulting Period and the Consulting Services will terminate automatically upon your death or disability.

The Company shall reimburse you for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by you at the request of the Company in the performance of the Consulting Services under this Separation Agreement.  You shall not be obligated to make any advance to or for the account of the Company, nor shall you be obligated to incur any expense for the account of the Company without assurance that the necessary funds for the discharge of such expense will be provided.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, all significant expenses to be incurred by you in connection with the Consulting Services shall require the prior written (including e-mail) approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  If any reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided by the Company pursuant to this Separation Agreement would constitute deferred compensation for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such reimbursements or in-kind benefits shall be subject to the following rules: (a) the amounts to be reimbursed, or the in-kind benefits to be provided, shall be determined pursuant to the terms of the applicable benefit plan, policy or agreement and shall be limited to your lifetime and the lifetime of your eligible dependents; (b) the amount eligible for reimbursement, or the in-kind benefits provided, during any calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the in-kind benefits provided, in any other calendar year; (c) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (d) your right to an in-kind benefit or reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for cash or another benefit.

4.Restrictive Covenants

By signing this Separation Agreement, you reaffirm that you will continue to abide by the applicable covenants set forth in Section 8 of the Employment Agreement, and the Company reaffirms that it will continue to abide by the applicable non-disparagement covenants set forth in Section 8(k) of the Employment Agreement, which in each case expressly survive the termination of your employment without Cause.  Notwithstanding anything in this Separation Agreement or the Employment Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Separation Agreement or the Employment Agreement prevents you from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity you are not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

 

5.Limitations

Nothing in this Separation Agreement, the Employment Agreement or the Release shall be binding upon the parties to the extent it is void or unenforceable for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of any law regulating competition or proscribing unlawful business practices; provided, however, that to the extent that any provision in this Separation Agreement, the Employment Agreement or the Release could be modified to render it enforceable under applicable law, it shall be deemed so modified and enforced to the fullest extent allowed by law.

6.Other Acknowledgements

No Company policy or individual agreement between the Company and you shall prevent you from providing information to government authorities regarding possible legal violations, participating in investigations, testifying in proceedings regarding the Company’s past or future conduct, engaging in any future activities protected under the whistleblower statutes administered by any government agency (e.g., EEOC, NLRB, SEC, etc.) or receiving a monetary award from a government-administered whistleblower award program for providing information directly to a government agency. The Company nonetheless asserts and does not waive its attorney-client privilege over any information appropriately protected by privilege.  By executing this Separation Agreement you represent that, as of the date you sign this Separation Agreement, no claims, lawsuits, or charges have been filed by you or on your behalf against the Company or any of its legal predecessors, successors, assigns, fiduciaries, parents, subsidiaries, divisions or other affiliates, or each of the foregoing’s respective past, present and future principals, partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, attorneys, trustees, administrators, executors or representatives (the “Released Parties”).  You acknowledge and agree that you have in a timely manner received or waived all applicable notices required under the Employment Agreement in connection with the termination of your employment with the Company.  The Company agrees that this Separation Agreement does not extend to, release or modify any rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses to which you are entitled from the Company or its insurers under the Company’s certificate of incorporation, by-laws, or other corporate governing law or instruments.

7.Certain Claims

The Company’s obligation to make the payments and provide the benefits provided for in this Separation Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against you (but the Company represents and warrants that it has no actual knowledge of any matter that would give rise to a set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, or defense, or constitute a claim, right, or action against you as of your Separation Date) to the extent such set-off or other action does not violate Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  You will be entitled to recover actual damages if the Company breaches this 

 

 

 

Separation Agreement, including any unexcused late or non-payment of any amounts owed under this Separation Agreement, or any unexcused failure to provide any other benefits specified in this Separation Agreement.  Failure by either party to enforce any term or condition of this Separation Agreement at any time shall not preclude that party from enforcing that provision, or any other provision, at a later time.

8.No Re-Employment

You understand that your employment with the Company terminates on the Separation Date.  Except for your performance of the Consulting Services during the Consulting Period, you agree that you will not seek or accept employment with the Company, including assignment to or on behalf of the Company as an independent contractor or through any third party, and the Company has no obligation to consider you for any future employment or assignment.

9.Review of Separation Agreement

This Separation Agreement is important.  You are advised to review it carefully and consult an attorney before signing it, as well as any other professional whose advice you value, such as an accountant or financial advisor.  If you agree to the terms of this Separation Agreement, sign in the space below where your agreement is indicated.  The payments and benefits specified in this Separation Agreement are contingent on your signing this Separation Agreement and the Release no earlier than the Separation Date and no later than 52 calendar days following the Separation Date, and not revoking the Release.

10.Return of Property

Except as otherwise provided in Exhibit B, you affirm that you have, or will have within a reasonable time after the date of this Separation Agreement, returned to the Company, including in reasonable working order, all Company Property, as described more fully below.  “Company Property” includes company-owned computers, tablets, mobile phones, motor vehicles, equipment, supplies and documents.  Such documents may include but are not limited to customer information, supplier information, product information, financial statements, cost data, price lists, invoices, forms, passwords, electronic files and media, mailing lists, contracts, reports, manuals, personnel files, correspondence, business cards, drawings, employee lists or directories, lists of vendors, photographs, maps, surveys, and the like, including copies, notes or compilations made there from, whether such documents are embodied on “hard copies” or contained on computer disk or any other medium.  You further agree that you will not retain any copies or duplicates of any such Company Property.

