Document:

exe4-10_0410.htm

EXHIBIT 4.10

 

 

3COM CORPORATION

STAND ALONE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

3Com Corporation has granted Jay Zager, (the “Participant”), Restricted Stock shares in accordance with the Participant’s Offer of Employment letter dated May 9, 2007, (“Offer Letter”), subject to the following terms and conditions as set forth in this Award Agreement.  The “Effective Date” of this Award Agreement shall be July 3, 2007.

1.           Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)           “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Award.

 

(b)           “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of restricted stock plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

(c)           “Award” means, individually or collectively, the grant of Restricted Stock under this Award Agreement and Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock.

 

(d)           “Award Agreement” means this Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and the Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of this Award.

(e)           “Board” means the Board of Directors of 3Com Corporation.

 

(f)            “Cause” means:

(i)           The Participant’s willful and continued failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of his position after there has been delivered to the Participant a written demand for performance from the Board which describes in reasonable detail the basis for the Board’s belief that the  Participant has not substantially performed his duties and provides the Participant the opportunity to present to the Board his good faith reasons for not so performing and, if the Board does not agree with such reasons, with thirty (30) days to take corrective action;

(ii)           Any act of personal dishonesty taken by the Participant in connection with his responsibilities as an employee of the Company with the intention or reasonable expectation that such action may result in the substantial personal enrichment of the Participant;

(iii)           The Participant’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony that the Board reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation or business;

(iv)          A breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company by the Participant that has a material detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation or business;

(v)           The Participant being found liable in any Securities and Exchange Commission or other civil or criminal securities law action or entering any cease and desist order with respect to such action (regardless of whether or not the Participant admits or denies liability);

  

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(vi)          The Participant (A) obstructing or impeding; (B) endeavoring to influence, obstruct or impede, or (C) failing to materially cooperate with, any investigation authorized by the Board or any governmental or self-regulatory entity (an “Investigation”).  However, the Participant’s failure to waive attorney-client privilege relating to communications with the Participant’s own attorney in connection with an Investigation will not constitute “Cause”; or

(vii)         The Participant’s disqualification or bar by any U.S. governmental or self-regulatory authority from serving in the capacity contemplated by the Offer Letter or the Participant’s loss of any U.S. governmental or self-regulatory license that is reasonably necessary for the Participant to perform his responsibilities to the Company under the Offer Letter, if (A) the disqualification, bar or loss continues for more than thirty (30) days, and (B) during that period the Company uses its good faith efforts to cause the disqualification or bar to be lifted or the license replaced. While any disqualification, bar or loss continues during the Participant’s employment, the Participant will serve in the capacity contemplated by the Offer Letter to whatever extent legally permissible and, if the Participant’s employment is not permissible, the Participant will be placed on leave (which will be paid to the extent legally permissible).

 

(g)           “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

                                                (i)           Any Person becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

 

                                                (ii)           The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company’s assets; or

 

                                                (iii)          The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or

 

                                                (iv)          A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors.  “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of the date upon which this Agreement was entered into, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of those directors whose election or nomination was not in connection with any transaction described in subsections (i), (ii), or (iii) above, or in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company.

                                (h)           “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(i)            “Committee” means a committee, which may consist of one or more persons whom may or may not be Board members, as is consistent with the Applicable Laws, appointed by the Board.

 

(j)            “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

 

(k)           “Company” shall mean 3Com Corporation and any successor corporation thereto.

 

  

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(l)           “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary as an independent contractor to render services to such entity.

 

(m)          “Date of Restricted Stock Grant” shall mean the “Date of Grant” as set forth in the Notice of Grant.

 

                (n)           “Director” means a member 3Com’s Board of Directors.

 

                                (o)          “Disability” means the Participant’s absence from his responsibilities with the Company on a full-time basis for 120 calendar days in any consecutive twelve (12) month period as a result of the Participant’s mental or physical illness or injury.

 

(p)           “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  A Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or any leave for which a return to employment is guaranteed under Applicable Laws, or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.  Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

 

(q)           “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(r)           “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following, without the Participant’s express written consent:

 

(i)            A material reduction of the Participant’s material duties or title, relative to the Participant’s material duties or title as in effect immediately prior to such reduction position;

(ii)           A material reduction by the Company in the base salary of the Participant as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, other than a reduction generally applicable to other executive officers of the Company; or

(iii)          The permanent relocation of the Participant to a work location more than fifty (50) miles from the Participant’s then-present work location.

