Document:

EXHIBIT 10.12
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        This EMPLOYMENT Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
this 18th day of February, 2000 by and among Centura Banks, Inc., a North
Carolina corporation ("Centura"); Centura Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Centura (the "Bank"); and Cecil W. Sewell, Jr. (hereinafter, "Executive"), to be
effective as of the Effective Date, as defined in Section 1.

                                   BACKGROUND
                                   ----------

         Executive currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Centura
and the Bank. The parties desire to memorialize the terms of such employment in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

        1. Effective Date. The effective date of this Agreement (the "Effective
Date") is February 18, 2000.

        2. Positions.

                  (a) Director Position. Subject to all legal limitations and
conditions applicable to service as a director of Centura and the Bank, (i) the
Boards of Directors of Centura and the Bank shall nominate and use their best
efforts to secure the reelection of Executive as a director of Centura and of
the Bank during the term of this Agreement, and (ii) if so reelected, Executive
shall serve as member of Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of
Centura.

                  (b) Officer Position. Executive is employed as Chief Executive
Officer of Centura and of the Bank. Executive's responsibilities under this
Agreement shall be in accordance with the policies and objectives established by
the Boards of Directors of Centura and the Bank, and shall be consistent with
the responsibilities of similarly situated executives of comparable banks and
bank holding companies. In each such capacity, Executive will report directly to
the applicable Board of Directors.

        3. Employment Period. Unless earlier terminated herein in accordance
with Section 6 hereof, Executive's employment shall be for a term (the
"Employment Period") beginning on the Effective Date and extending through the
90th day following the Executive's 58th birthday (the "Expiration Date").
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        4. Extent of Service. During the Employment Period, and excluding any
periods of vacation and sick leave to which Executive is entitled, Executive
agrees to devote reasonable business time and attention during normal business
hours to the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however, that it
shall not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive to (i) devote
reasonable periods of time to charitable and community activities and, with the
approval of Centura, industry or professional activities, and/or (ii) manage
personal business interests and investments, so long as such activities do not
materially interfere with the performance of Executive's responsibilities under
this Agreement.

        5. Compensation and Benefits.

               (a) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, Centura will pay
to Executive a base salary of not less than $550,000 per year ("Base Salary"),
less normal withholdings, payable in equal monthly or more frequent installments
as are customary under Centura's payroll practices from time to time. The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Centura shall review
Executive's Base Salary annually and in its sole discretion, subject to approval
of the Board of Directors of Centura, may increase Executive's Base Salary from
year to year. The annual review of Executive's salary by the Board will
consider, among other things, Executive's own performance and the performance of
Centura and the Bank.

               (b) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the
Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all bonus,
incentive (including but not limited to stock options, other stock-based awards
and performance awards), savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and
programs applicable generally to the most senior executive officers of Centura
and the Bank ("Peer Executives"). Without limiting the foregoing:

                      (i) during the Employment Period, Executive will be
granted, under Centura's incentive plans, stock options to acquire common stock
of Centura and other incentive awards in amounts and having terms that are at
least as favorable such awards made to the Chairman of the Board of Centura; and

                      (ii) during the Employment Period, Executive shall be a
participant in that certain Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between
Centura and Executive, dated as of May 14, 1996, as amended on October 2, 1996
and December 24, 1998, or, if more favorable, any subsequent supplemental
executive retirement plan or agreement between Centura or the Chairman of the
Board of Centura (the "Centura SERP").

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               (c) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period,
Executive and Executive's family shall be eligible for participation in, and
shall receive all benefits under, the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies
and programs provided by Centura and its affiliated companies (including,
without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life,
group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs)
("Welfare Plans") to the extent applicable to Peer Executives.

               (d) Expenses. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be
entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by
Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of Centura
and its affiliated companies to the same extent applicable to the Chairman of
the Board of Centura.

               (e) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, Executive
shall be entitled to fringe benefits in accordance with the plans, practices,
programs and policies of Centura and its affiliated companies in effect for Peer
Executives.