11.Future Cooperation

You agree that you shall respond to reasonable requests for information from the Company regarding matters that may arise in the Company’s business.  You further 

 

 

 

agree to fully and completely cooperate with the Company, its advisors and its legal counsel with respect to any litigation that is pending against the Company and any claim or action that may be filed against the Company in the future.  Such cooperation shall include making yourself available at reasonable times and places for interviews, reviewing documents, testifying in a deposition or a legal or administrative proceeding, and providing advice to the Company in preparing defenses to any pending or potential future claims against the Company.  To the extent that, following the Consulting Period, responding to such information requests and/or cooperation (other than with respect to matters, litigation, claims, or actions that arise out of purported acts or omissions by you) requires more than a customarily reasonable amount of time investment by you, the Company will pay you a reasonable per diem or hourly rate that is reasonably agreed to in good faith by you and the Company (which agreement will not be unreasonably withheld).  The Company further agrees to pay/reimburse you for any approved travel expenses reasonably incurred as a result of your cooperation with the Company, with any such payments/reimbursements to be made in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

12.Tax Matters

By signing this Separation Agreement, you acknowledge that you will be solely responsible for any taxes which may be imposed on you as a result of the Accrued Obligations and the Severance Benefits, all amounts payable to you under this Separation Agreement will be subject to applicable tax withholding by the Company, and the Company has not made any representations or guarantees regarding the tax result for you with respect to any income recognized by you in connection with this Separation Agreement, the Accrued Obligations or the Severance Benefits.

13.Nature of Agreement

By signing this Separation Agreement, you acknowledge that you are doing so freely, knowingly and voluntarily. You acknowledge that in signing this Separation Agreement you have relied only on the promises written in this Separation Agreement and not on any other promise made by the Released Parties, the Company or any past, present or future parents, subsidiaries or affiliates of the Company (collectively, the “CECO Companies”).  This Separation Agreement is not, and will not be considered, an admission of liability or of a violation of any applicable contract, law, rule, regulation, or order of any kind.  This Separation Agreement and the Release contains the entire agreement between the Company, other CECO Companies and you regarding your departure from the Company, except that all post-employment covenants contained in the Employment Agreement remain in full force and effect.  The Accrued Obligations and the Severance Benefits are in full satisfaction of any severance benefits under the Employment Agreement, the Equity Plan, and of any other compensation arrangements between you and the Company or the CECO Companies. This Separation Agreement may not be altered, modified, waived or amended except by 

 

 

 

a written document signed by a duly authorized representative of the Company and you.  Except as otherwise explicitly provided, this Separation Agreement will be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Texas, and the parties hereto, including their successors and assigns, consent to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Texas.  The headings in this document are for reference only, and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Separation Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, you and the Company have executed this Separation Agreement as of the dates set forth below.

 

DENNIS SADLOWSKI

/s/ Dennis Sadlowski______________________

     

 

Date: 7/5/20_____________________________

 

CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.

 

By: /s/ Jason DeZwirek

Name:  Jason DeZwirek

Title:  Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

Date: 7/5/20_____________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

Release

 

This Release is between CECO Environmental Corp. the “Company”) and Dennis Sadlowski (“you” and similar words), in consideration of the benefits provided to you and to be received by you from or on behalf of the Company as described in the Separation and Consulting Agreement between the Company and you dated as of the applicable date referenced therein (the “Separation Agreement”).  Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Separation Agreement.

By signing this Release, you and the Company hereby agree as follows:

1.Waiver and Release

You, on behalf of yourself and anyone claiming through you, including each and all of your legal representatives, administrators, executors, heirs, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasors”), hereby fully, finally and forever release, absolve and discharge the Company and each and all of its legal predecessors, successors, assigns, fiduciaries, parents, subsidiaries, divisions and other affiliates, and each of the foregoing’s respective past, present and future principals, partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, attorneys, trustees, administrators, executors and representatives (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”), of, from and for any and all claims, causes of action, lawsuits, controversies, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses and demands of any nature whatsoever, at law or in equity, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, foreseen or unforeseen, that the Releasors (or any of them) now have, have ever had, or may have against the Company Released Parties (or any of them) based upon, arising out of, concerning, relating to or resulting from any act, omission, matter, fact, occurrence, transaction, claim, contention, statement or event occurring or existing at any time in the past up to and including the date on which you sign this Release, including, without limitation: (a) all claims arising out of or in any way relating to your employment with or separation of employment from the Company or its affiliates; (b) all claims for compensation or benefits, including salary, commissions, bonuses, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock options, restricted stock units or any other ownership interests in the Company Released Parties; (c) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (d) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, invasion of privacy and emotional distress; (e) all other common law claims; and (f) all claims (including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys fees, expenses or otherwise) that were or could have been asserted by you or on your behalf in any federal, state, or local court, commission, or agency, or under any federal, state, local, employment, services or other law, regulation, ordinance, constitutional provision, executive order or other source of law, including without limitation under any of the following laws, as amended from time to time: the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (the “ADEA”), as amended by the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (the “OWBPA”), Title VII of the Civil 

 

 

Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 & 1981a, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the National Labor Relations Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Federal Executive Order 11246, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Texas Commission on Human Right/Texas Employment Discrimination Law, as amended, the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Health and Safety Code, the Texas Disability Discrimination Law, as amended, the Texas Minimum Wage Act, or the Texas Wage Payment Law (the “Release”).

2.Scope of Release

Nothing in this Release (a) shall release the Company from any of its obligations set forth in the Separation Agreement or any claim that by law is non-waivable, (b) shall release the Company from any obligation to defend and/or indemnify you against any third party claims arising out of any action or inaction by you during the time of your employment and within the scope of your duties with the Company to the extent you have any such defense or indemnification right, and to the extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent the claims are covered by the Company’s director & officer liability insurance or (c) shall affect your right to file a claim for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits.

