Document:

Ex-10.50 Amended Employment Agreement

 

     EXHIBIT 10.50

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 1st day of January, 2008, by and among PINNACLE NATIONAL BANK
(the “Bank”), a national bank; PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS, INC., a bank holding company
incorporated under the laws of the State of Tennessee (the “Company”) (collectively, the Bank and
the Company are referred to hereinafter as the “Employer”), and HUGH M. QUEENER, a resident of the
State of Tennessee (the “Executive”).

RECITALS:

     The Employer desires to continue to employ the Executive as Executive Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer of the Bank and the Company and the Executive desires to accept such
continued employment.

     The parties previously entered into an employment agreement, dated as of March 1, 2000, that
they wish to amend as set forth herein.

     In consideration of the above premises and the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms and their variant forms shall
have the meaning set forth below:

     1.1. “AGREEMENT” shall mean this Agreement and any exhibits incorporated herein together with
any amendments hereto made in the manner described in this Agreement.

     1.2. “AFFILIATE” shall mean any business entity which controls the Company, is controlled by
or is under common control with the Company.

     1.3. “BUSINESS OF THE EMPLOYER” shall mean the business conducted by the Employer, which is
the business of commercial banking.

     1.4. “CAUSE” shall mean:

          1.4.1. With respect to termination by the Employer:

     (a) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Executive,
including, without limitation, failure by the Executive to perform his duties and
responsibilities in the manner and to the extent required under this Agreement,
which remains uncured after the expiration of thirty (30) days following the
delivery of written notice of such breach to the Executive by Employer. Such notice
shall (i) specifically identify the duties that the Board of Directors of either the
Company or the Bank believes the Executive has failed to perform, (ii) state the
facts upon which such Board of Directors made such determination, and (iii) be
approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then in office;

 

 

     (b) conduct by the Executive that amounts to fraud, dishonesty or willful
misconduct in the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder;

     (c) arrest for, charged in relation to (by criminal information, indictment or
otherwise), or conviction of the Executive during the Term of this Agreement of a
crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude;

     (d) conduct by the Executive that amounts to gross and willful insubordination
or inattention to his duties and responsibilities hereunder; or

     (e) conduct by the Executive that results in removal from his position as an
officer or executive of Employer pursuant to a written order by any regulatory
agency with authority or jurisdiction over Employer.

          1.4.2. With respect to termination by the Executive:

     (a) a material modification to the Executive’s job title(s) or position(s) of
responsibility or the scope of his authority or responsibilities under this
Agreement without the Executive’s written consent;

     (b) an adverse change in supervision so that the Executive no longer reports to
the person(s) or entity to whom he reported immediately after the Effective Date,
which change in supervision is effected without the Executive’s written consent;

     (c) an adverse change in overall supervisory authority which change in
supervisory authority is effected without the Executive’s written consent;

     (d) any change in the Executive’s office location such that the Executive is
required to report regularly to a location that is beyond a 25-mile radius from the
Executive’s office location determined immediately after the Effective Date, which
change in office location is effected without the Executive’s written consent;

     (e) any material reduction in salary, bonus opportunity or other benefits
provided for in Section 3 or Section 4 below from the level in effect immediately
prior to such reduction; and

     (f) any giving of notice of non-renewal of this Agreement by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Employer.

provided, that within 30 days following the initial occurrence of any of the conditions listed in
1.4.1(a) to (e) above, the Executive shall have provided notice to the Company of the existence of
such condition, and the Company shall not have remedied the condition to the reasonable
satisfaction of Executive within 30 days of receiving such notice.

     1.5. “CHANGE OF CONTROL” means any one of the following events:

2

 

     (a) the acquisition by any person or persons acting in concert of the then
outstanding voting securities of either the Bank or the Company, if, after the
transaction, the acquiring person (or persons) owns, controls or holds with power to
vote forty percent (40%) or more of any class of voting securities of either the
Bank or the Company, as the case may be;

     (b) within any twelve-month period (beginning on or after the Effective Date)
the persons who were directors of either the Bank or the Company immediately before
the beginning of such twelve-month period (the “Incumbent Directors”) shall cease to
constitute at least a majority of such board of directors; provided that any
director who was not a director as of the Effective Date shall be deemed to be an
Incumbent Director if that director were elected to such board of directors by, or
on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at least two-thirds of the
directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors; and provided further that no
director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or
threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) relating to the election of
directors shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

     (c) a reorganization, merger or consolidation, with respect to which persons
who were the stockholders of the Bank or the Company, as the case may be,
immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not,
immediately thereafter, own more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting
power entitled to vote in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or
consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

     (d) the sale, transfer or assignment of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company and its subsidiaries to any third party.

     1.6. “COMPANY INFORMATION” means Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.

     1.7. “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION” means data and information relating to the business of the
Bank or the Company (which does not rise to the status of a Trade Secret) which is or has been
disclosed to the Executive or of which the Executive became aware as a consequence of or through
the Executive’s relationship to the Employer and which has value to the Employer and is not
generally known to its competitors. Confidential Information shall not include any data or
information that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the Employer (except where such
public disclosure has been made by the Executive without authorization) or that has been
independently developed and disclosed by others, or that otherwise enters the public domain through
lawful means.

     1.8. “DISABILITY” shall mean the inability of the Executive to perform each of his material
duties under this Agreement for the duration of the short-term disability period under the
Employer’s policy then in effect as certified by a physician chosen by the Employer and reasonably
acceptable to the Executive. Executive agrees that to the extent necessary to comply

3

 

with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), the definition of Disability
hereunder shall be amended to the definition of disability required by Section 409A.

     1.9. “EFFECTIVE DATE” shall mean the date January 1, 2008.

     1.10. “INITIAL TERM” shall mean that period of time commencing on January 1, 2008 (the
“Beginning Date”) and running until the close of business on the last business day immediately
preceding the first anniversary of the Beginning Date.