                      (f) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive will
be entitled to six weeks of paid vacation.

        6. Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, all of
Executive's outstanding stock options and other incentive awards from Centura in
the nature of rights that may be exercised shall become fully exercisable and
all restrictions on Executive's outstanding awards shall lapse. For the purposes
of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events:

               (a) individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board
of Directors of Centura (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority of such Board, provided that any person becoming
a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for
election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent
Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the
proxy statement of Centura in which such person is named as a nominee for
director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent
Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated
as a director of Centura as a result of an actual or threatened election contest
(as described in Rule 14a-11 under the 1934 Act ("Election Contest") or other
actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any
"person" (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the 1934 Act and as used
in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the 1934 Act) other than the Board ("Proxy
Contest"), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any
Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be deemed an Incumbent Director;

               (b) any person is or becomes a "beneficial owner" (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Centura
representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Centura's then
outstanding securities eligible to

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vote for the election of the Board (the "Company Voting Securities"); provided,
however, that the event described in this paragraph (b) shall not be deemed to
be a Change in Control of Centura by virtue of any of the following
acquisitions: (A) any acquisition by a person who is on the Effective Date the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Company Voting Securities,
(B) an acquisition by Centura which reduces the number of Company Voting
Securities outstanding and thereby results in any person acquiring beneficial
ownership of more than 25% of the outstanding Company Voting Securities;
provided, that if after such acquisition by Centura such person becomes the
beneficial owner of additional Company Voting Securities that increases the
percentage of outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by such
person, a Change in Control of Centura shall then occur, (C) an acquisition by
any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Centura
or any Parent or Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily
holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, (D) an
acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in paragraph
(c) below), or (E) a transaction (other than the one described in paragraph (c)
below) in which Company Voting Securities are acquired from Centura, if a
majority of the Incumbent Directors approve a resolution providing expressly
that the acquisition pursuant to this clause (E) does not constitute a Change in
Control of Centura under this paragraph (b);

               (c) the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation,
statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving
Centura that requires the approval of Centura's stockholders, whether for such
transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a
"Reorganization"), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all
of Centura's assets to an entity that is not an affiliate of Centura (a "Sale"),
unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of
the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization
or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of
Centura (in either case, the "Surviving Corporation"), or (y) if applicable, the
ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership
of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving
Corporation (the "Parent Corporation"), is represented by Centura Voting
Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or
Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which such Company Voting
Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such
voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion
as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof
immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x)
Centura, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a
person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial
owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Company Voting Securities) is the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting
power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the
Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving
Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of
directors of the

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Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving
Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were
Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board's approval of the execution of the
initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization
or Sale which satisfies all of the criteria specified in (A), (B) and (C) above
shall be deemed to be a "Non-Qualifying Transaction"); or

               (d) approval by the stockholders of Centura of a complete
liquidation or dissolution of Centura.

        7. Termination of Employment.

               (a) Death or Disability. Executive's employment shall terminate
automatically upon Executive's death during the Employment Period. If Centura
determines in good faith that the Disability of Executive has occurred during
the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth
below), it may give to Executive written notice of its intention to terminate
Executive's employment. In such event, Executive's employment with Centura shall
terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such written 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. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall have
the meaning assigned such term in the Centura SERP. In all events, the
determination of Disability shall be made by a physician selected by Executive
and reasonably acceptable to Centura.

               (b) Termination by Centura or the Bank. Centura or the Bank may
terminate Executive's employment during the Employment Period with or without
Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean:

                      (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to
perform substantially Executive's duties with Centura or the Bank (other than
any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness,
and specifically excluding any failure by Executive, after reasonable efforts,
to meet performance expectations), after a written demand for substantial
performance is delivered to Executive by the Board of Directors of Centura or
the Bank, as applicable, which specifically identifies the manner in which such
Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive's
duties, or

                      (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct
or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to Centura or
the Bank.