You further acknowledge that by signing this Release, you do not waive the right to file a charge against the Company with, communicate with, or participate in any investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any comparable state or local agency. However, you waive and release, to the fullest extent legally permissible, all entitlement to any form of monetary relief arising from a charge you or others may file, including without limitation any costs, expenses or attorneys’ fees. You understand that this waiver and release of monetary relief would not affect an enforcement agency’s ability to investigate a charge or to pursue relief on behalf of others.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, you will not give up your right to any benefits to which you are entitled under any retirement plan of the Company that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any monetary recovery under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

By executing this Release you represent that, as of the date you sign this Release, no claims, lawsuits, grievances, or charges have been filed by you or on your behalf against the Company Released Parties.

3.Review of Release

In compliance with the requirements of the OWBPA, you acknowledge by your signature below that, with respect to the rights and claims under the ADEA that are 

 

 

waived and released by this Release, including claims relating to employment discrimination based upon age, you specifically acknowledge and agree as follows: (a) you have read and understand the terms of this Release; (b) you have been advised and hereby are advised, and have had the opportunity, to consult with an attorney before signing this Release; (c) the Release is written in a manner understood by you; (d) you are releasing the Company and the other Company Released Parties from, among other things, any claims that you may have against them pursuant to the ADEA; (e) the Release does not cover rights or claims that may arise after you sign this Release; (f) you will receive valuable consideration in exchange for the Release other than amounts you would otherwise be entitled to receive; (g) you have been given a period of 52 days in which to consider and execute this Release (although you may elect not to use the full 52-day period at your option); (h) you may revoke the Release during the seven-day period following the date on which you sign this Release, and the Release will not become effective and enforceable until the seven-day revocation period has expired; and (i) any such revocation must be submitted in writing to the Company c/o Matt Eckl, Chief Financial Officer, CECO Environmental Corp., 14651 North Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75254 prior to the expiration of such seven-day revocation period.  If you revoke the Release within such seven-day revocation period, it shall be null and void.  

4.Entire Agreement

This Release, the Separation Agreement, and the documents referenced therein contain the entire agreement between you and the Company, and take priority over any other written or oral understanding or agreement that may have existed in the past.  You acknowledge that no other promises or agreements have been offered for this Release (other than those described above) and that no other promises or agreements will be binding unless they are in writing and signed by you and the Company.  Should any provision of this Release be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect; provided, however, that upon a finding that the Release, in whole or part, is illegal, void, or unenforceable, you shall be required, at the option of the Company, either to return the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Separation Agreement) or to execute a release that is legal and enforceable.

 

I agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Release.

 

 

/s/ Dennis Sadlowski
Dennis Sadlowski

 

 

Exhibit B

Severance and Other Benefits1

 

	
 
	
1.
	
Severance benefits under the Employment Agreement, which severance benefits consist of the following (as further described in, and qualified by reference to, the Employment Agreement):

 

	
 
	
o
	
A lump sum cash amount equal in value to your Annual Base Salary ($587,000), payable on the 61st day after the Separation Date; and

	
 
	
o
	
To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, timely payment or provision of any Other Benefits (as defined in Section 5 of the Employment Agreement) in accordance with the terms of the underlying plans or agreements; and

	
 
	
2.
	
The following enhanced benefits:

	
 
	
o
	
In lieu of the benefit provided for under Section 4(a)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, a lump sum cash amount equal in value to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the 2020 Annual Bonus that you would have earned had you remained employed through the end of the 2020 calendar year and earned 50% of your target award, by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days that have elapsed during the 2020 calendar year through the Separation Date and the denominator of which is 365, payable at such time as the Company pays 2020 annual bonuses, if any, to senior executives of the Company (but in no event later than March 15, 2021);

	
 
	
o
	
If the total amount of your accrued and unpaid vacation pay as of the Separation Date is less than four (4) weeks of vacation pay, a payment equal to the difference between four (4) weeks of accrued vacation pay and the actual amount of accrued vacation pay paid to you as part of the Accrued Obligations, payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable after January 1, 2021 (but in no event later than March 15, 2021);

	
 
	
o
	
If you elect continuation coverage under the Company’s medical, dental and vision benefits pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), in lieu of the benefit provided for under Section 4(a)(iv) of the Employment Agreement, reimbursement of your monthly COBRA payment (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company), until the earlier of (A) your eligibility for any such coverage under another employer’s medical plans or (B) the date that is 18 months after the Separation Date;

	
 
	
o
	
You may permanently retain your Company laptop computer and mobile phone; provided, however, that the mobile phone number associated with your Company 

	
	 

	
1
	
 Except as otherwise expressly provided, all benefits are to be paid or provided in the manner and at the time specified in the applicable plan or agreement, or as required under applicable law.  Capitalized terms used in this Exhibit B without definitions have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Employment Agreement.

 

 

	
 
		
mobile phone will be transferred back to the Company at the end of the Consulting Period; and, provided, further, that upon the expiration of the Consulting Period, you will give the Company or its designee access to such devices to erase all software licensed by the Company and confidential and other Company information therefrom; and

	
 
	
o
	
The Company will make reasonable efforts to transfer your Company executive life insurance plan to you, provided that such transfer results in no cost or liability to the Company.cece-ex102_49.htm

Exhibit 10.2

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, by and between CECO Environmental Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Todd R. Gleason (“Executive”), is dated as of the 5th day of July, 2020 (the “Agreement”).

The Company wishes to employ Executive on the terms and conditions, and for the consideration, hereinafter set forth, and Executive desires to be employed by the Company on such terms and conditions and for such consideration.