     1.11. “TERM” shall mean the last day of the Initial Term or most recent subsequent renewal
period.

     1.12. “TRADE SECRETS” means Employer information including, but not limited to, technical or
nontechnical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques,
drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential
customers or suppliers which:

     (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known
to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can
obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

     (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to
maintain its secrecy.

2. DUTIES.

     2.1. POSITION. The Executive is employed initially as President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Bank and the Company and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank or
the Company or its designee(s), shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties which
may be assigned to him from time to time by the Bank or the Company in connection with the conduct
of its business. The duties and responsibilities of the Executive are set forth on EXHIBIT A
attached hereto.

     2.2. FULL-TIME STATUS. In addition to the duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to
the Executive pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the Executive shall:

     (a) devote substantially all of his time, energy and skill during regular
business hours to the performance of the duties of his employment (reasonable
vacations and reasonable absences due to illness excepted) and faithfully and
industriously perform such duties;

     (b) diligently follow and implement all reasonable and lawful management
policies and decisions communicated to him by the Board of Directors of either the
Bank or the Company; and

     (c) timely prepare and forward to the Board of Directors of either the Bank or
the Company all reports and accountings as may be requested of the Executive.

4

 

     2.3. PERMITTED ACTIVITIES. The Executive shall devote his entire business time, attention and
energies to the Business of the Employer and shall not during the Term be engaged (whether or not
during normal business hours) in any other business or professional activity, whether or not such
activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage; but this shall not be construed
as preventing the Executive from:

     (a) investing his personal assets in businesses which (subject to clause (b)
below) are not in competition with the Business of the Employer and which will not
require any services on the part of the Executive in their operation or affairs and
in which his participation is solely that of an investor;

     (b) purchasing or otherwise acquiring an ownership interest in any entity
provided that such interest shall not result in him collectively owning beneficially
at any five percent (5%) or more of any entity, or to the extent applicable, five
percent (5%) or more of the stock, capital or profits of any entity in competition
with the Business of the Employer; and

     (c) participating in civic and professional affairs and organizations and
conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching so long as the
Board of Directors of either the Bank or the Company approves of such activities
prior to the Executive’s engaging in them.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.3, the Executive may provide services to
any entity and may engage in such additional investment activities to the extent such services and
such additional investment activities have been expressly approved in writing by the Board of
Directors of either the Bank or the Company.

3. TERM AND TERMINATION.

     3.1. TERM. This Agreement shall remain in effect for the Term. While this Agreement remains in
effect it shall automatically renew each year on January 1 unless, prior to the November 30
immediately preceding such renewal, the Human Resources Committee of the Employer or the Executive
gives written notice to the other of its intent that the automatic renewals shall cease. In the
event such notice of non-renewal is properly given, this Agreement and the Term shall expire on the
thirtieth (30th) day following the date such written notice is received.

     3.2. TERMINATION. During the Term, the employment of the Executive may be terminated only as
follows:

          3.2.1. By the Employer:

     (a) For Cause, upon written notice to the Executive pursuant to Section 1.4.1
hereof, where the notice has been approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds of
the directors of either the Bank or the Company then in office;

     (b) Without Cause at any time, provided that the Bank shall give the Executive
thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of its intent to terminate, in which

5

 

event the Employer shall be required to pay a severance benefit equal to three
times the Executive’s base salary on the date of termination, payable over the three
years following termination in accordance with Employer’s normal payroll practices;
or

     (c) Upon the Disability of Executive at any time, provided that the Employer
shall give the Executive thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of its intent to
terminate, in which event, the Employer shall be required to continue to pay
Executive’s then current base salary for a period of six (6) months or until the
Executive begins receiving payments under the Company’s long-term disability policy,
whichever occurs first.

          3.2.2. By the Executive:

     (a) For Cause, in which event the Employer shall be required to pay a severance
benefit equal to the Executive’s base salary on the date of termination, payable
over the twelve months following termination in accordance with Employer’s normal
payroll practices; or

     (b) Without Cause or upon the Disability of the Executive, provided that the
Executive shall give the Employer sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of his
intent to terminate.

          3.2.3. At any time upon mutual, written agreement of the parties.

          3.2.4. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Term shall end
automatically upon the Executive’s death.

     3.3. CHANGE OF CONTROL. If, within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control, the
Employer terminates Executive’s employment under the Agreement without cause or the Executive
terminates his employment with the Employer under this Agreement for Cause within twelve (12)
months following a Change of Control, the Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his
designated beneficiaries or his estate, as the case may be, shall receive, as liquidated damages,
in lieu of all other claims, a severance payment equal to three (3) times the Executives then
current Base Salary and target bonus amount to be paid in full on the last day of the month
following the date of termination. The Executive and his immediate family will continue to receive
the health insurance plan benefits then in effect for employees of the Company and/or the Bank for
a period of three years to include payment of the Employer funded portion of the plan. The
Executive will also receive tax assistance, advice and filing preparation services from a qualified
accounting firm of his choice for a period of three years at a cost to the Company and/or the Bank
not to exceed $2,500 per year.

     3.4. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, the
Employer shall have no further obligations to the Executive or the Executive’s estate with respect
to this Agreement, except for the payment of salary and bonus amounts, if any, accrued pursuant to
Sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof and unpaid as of the effective date of the termination of employment
and payments set forth in Sections 3.2.1(b) or (c); Section 3.2.2(a); Section 3.3; Section 3.5
and/or Section 4.4, as applicable. Nothing contained herein shall limit or

6

 

impinge upon any other rights or remedies of the Employer or the Executive under any other
agreement or plan to which the Executive is a party or of which the Executive is a beneficiary.

