Document:

Employment Agreement by and between Sterling and Donn C. Costa

 Exhibit 10.6 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into
by and between Sterling Financial Corporation, a Washington corporation (“Sterling”) and Donn C. Costa (“Employee”) as of February 12, 2006. Because of Employee’s importance to Sterling and the value to be derived from
Employee’s employment, Sterling and Employee desire to set forth certain terms and conditions relating to Employee’s employment as an inducement for Employee continuing his employment. 
 Therefore, the parties agree as follows: 
 1. Employment. Sterling agrees to employ Employee, and Employee agrees to and does hereby accept such employment on the terms in this Agreement. 
 2. Term. This Agreement shall commence at the time the merger between Sterling Financial Corporation and Lynnwood Financial Group, Inc., becomes effective and shall continue until December 31, 2009;
provided, however, that the term hereof shall be automatically extended for two separate and consecutive additional one year periods unless Employer provides Employee notice that this Agreement will not be extended on or prior to October 1,
2009 with respect to the first one year extension, or on or prior to October 1, 2010, with respect to the second one year extension. 
 3. Duties. Employee shall perform such duties as Sterling may from time to time direct. Employee shall initially have the title of Senior Vice President of Golf Savings Bank with duties principally in the area of permanent mortgage
lending, but this may be changed from time to time as Sterling may determine. 
 4. Compensation. During Employee’s employment
under this Agreement, Employee shall receive as compensation for services rendered hereunder: 
 (a) Base Salary.
Employee shall be paid a base salary in the amount of Three Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($370,000.00), payable semi-monthly or in such manner as is consistent with Sterling’s policy relating to salaried employees. 
 (b) Deferred Compensation Bonus. In consideration for entering into this Agreement, Sterling shall contribute Three Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) on behalf of Employee to the Sterling Savings Bank Deferred Compensation Plan, which shall vest 25% per year over four years as follows, so long as Employee remains employed hereunder on the dates listed below:

  

				
	 Date
	  	Vested Percentage	 
	 December 31, 2006
	  	25	%
	 December 31, 2007
	  	50	%
	 December 31, 2008
	  	75	%
	 December 31, 2009
	  	100	%

  

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 (c) Discretionary Bonus. Annual bonus(es), if any, shall be awarded to Employee in
accordance with the standard practices of Sterling for its employees at the senior vice president level. 
 5. Other Benefits.

 (a) Employee Plans. Subject to the respective eligibility requirements and other terms and provisions of the
applicable benefit or insurance plans (including relevant waiting periods), Employee shall be enrolled as a participant in all employee benefit plans (including retirement and insurance plans) generally available to other executives of Sterling, as
the same may from time to time be adopted or amended. Employee is eligible to participate in Sterling’s stock option plan(s) then in effect subject to the terms and conditions of such plan(s). 
 (b) Vacation. Employee shall be entitled to twenty (20) business days of paid vacation each year at the convenience of
Sterling. Unused vacation shall not be carried over from one year to the next unless otherwise approved by Employer. 
 (c)
Perquisites. Sterling shall provide Employee with an automobile allowance comparable for Sterling employees at the senior vice president level, and shall reimburse Employee for all reasonable travel, entertainment or other business expenses
reasonably incurred by him in the performance of his duties hereunder in accordance with the policies for such reimbursement of similarly situated senior executives as from time to time established by Sterling. Sterling shall also pay the
appropriate dues at the Members Club at Aldarra or a similar organization approved by Sterling on the Employee’s behalf until the earliest of the expiration of this Agreement or the termination or resignation of Employee from employment with
Sterling. Employee shall also be entitled to receive such other perquisites as Sterling may from time to time deem appropriate. 
 6.
Performance of Duties. Employee agrees that during his employment with Sterling: (a) Employee will faithfully perform the duties of such office or offices as he may occupy, which duties shall be such as may be assigned to him by
Sterling; (b) Employee will devote to the performance of his duties all such time and attention as Sterling shall reasonably require, taking, however, from time to time such reasonable vacations as are consistent with his duties and Sterling
policy; and (c) Employee will do nothing inconsistent with his duties to Sterling. 
 7. Termination. 
 (a) Either Sterling or Employee may terminate Employee’s employment at any time in their sole discretion. Except as expressly
provided in this Agreement, upon termination of employment Sterling shall have no liability to pay any further compensation or any other benefit or sum whatsoever to Employee. 
 (b) Upon termination of employment, Employee’s rights under all applicable employee pension plans, stock option grants, incentive
plans or employee benefit plans, shall be 

  