During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will be provided with access to the Company’s trade secrets and confidential information, as well as specialized training that will allow him to perform his duties.

In consideration of the promises provided for in this Agreement, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

1.Employment Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of July 6, 2020 (the “Effective Date”).  The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive, and Executive hereby agrees to be employed by the Company, on an at-will basis on the terms and conditions set forth herein for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending as provided in Section 3 hereof (the “Employment Period”).

2.Terms of Employment. 

(a)Position and Duties. (i)  During the Employment Period, Executive shall (A) serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company with such duties and responsibilities as are commensurate with such position, (B) report to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), and (C) perform his services at the Company’s offices in Dallas, Texas (subject to reasonable global and domestic travel requirements commensurate with Executive’s position). The Company shall appoint Executive as a member of the Board as of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, and will use its reasonable best efforts to have him nominated to the Board throughout the Employment Period while Executive is employed by the Company.  Executive shall make his principal residence in the Dallas, Texas area no later than July 31, 2021.

(ii)During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Executive is entitled, Executive agrees to devote his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company.  During the Employment Period, it will not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive to (A) serve on civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities described in clauses (A), (B) and (C) do not interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.  Except as otherwise provided in this subclause (ii), Executive shall not during the Employment Period serve as a director of another corporation, provided that Executive shall be permitted to continue serving as a member of the board of directors of Scientific Analytics Inc.

(b)Compensation  (i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, Executive shall receive an annual base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) of not less than $450,000 per year paid in accordance with the normal payroll procedures of the Company, which Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed for increase at least annually.

(ii)Sign-On Bonus.  The Company shall pay Executive a cash bonus equal to $150,000 (the “Sign-On Bonus”), payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable (but no later than 30 days) following the Effective Date, which Sign-On Bonus shall be, in part, in lieu of any relocation payments in connection with the relocation of Executive’s primary residence to the Dallas, Texas area.  If (A) Executive terminates employment with the Company without Good Reason (other than as a result of death or Disability) prior to September 30, 2021 and (B) Executive has not relocated his primary residence to the Dallas, Texas area as of the Date of Termination, Executive shall repay to the Company the Sign-On Bonus within 30 days after the Date of Termination.

(iii)Annual Bonus. 

(A)For the 2020 calendar year, Executive shall be entitled to receive a cash bonus equal to $150,000 (the “2020 Bonus”), which 2020 Bonus shall be in lieu of any other annual cash bonus opportunity for 2020.  The 2020 Bonus will be paid in a lump sum at the same time annual cash bonuses are paid to the other senior officers of the Company for the 2020 calendar year, but in no event later than March 15, 2021.

(B)Executive shall be eligible, for each calendar year of the Company following 2020 that ends during the Employment Period, to earn, based on achievement with respect to the applicable performance criteria that may be established by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), an annual cash bonus (an “Annual Bonus”), with a target Annual Bonus opportunity equal to no less than 100% of Annual Base Salary (“Target Bonus”) and a maximum Annual Bonus opportunity equal to no less than 200% of Annual Base Salary.  Any Annual Bonus earned with respect to a particular year will generally be paid at the same time annual cash bonuses are paid to other senior officers of the Company for such calendar year, but in no event later than March 15 of the following calendar year.  There is no guaranteed Annual Bonus under this Agreement for any calendar year, and for each such calendar year, Executive’s Annual Bonus could be as low as zero or as high as the maximum payout percentage established for that calendar year’s Annual Bonus opportunity.

(C)Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each Annual Bonus shall be on the terms and subject to such conditions as are specified for the Company plans or programs pursuant to which the Annual Bonus opportunity, as applicable, is granted.

(iv)Initial Equity Awards.  As soon as practical on or after the Effective Date, Executive shall be granted the following one-time awards under the Company’s long-term 

2

incentive compensation arrangements in accordance with the Company’s policies, the applicable award agreements and the incentive compensation plans under which such awards are granted:

(A)A grant of time-based restricted stock units covering a number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the quotient (rounded up to the nearest whole share) of (1) $600,000, divided by (2) the closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC on the last trading day preceding the date of grant, which award will generally vest, subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, in substantially equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant;

(B)A grant of nonqualified stock options with a grant date value equal to approximately $900,000 based on the Company’s Black-Scholes option-pricing model (the “At-the-Money Option Award”), which At-the-Money Option Award will generally vest, subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, in substantially equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.  The At-the-Money Option Award will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC on the last trading day preceding the date of grant and will generally expire, subject to continued employment with the Company, on the seventh anniversary of the date of grant; and

(C)A grant of nonqualified stock options with a grant date value equal to approximately $1,500,000 based on the Company’s Black-Scholes option-pricing model, taking into account the premium exercise price described below (the “Premium Option Award”), which Premium Option Award will generally vest, subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, in substantially equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.  The Premium Option Award will have an exercise price equal to the product of two times the closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC on the last trading day preceding the date of grant and will generally expire, subject to continued employment with the Company, on the seventh anniversary of the date of grant.

(v)Annual Equity Awards.  For calendar years following 2020 during the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible for annual awards under the Company’s equity compensation arrangements as reasonably determined by the Committee; provided, however, that Executive’s total annual equity award target opportunity under the Equity Plans for each calendar year following 2020 during the Employment Period shall have an aggregate grant date value (as reasonably determined by the Committee) of no less than $1,000,000.  Executive’s annual equity awards shall be made in the form of time-based restricted stock units and/or performance-based restricted stock units, or in such other forms as determined by the Committee after consideration of competitive market data provided by its independent compensation consultant, all in accordance with the Company’s policies and the applicable award agreements and incentive compensation plans under which such awards may be granted, as in effect from time to time; provided, however, that no less than 60% of Executive’s annual equity awards shall be subject to the achievement performance objectives determined by the Committee.