        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 Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that Executive's
action or omission was in the best

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interests of Centura or the Bank, as the case may be. Any act, or failure to
act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the
applicable Board of Directors or based upon the advice of counsel for Centura or
the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by
Executive in good faith and in the best interests of Centura or the Bank, as the
case may be. 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 two-thirds
of the entire membership of the applicable Board of Directors (excluding
Executive) at a meeting of such Board called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice is provided to Executive and Executive is given an
opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before such Board), finding
that, in the good faith opinion of such Board, Executive is guilty of the
conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above, and specifying the
particulars thereof in detail.

               (c) Termination by Executive. Executive's employment may be
terminated by Executive for Good Reason or no reason. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean:

                      (i) without the written consent of Executive, the
assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with
Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and reporting
requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect on the
Effective Date, or any other action by Centura or the Bank which results in a
diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding
for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in
bad faith and which is remedied by Centura or the Bank promptly after receipt of
notice thereof given by Executive;

                      (ii) Centura or the Bank requiring Executive to be based
at a location that is more than 35 miles from Rocky Mount, North Carolina;

                      (iii) a reduction in Executive's Base Salary and benefits
as in effect on the Effective Date or as the same may be increased from time to
time;

                      (iv) the failure by Centura or the Bank (a) to continue in
effect any compensation plan in which Executive participates as of the Effective
Date that is material to Executive's total compensation, unless an equitable
arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been
made with respect to such plan, or (b) to continue Executive's participation
therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially
less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level
of Executive's participation relative to other participants;

                      (v) the material breach of this Agreement by Centura or
the Bank; or

                      (vi) the occurrence of a Change in Control.

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               (d) Notice of Termination. Any termination by Centura or the Bank
for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of
Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance this Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice
which (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) specifies the termination
date (which date shall be not less than 60 days after the giving of such
notice). If a dispute exists concerning the provisions of this Agreement that
apply to Executive's termination of employment, the parties shall pursue the
resolution of such dispute with reasonable diligence. Within five (5) days of
such a resolution, any party owing any payments pursuant to the provisions of
this Agreement shall make all such payments together with interest accrued
thereon at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The failure by either party to set forth
in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a
showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of such party
hereunder or preclude such party from asserting such fact or circumstance in
enforcing such party's rights hereunder.

               (e) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" means (i) if
Executive's employment is terminated other than by reason of death or
Disability, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination, or any later date
specified therein, or (ii) if Executive's employment is terminated by reason of
death or Disability, the Date of Termination will be the date of death or the
Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.

               (f) Board Resignations. Termination of Executive's employment for
any reason whatsoever shall constitute Executive's resignation from the Boards
of Directors of Centura and the Bank.

        8. Obligations of Centura upon Termination.

                  (a) Termination by Executive for Good Reason; Disability;
Termination by Centura Other Than for Cause. If, during the Employment Period,
Centura shall terminate Executive's employment other than for Cause, Executive
shall terminate employment for Good Reason, or Executive's employment shall
terminate by reason of Disability:

                      (i) Centura shall pay to Executive in a lump sum in cash
within 30 days after the Date of Termination the sum of (1) Executive's Base
Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2)
the product of (x) Executive's highest annual bonus from Centura, including any
bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred, for any of the last
three full fiscal years prior to the Date of Termination (such amount being
referred to as the "Highest Annual Bonus") and (y) a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through

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the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, (3) any accrued
vacation pay to the extent not theretofore paid, and (4) unless Executive has
elected a different payout date in a prior deferral election, any compensation
previously deferred by Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings
thereon) to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in
clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Accrued
Obligations"); and

