Document:

exv10w25

Exhibit 10.25

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made effective as of_________, 2010 (the
“Effective Date”), by and between Atlantic Coast Bank (the “Bank”) and Thomas B. Wagers, Sr. (the
“Executive”), and supersedes and replaces the prior employment agreement dated May 12, 2010.
References herein to the “Company” mean Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, which owns 100% of the
common stock of the Bank. The Company is a signatory to this Agreement for the sole purpose of
guaranteeing the Bank’s performance hereunder. Any reference to the “Employer” shall mean both the
Company and the Bank.

     WHEREAS, the Executive was previously employed as Chief Operating Officer of the Employer and
is currently employed as Chief Financial Officer of the Employer; and

     WHEREAS, Executive is willing to serve the Employer on the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth; and

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the other
terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

     During the term of this Agreement, Executive agrees to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the
Bank (the “Executive Position”), and will perform all duties and will have all powers associated
with such position as set forth in the job description for such Executive Position as established
by the Employer. During the term of the Agreement, Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as
an officer and/or director of any subsidiary or affiliate of Employer and in such capacity carry
out such duties and responsibilities reasonably appropriate to that office.

2. TERM AND DUTIES.

     (a) Three Year Contract; Annual Renewal. The term of Executive’s employment under this
Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter for a period of
three (3) years. Commencing on the first anniversary date of this Agreement (the “Anniversary
Date”) and continuing on each Anniversary Date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall renew
for an additional year such that the remaining term of this Agreement is always three (3) years
provided, however, that in order for the Agreement to renew, the disinterested members of the Board
of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”) must take the following actions prior to each non-renewal
notice period (as described in the next sentence): (i) at least sixty (60) days prior to the
Anniversary Date, conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation and review of Executive for
purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement; and (ii) affirmatively approve the renewal
or non-renewal of the Agreement, which decision shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s
meeting. If the decision of such disinterested members of the Board is not to renew the Agreement,
then the Board shall provide the Executive with a written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal
Notice”) at least thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to any Anniversary Date,
such that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of twenty-four (24) months following such
Anniversary Date.

 

 

     (b) Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to
the contrary, either Executive or the Employer may terminate Executive’s employment with the
Employer at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

     (c) Continued Employment Following Termination of Employment Period. Nothing in this
Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the
expiration of the term of this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the Employer and
Executive may mutually agree.

     (d) Duties; Membership on Other Boards. During the Employment Period, except for
periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of
absence approved by the Chief Executive Officer, Executive shall devote substantially all his
business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties hereunder
including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the
Employer; provided, however, that, with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, Executive may
serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions
in, business companies or business organizations, which, in the Chief Executive Officer’s judgment,
will not present any conflict of interest with the Employer, or materially affect the performance
of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement it being understood that membership in and service
on boards or committees of social, religious, charitable or similar organizations does not require
Chief Executive Officer approval pursuant to this Section. For purposes of this Section, Chief
Executive Officer approval shall be deemed to have been granted as to service with any such
business company or organization that Executive was serving as of the date of this Agreement and
disclosed to the Chief Executive Officer.

3. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENT.

     (a) Base Salary. The Employer shall pay Executive a salary of not less than $178,000
per year (“Base Salary”). Such Base Salary shall be payable biweekly, or with such other frequency
as officers and employees are generally paid. During the period of this Agreement, Executive’s Base
Salary shall be reviewed at least annually. Such review shall be conducted by the Chief Executive
Officer, and the Employer may increase, but not decrease, Executive’s Base Salary (with any
increase in Base Salary to become “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement).

     (b) Bonus and Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be entitled to incentive
compensation and bonuses as provided in any plan or arrangement of the Employer in which Executive
is eligible to participate or as agreed to by the Bank and the Executive. Nothing paid to
Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to
which Executive is entitled under this Agreement. Subject to the terms of the relevant plan
documents, payments of bonuses and incentive compensation are dependent on the Board’s review of
Executive’s performance for the relevant period and shall be paid at the Board’s discretion.

     (c) Employee Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee
benefit plans, programs and arrangements as generally provided by the Employer to senior

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executive officers and for which Executive shall qualify. Executive is also entitled to
receive reimbursement for a country club membership of the Executive’s choosing, not to exceed
$5,000 (net after taxes) annually.

     (d) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time each year during
the term of this Agreement (measured on a fiscal or calendar year basis, in accordance with the
Employer’s usual practices), as well as sick leave, holidays and other paid absences in accordance
with the Employer’s policies and procedures for senior executives. Any unused paid time off during
an annual period shall be treated in accordance with the Employer’s personnel policies as in effect
from time to time.