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determined under the terms of the applicable plans and grants, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. 
 (c) If during the term of this Agreement (i) Employee’s employment is terminated by Sterling for any reason, other than for
Cause, or (ii) Employee resigns for Good Cause (as defined below), then (but in no other circumstances), subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and FDIC Regulation 12 C.F.R. Part 359, Employee shall be
entitled to receive, within five business days after the effective date of such termination or resignation, from Sterling or its successor, an amount equal to two times Employee’s base salary, as provided in Section 4(a). 
 (d) If Sterling elects to discontinue Employee’s employment at the end of the term of this Agreement, Sterling may elect to pay
Employee an amount equal to two times Employee’s base salary, as provided in Section 4(a), in exchange for Employee’s agreement to be bound by the non-compete provision of Section 10(b) for the two-year Non-Compete Period defined
therein. In the event Sterling elects to not pay an amount equal to two times Employee’s base salary, as provided in Section 4(a), Employee shall not be subject to the non-compete provisions of Section 10(b). 
 (e) If upon or within two years after a Change in Control (as defined below) (i) Employee’s employment is terminated by Sterling
for any reason, other than for Cause, or (ii) Employee resigns for Good Cause (as defined below), then (but in no other circumstances), subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and FDIC Regulation 12 C.F.R.
Part 359, Employee shall be entitled to receive, within five business days after the effective date of such termination or resignation, from Sterling or its successor, an amount equal to two times Employee’s base salary, as provided in
Section 4(a). In addition, upon such an event: all stock options held by Employee shall become immediately vested and exercisable notwithstanding any provisions in the grant of such options regarding vesting, and the lapse of the restrictions
on Employee’s restricted stock, if any, shall automatically be accelerated; provided that the provision in this Section 7(e) shall be effective only if Sterling has taken action approving such vesting and/or acceleration; and provided
further that Sterling may exclude any particular grant(s) of stock options or restricted stock from the vesting and acceleration provided for in this subsection, either at the time it approves such vesting and/or acceleration, or in connection with
making any particular grant of stock options or restricted stock. 
 (f) If Employee becomes entitled to the payments and
equity acceleration described in Section 7(c), (d) or (e) (collectively, the “Severance Payments”), and if any of the Severance Payments constitute a “parachute payment” under Section 280G, at the election of
Employee, (i) such payments or benefits shall be payable or provided to Employee over the minimum period necessary to reduce the present value of such payments or benefits to an amount which is one dollar ($1.00) less than three (3) times
Employee’s “base amount” as defined under §280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or any successor statute then in effect (the “Code”) or (ii) Employee shall receive a sum equal to 2.99 times
Employee’s “base amount,” within the meaning of §280G(b)(3) of the Code, as the sole benefit payable under this Section 7. 
  

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 8. Continuation of Medical Insurance. If Employee’s employment by Sterling terminates for any
reason (including early retirement) other than gross misconduct, Employee shall be entitled to continue to participate in Sterling’s self-funded group medical plan at Employer’s expense, to the extent provided in the plan and under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). 
 9. Disability or Death. If Employee should die or become disabled
at any time during his or her employment hereunder, this Agreement shall terminate and neither Employee nor anyone claiming by, through or under him or her shall be entitled to any further compensation or other sum under this Agreement (other than
payments made by insurers under policies of life and disability insurance and any sums that may become available under any employee benefit plan); provided however that in such event, the Deferred Compensation Bonus described in Section 4(b)
hereof shall become fully vested. 
 10. Confidentiality; Non-Competition. 
 (a) Confidential Information. Employee recognizes and acknowledges that all information pertaining to the affairs, business,
clients, or customers of Sterling or any of its subsidiaries (any or all of such entities being hereinafter referred to as the “Business”), as such information may exist from time to time, other than information that Sterling has
previously made publicly available or that is in the public domain, is confidential information and is a unique and valuable asset of the Business, access to and knowledge of which are essential to the performance of Employee’s duties under
this Agreement. Employee shall not, except to the extent reasonably necessary in the performance of his duties under this Agreement, divulge to any person, firm, association, corporation, governmental agency or other entity any information
concerning the affairs, business, clients, or customers of the Business (except such information as is required by law to be divulged to a government agency or pursuant to lawful process), or make use of any such information for his own purposes or
for the benefit of any person, firm, association, corporation or other entity (except the Business) and shall use his reasonable best efforts to prevent the disclosure of any such information by others. All records, memoranda, letters, books,
papers, reports, accountings, experience or other data, and other records and documents relating to the Business, whether made by Employee or otherwise coming into his possession, are confidential information and are, shall be, and shall remain the
property of the Business. No copies thereof shall be made that are not retained by the Business, and the Employee agrees, on termination of his employment or on demand of Sterling, to deliver the same to Sterling. 
 (b) Non-Compete. Except as provided under Section 7(d), for a period of two years following Employee’s termination of
employment (the “Non-Compete Period”), Employee shall not, without express prior written approval of Sterling’s Board, directly or indirectly own or hold any proprietary interest in, or be employed by or receive remuneration from, any
person, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity engaged in competition with Sterling or any of its subsidiaries (a “Competitor”), other than severance-type or retirement-type benefits from entities constituting prior
employers of Employee. During the Non-Compete Period, the Employee also agrees that he will not solicit for the account of any Competitor, any customer or 

  

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client of Sterling or its subsidiaries. Employee also agrees not to act on behalf of any Competitor to interfere with the relationship between Sterling or
its subsidiaries and their employees during the Non-Compete Period. In addition, if Employee obtains non-competitive employment during the Non-Compete Period, for such period Employee agrees not to solicit employees of Sterling or its subsidiaries
for new employment without the prior written consent of Sterling. For purposes of this section, (i) the term “proprietary interest” means legal or equitable ownership, whether through stockholdings or otherwise, of greater than a 20%
equity interest in a business, firm or entity, and (ii) an entity shall be considered to be “engaged in competition” if such entity is, or is a holding company for, a bank, savings and loan association or other financial services
business engaged in a business that competes with Sterling in the States of Washington, Idaho, Montana or Oregon within 35 miles of a branch or office of Sterling or any of its subsidiaries. Employee acknowledges the receipt and sufficiency of
specific consideration for the agreements in this Section 10. 
 (c) Remedies. Sterling’s obligation to make
payments, deliver shares of stock or provide for any benefits under this Agreement (except to the extent vested or exercisable prior to Employee’s termination of employment) shall cease upon a violation of the preceding provisions of this
Section. 
 (d) Survival. The provisions of this Section 10 shall: (i) survive the termination of this
Agreement, and continue throughout the duration of the Employee’s employment with Sterling, except as amended or modified by written agreement of the parties; and (ii) survive the Employee’s termination of employment with Sterling.