                      (ii) beginning on the last day of the month in which the
Date of Termination occurs and ending on the last day of the month in which the
Expiration Date occurs, Centura shall pay Executive a monthly amount equal to
the sum of (i) his monthly Base Salary as in effect on the Date of Termination,
and (ii) one-twelfth of the Highest Annual Bonus; provided, however, that in the
case of Executive's termination of employment due to Disability, amounts paid
under this Section 8(a)(ii) shall be offset by the amount of disability benefits
paid pursuant to the disability policy maintained for Executive; and

                      (iii) from the Date of Termination through the Expiration
Date, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate
plan, program, practice or policy, Centura shall continue benefits to Executive
and/or Executive's family that are at least equal, on an after-tax basis, to
those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the Welfare
Plans described in Section 5(c) of this Agreement if Executive's employment had
not been terminated; provided, however, that if Executive becomes re-employed
with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare
benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare
benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other
plan during such applicable period of eligibility;

                      (iv) to the extent not theretofore paid or provided,
Centura shall timely pay or provide to Executive any other amounts or benefits
required to be paid or provided or which Executive is eligible to receive under
any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of Centura and
its affiliated companies (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter
referred to as the "Other Benefits"); and

                      (v) all stock options and any other stock-based awards
outstanding immediately prior to the Date of Termination shall remain
outstanding and shall be treated for all purposes (except that in the event of
Executive's death, his estate or other beneficiary or successor shall be
entitled to exercise Executive's rights) as if Executive continued to be
employed by Centura until the Expiration Date; and

                      (vi) for purposes of the Centura SERP (and unless the
termination of employment was due to Executive's death), Executive shall be
deemed to continue to be employed and receive his Base Salary (as in effect
immediately prior to his Termination Date) and his Highest Annual Bonus
(calculated as of the day before the Termination Date) for each year until the
Expiration Date.

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               (b) Death. If Executive's employment is terminated by reason of
Executive's death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate
without further obligations to Executive's legal representatives under this
Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment
or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive's
estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of
the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the
term Other Benefits as used in this Section 8(b) shall include, without
limitation, and Executive's estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to
receive, benefits under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to
death benefits, if any, as are applicable to Executive on the date of his death.

               (d) Cause or Voluntary Termination without Good Reason. If
Executive's employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment
Period, or if Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment
Period without Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further
obligations to Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations
(excluding the pro-rata bonus described in clause 2 of Section 8(a)(i)) and the
timely payment or provision of Other Benefits.

               (e) Expiration of Employment Period. If Executive's employment
shall be terminated due to the normal expiration of the Employment Period, this
Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive, other than
for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other
Benefits.

               (f) Board Resignations. Termination of Executive's employment for
any reason whatsoever shall constitute Executive's resignation from the Boards
of Directors of Centura and the Bank.

        9. Non-exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or
limit Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program,
policy or practice provided by Centura or its affiliated companies and for which
Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 15(d), shall anything herein
limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any contract
or agreement with Centura or its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested
benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan,
policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with Centura or any
of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be
payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or
agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

        10. Gross-Up Payment.

               (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding
and except as set forth below in this Section 10, in the event it shall be
determined that any payment or distribution by Centura to or for the benefit of
Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but

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determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section
10) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of
the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by Executive with respect to
such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties,
are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then Executive
shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an
amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest
or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation,
any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto)
and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of
the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

               (b) Subject to the provisions of Section 10(c), all
determinations required to be made under this Section 10, including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and
the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made
by a certified public accounting firm selected by Executive and reasonably
acceptable to Centura as may be designated by Executive (the "Accounting Firm")
which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to Centura and
Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from Executive that
there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is reasonably requested by
Centura. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by
Centura. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 10, shall
be paid by Centura to Executive within five days of the receipt of the
Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall
be binding upon Centura and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the
application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments will not
have been made by Centura that should have been made ("Underpayment"),
consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event
that Centura exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 9(c) and Executive
thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm
shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such
Underpayment shall be promptly paid by Centura to or for the benefit of
Executive.