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(vi)Car Allowance. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive a monthly car allowance equal to $1,000.

(vii)Temporary Living Accommodations.  During the Employment Period, for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on June 30, 2021, the Company shall reimburse Executive up to $2,500 per month for apartment or comparable rental expenses incurred by Executive in the Dallas, Texas area.

(viii)Employee Benefits.  During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans, programs, and policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for senior executives of the Company generally.

(ix)Expenses.  During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in accordance with the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement and in accordance with the Company’s business expense reimbursement policy.

3.Termination of Employment. 

(a)Generally. Except as hereinafter provided, the Employment Period shall continue until, and shall end upon, the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Initial Employment Period”). At the end of the Initial Employment Period and on each anniversary thereafter, unless the Company shall have given Executive ninety (90) days written notice that the Employment Period will not be extended, the Employment Period shall be extended for an additional year.  The term “Employment Period” as used in this Agreement shall refer to the Initial Employment Period or the Employment Period as so extended.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employment Period (to the extent then in effect) will cease on the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3(f)).

(b)Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically if Executive dies during the Employment Period. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability (as defined herein) of Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of “Disability”), it may give to Executive written notice in accordance with Section 13(b) of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In such event, Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of Executive’s duties. “Disability” means the absence of Executive from Executive’s duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 90 consecutive business days, or 90 business days during any period of 120 consecutive business days, as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld). 

(c)By the Company. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for any, or no reason, with or without Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” will be deemed to exist upon:

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(i)any use or misappropriation by Executive of the Company’s, its parent’s, an affiliate’s or a subsidiary’s funds, assets or property for any personal or other improper purpose;

(ii)any act of moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud by or felony conviction of Executive whether or not such acts were committed in connection with the Company’s, an affiliate’s or subsidiary’s business;

(iii)any failure by Executive substantially to perform the lawful instructions of the Board (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) following written notice by the Company to Executive of such failure and 15 days within which to cure such failure;

(iv)any willful or gross misconduct by Executive in connection with Executive’s duties to the Company which, in the reasonable good faith judgment of the Board, could reasonably be expected to be materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates;

(v)any failure by Executive to follow a material Company policy following written notice by the Company to Executive of such failure and 15 days within which to cure such failure; or

(vi)any material breach by Executive of this Agreement following written notice by the Company to Executive of such breach and 15 days within which to cure such breach. 

The cessation of employment of Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board (excluding Executive, if Executive is a member of the Board) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to Executive and Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel for Executive, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Executive has engaged in the conduct described in this Section 3(c), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(d)By Executive. Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Employment Period by Executive for Good Reason or by Executive without Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, in the absence of the prior written consent of Executive:

(i)a material and permanent diminution in Executive’s duties, authorities or responsibilities;

(ii)a material and permanent reduction of Executive’s Annual Base Salary or Target Bonus; 

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(iii)relocation of Executive’s primary workplace, as assigned to Executive by the Company in accordance with Section 2(a)(i) beyond a 50 mile radius from such workplace; or 

(iv)any other material breach by the Company of this Agreement; 

provided, however, that Executive’s termination of employment shall not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless (x) Executive has notified the Company in writing describing the occurrence of one or more Good Reason events within 90 days of such occurrence, (y) the Company fails to cure such Good Reason event within 30 days after its receipt of such written notice and (z) the termination of employment occurs within 180 days after the occurrence of the applicable Good Reason event.

(e)Notice of Termination; Expiration of Employment Period. Any termination of employment by the Company for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b) of this Agreement. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

(f)Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be, (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the date on which the Company notifies Executive of such termination, (iii) if Executive resigns without Good Reason, the date on which Executive notifies the Company of such termination, and (iv) if Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the date of Executive’s death or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Date of Termination occur until Executive experiences a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”  Upon the expiration of the Employment Period and in the event Executive continues employment with the Company, Executive’s employment will be at-will and the terms of this Agreement (other than Section 8) will have no further effect.  

(g)Termination of Status as Director or Officer.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and as an 

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officer and as a member of the board of directors (or any similar position, and from any committees thereof) of any of the Company’s subsidiaries and other affiliates.

4.Obligations of the Company upon Termination. 

(a)By Executive for Good Reason or by the Company other than for Cause, Death or Disability.  If, during the Employment Period, the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) or Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, and Section 4(b) does not apply:

(i)The Company shall pay to Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination, subject to Section 10(b), the aggregate of the following amounts:  the sum of (A) Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) Executive’s business expenses that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 2(b)(ix) of this Agreement but have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Date of Termination; (C) Executive’s 2020 Bonus or Annual Bonus, as applicable, for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, if such bonus has been determined to have been earned but has not been paid as of the Date of Termination; and (D) any accrued vacation pay to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in subclauses (A), (B), (C) and (D), the “Accrued Obligations”); 

(ii)On the 61st day after the Date of Termination, the Company shall, subject to Section 4(f) of this Agreement, pay to Executive a lump sum cash amount equal to Executive’s Annual Base Salary (without regard to any reduction thereto);

(iii)At such time as the Company pays annual bonuses, if any, to senior executives of the Company, the Company shall, subject to Section 4(f) of this Agreement, pay to Executive a lump sum cash amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the full year 2020 Bonus or Annual Bonus, as applicable, that Executive would have earned had Executive remained employed through the end of the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs based on the degree of satisfaction of the applicable performance targets, by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days that have elapsed during the calendar year through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the applicable calendar year;

(iv)if Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical, dental and vision benefits pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s monthly COBRA payment (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company), until the earlier of (A) Executive’s eligibility for any such coverage under another employer’s medical plans or (B) the date that is 12 months after the Date of Termination; and

(v)To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to Executive any Other Benefits (as defined in Section 5) in accordance with the terms of the underlying plans or agreements.