 (e) Modification of Terms. If any restriction in this Section 10 is finally adjudicated by a court of competent
jurisdiction to exceed the time, geographic, service or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any jurisdiction, such restriction may be modified and narrowed by a court to the maximum time, geographic, service or other limitations
permitted by applicable law so as to preserve and protect Sterling’s legitimate business interest, without negating or impairing any other restrictions or undertaking set forth in the Agreement. 
 11. Additional Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement: 
 (a) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as: 
 (i) any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”)) (other than Sterling or affiliates of Sterling) becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities representing 25% or more of the then
outstanding securities of Sterling; 
 (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years or less, individuals who at
the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Sterling cease, for any reason, to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the election or nomination for election of each new member of the Board was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds of the members of the Board then still in office who were members of the Board at the beginning of the period; or 
  

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 (iii) the Shareholders of Sterling approve: (1) a plan of complete liquidation of
Sterling; (2) an agreement for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of Sterling’s assets; or (3) a merger or consolidation of Sterling with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that would result
in the voting securities of Sterling outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of
the voting securities of Sterling or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation. 
 (b)
“Good Cause” for Employee to resign shall mean: 
 (i) A material adverse change, without the prior written consent
of Employee, in the duties of the Employee; 
 (ii) The removal of Employee from his position, except where such removal is
for Cause (as defined below) or by reason of Employee’s disability; 
 (iii) A reduction in the overall level of
Employee’s total compensation by more than 25% below the average Compensation paid by Sterling to Employee for the 24 months immediately preceding such reduction; or 
 (iv) Relocation, without Employee’s consent, of the Employee’s normal place of work by more than 25 miles from the place where
he currently provides services, it being expressly agreed that such 25 mile distance includes both downtown Bellevue and downtown Seattle. 
 (c) The removal of Employee from his or her position will be considered to be for “Cause” if, but only if, the removal is because (i) Employee engages in abusive use of alcohol or other drugs on a
continuing or recurring basis; (ii) Employee willfully violates any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violation or similar offense), or final cease-and-desist order; (iii) Employee is convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude (including forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement), or is convicted or enters into a pretrial diversion or similar program in connection with the prosecution for an offense involving dishonesty, breach of trust or money
laundering; (iv) Employee physically attacks another employee; (v) Employee has engaged in personal dishonesty, fraud, destruction or theft of property of Sterling or a subsidiary of Sterling, willful nonfeasance, malfeasance, or gross
negligence in the performance of his duties, willful misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit; (vi) Employee is incompetent in, or intentionally fails to perform, stated duties; or (vii) Employee materially
breaches any provision of this Agreement. Following a finding by Sterling of a Cause violation by Employee, Sterling shall provide written notice of such finding to Employee. Employee shall have a reasonable time, not to exceed ten days, to cure
such Cause violation (the “Cure Period”), unless such Cause violation by its nature cannot be cured. During the Cure Period, if any, Sterling may, in its discretion, elect to suspend Employee’s employment. 
  

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 12. Title. Although it is the intention of the parties that during the term of this Agreement
Employee shall be an executive employee of Sterling with the title and duties described herein, it is specifically understood that, subject to the provisions of Sections 7 and 11, the employment and the nature and situs of services to be rendered
shall be subject to the authority of Sterling to change the same from time to time and at any time and to provide for the operation of Sterling as specified by applicable banking laws and regulations. 
 13. Resolution of Disputes. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Employee’s employment (or termination of employment)
shall be submitted to and resolved by final and binding arbitration as provided in the Binding Arbitration Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A, whether the claimant is Employee or Sterling. In any dispute in arbitration or court arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, the substantially prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses shall be paid by the other party. 
 14. Miscellaneous. 
 (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the entire
agreement between the parties and may not be modified or abrogated orally or by course of dealing, but only by another instrument in writing duly executed by the parties. This Agreement replaces and supersedes all prior agreements that Employee may
have with Sterling, or any subsidiary of Sterling. Employee acknowledges that Employee shall be entitled to change in control benefits, severance benefits or other employment separation benefits only as specifically provided in this Agreement,
notwithstanding the terms of any other representation, policy, benefit plan or agreement. 
 (b) Governing Law. This
Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law rules. Jurisdiction and venue of any court action in connection with this Agreement shall be had
exclusively in the Superior Court for Spokane County, Washington or the U.S. District Court in Spokane. 
 (c) Independent
Counsel. Employee acknowledges that this Agreement has been drafted by counsel for Sterling, and that Employee has not relied upon such counsel with respect to this Agreement. The Employee further acknowledges that he has consulted with or has
had the opportunity to consult with independent counsel of his own choice concerning this Agreement and has been advised to do so by Sterling and that he has read and understands the Agreement, is fully aware of its legal effect, and has entered
into it freely based on his own judgment. 
 (d) Severability. If a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction or
governmental authority declares any term or provision hereof invalid, unenforceable or unacceptable, the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired and the invalid, unenforceable or unacceptable term or provision shall be replaced by
a term or provision that is valid, enforceable and acceptable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid, unenforceable or unacceptable term or provision. 
  

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 (e) Assignment. Employee may not assign Employee’s rights or delegate
Employee’s duties under this Agreement. 
 (f) Titles and Headings. The titles, captions and headings of this
Agreement are included for ease of reference only and will be disregarded in interpreting or construing this Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all references herein to “sections” and “exhibits” will mean
“sections” and “exhibits” to this Agreement. 
 (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. 
 [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 
  

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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written
above. 
  