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

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to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim,
Executive shall:

                      (i) give Centura any information reasonably requested by
Centura relating to such claim,

                      (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such
claim as Centura shall reasonably request in writing from time to time,
including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to
such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by Centura and reasonably
acceptable to Executive,

                      (iii) cooperate with Centura in good faith in order
effectively to contest such claim, and

                      (iv) permit Centura to participate in any proceedings
relating to such claim;

provided, however, that Centura shall bear and pay directly all costs and
expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection
with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and
penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and
payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation of the foregoing provisions of
this Section 10(c), Centura shall control all proceedings (to the extent
applicable to the Excise tax and Gross-Up Payment) taken in connection with such
contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative
appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in
respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct Executive to
pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible
manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before
any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or
more appellate courts, as Centura shall reasonably determine; provided, however,
that if Centura directs Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund,
Centura shall advance the amount of such payment to Executive, on an
interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or
penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with
respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided
that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes
for the taxable year of Executive with respect to which such contested amount is
claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore,
Centura's control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to
which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Executive shall be
entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the
Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

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               (d) If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by
Centura pursuant to Section 9(c), Executive becomes entitled to receive any
refund with respect to such claim, Executive shall (subject to Centura's
complying with the requirements of Section 9(c)) promptly pay to Centura the
amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after
taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount
advanced by Centura pursuant to Section 9(c), a determination is made that
Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and
Centura does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such
denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination,
then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and
the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of
Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.

        11. Costs of Enforcement. In any action taken in good faith relating to
the enforcement of this Agreement or any provision herein, Executive shall be
entitled to be paid any and all costs and expenses incurred by him in enforcing
or establishing his rights thereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable
attorneys' fees, whether suit be brought or not, and whether or not incurred in
trial, bankruptcy or appellate proceedings. Executive shall also be entitled to
be paid all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred in connection
with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application
of Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code to any payment or benefit
hereunder. Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after
delivery of Executive's respective written requests for payment accompanied with
such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as Centura reasonably may require.

        12. Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and
warrants to Centura that Executive is not a party to, or otherwise subject to,
any covenant not to compete with any person or entity, and Executive's execution
of this Agreement and performance of his obligations hereunder will not violate
the terms or conditions of any contract or obligation, written or oral, between
Executive and any other person or entity.

        13. Confidential Information. Executive shall hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of Centura and the Bank all secret or confidential
information, knowledge or data relating to Centura or any of its affiliated
companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by
Executive during Executive's employment by Centura or any of its affiliated
companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts
by Executive or representatives of Executive in violation of this Agreement).
After termination of Executive's employment with Centura or such affiliated
companies, Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of Centura or
as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any
such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than Centura and those
designated by it.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
        14. Assignment and Successors.

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

               (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon Centura and its successors and assigns.

               (c) Centura will require any successor (whether direct or
indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the business and/or assets of Centura to assume expressly
and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent
that Centura would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken
place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean Centura 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.

        15. Miscellaneous.

               (a) Waiver. Failure of either party to insist, in one or more
instances, on performance by the other in strict accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of
any right granted in this Agreement or of the future performance of any such
term or condition or of any other term or condition of this Agreement, unless
such waiver is contained in a writing signed by the party making the waiver.

               (b) Severability. If any provision or covenant, or any part
thereof, of this Agreement should be held by any court to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, either in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of
the remaining provisions or covenants, or any part thereof, of this Agreement,
all of which shall remain in full force and effect.

               (c) Other Agents. Nothing in this Agreement is to be interpreted
as limiting Centura from employing other personnel on such terms and conditions
as may be satisfactory to it.

               (d) Entire Agreement. Except as provided herein, this Agreement
contains the entire agreement between Centura, the Bank and Executive with
respect to the subject matter hereof and this Agreement shall supersede any
other agreement between or among the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
               (e) Governing Law. Except to the extent preempted by federal law,
and without regard to conflict of laws principles, the laws of the State of
North Carolina shall govern this Agreement in all respects, whether as to its
validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise.