     (e) Expense Reimbursements. During the Employment Period, the Employer shall pay or
reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable expenses incurred
by Executive during the course of performing his obligations under this Agreement, upon
presentation to the Employer of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Employer
may reasonably require. All reimbursements under this Section 3(e) shall be paid as soon as
practicable by the Employer; provided, however, that no payment shall be made later than March 15
of the year immediately following the year in which the expense was incurred.

4. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION.

     (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during the term of this
Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply. As used in this Agreement, an “Event of
Termination’’ shall mean and include any one or more of the following:

          (i) the involuntary termination by the Bank of Executive’s full-time employment hereunder for
any reason other than a termination due to “Disability” or death, as set forth in Section 6; or a
termination upon “Retirement,” as defined in Section 7 or a termination for “Cause,” as defined in
Section 8; and

          (ii) Executive’s voluntary resignation within two years after any of the following, unless
consented to by Executive (where any vote by Executive in performance of his duties as a member of
the Board in favor of such action shall constitute express consent of Executive to such action):

               (A) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than
50 miles from Jacksonville, Florida;

               (B) a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites, including Base Salary, to Executive
from those being provided as of the Effective Date (except for any reduction that is part of a
reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Bank) or;

               (C) a material breach of this Agreement by the Employer; provided, however, that a change in
the Executive’s title or duties will not be considered a material breach of this Agreement.

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     Upon the occurrence of any event described in clause (ii) above (“Good Reason”), Executive
shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation
within two years after the initial occurrence of such condition upon not less than thirty (30) days
prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed ninety (90) days)
after the initial event giving rise to the right to elect; provided, however, that the Bank shall
be given at least thirty (30) days to remedy the condition before the Executive terminates
employment. Such voluntary termination for Good Reason by Executive shall be an Event of
Termination.

     (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Employer shall pay Executive, or, in
the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may
be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a lump sum in cash equal to three (3) times
(i) the highest annual rate of Base Salary paid to Executive at any time under this Agreement and
(ii) the highest annual bonus and non-equity incentive compensation paid to the Executive over the
most recent three (3) calendar years prior to the Event of Termination; provided however, that, to
the extent required by regulations or interpretations of the Office of Thrift Supervision, all
severance payments under the Agreement shall be reduced not to exceed three (3) times Executive’s
average annual compensation (as defined in such regulations or interpretations) over the most
recent five (5) taxable years. Such payment shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains
other employment following the Event of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
Executive is a “Specified Employee” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) Section
409A and the regulations thereunder) to the extent required under Code Section 409A, no payment
shall be made to Executive prior to the first day of the seventh month following the Event of
Termination.

     (c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall provide at the Bank’s
expense, life and disability insurance coverage and non-taxable medical and dental insurance
coverage substantially comparable to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive and his
family prior to the Event of Termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its
application to all Bank employees. Such coverage shall cease upon the earlier of (i) thirty-six
(36) months following the Event of Termination or (ii) Executive’s obtaining substantially similar
coverage from a new employer.

5. CHANGE IN CONTROL.

     (a) In the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive
in the event of a change in control as defined in Code Section 280G and that would be deemed to
include an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section 280G or any successor thereto, then at the
election of Executive, (i) such payments or benefits shall be payable or provided to Executive over
the minimum period necessary to reduce the present value of such payments or benefits to an amount
that is one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Executive’s “base amount” under such Code Section
280G, or (ii) the payments or benefits to be provided under this Agreement shall be reduced to the
extent necessary to avoid treatment as an excess parachute payment, with the allocation of the
reduction among such payments and benefits to be determined by Executive. Notwithstanding anything
in this subsection to the contrary, a change in control shall not be deemed to have occurred upon
the conversion of the Company’s mutual

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holding company parent to stock form, or in connection with any reorganization used to effect
such a conversion.

6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH.

     (a) Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply
with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i)
Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a
continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous
period of not less than twelve (12) months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for
a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the
Bank or the Company; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security
Administration. The provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) shall apply upon the termination of the
Executive’s employment based on Disability.

     (b) Executive shall be entitled to receive Base Salary earned until the date of Executive’s
termination of employment due to Disability, plus payment for unused vacation, personal leave, sick
leave and other vested benefits, as well as payment under any short- or long-term disability plan
maintained by the Bank.

     (c) The Bank shall cause to be continued life, disability, and non-taxable medical and dental
insurance coverage substantially comparable to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the
Executive prior to the termination of his employment based on Disability, except to the extent such
coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees or not available on an individual
basis to an employee terminated based on Disability. This coverage shall cease upon the earlier of
(i) the date Executive returns to the full-time employment of the Bank; (ii) Executive’s full-time
employment by another employer; or (iii) Executive’s death.

     (d) In the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, his estate, legal
representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid
Executive’s earned but unpaid Base Salary through Executive’s date of death, and the Employer shall
pay all premiums for six (6) months following Executive’s date of death for medical, dental and
other insurance benefits normally provided for Executive’s family. Such payments are in addition
to any other benefits that Executive’s beneficiaries may be entitled to receive under any employee
benefit plan maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Executive, including, but not limited to,
the Bank’s life insurance and tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement plans.