			
	STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
		
	By:	 	/s/ Harold B. Gilkey
		 	Harold B. Gilkey, Chief Executive Officer
	
	EMPLOYEE:
	
	/s/ Donn C. Costa
	Donn C. Costa

 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT] 

 EXHIBIT A 
 BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT 
 This Binding Arbitration Agreement is in consideration of, and
incorporated into, that certain Employment Agreement between the parties effective as of February 12, 2006. I, the employee who is a party to the Employment Agreement to which this Exhibit is attached, as well as Sterling, in consideration of
the Employment Agreement and the mutual provisions hereof, agree as follows: 
 Any and all disputes which involve or relate in any way to my
employment (or termination of employment) with Sterling shall be submitted to and resolved by final and binding arbitration. 
 Sterling and
I understand that by entering into this Binding Arbitration Agreement, we are each waiving any right we may have to file a lawsuit or other civil action or proceeding relating to my employment with Sterling, and are waiving any right we may have to
resolve employment disputes through trial by jury. We agree that arbitration shall be in lieu of any and all lawsuits or other civil legal proceedings relating to my employment. 
 This Binding Arbitration Agreement is intended to cover all civil claims which involve or relate in any way to my employment (or termination of
employment) with Sterling, including, but not limited to, claims of employment discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and veteran status (including claims under
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Immigration Reform and
Control Act and any other local, state or federal law concerning employment or employment discrimination), claims based on violation of public policy or statute, and claims against individuals or entities employed by, acting on behalf of, or
affiliated with Sterling. However, ERISA plan benefit issues and claims for workers compensation or for unemployment compensation benefits are not covered by this Binding Arbitration Agreement. The statutes of limitations otherwise applicable under
law shall apply to all claims made in the arbitration. 
 I understand and agree that despite anything in this Binding Arbitration Agreement
to the contrary, I am not waiving the right to file or institute a complaint or charge with any government agency authorized to investigate or resolve employment-related matters, including but not limited to the United States Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and any other comparable local, state or federal agency. I also
understand and agree that despite anything in this Binding Arbitration Agreement to the contrary, either party may request a court to issue such temporary or interim relief (including temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions) as may
be appropriate, either before or after arbitration is commenced. The temporary or interim relief may remain in effect pending the outcome of arbitration. No such request shall be a waiver of the right to submit any dispute to arbitration.

 This Binding Arbitration Agreement does not constitute an employment contract, require discharge only for
cause, or require any particular corrective action or discharge procedures. 
 Arbitration under this Binding Arbitration Agreement shall be
conducted before a single arbitrator and shall take place within the state where I am currently employed by Sterling, or where I was so employed at the time of termination. 
 In order to initiate arbitration, Sterling or I must so notify the other party in writing of their decision to initiate arbitration, either by personal
delivery or certified mail. The notification should include the following information about the employee: name, home address, work address, work and home phone number, and the following information about the occurrence: date, location, nature of the
claims or dispute, facts upon which the claims are made, and remedy requested. Any notice of arbitration initiated by Sterling shall be sent to my last known residence address as reflected in my personnel file at Sterling. Notice of arbitration
initiated by me shall be sent to Sterling c/o the Chief Executive Officer. 
 Within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of
arbitration, Sterling and I will attempt to agree upon a mutually acceptable arbitrator. If Sterling and I are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, we will submit the dispute to the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). If AAA is, for
some reason, unable or unwilling to accept the matter, we will submit the matter to a comparable arbitration service. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the laws of the state in which the arbitration is conducted and the rules and
requirements of the arbitration service being utilized, to the extent that such rules and requirements do not conflict with the terms of this Binding Arbitration Agreement. 
 At the request of either Sterling or myself, the arbitrator will schedule a pre-hearing conference to, among other things, agree on procedural matters,
obtain stipulations, and attempt to narrow the issues. 
 During the arbitration process, Sterling and I may each make a written demand on
the other for a list of witnesses, including experts, to be called and/or copies of documents to be introduced at the hearing. The demand must be served at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing. The list and copies of documents must be
delivered within twenty-five (25) days of service of the demand. 
 Either party shall be entitled to conduct a limited amount of
discovery prior to the arbitration hearing. Either party may take a maximum of five (5) depositions. Either party may apply to the arbitrator for further discovery. Such further discovery may, in the discretion of the arbitrator, be awarded
upon a showing of sufficient cause. If any documents to be produced or requested for production contain or refer to matters which are private, proprietary and/or confidential, the arbitrator shall make an appropriate protective order prohibiting or
limiting use and disclosure of such documents and providing for return of documents produced after the arbitration is concluded. 
 Either
party may file a brief with the arbitrator. Each brief must be served on the arbitrator and the other party at least five (5) working days prior to the hearing, and if not timely served must be disregarded by the arbitrator. The brief shall
specify the facts the party intends to 