               (f) Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other
communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given if delivered or three days after mailing if
mailed, first class, certified mail, postage prepaid:

               To Centura or the Bank:     Centura Banks, Inc.
                                           134 North Church Street
                                           Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
                                           Attention: Chairman of the Board

               To Executive:               Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.
                                           325 Iron Horse Road
                                           Rocky Mount, NC  27804

Any party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands and other
communications shall be delivered or mailed by giving notice thereof to the
other party in the same manner provided herein.

               (g) Amendments and Modifications. This Agreement may be amended
or modified only by a writing signed by both parties hereto, which makes
specific reference to this Agreement.

                         (signatures on following page)

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered
this Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                                  CENTURA BANKS, INC.

                                                  By:   /s/ Frank L. Pattillo
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                            Frank L. Pattillo
                                                  Title:    Vice Chairman

                                                  CENTURA BANK

                                                  By:  /s/ Frank L. Pattillo
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                           Frank L. Pattillo
                                                  Title:   Vice Chairman

                                                  EXECUTIVE:

                                                  /s/ Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.Exhibit 10.17

               VIRGINIA BEACH FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION
                             1981 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                                   AS AMENDED

     1.PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall be known as the Virginia Beach
Federal Savings and Loan Association 1981 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). The
purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain the best available personnel for
positions of substantial responsibility and to provide additional incentive to
all employees of Virginia Beach Federal Savings and Loan (the "Association") or
any present or future parent or subsidiary of the Association to promote the
success of the business. It is intended that options issued pursuant to this
Plan shall constitute incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422A
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

     2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply.

     a. "Association" shall mean the Virginia Beach Federal Savings and Loan
Association.

     b. "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Association.

     c. "Common Stock" shall mean Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Association.

     d. "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

     e. "Committee," shall mean the Stock Option Committee appointed by the
Board in accordance with paragraph 4(a) of the Plan.

     f. "Continuous Employment" or "Continuous Status as an Employee" shall mean
the absence of any interruption or termination of employment by the Association
or any present or future Parent or Subsidiary of the Association. Employment
shall not be considered interrupted in the case of sick leave, military leave or
any other leave of absence approved by the Association or in the case of
transfers between payroll locations of the Association or between the
Association, its Parent, its Subsidiaries or a successor.

     g. "Effective Date" shall mean the date specified in paragraph 12 hereof.

     h. "Employee" shall mean any person employed on a full-time basis by the
Association or any present or future Parent or Subsidiary of the Association.
<PAGE>
     i. "Option" shall mean a stock option granted pursuant to this Plan.

     j. "Optioned Stock" shall mean stock subject to an Option granted pursuant
to this Plan.

     k. "Optionee" shall mean an Employee who receives an Option.

     l. "Parent" shall mean any present or future corporation which would be a
"parent corporation" as defined in Subsection 425(e) and (g) of the Code.

     m. "Plan" shall mean the Virginia Beach Federal Savings and Loan
Association 1981 Stock Option Plan.

     n. "Share" shall mean one share of common stock.

     o. "Subsidiary" shall mean any present or future corporation, which would
be a "subsidiary corporation" as defined in Subsection 425(f) and (g) of the
Code.

     3.SHARED SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Except as otherwise required by the
provisions of Paragraph 10 hereof, the aggregate number of shares of Common
Stock deliverable upon the exercise of Options pursuant to the Plan shall not
exceed 98,750 shares. Such shares may either be authorized but unissued or
treasury shares.

     If an option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason without
having been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares which were subject thereto
shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, be available for the grant of
other Options under the Plan.