7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT.

     Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of
Executive’s employment at age sixty-five (65) or in accordance with any retirement policy
established by the Board with Executive’s consent with respect to him. Upon termination of
Executive based on Retirement, no amounts or benefits shall be due Executive under this Agreement,
and Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Employer and other
plans to which Executive is a party.

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8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.

     (a) The Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination
other than Termination for Cause, as defined herein, shall not prejudice the Executive’s right to
compensation or other benefits under the Agreement. The Executive shall have no right to receive
compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for “Cause.” Termination for
“Cause” shall include termination because of the Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence,
willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, material breach of the Code
of Ethics of either the Bank or the Company, material violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
for officers of public companies that in the reasonable opinion of the Chief Executive Officer or
the Board will likely cause substantial financial harm or substantial injury to the reputation of
the Company or the Bank, willfully engaging in actions that in the reasonable opinion of the Chief
Executive Officer or the Board will likely cause substantial financial harm or substantial injury
to the business reputation of the Company or the Bank, failure to perform stated duties after
receiving written notice of Executive’s failure to perform assigned duties, willful violation of
any law, rule or regulation (other than routine traffic violations or similar offenses) or final
cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any provision of the Agreement.

     (b) The basis for determining whether Cause exists shall not be deemed to include any impact
on the Company’s or the Bank’s business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations,
financial condition or business from (a) changes in thrift, banking and similar laws of general
applicability or interpretations thereof by courts or governmental authorities, or other changes
affecting depository institutions generally, including changes in general economic conditions and
changes in prevailing interest and deposit rates, (b) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
requirements applicable to thrifts, banks and their holding companies generally, or (c) changes in
national or international political or social conditions including the engagement by the United
States in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war,
or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack upon or within the United States, or any of
its territories, possessions or diplomatic or consular offices or upon any military installation,
equipment or personnel in the United States.

     (c) Termination for Cause shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of
the Bank’s Board, acting in good faith with respect to such termination, and such vote shall not be
made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall by
written notice to the Executive, furnish him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such
determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make
oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal
counsel at such presentations, or to refute the grounds for the proposed determination.

9. NOTICE.

     (a) Any purported termination by the Bank for Cause shall be communicated by Notice of
Termination to Executive. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination for Cause is
given, Executive notifies the Bank that a dispute exists concerning the termination,

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the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration, as provided in Section 19. Notwithstanding
the pendency of any such dispute, the Employer shall discontinue paying Executive’s compensation
until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with this Agreement. If it is determined that
Executive is entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 4, the payment of such
compensation and benefits by the Employer shall commence immediately following the date of
resolution by arbitration, with interest due Executive on the cash amount that would have been paid
pending arbitration (at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time).

     (b) Any other purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by a
“Notice of Termination” (as defined in Section 9(c)) to the other party. If, within thirty (30)
days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of Termination
notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall
promptly proceed to arbitration as provided in Section 19. Notwithstanding the pendency of any
such dispute, the Employer shall continue to pay Executive his Base Salary, and other compensation
and benefits in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (except as to
termination of Executive for Cause); provided, however, that such payments and benefits shall not
continue beyond the date that is twenty-four (24) months from the date the Notice of Termination is
given. In the event the voluntary termination by Executive of his employment is disputed by the
Bank, and if it is determined in arbitration that Executive is not entitled to termination benefits
pursuant to this Agreement, he shall return all cash payments made to him pending resolution by
arbitration, with interest thereon at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from
time to time, if it is determined in arbitration that Executive’s voluntary termination of
employment was not taken in good faith and not in the reasonable belief that grounds existed for
his voluntary termination. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to receive severance
benefits under this Agreement, then any continuation of Base Salary and other compensation and
benefits made to Executive under this Section 9 shall offset the amount of any severance benefits
that are due to Executive under this Agreement.

     (c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that
shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth
in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

10. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS.

     (a) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the
Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank, in connection with any litigation in which it or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party; provided, however, that Executive
shall not be required to provide information or assistance with respect to any litigation between
the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

11. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.

     All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general
funds of the Bank. The Company, however, guarantees payment and provision of all

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amounts and benefits due hereunder to Executive, and if such amounts and benefits due from the
Bank are not timely paid or provided by the Bank, such amounts and benefits shall be paid or
provided by the Company.

12. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS.

     This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any
prior employment agreement between the Employer or any predecessor of the Employer and Executive,
except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation
inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be
interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to
him without reference to this Agreement.

13. NO ATTACHMENT; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS.

     (a) 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.

     (b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive and the
Employer and their respective successors and assigns.

14. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.