 
prove, analyze the applicable law or policy, and specify the remedy sought. At the close of the hearing, each party shall be given leave to file a
post-hearing brief. The time for filing the post-hearing brief shall be set by the arbitrator. 
 I understand that, at my expense, I have
the right to hire an attorney to represent me in the arbitration, and Sterling has that same right. I also understand that all parties shall have the right to present evidence at the arbitration, through testimony and documents, and to cross-examine
witnesses called by another party. Each party agrees to pay the fees of any witnesses testifying at that party’s request. Each party also agrees to pay the cost of any stenographic record of the arbitration hearing should that party request any
such record. The requesting party must notify the other of such arrangements at least two (2) working days in advance of the hearing. 
 Any postponement or cancellation fee imposed by the arbitration service will be paid by the party requesting the postponement or cancellation. During the time the arbitration proceedings are ongoing, Sterling will advance any required
administrative or arbitrator’s fees. Each party will pay its own witness fees. 
 At the conclusion of the arbitration, each party
agrees to promptly pay any arbitration award against it. 
 We agree that the decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all
parties and shall be the exclusive remedy of the parties. The arbitrator shall issue a written and signed statement of the basis of his or her decision, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. In making the decision and award, if any, the
arbitrator shall apply applicable substantive law. The arbitrator may only award any remedy that would have been available in court. The decision and award, if any, shall be consistent with the terms of this Binding Arbitration Agreement and shall
include an allocation of the costs of the arbitration proceeding between the parties. 
 This Binding Arbitration Agreement may be enforced
by a court of competent jurisdiction through the filing of a petition to compel arbitration, or otherwise. The decision and award of the arbitrator may also be judicially enforced pursuant to applicable law. 
 Because of the interstate nature of Sterling’s business, this Binding Arbitration Agreement is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C.
Section 1 et seq. (the “FAA”). The provisions of the FAA (and to the extent not preempted by the FAA, the provisions of the law of the state of my principal place of employment with Sterling that generally apply to commercial
arbitration agreements, such as provisions granting stays of court actions pending arbitration) are incorporated into this Binding Arbitration Agreement to the extent not inconsistent with the other terms of this Binding Arbitration Agreement.

 We agree that if any provision of this Binding Arbitration Agreement is found to be unenforceable to any extent or in violation of any
statute, rule, regulation or common law, it will not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions and the court shall enforce the affected provision and all remaining provisions to the fullest extent permitted by law. 
 [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 

 This Binding Arbitration Agreement shall remain in full force and effect at all times during and
subsequent to my employment with Sterling, or any successor in interest to Sterling. 
  

			
	STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
		
	By:	 	/s/ Harold B. Gilkey
		 	Harold B. Gilkey, Chief Executive Officer
	
	EMPLOYEE:
	
	/s/ Donn C. Costa
	Donn C. Costa

 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT]Employment Agreement by and between Sterling and J. Gregory Seibly

 Exhibit 10.7 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of
August 28, 2008, by and between STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION (“Sterling”) and J. GREGORY SEIBLY (the “Executive”). 
 W I T N E S S E T H : 
 WHEREAS, the Executive is an Officer of Sterling’s wholly-owned subsidiary Sterling Savings Bank (the
“Bank”), and Sterling desires to retain the Executive and the Executive is willing to continue to serve in such capacities on the terms and conditions herein set forth; and 
 WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement, which is intended to supersede any existing employment agreement between the parties;

 NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows: 
 1. Employment. Sterling agrees to continue
to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to continue to be employed by Sterling, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter provided. 
 2. Position and Duties. Sterling agrees to employ the Executive to serve as the Chief Production Executive of the Bank, and the Executive will have such powers and duties as are commensurate with such position and as may be conferred
upon him or her by the Board of Directors of Sterling (the “Board”) or the Board of Directors of the Bank. Executive shall faithfully perform such duties and shall do nothing inconsistent with his or her duties to Sterling and the Bank.
Except for illness or incapacity and reasonable vacation periods as shall be consistent with Sterling and the Bank’s policies for senior officers, the Executive shall devote all of his or her business time, attention, skill and efforts
exclusively to the business and affairs of Sterling and its subsidiaries. 
 3. Compensation. For all services rendered by the
Executive in any capacity required hereunder, including, without limitation, services as an officer, director, or member of any committee of Sterling, or any subsidiary or division thereof, the Executive shall be compensated as follows: 

(a) Base Salary. Sterling shall pay the Executive a fixed minimum salary of $325,000 per annum (such amount or such higher annual
amount as is paid from time to time 

  

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pursuant to the terms hereof being referred to as the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be subject to such periodic review (which shall occur
at least annually) and such periodic increases as deemed appropriate in accordance with Sterling and the Bank’s customary procedures and practices regarding the salaries of senior officers. The Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with
the customary payroll practices of Sterling, but in no event less frequently than monthly. 
 (b) Other Benefits. The
Executive shall be entitled to participate in all compensation or employee benefit plans or programs, and to receive all benefits, perquisites and emoluments, for which any salaried employees of Sterling are eligible under any plan or program now or
hereafter established and maintained by Sterling for senior officers, to the fullest extent permissible under the general terms and provisions of such plans or programs and in accordance with the provisions thereof, including group hospitalization,
health, dental care, life or other insurance, tax-qualified pension, savings, thrift, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, termination pay programs, sick-leave plans, travel or accident insurance, salary continuation plans, disability insurance,
automobile allowance or automobile lease plans, and executive contingent compensation plans, including, without limitation, stock option or incentive plan(s) then in effect. 
 (c) Deferred Compensation Bonus. In consideration for entering into employment with Sterling, Sterling has contributed Two Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) on behalf of Executive to the Sterling Savings Bank Deferred Compensation Plan, which vests in accordance with the following schedule, so long as Executive remains employed hereunder on the dates listed below:

  

				
	 Date
	  	Vested Percentage	 
	 The Effective Date of this Agreement
	  	25	%
	 December 31, 2008
	  	50	%
	 December 31, 2009
	  	75	%
	 December 31, 2010
	  	100	%

 4. Termination of Employment. 
 (a) Termination. Either Sterling or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time in such party’s sole discretion.
Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, upon termination of employment Sterling shall have no liability to pay any further compensation or any other benefit or sum whatsoever to Executive. 
 (b) In the event that the Executive’s employment hereunder terminates, earned but unpaid Base Salary as of the date of Termination of
Employment shall be payable in full. Except as 

  