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Other than as set forth in this Section 4(a) of this Agreement, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) or by Executive for Good Reason, in each case where Section 4(b) does not apply, the Company shall have no further obligation to Executive under this Agreement.

 

(b)Termination in Connection With a Change in Control.  If, during the Employment Period, the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) or Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, in each case, within a period of two years after a Change in Control:

(i)The Company shall pay to Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination, subject to Section 10(b), the Accrued Obligations;

(ii)On the 61st day after the Date of Termination, the Company shall, subject to Section 4(f) of this Agreement, pay to Executive a lump sum cash amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Annual Base Salary (without regard to any reduction thereto) plus Executive’s full year 2020 Bonus or target Annual Bonus, as applicable, for the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs;

(iii)if Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical, dental and vision benefits pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s monthly COBRA payment (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company), until the earlier of (A) Executive’s eligibility for any such coverage under another employer’s medical plans or (B) the date that is 12 months after the Date of Termination; and

(iv)To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to Executive any Other Benefits in accordance with the terms of the underlying plans or agreements.

Other than as set forth in this Section 4(b) of this Agreement, in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) or by Executive for Good Reason, in each case within a period of two years after a Change in Control, the Company shall have no further obligation to Executive under this Agreement.

 

(c)Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” will be deemed to have occurred upon the occurrence (after the Effective Date) of any of the following events:

(i)any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding 

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Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this definition, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (w) any acquisition directly from the Company, (x) any acquisition by the Company, (y) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or (z) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections 4(c)(iii) (A), (B) and (C) below;

(ii)individuals who, as of the Effective Date, 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 Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (either by specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such individual is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) shall be considered as though such individual was 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)consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or securities of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’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 Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, 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 (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the 

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time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

(iv)approval by the Company’s stockholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(d)Death or Disability. If Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of Executive’s death or Disability during the Employment Period, the Company shall provide Executive or, in the event of death, Executive’s estate or beneficiaries, with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits in accordance with the terms of the underlying plans or agreements, and shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive or, in the event of death, Executive’s estate or beneficiaries, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.

(e)Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, the Company shall provide Executive with Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination, and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits in accordance with the terms of the underlying plans or agreements, and shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. If Executive voluntarily terminates employment other than for Good Reason during the Employment Period, the Company shall provide to Executive the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits in accordance with the terms of the underlying plans or agreements, and shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. In such case, all the Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  

(f)Release. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment under Sections 4(a)(ii)-(v) or Sections 4(b)(ii)-(iv), as applicable, of this Agreement unless (i) prior to the 60th day following the Date of Termination, Executive executes a release of claims against the Company and its affiliates in a form provided by the Company (the “Release”), and (ii) any applicable revocation period has expired during such 60-day period without Executive revoking such Release.

5.Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Amounts that Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any other contract or agreement with the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination (“Other Benefits”) shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be eligible to participate in any other severance plan, program or policy of the Company.

6.Set-off; No Mitigation.  The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against Executive to the extent such set-off or other action does not violate Code Section 409A. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement. 

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7.Limitations on Payments Under Certain Circumstances.   Notwithstanding any provision of any other plan, program, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, in the event that it shall be determined that any payment or benefit to be provided by the Company to Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other payments or benefits received or to be received by Executive (a “Payment”) in connection with or as a result of any event which is deemed by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority to constitute a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company and subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed by Section 4999 (or any successor section) of the Code, the Payments, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, shall be reduced so that the Payment, in the aggregate, is reduced to the greatest amount that could be paid to Executive without giving rise to any Excise Tax; provided that in the event that Executive would be placed in a better after-tax position after receiving all Payments and not having any reduction of Payments as provided hereunder, Executive shall, notwithstanding the provisions of any other plan, program, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, receive all Payments and pay any applicable Excise Tax.  All determinations under this Section 7 shall be made by a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any determination by the Accounting Firm under this Section 7 shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive (or for holding oneself out as available to perform services and refraining from performing services (such as under a covenant not to compete)). If the Payments are to be reduced pursuant to this Section 7, the Payments shall be reduced  in the following order: (a) Payments which do not constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A shall be reduced first; and (b) all other Payments shall then be reduced, in each case as follows: (i) cash payments shall be reduced before non-cash payments and (ii) payments to be made on a later payment date shall be reduced before payments to be made on an earlier payment date.

8.Restrictive Covenants.  

(a)Competitive Activity During Employment.  Executive will not compete with the Company anywhere in the world during Executive’s employment with the Company, including, without limitation, Executive will not:

(i)enter into or engage in any business which competes with the Business of the Company;

(ii)solicit customers, business, patronage or orders for, or sell, any products or services in competition with, or for any business that competes with, the Business of the Company;

(iii)divert, entice or otherwise take away any customers, business, patronage or orders of the Company or attempt to do so; or

(iv)promote or assist, financially or otherwise, any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity engaged in any business which competes with the Business of the Company. 