     (a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by
the parties hereto.

     (b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall
there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written
instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be
deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate
only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or
condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.

15. REQUIRED PROVISIONS.

     (a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the
Board other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or
other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or
other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.

     (b) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in
the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3)]
or 8(g)(1) [12 U.S.C. §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank’s obligations
under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate
proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in

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its discretion (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract
obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which
were suspended.

     (c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of
the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12
U.S.C. §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this
Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the
contracting parties shall not be affected.

     (d) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1)] of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as
of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting
parties.

     (e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined
that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by the
Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC
enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority
contained in Section 13(c) [12 U.S.C. §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by
the Director or his or her designee at the time the Director or his or her designee approves a
supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is
determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that
have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

     (f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by
the Bank or the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and
conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12
U.S.C. § 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.

16. SEVERABILITY.

     If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such
provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full
extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

17. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY.

     The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of
reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this
Agreement.

18. GOVERNING LAW.

     This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia but only to the extent
not superseded by federal law.

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19. ARBITRATION.

     Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled
exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by
jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location
selected by Executive within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Bank, in accordance with
the rules of the American Arbitration Association’s National Rules for the Resolution of Employment
Disputes (“National Rules”) then in effect. One arbitrator shall be selected by Executive, one
arbitrator shall be selected by the Bank and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the
arbitrators selected by the parties. If the arbitrators are unable to agree within fifteen (15)
days upon a third arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed for them from a panel of
arbitrators selected in accordance with the National Rules. Judgment may be entered on the
arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.

20. INDEMNIFICATION.

     Executive shall be provided with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance policy, and shall be indemnified for the term of this Agreement and for a period of six
years thereafter to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and
liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or
proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the
Bank or any affiliate (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of
incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be
limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys’ fees and the cost of reasonable settlements (such
settlements must be approved by the Board), provided, however, Executive shall not be indemnified
or reimbursed for legal expenses or liabilities incurred in connection with an action, suit or
proceeding arising from any illegal or fraudulent act committed by Executive. Any such
indemnification shall be made consistent with Section 545.121 of the OTS Regulations and Section
18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and the regulations issued
thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.

21. NOTICE.

     For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed
by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the
respective addresses set forth below:

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	To the Company:

	 	Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation
	 

	 	Attn: Robert J. Larison, Jr., President
	 

	 	505 Haines Avenue
	 

	 	Waycross, Georgia 31501
	 
	 	 
	To the Bank:

	 	Atlantic Coast Bank
	 

	 	Attn: Robert J. Larison, Jr., President
	 

	 	505 Haines Avenue
	 

	 	Waycross, Georgia 31501
	 
	 	 
	To Executive:

	 	Thomas B. Wagers, Sr.
	 

	 	505 Haines Avenue
	 

	 	Waycross, Georgia 31501

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SIGNATURES

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Bank have each caused this Agreement to be executed by
its duly authorized representative, and Executive has signed this Agreement, effective as of the
date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

Date

	 	 	 	 

Robert J. Larison, Jr. President and
	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Chief Executive Officer	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ATLANTIC COAST BANK	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date

	 	 	 	Robert J. Larison, Jr. President and	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Chief Executive Officer	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	EXECUTIVE	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	Date
	 	 	 	 	 	 

12exv10w26

Exhibit 10.26

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made effective as of                      (the
“Effective Date”), by and between Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation (the “Company” or “Employer”)
and Jay Sidhu (the “Executive”). The Company owns 100% of the common stock of Atlantic Coast Bank
(the “Bank”), and is the majority-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC (the “MHC”).

     WHEREAS, the Executive shall be employed as Executive Chairman of the Company; and

     WHEREAS, Executive is willing to serve the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth; and

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the other
terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

     During the term of this Agreement, Executive will be employed as Executive Chairman of the
Board of the Company (the “Executive Position”), and will perform all duties and will have all
powers associated with such positions as set forth in the job description for such Executive
Position as established by the Company and attached to this Agreement as Appendix A. Executive
shall be responsible for the overall management of the Company, and shall be responsible for
establishing the business objectives, policies and strategic plans of the Company and its
subsidiaries in conjunction with the Board of Directors. Executive shall be responsible for
providing leadership and direction to all divisions of the Company, and will be the primary contact
and liaison between the Board of Directors and management of the Company. During the term of the
Agreement, Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer and/or director of any
subsidiary or affiliate of Company and in such capacity carry out such duties and responsibilities
reasonably appropriate to that office.

     Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the performance of his duties hereunder, he is
bound by the terms of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the terms of which are
incorporated by reference herein. Executive further agrees that he will recuse himself from any
action by the Board of Directors which, directly or indirectly, involves any other entity with
which Executive is affiliated as an employee, director or otherwise.