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provided herein for Termination Upon a Change in Control, no other payments shall be made, or benefits provided, by Sterling under this Agreement except for
vested stock options and other incentive awards held by the Executive pursuant to the terms of the grant(s) thereof, vested benefits payable under the terms of the nonqualified deferred compensation plans then in effect in which Executive
participates, and any other vested benefits that the Executive is entitled to receive under the terms of employee benefit programs maintained by Sterling or its subsidiaries for its employees. 
 (c) Payments for Termination Upon a Change in Control. Within twenty days of the Executive’s Termination Upon a Change in Control,
Sterling shall pay to the Executive in a single payment in cash and/or provide to the Executive, as applicable, the following: 
 (i) the Executive’s earned but unpaid Base Salary as of the date of Termination of Employment; 
 (ii) the
benefits, if any, to which the Executive is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of Sterling’s officers and employees; 
 (iii) an amount equal to two times Executive’s Annual Compensation; and 
 (iv) Options and Other Incentive Awards. All stock options and other incentive awards held by the Executive shall become fully vested and
exercisable. 
 (d) Adjustment for Taxes. In the event that either Sterling’s independent public accountants or the
Internal Revenue Service determines that any payment, coverage, benefit or benefit acceleration provided to Executive, whether specifically provided for in this Agreement or otherwise, is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 (or
any successor provision) (“Section 4999”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Sterling, within 30 days thereafter, shall pay to Executive, in addition to any other payment or benefit due and owing
hereunder, an amount determined by multiplying the rate of excise tax then imposed by Section 4999 by the amount of the “excess parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code) received by Executive (determined without
regard to any payments made to the Executive pursuant to this paragraph) and dividing the product so obtained by the amount obtained by subtracting the aggregate local, state and Federal income tax rate applicable to the receipt by Executive of the
“excess parachute payment” (taking into account the deductibility for Federal income tax purposes of the payment of state and local income taxes thereon) from the amount obtained by subtracting from 1.00 

  

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the rate of excise tax then imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, it being Sterling’s intention that the Executive’s net after tax position be
identical to that which would have obtained had Sections 280G and 4999 not been part of the Code. 
 (e) If the actual excise
tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code is less than the amount that was taken into account in determining the adjustment for taxes under Section 4(d), Executive shall repay at the time that the amount of the reduced excise tax is finally
determined the portion of the adjustment for taxes under Section 4(d) attributable to that reduction (plus the portion attributable to the excise tax, FICA tax and federal, state and local income tax imposed on the portion of the adjustment
being repaid by Executive, to the extent the repayment results in a reduction in or refund of excise tax, FICA tax or federal, state or local income tax), plus interest on the amount of the repayment at the rate provided in
Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. If the actual excise tax imposed is more than the amount that was taken into account in determining the amount of the adjustment under Section 4(d), Sterling shall make an additional payment in respect of
such excess (plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code) at the time that the amount of the excess is finally determined. 
 (f) In the event that, on or after the occurrence of a Change in Control, Sterling fails to make any payment or provide any benefit to Executive arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement or to the
Executive’s employment by Sterling (collectively, “Employment Rights”), then Sterling shall pay to the Executive and reimburse the Executive for the Executive’s full costs (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of
the Executive’s attorneys and court and related costs) of enforcing the Executive’s Employment Rights. In addition, if the enforceability of this Agreement or the payment of any benefit to the Executive hereunder is disputed by Sterling on
or after the occurrence of a Change in Control, then the Term of this Agreement shall be extended for the period of the dispute in the event of a final judicial determination that the Executive is entitled to at least fifty percent (in dollar
amount) of the benefits that Executive claimed from, and that were disputed by, Sterling. 
 (g) Definitions. For purposes of
this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings: 
 (i) Executive’s “Annual Compensation” shall
include (A) the greater of: (1) the total of Executive’s Base Salary and any target bonus for the calendar year in which the 

  

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termination occurs (if established before the termination), or (2) Executive’s Base Salary and any actual bonus for the prior calendar year
(annualized if Executive was not employed by Sterling for the entire previous calendar year) or (3) Executive’s Base Salary and any actual bonus for the calendar year prior to the Change in Control (annualized if Executive was not employed
by Sterling for the entire previous calendar year); and (B) the amount of the contributions made or anticipated to have been made by Sterling on Executive’s behalf to Sterling’s benefit plans for the calendar year in which the
termination occurs, including without limitation contributions to pension and welfare plans maintained by Sterling for its employees. Annual Compensation shall not include the value of any stock options or restricted stock granted to Executive.

 (ii) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as the occurrence of a “change in
ownership,” a “change in effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of a corporation, as determined in accordance with this Section 4(g)(ii). 
 (A) A “change in ownership” of Sterling shall occur on the date on which any one person, or more than one person acting as a
group, acquires ownership of stock of Sterling that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of Sterling, as determined in accordance with Treas.
Reg. §1.409A-3(i)(5)(v). If a person or group is considered either to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of Sterling, or to have effective control of such corporation within the meaning of part
(B) of this Section, and such person or group acquires additional stock of such corporation, the acquisition of additional stock by such person or group shall not be considered to cause a “change in the ownership” of Sterling.