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(b)Following Termination.  For a period of one year following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, Executive will not:

(i)enter into or engage in any business which competes with the Company’s Business within the Restricted Territory (as hereinafter defined);

(ii)solicit customers, business, patronage or orders for, or sell, any products or services in competition with, or for any business, wherever located, that competes with, the Company’s Business within the Restricted Territory;

(iii) divert, entice or otherwise take away any customers, business, patronage or orders of the Company within the Restricted Territory, or attempt to do so; or

(iv) promote or assist, financially or otherwise, any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity engaged in any business which competes with the Company’s Business within the Restricted Territory.

For the purposes of Sections 8(a) and (b), inclusive, but without limitation thereof, Executive will be in violation thereof if Executive engages in any or all of the activities set forth therein directly as an individual on Executive’s own account, or indirectly as a partner, joint venturer, employee, agent, salesperson, consultant, officer and/or director of any firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity, or as a stockholder of any corporation in which Executive or Executive’s spouse, child or parent owns, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, more than 5% of the outstanding stock.

(c)The “Company.”  For the purposes of this Section 8, the “Company” shall include any and all direct and indirect subsidiaries, parents, and affiliated, or related companies of the Company for which Executive worked or had responsibility at the time of termination of Executive’s employment and at any time during the two year period prior to such termination.

(d)The Company’s “Business.”  For the purposes of this Section 8, the Company’s Business is defined to be:  the design, manufacture, sale of, and service related to air and noise pollution control equipment serving the energy and industrial markets and fluid handling and filtration.  The Company’s Business is further described in any and all manufacturing, marketing and sales manuals and materials of the Company as the same may be altered, amended, supplemented or otherwise changed from time to time, including any such manuals and materials as in effect at any time during the 12-month period immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment, or of any other products or services substantially similar to or readily substitutable for any such described products and services.  The Company’s Business shall also include any expansion or acquisition plans, as evidenced by the books and records of the Company, at the time of Executive’s termination.

(e)“Restricted Territory.”  For the purposes of Section 8, the Restricted Territory shall be defined as and limited to:

(i)the geographic area(s) within a 50 mile radius of any and all of the Company’s location(s) in, to, or for which Executive worked, to which Executive was 

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assigned or had any responsibility (either direct or supervisory) at the time of termination of Executive’s employment and at any time during the two-year period prior to such termination;

(ii)the United States; and

(iii)all of the specific customer accounts, whether within or outside of the geographic area described in (i) and (ii) above, with which Executive had any contact or for which Executive had any responsibility (either direct or supervisory) at the time of termination of Executive’s employment and at any time during the two-year period prior to such termination.

(f)Extension.  If it shall be judicially determined that Executive has violated any of Executive’s obligations under Section 8(b), then the period applicable to each obligation that Executive shall have been determined to have violated shall automatically be extended by a period of time equal in length to the period during which such violation(s) occurred.

(g)Non-Solicitation.  Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, at any time solicit or induce or attempt to solicit or induce any employee(s), sales representative(s), agent(s) or consultant(s) of the Company and/or of its parents, or its other subsidiaries or affiliated or related companies to terminate their employment, representation or other association with the Company and/or its parent or its other subsidiary or affiliated or related companies.

(h)Further Covenants.  Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, at any time during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, disclose, furnish, disseminate, make available or, except in the course of performing Executive’s duties of employment, use any trade secrets or confidential business and technical information of the Company or its customers or vendors, including without limitation as to when or how Executive may have acquired such information.  Such confidential information shall include, without limitation, the Company’s unique selling, manufacturing and servicing methods and business techniques, training, service and business manuals, promotional materials, training courses and other training and instructional materials, vendor and product information, customer and prospective customer lists, other customer and prospective customer information and other business information.  Executive specifically acknowledges that all such confidential information, whether reduced to writing, maintained on any form of electronic media, or maintained in Executive’s mind or memory and whether compiled by the Company, and/or Executive, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, that reasonable efforts have been made by the Company to maintain the secrecy of such information, that such information is the sole property of the Company and that any retention and use of such information by Executive during Executive’s employment with the Company (except in the course of performing Executive’s duties and obligations to the Company) or after the termination of Executive’s employment shall constitute a misappropriation of the Company’s trade secrets.  The restrictions set forth in this Section 8(h) shall last for 15 years after Executive’s termination with respect to confidential information, and perpetually for trade secret information, or for so long as the information qualifies as a trade secret under the law.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company, in good condition, all property of the Company, 

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including without limitation, the originals and all copies of any materials which contain, reflect, summarize, describe, analyze or refer or relate to any items of information listed in this Section 8(h).  Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations.

(i)U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act Notice of Immunity.  The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.  In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (x) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

(j)Discoveries and Inventions.  Executive hereby assigns to the Company, its successors, assigns or nominees, all of Executive’s rights to any discoveries, inventions and improvements, whether patentable or not, made, conceived or suggested, either solely or jointly with others, by Executive while in the Company’s employ, whether in the course of Executive’s employment with the use of the Company’s time, material or facilities or that is in any way within or related to the existing or contemplated scope of the Company’s business, or its research and development efforts.  Any discovery, invention or improvement relating to any subject matter with which the Company was concerned during Executive’s employment and made, conceived or suggested by Executive, either solely or jointly with others, within one year following termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement or any successor agreements shall be irrebuttably presumed to have been so made, conceived or suggested in the course of such employment with the use of the Company’s time, materials or facilities.  Upon request by the Company with respect to any such discoveries, inventions or improvements, Executive will execute and deliver to the Company, at any time during or after Executive’s employment, all appropriate documents for use in applying for, obtaining and maintaining such domestic and foreign patents as the Company may desire, and all proper assignments therefor, when so requested, at the expense of the Company, but without further or additional consideration.  In the event the Company is unable, after reasonable effort, and in any event after ten (10) business days, to secure Executive’s signature on a written assignment to the Company of any application for letters patent or to any common-law or statutory copyright or other property right therein, whether because of Executive’s physical or mental incapacity or for any other reason whatsoever, Executive irrevocably designates and appoints the Corporate Secretary of the Company as Executive’s attorney-in-fact to act on Executive’s behalf to execute and file any such application and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of such letters patent, copyright or trademark.