     3.5. TAX INDEMNITY. In the event it shall be determined that any payment or benefits by the
Employer to the Executive (a “Payment”) would subject the Executive to an excise tax under Section
4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) (or any successor federal tax law), or any interest
or penalties are incurred or paid by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (any such excise
tax, together with any interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
“Excise Tax”), then the Executive shall be entitled to an additional payment from the Employer as
is necessary (after taking into account all federal, state and local taxes regardless of type,
whether income, excise or otherwise) imposed upon the Executive as a result of the receipt of the
payment contemplated by this Agreement) and any reduction in such taxes of the Executive as a
result of the payment of the related Excise Tax) to place the Executive in the same after-tax
position the Executive would have been in had no Excise Tax been imposed upon or incurred or paid
by the Executive (the “Tax Indemnity”). The Employer’s outside auditor shall determine, utilizing
such reasonable assumptions as it considers necessary, whether a Payment would subject the
Executive to the Excise Tax within thirty (30) days after receipt of a written request from the
Employer or the Executive in which the requesting party verifies that a Payment has been made and
requests an appropriate determination. The requesting party shall provide the other party with a
copy of any such written request. The outside auditor shall determine whether a Tax Indemnity
obligation exists and, if so, the amount of the Tax Indemnity and shall provide supporting
documentation to both the Employer and the Executive. The Employer shall pay the Executive any Tax
Indemnity so determined in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days following the release of the
related determination by the outside auditor; provided, however, that any such payment may be
reduced by applicable legal withholdings. In the event that the Internal Revenue Service
subsequently assesses an Excise Tax that is greater than the tax previously calculated by the
outside auditor, the Employer shall make an additional Tax Indemnity payment, as calculated by the
outside auditor in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Section 3.5, to the Executive
within thirty (30) days of the date of such assessment.

     3.6. SECTION 409A MATTERS. It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments
provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A and (ii)
that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of
Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding
short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two year exception), and
1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay). Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, if the Employer determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s
separation from service or at such other time that the Employer determines to be relevant, the
Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation
1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Employer and (ii) that any payments to be provided to the Executive pursuant
to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B)
or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A (“Section 409A Taxes”) if provided
at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the
date that is six (6) months after the date of the Executive’s separation from service with the
Employer, or such shorter period that, as determined by the Employer, is sufficient to avoid the
imposition of Section 409A Taxes. Any

7

 

payments delayed pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of
the seventh month following the Executive’s separation from service, or such earlier date that, as
determined by the Employer, is sufficient to avoid the imposition of any Section 409A Taxes.

4. COMPENSATION. The Executive shall receive the following salary and benefits during the Term,
except as otherwise provided below:

     4.1. BASE SALARY. During the year 2008, the Executive shall be compensated at a base rate of
$300,000 per year (the “Base Salary”). The obligation for payment of Base Salary shall be
apportioned between the Company and the Bank as they may agree from time to time in their sole
discretion. The Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Human Resources Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company at least annually, and the Executive shall be
entitled to receive annually an increase in such amount, if any, as may be determined by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company based on its evaluation of
Executive’s performance. Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Employer’s normal
payroll practices.

     4.2. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. The Executive shall be entitled to annual bonus compensation, if
any, as determined by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or the
Bank pursuant to any incentive compensation program as may be adopted from time to time by the
Company or the Bank.

     4.3. STOCK OPTIONS. The Executive shall be eligible for future option grants or stock based
awards so long as the Company maintains a stock incentive plan and shall participate in future
grants as shall be determined by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors
commensurate with the relative levels of participation by all other senior management employees of
the Employer.

     4.4. HEALTH INSURANCE.

     (a) In the event of termination by the Executive for Cause (Section 3.2.2(a)),
the Employer shall reimburse Executive for the cost of premium payments paid by the
Executive to continue his then existing health insurance for himself and his
eligible dependents as provided by the Employer for a period of three (3) months
following the date of termination of employment.

     (b) In the event of a termination by the Employer without Cause (Section
3.2.1(b)), the Employer shall reimburse the Executive for the cost of premium
payments paid by the Executive to continue his then existing health insurance for
himself and his eligible dependents as provided by Employer for a period of twelve
(12) months following the date of termination of employment.

     4.5. AUTOMOBILE. Beginning as of the month in which the Bank receives preliminary charter
approval, the Employer will provide Executive with an automobile allowance of $13,200 per month.

     4.6. BUSINESS EXPENSES; MEMBERSHIPS. The Employer specifically agrees to reimburse the
Executive for:

8

 

     (a) reasonable and necessary business (including travel) expenses incurred by
him in the performance of his duties hereunder, as consistent with policy approved
by the Board of Directors of either the Bank or the Company; and

     (b) beginning as of the Effective Date, the dues and business related
expenditures, including initiation fees, associated with membership in a single
civic association both as selected by the Executive and in professional associations
which are commensurate with his position; provided, however, that the Executive
shall, as a condition of reimbursement, submit verification of the nature and amount
of such expenses in accordance with reimbursement policies from time to time adopted
by the Employer and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulations
promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service.

     4.7. VACATION. On a non-cumulative basis, the Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of
vacation in each successive twelve-month period during the Term, during which his compensation
shall be paid in full.

     4.8. LIFE INSURANCE. The Employer will provide the Executive with access to term life
insurance coverage, providing a death benefit of not less than $650,000, payable to such
beneficiary or beneficiaries as the Executive may designate.

     4.9. TAX PREPARATION SERVICES. The Employer will provide the Executive with tax preparation
services annually through a qualified accounting firm of the Executive’s choice at an annual cost
not to exceed $2,500.

     4.10. BENEFITS. In addition to the benefits specifically described in this Agreement, the
Executive shall be entitled to such benefits as may be available from time to time to executives of
the Bank similarly situated to the Executive. All such benefits shall be awarded and administered
in accordance with the Bank’s standard policies and practices. Such benefits may include, by way of
example only, profit-sharing plans, retirement or investment funds, dental, health, life and
disability insurance benefits and such other benefits as the Bank deems appropriate.