2. TERM/OTHER ACTIVITIES.

     (a) Three Year Contract; Annual Renewal. Subject to his election to the Board of
Directors of the Company, the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence as
of the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter for a period of three (3) years. Commencing on
the first anniversary date of this Agreement (the “Anniversary Date”) and continuing on each
Anniversary Date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall renew for an additional year such
that the remaining term of this Agreement is always three (3) years provided, however, that in
order for the Agreement to renew, the disinterested members of the

 

 

Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) must take the following actions prior to each
non-renewal notice period (as described in the next sentence): (i) at least sixty (60) days prior
to the Anniversary Date, conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation and review of Executive for
purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement; and (ii) affirmatively approve the renewal
or non-renewal of the Agreement, which decision shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s
meeting. If the decision of such disinterested members of the Board is not to renew the Agreement,
then the Board shall provide the Executive with a written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal
Notice”) at least thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to any Anniversary Date,
such that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of twenty-four (24) months following such
Anniversary Date.

     (b) Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to
the contrary, either Executive or the Employer may terminate Executive’s employment with the
Employer at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

     (c) Continued Employment Following Termination of Employment Period. Nothing in this
Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the
expiration of the term of this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the Company and
Executive may mutually agree.

     (d) Commitment to the Company; Membership on Other Boards. During the term of the
Agreement, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and
reasonable leaves of absence approved by the Board, Executive shall devote such proportion of his
business time, attention, skill, and efforts as is reasonably necessary to the faithful performance
of his duties hereunder including activities and services related to the organization, operation
and management of the Company; provided, however, that, with the prior approval of the Board,
Executive may serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other
offices or positions in, business companies or business organizations, which, in the Board’s
judgment, will not present any conflict of interest with the Employer, or materially affect the
performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement. For purposes of this Section, Board
approval shall be deemed to have been granted as to service with any such business company or
organization that Executive was serving as of the date of this Agreement and which was disclosed to
the Board. including, but not limited to, Executive’s employment with New Century Bank,
Phoenixville, PA and any affiliate thereof.

3. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENT.

     (a) Base Salary. Commencing on June 1, 2010 through the closing of the Second

     Step Conversion (as defined below), the Employer shall accrue on behalf of Executive a salary
at the rate of $250,000 per year (“Base Salary”). The amount accrued during this period shall be
payable to the Executive in the first regular payroll following the
closing of the Second Step Conversion, net of applicable taxes. It is expressly understood by Executive that there
can be no assurance when, if ever, the Second-Step Conversion will be completed and Executive
acknowledges and agrees that the payment of the accrued Base Salary is expressly conditioned upon
completion of the Second-Step Conversion. Following completion of the Second Step Conversion,
Executive shall be paid the Base Salary biweekly, or with such other frequency as

2

 

officers and employees are generally paid, net of applicable taxes. During the period of this
Agreement, Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually. Such review shall be
conducted by the Board, and the Employer may increase, but not decrease, Executive’s Base Salary
(with any increase in Base Salary to become “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement).

          (i) Bonus and Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be eligible to receive
incentive compensation and bonuses on the terms set forth in any plan or arrangement of the
Employer in which the Company’s senior executives participate or as agreed to by the Employer and
the Executive. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be
in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.

     (b) Employee Benefits.

          (i) Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, programs and
arrangements as generally provided by the Employer to senior executive officers and for which
Executive shall qualify.

          (ii) The Company shall reimburse up to $1,000 each month to Executive as a car allowance, net
of applicable taxes; provided, however, that such reimbursement shall not continue after
termination of Executive’s employment with the Employer (provided, however, that the Employer
shall not reimburse Executive for the costs associated with such automobile, except for travel
which is business related, which shall be reimbursed at the Employer’s established mileage rates).

          (iii) The Company shall reimburse up to $10,000 per year (net after applicable taxes) for
Executive’s membership in a country club of Executive’s choosing; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not continue after termination of Executive’s employment with the Employer.

          (iv) If the Company completes the Second Step Conversion (as defined below), the Employer
shall, not later than thirty (30) days thereafter, enter into a supplemental executive retirement
agreement with Executive providing for payment of an annual benefit equal to 60% of the average of
his three highest years of cash compensation for a period of fifteen (15) years following his
termination of employment at or after attaining age 65. Such benefit shall become vested upon the
earlier of (A) a change in control of the Employer as defined in Code Section 409A (but not
including the Second-Step Conversion), (B) the Executive’s death or disability prior to the age of
65, or (C) Executive’s attainment of age 65. The agreement shall further provide that no benefit
shall be payable in the event of Executive’s termination of employment for cause (which includes
termination at the request of the Office of Thrift Supervision or any successor agency) or if the
Executive is no longer serving as a director of the Company following his termination of employment
for reasons other than death or disability.