(k)Work Made For Hire.  Executive acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by law, all work papers, reports, documentation, drawings, photographs, negatives, 

14

tapes and masters therefore, prototypes and other materials (hereinafter, “items”), including without limitation, any and all such items generated and maintained on any form of electronic media, generated by Executive during Executive’s employment with the Company shall be considered a “work made for hire” and that ownership of any and all copyrights in any and all such items shall belong to the Company.  The item will recognize the Company as the copyright owner, will contain all proper copyright notices, e.g., “(creation date) CECO Environmental Corp., All Rights Reserved,” and will be in condition to be registered or otherwise placed in compliance with registration or other statutory requirements throughout the world.

(l)Non-Disparagement.

(i)Throughout Executive’s employment with the Company and for 1 year thereafter, outside the ordinary course of business on behalf of the Company, Executive will not make or issue, or procure any person, firm, or entity to make or issue, any statement in any form, including written, oral and electronic communications of any kind, which conveys negative or adverse information concerning the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their legal predecessors, successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, divisions or other affiliates, or any of the foregoing’s respective past, present or future directors, officers, employees or representatives (collectively, the “Non-Disparagement Parties”), or any Non-Disparagement Party’s business, or its actions, to any person or entity, regardless of the truth or falsity of such statement.  

(ii)Throughout Executive’s employment with the Company and for 1 year thereafter, the Company will reasonably direct the executive officers and directors of the Company not make or issue, or procure any person, firm, or entity to make or issue, any statement in any form, including written, oral and electronic communications of any kind, which conveys negative or adverse information concerning Executive or any of Executive’s legal successors, assigns, or other affiliates, or any of the foregoing’s respective past, present or future directors, officers, employees or representatives (collectively, the “Executive Non-Disparagement Parties”), or any Executive Non-Disparagement Party’s business, or its actions, to any person or entity, regardless of the truth or falsity of such statement.

(iii)This Section 8(l) does not apply to truthful testimony or disclosure compelled or required by applicable law or legal process.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(m)Remedies. The parties acknowledge and agree that any breach by Executive of the terms of this Agreement may cause the Company irreparable harm and injury for which money damages would be inadequate. Accordingly, the Company, in addition to any other remedies available at law or equity, shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties agree that such injunctive relief may be granted without the necessity of proving actual damages. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s remedies under state for federal law or elsewhere.

(n)Additional Acknowledgements. Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the event that Executive becomes subject to any other contractual arrangements with the 

15

Company regarding competition with the Company, the restrictive covenants set forth in this Agreement were executed first and shall be deemed supplemented, and in no event diminished or replaced, by such other contractual arrangements.

9.Successors. 

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

(b)This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.  As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. 

10.Code Section 409A.

(a)The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. 

(b)Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (as determined in accordance with the methodology established by the Company as in effect on the Date of Termination) (a “Specified Employee”), any payments or benefits that are considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable under this Agreement on account of a “separation from service” during the six-month period immediately following the Date of Termination shall, to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A, instead be paid, or provided, as the case may be, on the first business day after the date that is six months following Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation, subject to Code Section 409A.

(c)With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits that are deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.

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11.Compensation Recovery Policy.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement and any compensation described herein are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s clawback policy (if any) as may be in effect from time to time specifically to implement Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules or regulations promulgated thereunder (including applicable rules and regulations of any national securities exchange on which the shares of the Company’s common stock may be traded) (the “Compensation Recovery Policy”), and that applicable sections of this Agreement and any related documents shall be deemed superseded by and subject to the terms and conditions of the Compensation Recovery Policy from and after the effective date thereof.

12.Complete Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. 

13.Miscellaneous.

(a)This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

(b)All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

	
If to Executive:
	
At the most recent address
on file at the Company

	
If to the Company:
	
CECO Environmental Corp.
Attention:  Chief Human Resources Officer
14651 North Dallas Parkway
Dallas, Texas  75254

With a copy to:

Jones Day
Attention:  Stephen P. Coolbaugh
901 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio  44114,

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

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(c)The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(d)The Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state, local or foreign taxes or social security charges as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. None of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates guarantees any tax result with respect to payments or benefits provided hereunder. Executive is responsible for all taxes owed with respect to all such payments and benefits.

(e)Subject to any limits on applicability contained therein, Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with its terms notwithstanding any termination or expiration of the Employment Period.

(f)During Executive’s employment with the Company and thereafter, Executive will provide reasonable assistance to the Company in litigation and regulatory matters that relate to events that occurred during Executive’s period of employment with the Company and its predecessors, and will provide reasonable assistance to the Company with matters relating to its corporate history from the period of Executive’s employment with it or its predecessors.  Executive will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket travel or related costs and expenses relating to any such cooperation or assistance that occurs following the Date of Termination.

(g)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.

(h)Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

(i)With respect to any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to or concerning injunctive relief for Executive’s breach or purported breach of Section 8 of this Agreement, the Company shall have the right, in addition to any other remedies it may have, to seek specific performance and injunctive relief with a court of competent jurisdiction, without the need to post a bond or other security.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and the Company have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Todd R. Gleason
Todd R. Gleason

CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.

By /s/ Jason DeZwirek
Name:  Jason DeZwirek
Title:    Chairman of the Board of Directors

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