     4.11. WITHHOLDING. The Employer may deduct from each payment of compensation hereunder all
amounts required to be deducted and withheld in accordance with applicable federal and state
income, FICA and other withholding requirements.

5. COMPANY INFORMATION.

     5.1. OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY INFORMATION. All Company Information received or developed by the
Executive while employed by the Employer will remain the sole and exclusive property of the
Employer.

     5.2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE. The Executive agrees:

     (a) to hold Company Information in strictest confidence;

9

 

     (b) not to use, duplicate, reproduce, distribute, disclose or otherwise
disseminate Company Information or any physical embodiments of Company Information;
and

     (c) in any event, not to take any action causing or fail to take any action
necessary in order to prevent any Company Information from losing its character or
ceasing to qualify as Confidential Information or a Trade Secret.

In the event that the Executive is required by law to disclose any Company Information, the
Executive will not make such disclosure unless (and then only to the extent that) the Executive has
been advised by independent legal counsel that such disclosure is required by law and then only
after prior written notice is given to the Company when the Executive becomes aware that such
disclosure has been requested and is required by law. This Section 5 shall survive for a period of
twelve (12) months following termination of this Agreement for any reason with respect to
Confidential Information, and shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason for so
long as is permitted by applicable law, with respect to Trade Secrets.

     5.3. DELIVERY UPON REQUEST OR TERMINATION. Upon request by the Employer, and in any event upon
termination of his employment with the Employer, the Executive will promptly deliver to the
Employer all property belonging to the Employer, including, without limitation, all Company
Information then in his possession or control. The Executive agrees that the covenant contained in
Section 5 of this Agreement are of the essence of this Agreement; that the covenant is reasonable
and necessary to protect the business, interests and properties of the Employer.

6. SEVERABILITY. The parties agree that each of the provisions included in this Agreement is
separate, distinct and severable from the other provisions of this Agreement and that the
invalidity or unenforceability of any Agreement provision shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Further, if any provision of this
Agreement is ruled invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction because of a
conflict between the provision and any applicable law or public policy, the provision shall be
redrawn to make the provision consistent with and valid and enforceable under the law or public
policy.

7. NO SET-OFF BY THE EXECUTIVE. The existence of any claim, demand, action or cause of action by
the Executive against the Employer, or any Affiliate of the Employer, whether predicated upon this
Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Employer of any of
its rights hereunder.

8. NOTICE. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be
in writing and, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail or certified mail, return receipt requested,
shall be deemed to have been received on the earlier of the date shown on the receipt or three (3)
business days after the postmarked date thereof. In addition, notices hereunder may be delivered by
hand or overnight courier, in which event the notice shall be deemed effective when delivered. All
notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be given to the parties hereto at the
following addresses:

10

 

(i)    If to the Employer, to it at:

Suite 300

211 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37201

(ii)   If to the Executive, to him at:

Suite 300

211 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37201

Either party may notify the other in writing in the event of a change in the address for such
notice.

9. ASSIGNMENT. Neither party hereto may assign or delegate this Agreement or any of its rights and
obligations hereunder without the written consent of the other party to this Agreement.

10. WAIVER. A waiver by one party to this Agreement of any breach of this Agreement by the other
party to this Agreement shall not be effective unless in writing, and no waiver shall operate or be
construed as a waiver of the same or another breach on a subsequent occasion.

11. ARBITRATION. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the
breach thereof, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered only in a state court of Tennessee or the federal court for the Middle
District of Tennessee. The Employer and the Executive agree to share equally the fees and expenses
associated with the arbitration proceedings.

12. ATTORNEYS’ FEES. In the event that the parties have complied with this Agreement with respect
to arbitration of disputes and litigation ensues between the parties concerning the enforcement of
an arbitration award, the party prevailing in such litigation shall be entitled to receive from the
other party all reasonable costs and expenses, including without limitation attorneys’ fees,
incurred by the prevailing party in connection with such litigation, and the other party shall pay
such costs and expenses to the prevailing party promptly upon demand by the prevailing party.

13. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced under and in accordance with the
laws of the State of Tennessee.

14. INTERPRETATION. Words importing any gender include all genders. Words importing the singular
form shall include the plural and vice versa. The terms “herein”, “hereunder”, “hereby”, “hereto”,
“hereof” and any similar terms refer to this Agreement. Any captions, titles or headings preceding
the text of any article, section or subsection herein are solely for convenience of reference and
shall not constitute part of this Agreement or affect its meaning, construction or effect.

11

 

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the entire and final agreement of the parties on the
subject matter stated in this Agreement. No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be
valid or binding upon the Employer or the Executive unless made in writing and signed by both
parties. All prior understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter of this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, that certain employment agreement between the Bank and the Executive
previously signed by the parties and also dated as of March 1, 2000, are hereby expressly
terminated and superseded.

16. RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES. Nothing herein expressed is intended to or shall be construed to
confer upon or give to any person, firm or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their
permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

17. SURVIVAL. The obligations of the Executive pursuant to Section 5 shall survive the termination
of the employment of the Executive hereunder for the period designated under each of those
respective sections.

18. JOINT AND SEVERAL. The obligations of the Bank and the Company to Executive hereunder shall be
joint and several.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

12

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer and the Executive have executed and delivered this Agreement
as of the date first shown above.

	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THE BANK:

PINNACLE NATIONAL BANK

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Print Name:  	HUGH M. QUEENER 	 
	 	 	Title:  	SECRETARY, CHIEF ADMINISTRATION OFFICER 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THE COMPANY:

PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Print Name:  	HUGH M. QUEENER 	 
	 	 	Title:  	SECRETARY, CHIEF ADMINISTRATION OFFICER 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THE EXECUTIVE:

 HUGH M. QUEENER

 

	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 

13Ex-10.51 Amended Employment Agreement

 

EXHIBIT 10.51

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 1st day of January, 2008, by and among PINNACLE NATIONAL BANK
(the “Bank”), a national bank; PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS, INC., a bank holding company
incorporated under the laws of the State of Tennessee (the “Company”) (collectively, the Bank and
the Company are referred to hereinafter as the “Employer”), and HAROLD R. CARPENTER, a resident of
the State of Tennessee (the “Executive”).