     4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

     a. Composition of Option Committee. The Plan shall be administered by an
Option Committee (the "Committee") consisting of not less than three Directors
of the Association appointed by the Board. Employees who are designated by the
committee as key executives shall be eligible to receive an Option under the
Plan, and all persons designated as members of the Option Committee shall be
"disinterested persons" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934.

     b. Powers of the Option Committee. The Committee is authorized (but only to
the extent not contrary to the express provisions of the Plan or to the
resolutions adopted by the Board) to interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and
rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to determine the form and
content of Options to be issued under the Plan and to make other determinations
necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan, and shall have and
may exercise such other power and authority as may be delegated to it by the
Board from time to time. A majority of the entire Committee shall
<PAGE>
constitute a quorum and the action of a majority of the members present at any
meeting at which a quorum is present shall be deemed the action of the
Committee.

     The president of the Association is hereby authorized to execute
instruments evidencing Options on behalf of the Association and to cause them to
be delivered to the Optionees.

     c. Effect of Committee's Decision. All decisions, determinations and
interpretations of the Committee shall be final and conclusive on all persons
affected thereby.

     5. ELIGIBILITY. Options may be granted only to Employees of the
Association, or any present or future Parent or Subsidiary. An employee who has
been granted an Option may, if otherwise eligible, be granted an additional
Option or Options.

     The aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date the Option is
granted) of the Shares for which any Employee may be granted Options in any
calendar year (under all Incentive Stock Option Plans, as defined in Section
422A of the Code, of the Association or any present or future Parent or
Subsidiary of the Association) shall not exceed $100,000 plus any unused limit
carryover to such year as defined in Section 422A(c) of the code.

     No Option (for purposes of this paragraph 5 called "New Option") shall be
exercisable while there is outstanding any Incentive Stock Option (as defined in
Section 422A of the Code) which was granted, before the granting of the New
Option, to the Employee to whom the New Option is granted, to purchase stock in
the Association or any present or future Parent or Subsidiary of the
Association. A previously granted Incentive Stock Option shall be treated as
outstanding until such prior option is exercised in full or expires by reason of
lapse in time.

     6. TERM OF PLAN; TERM OF OPTIONS.

     a. The Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from its
Effective Date, unless sooner terminated pursuant to paragraph 14. No Option
shall be granted under the Plan after ten (10) years from the Effective Date.

     b. The term of each Option granted under the Plan shall be established by
the Committee, but shall not exceed 10 years, provided however that in the case
of an Employee who owns Stock representing more than ten (10) percent of the
Association's outstanding Common Stock at the time the Option is granted, the
term of such Option shall not exceed five years.

     7. OPTION PRICE. The price per shares at which each Option granted under
the Plan may be exercised shall not, as to any particular Option, be less than
the fair market value of the stock at the time such Option is granted. In the
case of an Employee who owns Stock representing more than ten (10) percent of
the Association's outstanding Common Stock at the time the Option is granted,
the Option price shall not be less than 110% of
<PAGE>
the fair market value of the stock at the time the Option is granted. If the
Common Stock is traded otherwise than on a national securities exchange at the
time of the granting of an Option, then the price per share shall be not less
than the mean between the bid and asked price on the date the Option is granted
or, if there is no bid and asked price on said date, then on the next prior
business day on which there was a bid and asked price. If the Common Stock is
listed on a national securities exchange at the time of granting an Option, then
the price per share shall be no less than the average of the highest and lowest
selling price on such exchange on the date such Option is granted or if there
were no sales on said date, then the price shall be not less than the mean
between the bid and asked price on such date.

     8. EXERCISE OF OPTION.

     a. Procedure for Exercise. Any Option hereunder shall be exercisable at
such times and under such conditions as shall be permissible under the terms of
the Plan and of the Option granted to an Optionee. An Option may not be
exercised for a fractional Share.

     b. An Option granted pursuant to the Plan may be exercised, subject to
provisions relative to its termination and limitations on its exercise, from
time to time only by (a) written notice of intent to exercise the Option with
respect to a specified number of shares, and (b) payment to the Association
(contemporaneously with delivery of each such notice), in cash, of the amount of
the Option price of the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is
then being exercised. Each such notice and payment shall be delivered or mailed
by prepaid registered or certified mail, addressed to the Treasurer of the
Association at the Association's executive offices, until the total number of
shares then subject to the Option has been purchased.