          (v) The Executive shall be granted (A) stock options for 100,000 shares of the Company’s
common stock under the Company’s 2005 Stock Option Plan with an exercise price equal to the fair
market value of the common stock (determined in accordance with the plan) on the date of grant and
(B) 25,000 shares of restricted stock under the Company’s 2005

3

 

Recognition and Retention Plan. Each grant shall vest in equal annual installments beginning
on the first anniversary of the grant date and shall, in all other respects, be subject to the
terms of the applicable plan and award agreement.

          (vi) Upon completion of the Second Step Conversion, a $150,000 completion bonus shall be paid
to the Executive in the first regular payroll period following the closing of the Second Step
Conversion, net of applicable taxes.

          (vii) Executive shall be entitled to participate in the group health insurance coverage
provided by the Company or the Bank to its employees, under the same cost-sharing arrangement as
generally applies to such employees.

          (viii) The Company’s reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses (not to exceed $2,500 per year)
for an annual physical examination for Executive at the Mayo Clinic or such other facility as
Executive may determine.

     (c) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time each year during
the term of this Agreement (measured on a fiscal or calendar year basis, in accordance with the
Employer’s usual practices), as well as sick leave, holidays and other paid absences in accordance
with the Employer’s policies and procedures for senior executives. Any unused paid time off during
an annual period shall be treated in accordance with the Employer’s personnel policies as in effect
from time to time.

     (d) Expense Reimbursements. During the Employment Period, the Employer shall pay or
reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable expenses incurred
by Executive during the course of performing his obligations under this Agreement consistent with
the Employer’s expense reimbursement policy, upon presentation to the Employer of an itemized
account of such expenses in such form as the Employer may reasonably require. All reimbursements
under this Section 3(e) shall be paid as soon as practicable by the Employer; provided, however,
that no payment shall be made later than March 15 of the year immediately following the year in
which the expense was incurred.

4. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION.

     (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during the term of this
Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply. As used in this Agreement, an “Event of
Termination’’ shall mean and include any one or more of the following:

          (i) the involuntary termination by the Company of Executive’s full-time employment hereunder
for any reason other than a termination due to “Disability” or death, as set forth in Section 6; or
a termination upon “Retirement,” as defined in Section 7 or a termination for “Cause,” as defined
in Section 8; and

          (ii) Executive’s voluntary resignation within two years after any of the following, unless
consented to by Executive (where any vote by Executive in performance of his duties as a member of
the Board in favor of such action shall constitute express consent of Executive to such action):

4

 

               (A) failure to appoint Executive to the position set forth in Section 1, or a material change
in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position
to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and responsibilities
described in Section 1, to which Executive has not agreed in writing (and any such material change
shall be deemed a continuing breach of this Agreement by the Bank); provided, however, that (i) a
regulatory action which alters Executive’s duties, or (ii) a failure to re-elect Executive to the
Board shall not constitute an Event of Termination under this Agreement and any change to
Executive’s duties as an officer or director of any affiliate does not constitute an Event of
Termination under this Agreement;

               (B) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than
50 miles from Jacksonville, Florida;

               (C) a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites, including Base Salary, to Executive
from those being provided as of the Effective Date (except for any reduction that is part of a
reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Employer)
or;

               (D) a material breach of this Agreement by the Employer.

     Upon the occurrence of any event described in clause (ii) above (“Good Reason”), Executive
shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation
within ninety (90) days after the initial occurrence of such condition upon not less than thirty
(30) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed sixty (60)
days) after the initial event giving rise to the right to elect; provided, however, that the
Employer shall be given at least thirty (30) days to remedy the condition before the Executive
terminates employment. Such voluntary termination for Good Reason by Executive shall be an Event
of Termination.

     (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Employer shall pay Executive, or, in
the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may
be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a lump sum in cash (net of applicable taxes)
equal to three (3) times (i) the highest annual rate of Base Salary paid to Executive at any time
under this Agreement and (ii) the highest annual bonus and non-equity incentive compensation paid
to the Executive over the most recent three (3) calendar years prior to the Event of Termination;
provided however, that, to the extent required by regulations or interpretations of the Office of
Thrift Supervision, all severance payments under the Agreement shall be reduced not to exceed three
(3) times Executive’s average annual compensation (as defined in such regulations or
interpretations) over the most recent five (5) taxable years. Such payment shall not be reduced in
the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event Executive is a “Specified Employee” (as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code (the “Code”) Section 409A and the regulations thereunder) to the extent required under Code
Section 409A, no payment shall be made to Executive prior to the first day of the seventh month
following the Event of Termination.

5

 

     (c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Employer shall provide at the
Employer’s expense, life and disability insurance coverage and non-taxable medical and dental
insurance coverage substantially comparable to the coverage maintained by the Employer for
Executive and his family prior to the Event of Termination, except to the extent such coverage may
be changed in its application to all of the Employer’s employees. Such coverage shall cease upon
the earlier of (i) thirty-six (36) months following the Event of Termination or (ii) Executive’s
obtaining substantially similar coverage (whether or not elected) from a new employer.