RECITALS:

     The Employer desires to continue to employ the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Bank and the Company and the Executive desires to accept such continued employment.

     The parties previously entered into an employment agreement, dated as of March 1, 2000, that
they wish to amend as set forth herein.

     In consideration of the above premises and the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms and their variant forms shall
have the meaning set forth below:

     1.1. “AGREEMENT” shall mean this Agreement and any exhibits incorporated herein together with
any amendments hereto made in the manner described in this Agreement.

     1.2. “AFFILIATE” shall mean any business entity which controls the Company, is controlled by
or is under common control with the Company.

     1.3. “BUSINESS OF THE EMPLOYER” shall mean the business conducted by the Employer, which is
the business of commercial banking.

     1.4. “CAUSE” shall mean:

          1.4.1. With respect to termination by the Employer:

     (a) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Executive,
including, without limitation, failure by the Executive to perform his duties and
responsibilities in the manner and to the extent required under this Agreement,
which remains uncured after the expiration of thirty (30) days following the
delivery of written notice of such breach to the Executive by Employer. Such notice
shall (i) specifically identify the duties that the Board of Directors of either the
Company or the Bank believes the Executive has failed to perform, (ii) state the
facts upon which such Board of Directors made such determination, and (iii) be
approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then in office;

 

     (b) conduct by the Executive that amounts to fraud, dishonesty or willful
misconduct in the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder;

     (c) arrest for, charged in relation to (by criminal information, indictment or
otherwise), or conviction of the Executive during the Term of this Agreement of a
crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude;

     (d) conduct by the Executive that amounts to gross and willful insubordination
or inattention to his duties and responsibilities hereunder; or

     (e) conduct by the Executive that results in removal from his position as an
officer or executive of Employer pursuant to a written order by any regulatory
agency with authority or jurisdiction over Employer.

          1.4.2. With respect to termination by the Executive:

     (a) a material modification to the Executive’s job title(s) or position(s) of
responsibility or the scope of his authority or responsibilities under this
Agreement without the Executive’s written consent;

     (b) an adverse change in supervision so that the Executive no longer reports to
the person(s) or entity to whom he reported immediately after the Effective Date,
which change in supervision is effected without the Executive’s written consent;

     (c) an adverse change in overall supervisory authority which change in
supervisory authority is effected without the Executive’s written consent;

     (d) any change in the Executive’s office location such that the Executive is
required to report regularly to a location that is beyond a 25-mile radius from the
Executive’s office location determined immediately after the Effective Date, which
change in office location is effected without the Executive’s written consent;

     (e) any material reduction in salary, bonus opportunity or other benefits
provided for in Section 3 or Section 4 below from the level in effect immediately
prior to such reduction; and

     (f) any giving of notice of non-renewal of this Agreement by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Employer.

provided, that within 30 days following the initial occurrence of any of the conditions listed in
1.4.1(a) to (e) above, the Executive shall have provided notice to the Company of the existence of
such condition, and the Company shall not have remedied the condition to the reasonable
satisfaction of Executive within 30 days of receiving such notice.

     1.5. “CHANGE OF CONTROL” means any one of the following events:

2

 

     (a) the acquisition by any person or persons acting in concert of the then
outstanding voting securities of either the Bank or the Company, if, after the
transaction, the acquiring person (or persons) owns, controls or holds with power to
vote forty percent (40%) or more of any class of voting securities of either the
Bank or the Company, as the case may be;

     (b) within any twelve-month period (beginning on or after the Effective Date)
the persons who were directors of either the Bank or the Company immediately before
the beginning of such twelve-month period (the “Incumbent Directors”) shall cease to
constitute at least a majority of such board of directors; provided that any
director who was not a director as of the Effective Date shall be deemed to be an
Incumbent Director if that director were elected to such board of directors by, or
on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at least two-thirds of the
directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors; and provided further that no
director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or
threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) relating to the election of
directors shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

     (c) a reorganization, merger or consolidation, with respect to which persons
who were the stockholders of the Bank or the Company, as the case may be,
immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not,
immediately thereafter, own more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting
power entitled to vote in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or
consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

     (d) the sale, transfer or assignment of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company and its subsidiaries to any third party.

     1.6. “COMPANY INFORMATION” means Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.

     1.7. “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION” means data and information relating to the business of the
Bank or the Company (which does not rise to the status of a Trade Secret) which is or has been
disclosed to the Executive or of which the Executive became aware as a consequence of or through
the Executive’s relationship to the Employer and which has value to the Employer and is not
generally known to its competitors. Confidential Information shall not include any data or
information that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the Employer (except where such
public disclosure has been made by the Executive without authorization) or that has been
independently developed and disclosed by others, or that otherwise enters the public domain through
lawful means.

     1.8. “DISABILITY” shall mean the inability of the Executive to perform each of his material
duties under this Agreement for the duration of the short-term disability period under the
Employer’s policy then in effect as certified by a physician chosen by the Employer and reasonably
acceptable to the Executive. Executive agrees that to the extent necessary to comply

3

 

with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue
Code (the “Code”), the definition of Disability
hereunder shall be amended to the definition of disability required by Section 409A.

     1.9. “EFFECTIVE DATE” shall mean the date January 1, 2008.

     1.10. “INITIAL TERM” shall mean that period of time commencing on January 1, 2008 (the
“Beginning Date”) and running until the close of business on the last business day immediately
preceding the first anniversary of the Beginning Date.