 (B) A “change in effective control” of Sterling shall occur only on either of the following dates: 

(1) The date on which any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period
ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of Sterling possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of Sterling, as determined in accordance with Treas. Reg.
§1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi). If a person or group is considered to possess 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of Sterling, and such person or group acquires additional stock of 

  

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Sterling, the acquisition of additional stock by such person or group shall not be considered to cause a “change in effective control” of Sterling,
or 
 (2) The date on which a majority of the members of Sterling’s Board is replaced during any 12-month period by
directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of the appointment or election, as determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi). 
 (3) A “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of Sterling shall occur on the date on which any one
person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from Sterling that have a total gross fair market value equal
to more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all for the assets of Sterling immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions, as determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii). A transfer of assets shall not be
treated as a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” when such transfer is made to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the transferor corporation, as determined in accordance with Treas. Reg.
§1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(B). 
 (iii) The term “Constructive Discharge” means a termination of the Executive’s
employment by the Executive following the occurrence of any of the following events: 
 (A) Inferior Duties. The
assignment of duties by Sterling to Executive, without his or her express written consent, that (i) are inferior to Executive’s duties on the Effective Date in any material respect or (ii) result in Executive having inconsequential
authority or responsibility compared to the authority or responsibility he or she had on the Effective Date. 
 (B) Base
Compensation Reduction. A material reduction by Sterling of Executive’s Base Salary. 
 (C) Relocation.
Executive, without his or her written consent, is required by him or her employment to perform a substantial part of his or her duties at one or more locations more than fifty miles distant from Spokane, Washington. 
 (D) Breach. A material breach by Sterling of any provision of this Agreement. 
  

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 If an event constituting Constructive Discharge has occurred without the Executive’s consent, the
Executive’s termination for Constructive Discharge must occur within two years of the first occurrence of such event. The Executive shall give notice to Sterling, in accordance with Section 8, of the existence of an event constituting
Constructive Discharge within 90 days of the initial occurrence of such event, and Sterling will have 60 days to cure or otherwise obtain Executive’s express written consent to the occurrence or continuance of such event. If Executive’s
employment is terminated for Constructive Discharge, it will be treated as an involuntary separation from service under §409A. 
 (iv) The term “Termination for Cause” means: 
 (A) the continued failure of Executive to substantially
perform the Executive’s duties with Sterling or one of its subsidiaries (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive
by the Board, which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties, or 
 (B) the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to Sterling or any of its
subsidiaries, or 
 (C) conviction of a felony involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude, or a guilty or nolo contendere
plea by Executive with respect thereto, or 
 (D) violation of the provisions of Section 5 herein. 
 For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act on the part of Executive shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted
to be done, by the Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of Sterling or its subsidiaries. Any act or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a
resolution duly adopted by the Board or the Board of Directors of the Bank or based upon the advice of counsel for Sterling shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of
Sterling and its subsidiaries. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be a Termination for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative
vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to Executive and the 

  

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Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive
is guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (A), (B) or (D) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. 
 (v) “Termination of Employment” shall mean the termination of the Executive’s actual employment with Sterling, which constitutes a separation from service as defined under §409A. 
 (vi) “Termination Upon a Change in Control” shall mean a Termination of Employment upon or within twenty-four months after a
Change in Control by Sterling, or its successors, without Cause, or by Executive due to a Constructive Discharge, as described under Section 4(g)(iii) hereof. 
 5. Other Duties of Executive During and After Term. 
 (a) Confidential Information.
The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that all information pertaining to the affairs, business, clients, or customers of Sterling or any of its subsidiaries (any or all of such entities being hereinafter referred to as the “Business”),
as such information may exist from time to time, other than information that Sterling has previously made publicly available or which is in the public domain, is confidential information and is a unique and valuable asset of the Business, access to
and knowledge of which are essential to the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement. The Executive shall not, except to the extent reasonably necessary in the performance of his or her duties under this Agreement, divulge to
any person, firm, association, corporation, or governmental agency, any information concerning the affairs, business, clients, or customers of the Business (except such information as is required by law to be divulged to a government agency or
pursuant to lawful process), or make use of any such information for his or her own purposes or for the benefit of any person, firm, association or corporation (except the Business) and shall use his or her reasonable best efforts to prevent the
disclosure of any such information by others. All records, memoranda, letters, books, papers, reports, accountings, experience or other data, and other records and documents relating to the Business, whether made by the Executive or otherwise coming
into his or her possession, are confidential information and are, shall be, and shall remain the property of the Business. No copies thereof shall be made which are not retained by the Business, and the Executive agrees, on termination of his or her
employment or on demand of Sterling, to deliver the same to Sterling. 
  

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 (b) Non-Compete. For a period of one year following Executive’s Termination of
Employment (the “Non-Compete Period”), the Executive shall not, without express prior written approval of Sterling’s Board, directly or indirectly own or hold any proprietary interest in, or be employed by or receive remuneration
from, any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity engaged in competition with Sterling or any of its subsidiaries (a “Competitor”), other than severance-type or retirement-type benefits from entities constituting
prior employers of the Executive. For purposes of this Section 5(b) and Section 5(c), (i) the term “proprietary interest” means legal or equitable ownership, whether through stockholdings or otherwise, of greater than a 20%
equity interest in a business, firm or entity, and (ii) an entity shall be considered to be “engaged in competition” if such entity is, or is a holding company for, a bank, savings and loan association or other financial services
business engaged in a business that competes with Sterling in the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or California. Executive acknowledges the receipt and sufficiency of specific consideration for the agreements in this Section 5.

 (c) Non-Solicitation. For a period of two years following Executive’s Termination of Employment (the
“Non-Solicitation Period”), the Executive will not solicit any customer or client of Sterling or its subsidiaries for the account of any Competitor. The Executive also agrees not to act on behalf of any Competitor to solicit employees of
Sterling or its subsidiaries for new employment or otherwise interfere with the relationship between Sterling or its subsidiaries and their employees during the Non-Solicitation Period. In addition, if the Executive obtains non-competitive
employment during the Non-Solicitation Period, for such period the Executive agrees not to solicit employees of Sterling or its subsidiaries for new employment without the prior written consent of Sterling. 
 (d) Remedies. Sterling’s obligation to make payments, deliver shares of stock or provide for any benefits under this Agreement
(except to the extent vested or exercisable prior to Executive’s Termination of Employment) shall cease upon a violation of the preceding provisions of this section. Executive acknowledges that there would be no adequate remedy at law or in
damages to compensate Sterling for any violation of this Section 5, and agrees that Sterling shall be entitled to injunctive relief requiring specific performance by Executive of this Section 5 without the necessity of proving actual
damages or the posting of a bond, and Executive consents to the entry thereof. 
  