5. CHANGE IN CONTROL.

     In the event that the
aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive
pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement following the occurrence of a change in control, as defined
in Code Section 280G, would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section
280G or any successor thereto, then at the election of Executive, (i) such payments or benefits
shall be payable or provided to Executive over the minimum period necessary to reduce the present
value of such payments or benefits to an amount that is one dollar ($1.00) less than three times
Executive’s “base amount” under such Code Section 280G, or (ii) the payments or benefits to be
provided under this Agreement shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid treatment as an
excess parachute payment, with the allocation of the reduction among such payments and benefits to
be determined by Executive. Notwithstanding anything in this subsection to the contrary, a change
in control shall not be deemed to have occurred upon the Second-Step Conversion of the MHC, or in
connection with any reorganization used to effect such a conversion.

6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH.

     (a) Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply
with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i)
Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a
continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous
period of not less than twelve (12) months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for
a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the
Employer; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security
Administration. The provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) shall apply upon the termination of the
Executive’s employment based on Disability.

     (b) Executive shall be entitled to receive Base Salary earned until the date of Executive’s
termination of employment due to Disability, plus payment for unused vacation, personal leave, sick
leave and other vested benefits, as well as payment under any short- or long-term disability plan
maintained by the Employer, net of applicable taxes.

     (c) The Employer shall cause to be continued life, disability, and non-taxable medical and
dental insurance coverage substantially comparable to the coverage maintained by the Employer for
the Executive prior to the termination of his employment based on Disability,

6

 

except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all employees of the
Employer or not available on an individual basis to an employee terminated based on Disability.
This coverage shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the date Executive returns to the full-time
employment of the Employer; (ii) Executive’s full-time employment by another employer; or (iii)
Executive’s death.

     (d) In the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, his estate, legal
representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid
Executive’s earned but unpaid Base Salary through Executive’s date of death, and the Employer shall
pay all premiums for six (6) months following Executive’s date of death for medical, dental and
other insurance benefits normally provided for Executive’s family. Such payments are in addition
to any other benefits that Executive’s beneficiaries may be entitled to receive under any employee
benefit plan maintained by the Employer for the benefit of Executive, including, but not limited
to, the Employer’s life insurance and tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement plans.

7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT.

     Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of
Executive’s employment at age sixty-five (65) or in accordance with any retirement policy
established by the Board with Executive’s consent with respect to him. Upon termination of
Executive based on Retirement, no amounts or benefits shall be due Executive under this Agreement,
and Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Employer and other
plans to which Executive is a party.

8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.

     The Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, but any
termination other than termination for “Cause,” as defined herein, shall not prejudice the
Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under the Agreement. The Executive shall have
no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for “Cause.”
Termination for “Cause” shall include termination because of the Executive’s personal dishonesty,
incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, material
breach of the Code of Ethics of either the Bank or the Company, material violation of the
Sarbanes-Oxley requirements for officers of public companies that in the reasonable opinion of the
Board will likely cause substantial financial harm or substantial injury to the reputation of the
Company or the Bank, willfully engaging in actions that in the reasonable opinion of the Board will
likely cause substantial financial harm or substantial injury to the business reputation of the
Company or the Bank, failure to perform stated duties after receiving written notice of Executive’s
failure to perform assigned duties, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than
routine traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach
of any provision of the Agreement.

7

 

9. NOTICE OF TERMINATION.

     (a) Any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be communicated by Notice of
Termination as defined in Section 9(c) to the other party and shall be effective as of the “Date of
Termination.” “Date of Termination” shall mean (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated for any
reason other than for Cause, thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given, and (ii) if
Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination.
If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination is given, Executive notifies the
Company that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to
arbitration, as provided in Section 19. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the
Employer shall discontinue paying Executive’s compensation until the dispute is finally resolved in
accordance with this Agreement. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to compensation and
benefits under Section 4, the payment of such compensation and benefits by the Employer shall
commence immediately following the date of resolution by arbitration, with interest due Executive
on the cash amount that would have been paid pending arbitration (at the prime rate as published in
The Wall Street Journal from time to time).

     (b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that
shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon as the basis for
termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement.

10. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

     (a) Executive hereby covenants and agrees that (except following a change in
control as defined in Section 5(a) above), for a period of one year following his termination of
employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, either
directly or indirectly:

          (i) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable
person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any officer or
employee of the Bank or the Company, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, to
terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide
services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with
the business of the Bank or the Company, or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or
affiliates or has headquarters or offices within 50 miles of the locations in which the Bank or the
Company has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an
office;

          (ii) become an officer, employee, consultant, director, independent contractor, agent, sole
proprietor, joint venturer, greater than five percent (5%) equity owner or stockholder, partner or
trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, credit
union, bank or bank holding company, insurance company or agency, any mortgage or loan broker or
any other entity competing with the Bank or its affiliates in the same geographic locations where
the Bank or its affiliates has material business interests; or

          (iii) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action
intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to

8

 

have the effect of causing any customer of the Bank to terminate an existing business or commercial
relationship with the Bank.

     (b) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the
Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank, in connection with any litigation in which it or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party; provided, however, that Executive
shall not be required to provide information or assistance with respect to any litigation between
the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

     (c) All payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to
Executive’s compliance with this Section 10. The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable
injury will result to the Employer, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of
this Section 10, agree that, in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Employer will be
entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the
violation hereof by Executive and all persons acting for or with Executive. Executive represents
and admits that Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain
employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Employer, and
that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a
livelihood. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Employer from pursuing any other
remedies available to them for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages
from Executive.

     (d) As a condition to Executive’s receipt of any payments under Sections 4, 5 or 6 of this
Agreement, Executive agrees to enter into and execute a release in a form satisfactory to Employer.

11. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.

     All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general
funds of the Company.

12. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS.

     This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any
prior employment agreement between the Employer or any predecessor of the Employer and Executive,
except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation
inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be
interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to
him without reference to this Agreement.

13. NO ATTACHMENT; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS.

     (a) 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.

9

 

     (b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive and the
Employer and their respective successors and assigns.

14. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.

     (a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by
the parties hereto.

     (b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall
there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written
instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be
deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate
only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or
condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.

15. REQUIRED PROVISIONS.

     (a) The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the
Board other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or
other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or
other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.

     (b) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in
the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3)]
or 8(g)(1) [12 U.S.C. §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Company’s obligations
under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate
proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Company may in its discretion (i) pay
Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended
and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.

     (c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of
the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12
U.S.C. §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Company under
this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the
contracting parties shall not be affected.

     (d) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1)] of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate
as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting
parties.

     (e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined
that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by the
Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC
enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority
contained in Section 13(c) [12 U.S.C. §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by
the Director or his or her designee at the time the Director or his or her designee

10

 

approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the
Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the
parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

     (f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by
the Bank or the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and
conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12
U.S.C. § 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.

16. SEVERABILITY.

     If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such
provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full
extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

17. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY.

     The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of
reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this
Agreement.

18. GOVERNING LAW.

     This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida but only to the extent
not superseded by federal law.

19. ARBITRATION.

     Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled
exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by
jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location
selected by Executive and Employer within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Bank, in
accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association’s National Rules for the
Resolution of Employment Disputes (“National Rules”) then in effect. One arbitrator shall be
selected by Executive, one arbitrator shall be selected by the Employer and the third arbitrator
shall be selected by the arbitrators selected by the parties. If the arbitrators are unable to
agree within fifteen (15) days upon a third arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed for them
from a panel of arbitrators selected in accordance with the National Rules. Judgment may be
entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.

20. INDEMNIFICATION.

     Executive shall be provided with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance policy, and shall be indemnified for the term of this Agreement and for a period of six
years thereafter to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and
liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any

11

 

action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director
or officer of the Company or the Bank or any affiliate (whether or not he continues to be a
director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and
liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys’ fees and the
cost of reasonable settlements (such settlements must be approved by the Board), provided, however,
Executive shall not be indemnified or reimbursed for legal expenses or liabilities incurred in
connection with an action, suit or proceeding arising from any illegal or fraudulent act committed
by Executive. Any such indemnification shall be made consistent with Section 545.121 of the OTS
Regulations and Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k), and the
regulations issued thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.

21. NOTICE.

     For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by courier
service or express mail, mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below:

	 	 	 	 

	 	To the Company:

	 	Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation

Attn: Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

12724 Gran Bay Parkway West

Jacksonville, Florida 32258
	 	 
	 	 
	 	To Executive:

	 	Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation

Attn: Executive Chairman of the Board

12724 Gran Bay Parkway West

Jacksonville, Florida 32258

22. COMPLIANCE WITH TARP REGULATIONS.

     Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, no payment shall be made, and
no benefit shall be accrued, to the Executive if such payment or benefit accrual would be
prohibited by 12 C.F.R. Part 30 or any other law or regulation prohibiting such payment or accrual.

12

 

SIGNATURES

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly
authorized representative, and Executive has signed this Agreement, effective as of the date first
above written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	ATLANTIC COAST FEDERAL CORPORATION	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	      
                 
                 
Date

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	EXECUTIVE	 	 
	                      
                  
	 	 
	Date	 	Jay Sidhu	 	 

13

 

APPENDIX A — JOB DESCRIPTION

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