     1.11. “TERM” shall mean the last day of the Initial Term or most recent subsequent renewal
period.

     1.12. “TRADE SECRETS” means Employer information including, but not limited to, technical or
nontechnical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques,
drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential
customers or suppliers which:

     (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known
to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can
obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

     (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to
maintain its secrecy.

2. DUTIES.

     2.1. POSITION. The Executive is employed initially as President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Bank and the Company and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank or
the Company or its designee(s), shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties which
may be assigned to him from time to time by the Bank or the Company in connection with the conduct
of its business. The duties and responsibilities of the Executive are set forth on EXHIBIT A
attached hereto.

     2.2. FULL-TIME STATUS. In addition to the duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to
the Executive pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the Executive shall:

     (a) devote substantially all of his time, energy and skill during regular
business hours to the performance of the duties of his employment (reasonable
vacations and reasonable absences due to illness excepted) and faithfully and
industriously perform such duties;

     (b) diligently follow and implement all reasonable and lawful management
policies and decisions communicated to him by the Board of Directors of either the
Bank or the Company; and

     (c) timely prepare and forward to the Board of Directors of either the Bank or
the Company all reports and accountings as may be requested of the Executive.

4

 

     2.3. PERMITTED ACTIVITIES. The Executive shall devote his entire business time, attention and
energies to the Business of the Employer and shall not during the Term be engaged (whether or not
during normal business hours) in any other business or professional activity, whether or not such
activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage; but this shall not be construed
as preventing the Executive from:

     (a) investing his personal assets in businesses which (subject to clause (b)
below) are not in competition with the Business of the Employer and which will not
require any services on the part of the Executive in their operation or affairs and
in which his participation is solely that of an investor;

     (b) purchasing or otherwise acquiring an ownership interest in any entity
provided that such interest shall not result in him collectively owning beneficially
at any five percent (5%) or more of any entity, or to the extent applicable, five
percent (5%) or more of the stock, capital or profits of any entity in competition
with the Business of the Employer; and

     (c) participating in civic and professional affairs and organizations and
conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching so long as the
Board of Directors of either the Bank or the Company approves of such activities
prior to the Executive’s engaging in them.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.3, the Executive may provide services to
any entity and may engage in such additional investment activities to the extent such services and
such additional investment activities have been expressly approved in writing by the Board of
Directors of either the Bank or the Company.

3. TERM AND TERMINATION.

     3.1. TERM. This Agreement shall remain in effect for the Term. While this Agreement remains in
effect it shall automatically renew each year on January 1 unless, prior to the November 30
immediately preceding such renewal, the Human Resources Committee of the Employer or the Executive
gives written notice to the other of its intent that the automatic renewals shall cease. In the
event such notice of non-renewal is properly given, this Agreement and the Term shall expire on the
thirtieth (30th) day following the date such written notice is received.

     3.2. TERMINATION. During the Term, the employment of the Executive may be terminated only as
follows:

          3.2.1. By the Employer:

     (a) For Cause, upon written notice to the Executive pursuant to Section 1.4.1
hereof, where the notice has been approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds of
the directors of either the Bank or the Company then in office;

     (b) Without Cause at any time, provided that the Bank shall give the Executive
thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of its intent to terminate, in which

5

 

event the Employer shall
be required to pay a severance benefit equal to three times the Executive’s base salary on
the date of termination, payable over the three years following termination in
accordance with Employer’s normal payroll practices; or

     (c) Upon the Disability of Executive at any time, provided that the Employer
shall give the Executive thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of its intent to
terminate, in which event, the Employer shall be required to continue to pay
Executive’s then current base salary for a period of six (6) months or until the
Executive begins receiving payments under the Company’s long-term disability policy,
whichever occurs first.

          3.2.2. By the Executive:

     (a) For Cause, in which event the Employer shall be required to pay a severance
benefit equal to the Executive’s base salary on the date of termination, payable
over the twelve months following termination in accordance with Employer’s normal
payroll practices; or

     (b) Without Cause or upon the Disability of the Executive, provided that the
Executive shall give the Employer sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of his
intent to terminate.

          3.2.3. At any time upon mutual, written agreement of the parties.

          3.2.4. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Term shall end
automatically upon the Executive’s death.

     3.3. CHANGE OF CONTROL. If, within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control, the
Employer terminates Executive’s employment under the Agreement without cause or the Executive
terminates his employment with the Employer under this Agreement for Cause within twelve (12)
months following a Change of Control, the Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his
designated beneficiaries or his estate, as the case may be, shall receive, as liquidated damages,
in lieu of all other claims, a severance payment equal to three (3) times the Executives then
current Base Salary and target bonus amount to be paid in full on the last day of the month
following the date of termination. The Executive and his immediate family will continue to receive
the health insurance plan benefits then in effect for employees of the Company and/or the Bank for
a period of three years to include payment of the Employer funded portion of the plan. The
Executive will also receive tax assistance, advice and filing preparation services from a qualified
accounting firm of his choice for a period of three years at a cost to the Company and/or the Bank
not to exceed $2,500 per year.

     3.4. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, the
Employer shall have no further obligations to the Executive or the Executive’s estate with respect
to this Agreement, except for the payment of salary and bonus amounts, if any, accrued pursuant to
Sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof and unpaid as of the effective date of the termination of employment
and payments set forth in Sections 3.2.1(b) or (c); Section 3.2.2(a); Section 3.3; Section 3.5
and/or Section 4.4, as applicable. Nothing contained herein shall limit or

6

 

impinge upon any other rights or remedies of the Employer or the Executive under any other
agreement or plan to which the Executive is a party or of which the Executive is a beneficiary.