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 (e) Survival. The provisions of this Section 5 shall: (a) survive the
termination of this Agreement, and continue throughout the duration of the Executive’s employment with Sterling, except as amended or modified by written agreement of the parties; and (b) survive the Executive’s Termination of
Employment with Sterling. The running of the Non-Compete Period provided under Section 5(b) and the Non-Solicitation Period under Section 5(c) shall be tolled between the time any controversy with respect to this Section 5 is filed
with a court or arbitrator and the decision of the judge, jury or arbitrator on said controversy. 
 (f) Modification of
Terms. If any restriction in this Section 5 is finally adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the time, geographic, service or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any jurisdiction, such restriction may be
modified and narrowed by a court to the maximum time, geographic, service or other limitations permitted by applicable law so as to preserve and protect Sterling’s legitimate business interest, without negating or impairing any other
restrictions or undertaking set forth in the Agreement. 
 (g) Application. The provisions of Sections 5(b) and 5(c) shall be
inapplicable if the Executive’s Termination of Employment is due to: a Permanent Disability; a Without Cause Termination; a Constructive Discharge; or a Termination Upon a Change in Control. 
 6. Withholding Taxes. Sterling may directly or indirectly withhold from any payments made under this Agreement all Federal, state, city or other
taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling. 
 7. Consolidation, Merger, or Sale of Assets.
Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Sterling from consolidating or merging into or with, or transferring all or substantially all of its assets to, another corporation that assumes this Agreement and all obligations and undertakings of Sterling
hereunder. Upon such a consolidation, merger or transfer of assets, the term “Sterling” as used herein shall mean such other corporation and this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. 
 8. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed
to have been duly given if delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, by same day or overnight mail as follows: 
  

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	 	(a)	To Sterling: 

 111 North Wall Street

 Spokane, WA 99201 
 Attention: Chief Executive Officer 
 With a copy to: 
 Witherspoon, Kelley, Davenport & Toole, P.S. 
 422 West Riverside, Suite 1100 
 Spokane, WA 99201-0390 
 Attention: Andrew J. Schultheis, Esq. 
  

	 	(b)	To the Executive: 

 At his or her regular
office and to his or her primary residence 
 or to such other address as either party shall from time-to-time specify in writing to the other. 

9. No Attachment. Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation,
alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy or similar process, or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null,
void and of no effect; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 9 shall preclude the assumption of such rights by executors, administrators or other legal representatives of the Executive or his or her estate and their assigning any
rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. 
 10. No Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the
amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by other employment or
otherwise, except as provided herein. 
 11. Source of Payment. All payments provided for under this Agreement shall be paid in cash
from the general funds of Sterling or the Bank. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from Sterling hereunder, such right, without prejudice to rights that employees may have, shall be no greater than the right of an
unsecured creditor of Sterling. 
 12. Further Action. Sterling and Executive shall perform all acts and execute all documents as may
be reasonably necessary to effect performance of this Agreement by Sterling. 
  

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 13. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or application thereof to anyone or under any
circumstances is finally adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or application and shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision or application in any other jurisdiction. 
 14. Contents of Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all
prior agreements and sets forth the entire understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and cannot be changed, modified, extended or terminated except upon written amendment approved by the parties hereto.

 15. Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
the State of Washington without giving effect to that body of laws pertaining to conflict of laws and the Executive consents to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Washington in any dispute arising under this Agreement. 

16. Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants that he or she has the legal capacity to execute and perform this Agreement,
that it is a valid and binding agreement against him or her according to its terms, and that its execution and performance by him or her does not and will not violate the terms of any existing agreement or understanding to which the Executive is a
party. In addition, the Executive represents and warrants that he or she knows of no reason why he or she is not physically capable of performing his or her obligations under this Agreement in accordance with its terms. 
 17. Miscellaneous. All section headings are for convenience only. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when
executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or any counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other
counterparts. 
 18. Compliance with §409A. This Agreement is intended to constitute an enforceable contract for the payment of
compensation, severance and certain other benefits. The Agreement is not intended to constitute a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of §409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event this Agreement and/or
any benefit paid to the Executive hereunder is deemed to be subject to §409A, this Agreement shall be interpreted and, as reasonably 

  

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necessary in the discretion of the Board, may be amended to bring this Agreement and/or any such benefit into compliance with §409A, without
reducing the amounts of any benefits due to the Executive hereunder. 
 [Signature Page Follows] 
  

 13 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, Sterling has caused this Agreement to be executed
by its duly authorized representatives and the Executive has signed this Agreement, all as of the first date above written. 
  

			
	STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
		
	BY:	 	/s/ Robert B. Larrabee
		 	ROBERT B. LARRABEE
		 	Chairman, Personnel Committee

  

			
	ATTEST:
	
	STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
		
	BY:	 	/s/ Daniel G. Byrne
		 	DANIEL G. BYRNE
		 	Executive Vice President, Finance and
		 	Chief Financial Officer

	
	
	/s/ J. Gregory Seibly
	J. GREGORY SEIBLY

 [Signature Page to Employment Agreement] 
  

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