     c. Exercise During Employment or Following Death or Disability. Unless
otherwise provided in the terms of an Option, an Option may be exercised by an
Optionee only while he is an Employee and has maintained Continuous Status as an
Employee since the date of the grant of the Option, except if his Continuous
Employment is terminated by reason of death, such Option of the deceased
Optionee may be exercised within ninety (90) days from the date of his death by
the person or persons (including his estate) to whom his rights under such
Option shall have passed by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

     d. The Committee's determination whether an Optionee's employment has
ceased and the effective date thereof, shall be final and conclusive on all
persons affected thereby.

     9. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. Options granted under the Plan may not be
sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner
other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. An Option may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.
<PAGE>
     10. EFFECT OF CHANGE IN STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. In the event that each
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than shares held by dissenting
shareholders) shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind
of shares of stock of the Association or of another corporation (whether by
reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock
dividend, split-up, combination of shares, or otherwise), then there shall be
substituted for each share of Common Stock then under Option or available for
Option the number and kind of shares of stock into which each outstanding share
of Common Stock (other than shares held by dissenting shareholders) shall be so
changed or for which each such share shall be so exchanged.

     In the event there shall be any other change in the number of, or kind of
issued shares of Common Stock, or of any capital stock or other securities into
which such Common Stock shall have been changed, or for which it shall have been
exchanged, then if the Board shall in its sole discretion, determine that such
change equitably requires an adjustment in the number, or kind, or Option price
of shares then subject to an Option or available for Option, such adjustment
shall be made by the Board and shall be effective and binding for all purposed
of the Plan.

     11. TIME OF GRANTING OF OPTION. The date of grant of an Option under the
Plan shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Committee makes the
determination of granting such Option. Notice of the determination shall be
given to each Employee to whom an Option is so granted within a reasonable time
after the date of such grant.

     12. EFFECTIVE DATE. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by
the Board and shall be subject to ratification by a vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Association present in person or by
proxy at the legal meeting. The Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten
(10) years from the Effective Date, unless sooner terminated under paragraph 15
of the Plan.

     13. APPROVAL BY STOCKHOLDERS. The Plan shall be ratified by stockholders of
the Association within twelve (12) months before or after the date it is
adopted.

     14. MODIFICATION OF OPTIONS. At any time and from time to time the Board
may authorize the Committee to direct execution of an instrument providing for
the modification of any outstanding Option, provided no such modification,
extension, or renewal shall confer on the holder of said Option any right or
benefit which could not be conferred on him by the grant of a new Option at such
time, or impair the Option without the consent of the holder of the Option.

     16. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. The Board may alter, suspend or
discontinue the Plan except that no action of the Board may increase (other than
as provided in Section 10) the maximum number of shares permitted to be optioned
under the Plan, or reduce the minimum Option price, or extend the period within
which Options
<PAGE>
may be exercised, unless such action of the Board shall be subject to approval
or ratification by the shareholders of the Association.

     No action of the Board may, without the consent of the holder of the
Option, impair any then outstanding Option.

     17. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Shares shall not be issued with
respect to any Option granted under the Plan unless the issuance and delivery of
such Shares shall comply with all relevant provision of law, including, without
limitation, the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, the rules and
regulation promulgated thereunder, any applicable state securities law, and the
requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed.

     Inability of the Association to obtain from any regulatory body or
authority deemed by the Association's counsel to be necessary to the lawful
issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder shall relieve the Association of any
liability in respect to the non-issuance or sale of such shares.

     As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Association may require
the person exercising the Option to make such representations and warranties as
may be necessary to assure the availability of an exemption from the
registration requirements of federal or state securities law.

     18. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Association during the term of the Plan,
will reserve and keep available a number of Shares sufficient to satisfy the
requirements of the Plan.

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