     3.5. TAX INDEMNITY. In the event it shall be determined that any payment or benefits by the
Employer to the Executive (a “Payment”) would subject the Executive to an excise tax under Section
4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) (or any successor federal tax law), or any interest
or penalties are incurred or paid by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (any such excise
tax, together with any interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
“Excise Tax”), then the Executive shall be entitled to an additional payment from the Employer as
is necessary (after taking into account all federal, state and local taxes regardless of type,
whether income, excise or otherwise) imposed upon the Executive as a result of the receipt of the
payment contemplated by this Agreement) and any reduction in such taxes of the Executive as a
result of the payment of the related Excise Tax) to place the Executive in the same after-tax
position the Executive would have been in had no Excise Tax been imposed upon or incurred or paid
by the Executive (the “Tax Indemnity”). The Employer’s outside auditor shall determine, utilizing
such reasonable assumptions as it considers necessary, whether a Payment would subject the
Executive to the Excise Tax within thirty (30) days after receipt of a written request from the
Employer or the Executive in which the requesting party verifies that a Payment has been made and
requests an appropriate determination. The requesting party shall provide the other party with a
copy of any such written request. The outside auditor shall determine whether a Tax Indemnity
obligation exists and, if so, the amount of the Tax Indemnity and shall provide supporting
documentation to both the Employer and the Executive. The Employer shall pay the Executive any Tax
Indemnity so determined in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days following the release of the
related determination by the outside auditor; provided, however, that any such payment may be
reduced by applicable legal withholdings. In the event that the Internal Revenue Service
subsequently assesses an Excise Tax that is greater than the tax previously calculated by the
outside auditor, the Employer shall make an additional Tax Indemnity payment, as calculated by the
outside auditor in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Section 3.5, to the Executive
within thirty (30) days of the date of such assessment.

     3.6. SECTION 409A MATTERS. It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments
provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A and (ii)
that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of
Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding
short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two year exception), and
1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay). Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, if the Employer determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s
separation from service or at such other time that the Employer determines to be relevant, the
Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation
1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Employer and (ii) that any payments to be provided to the Executive pursuant
to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B)
or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A (“Section 409A Taxes”) if provided
at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the
date that is six (6) months after the date of the Executive’s separation from service with the
Employer, or such shorter period that, as determined by the Employer, is sufficient to avoid the
imposition of Section 409A Taxes. Any

7

 

payments delayed pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of
the seventh month following the Executive’s separation from service, or such earlier date that, as
determined by the Employer, is sufficient to avoid the imposition of any Section 409A Taxes.

4. COMPENSATION. The Executive shall receive the following salary and benefits during the Term,
except as otherwise provided below:

     4.1. BASE SALARY. During the year 2008, the Executive shall be compensated at a base rate of
$300,000 per year (the “Base Salary”). The obligation for payment of Base Salary shall be
apportioned between the Company and the Bank as they may agree from time to time in their sole
discretion. The Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Human Resources Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company at least annually, and the Executive shall be
entitled to receive annually an increase in such amount, if any, as may be determined by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company based on its evaluation of
Executive’s performance. Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Employer’s normal
payroll practices.

     4.2. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. The Executive shall be entitled to annual bonus compensation, if
any, as determined by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or the
Bank pursuant to any incentive compensation program as may be adopted from time to time by the
Company or the Bank.

     4.3. STOCK OPTIONS. The Executive shall be eligible for future option grants or stock based
awards so long as the Company maintains a stock incentive plan and shall participate in future
grants as shall be determined by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors
commensurate with the relative levels of participation by all other senior management employees of
the Employer.

     4.4. HEALTH INSURANCE.

     (a) In the event of termination by the Executive for Cause (Section 3.2.2(a)),
the Employer shall reimburse Executive for the cost of premium payments paid by the
Executive to continue his then existing health insurance for himself and his
eligible dependents as provided by the Employer for a period of three (3) months
following the date of termination of employment.

     (b) In the event of a termination by the Employer without Cause (Section
3.2.1(b)), the Employer shall reimburse the Executive for the cost of premium
payments paid by the Executive to continue his then existing health insurance for
himself and his eligible dependents as provided by Employer for a period of twelve
(12) months following the date of termination of employment.

     4.5. AUTOMOBILE. Beginning as of the month in which the Bank receives preliminary charter
approval, the Employer will provide Executive with an automobile allowance of $0 per month.

     4.6. BUSINESS EXPENSES; MEMBERSHIPS. The Employer specifically agrees to reimburse the
Executive for:

8

 

     (a) reasonable and necessary business (including travel) expenses incurred by
him in the performance of his duties hereunder, as consistent with policy approved
by the Board of Directors of either the Bank or the Company; and

     (b) beginning as of the Effective Date, the dues and business related
expenditures, including initiation fees, associated with membership in a single
civic association both as selected by the Executive and in professional associations
which are commensurate with his position; provided, however, that the Executive
shall, as a condition of reimbursement, submit verification of the nature and amount
of such expenses in accordance with reimbursement policies from time to time adopted
by the Employer and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulations
promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service.

     4.7. VACATION. On a non-cumulative basis, the Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of
vacation in each successive twelve-month period during the Term, during which his compensation
shall be paid in full.

     4.8. TAX PREPARATION SERVICES. The Employer will provide the Executive with tax preparation
services annually through a qualified accounting firm of the Executive’s choice at an annual cost
not to exceed $2,500.

     4.9. BENEFITS. In addition to the benefits specifically described in this Agreement, the
Executive shall be entitled to such benefits as may be available from time to time to executives of
the Bank similarly situated to the Executive. All such benefits shall be awarded and administered
in accordance with the Bank’s standard policies and practices. Such benefits may include, by way of
example only, profit-sharing plans, retirement or investment funds, dental, health, life and
disability insurance benefits and such other benefits as the Bank deems appropriate.

     4.10. WITHHOLDING. The Employer may deduct from each payment of compensation hereunder all
amounts required to be deducted and withheld in accordance with applicable federal and state
income, FICA and other withholding requirements.

5. COMPANY INFORMATION.

     5.1. OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY INFORMATION. All Company Information received or developed by the
Executive while employed by the Employer will remain the sole and exclusive property of the
Employer.

     5.2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE. The Executive agrees:

     (a) to hold Company Information in strictest confidence;

     (b) not to use, duplicate, reproduce, distribute, disclose or otherwise
disseminate Company Information or any physical embodiments of Company Information;
and

9

 

     (c) in any event, not to take any action causing or fail to take any action
necessary in order to prevent any Company Information from losing its character or
ceasing to qualify as Confidential Information or a Trade Secret.

In the event that the Executive is required by law to disclose any Company Information, the
Executive will not make such disclosure unless (and then only to the extent that) the Executive has
been advised by independent legal counsel that such disclosure is required by law and then only
after prior written notice is given to the Company when the Executive becomes aware that such
disclosure has been requested and is required by law. This Section 5 shall survive for a period of
twelve (12) months following termination of this Agreement for any reason with respect to
Confidential Information, and shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason for so
long as is permitted by applicable law, with respect to Trade Secrets.

     5.3. DELIVERY UPON REQUEST OR TERMINATION. Upon request by the Employer, and in any event upon
termination of his employment with the Employer, the Executive will promptly deliver to the
Employer all property belonging to the Employer, including, without limitation, all Company
Information then in his possession or control. The Executive agrees that the covenant contained in
Section 5 of this Agreement are of the essence of this Agreement; that the covenant is reasonable
and necessary to protect the business, interests and properties of the Employer.

6. SEVERABILITY. The parties agree that each of the provisions included in this Agreement is
separate, distinct and severable from the other provisions of this Agreement and that the
invalidity or unenforceability of any Agreement provision shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Further, if any provision of this
Agreement is ruled invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction because of a
conflict between the provision and any applicable law or public policy, the provision shall be
redrawn to make the provision consistent with and valid and enforceable under the law or public
policy.

7. NO SET-OFF BY THE EXECUTIVE. The existence of any claim, demand, action or cause of action by
the Executive against the Employer, or any Affiliate of the Employer, whether predicated upon this
Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Employer of any of
its rights hereunder.

8. NOTICE. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be
in writing and, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail or certified mail, return receipt requested,
shall be deemed to have been received on the earlier of the date shown on the receipt or three (3)
business days after the postmarked date thereof. In addition, notices hereunder may be delivered by
hand or overnight courier, in which event the notice shall be deemed effective when delivered. All
notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be given to the parties hereto at the
following addresses:

10

 

	 	(i)	 	If to the Employer, to it at:
	 
	 	 	 	Suite 300

211 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37201
	 
	 	(ii)	 	If to the Executive, to him at:
	 
	 	 	 	Suite 300

211 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37201

Either party may notify the other in writing in the event of a change in the address for such
notice.

9. ASSIGNMENT. Neither party hereto may assign or delegate this Agreement or any of its rights and
obligations hereunder without the written consent of the other party to this Agreement.

10. WAIVER. A waiver by one party to this Agreement of any breach of this Agreement by the other
party to this Agreement shall not be effective unless in writing, and no waiver shall operate or be
construed as a waiver of the same or another breach on a subsequent occasion.

11. ARBITRATION. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the
breach thereof, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered only in a state court of Tennessee or the federal court for the Middle
District of Tennessee. The Employer and the Executive agree to share equally the fees and expenses
associated with the arbitration proceedings.

12. ATTORNEYS’ FEES. In the event that the parties have complied with this Agreement with respect
to arbitration of disputes and litigation ensues between the parties concerning the enforcement of
an arbitration award, the party prevailing in such litigation shall be entitled to receive from the
other party all reasonable costs and expenses, including without limitation attorneys’ fees,
incurred by the prevailing party in connection with such litigation, and the other party shall pay
such costs and expenses to the prevailing party promptly upon demand by the prevailing party.

13. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced under and in accordance with the
laws of the State of Tennessee.

14. INTERPRETATION. Words importing any gender include all genders. Words importing the singular
form shall include the plural and vice versa. The terms “herein”, “hereunder”, “hereby”, “hereto”,
“hereof” and any similar terms refer to this Agreement. Any captions, titles or headings preceding
the text of any article, section or subsection herein are solely for convenience of reference and
shall not constitute part of this Agreement or affect its meaning, construction or effect.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the entire and final agreement of the parties on the
subject matter stated in this Agreement. No amendment or modification of this

11

 

Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the Employer or the Executive unless made in writing and
signed by both parties. All prior understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter of
this Agreement, including, but not limited to, that certain employment agreement between the Bank
and the Executive previously signed by the parties and also dated as of March 1, 2000, are hereby
expressly terminated and superseded.

16. RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES. Nothing herein expressed is intended to or shall be construed to
confer upon or give to any person, firm or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their
permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

17. SURVIVAL. The obligations of the Executive pursuant to Section 5 shall survive the termination
of the employment of the Executive hereunder for the period designated under each of those
respective sections.

18. JOINT AND SEVERAL. The obligations of the Bank and the Company to Executive hereunder shall be
joint and several.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

12

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer and the Executive have executed and delivered this Agreement
as of the date first shown above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THE BANK:

PINNACLE NATIONAL BANK

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Print Name:  	 HUGH M. QUEENER 	 
	 	 	Title:  	SECRETARY, CHIEF ADMINISTRATION
OFFICER 	 
	 
	 	THE COMPANY:

PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Print Name:  	 HUGH M. QUEENER 	 
	 	 	Title:  	SECRETARY, CHIEF ADMINISTRATION
OFFICER 	 
	 
	 	THE EXECUTIVE:

 	 
	 	 	 
	 	HAROLD R. CARPENTER 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

13

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00138-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00138-of-00352.parquet"}]]