(s)           “In Connection with a Change of Control” means within three (3) months prior to or twelve (12) months following a Change of Control.

 

                                (t)           “Initial Vesting Date” shall be the date occurring one (1) year after the Date Restricted Stock Grant.

 

(u)           “Notice of Grant” shall mean the “NOTICE OF GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK”.  The Notice of Grant is part of this Award Agreement.

 

(v)           “Number of Restricted Stock” shall mean the “Total Number of Restricted Stock Granted” as set forth in the Notice of Grant.

 

(w)          “Offer Letter” means the offer of employment letter issued May 9, 2007.

 

(x)           “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(y)          “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

 

                                (z)           “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock or units/rights to acquire shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan that are subject to vesting.

  

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(aa)         “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

 

(bb)        “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with the Plan.

 

(cc)         “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code and also include partnerships, limited liability companies and other entities that are at least 30% owned by the Company.

 

(dd)        “Vested Ratio” means

 

	 	 Vested Ratio
	 	 
	Prior to Initial Vesting Date	 0
	 	 
	On Initial Vesting Date, for each full year of the Participant’s remaining a Service Provider from the Date of Option Grant until the Initial Vesting Date                                                                                                                        	1/4
	 	 
	 Plus	 
	 	 
	 For each subsequent full year thereafter of the Participant's remaining a Service Provider from the Initial Vesting Date   	1/4
	 	       
	 In no event shall the Vested Ratio exceed 1/1.	 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant is terminated without Cause or resigns for Good Reason other than in Connection with a Change of Control, the Participant shall receive twelve (12) months accelerated vesting with respect to the Participant’s then outstanding unvested portion of the Award, provided that the Participant signs and does not revoke a Release Agreement as described in paragraphs 3 of the Management Retention Agreement and the Severance Benefits Agreement, both signed on June 21, 2007.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant is terminated without Cause in Connection with a Change of Control or resigns for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control, the Participant shall become fully vested in the Participant’s then outstanding unvested portion of the Award, provided that the Participant signs and does not revoke a Release Agreement as described in paragraphs 3 of the Management Retention Agreement and the Severance Benefits Agreement, both signed on June 21, 2007.

 

2.           Leaves of Absence.  Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, the Restricted Stock shall cease to vest on the 91st day of any unpaid leave of absence and shall only recommence upon the Participant’s return to active service.

3.           Rights as a Shareholder or Employee.  The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the date of the issuance of a certificate or certificates for the Shares which have vested has been exercised.

  

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4.           No Guarantee of Continued Service.  THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THE RESTRICTED STOCK OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER).  THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE COMPANY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE OR NOTICE.

	
  

	
5.

	
Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation or Change of Control.

(a)           Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Award, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected without receipt of consideration.”  Such adjustment shall be made by the Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.  Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award.

(b)           Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify the Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction.  The Administrator in its discretion may provide for the Participant to have the right to exercise his Award until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be vested or exercisable.

                                (c)           Change of Control.   In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding Restricted Stock award shall be assumed or an equivalent award substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation.  In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Restricted Stock, the Participant shall fully vest in the Restricted Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested.  For the purposes of this paragraph, the Restricted Stock shall be considered assumed if, following the Change of Control, the Restricted Stock confers the right to receive, for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share that is subject to the Restricted Stock award immediately prior to the Change of Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change of Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change of Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received, for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share subject to the Restricted Stock award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change of Control.

  

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                6.           Non-Transferability of Restricted Stock.  Restricted Stock may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution.

7.           Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

(a)           Legal Compliance.  Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award unless the exercise or vesting of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

                                (b)           Investment Representations.  As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the Participant or any authorized person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

                                (c)           Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

8.           Legends.  The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal and/or state securities restrictions on all certificates representing shares of stock subject to the provisions of this Award Agreement.  The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock in the possession of the Participant in order to effectuate the provisions of this Section.

9.           Escrow.

(a)           Establishment of Escrow.  To ensure that the Shares subject to the Unvested Share Reacquisition Right will be available for reacquisition, the Company may require the Participant to deposit the certificate or certificates evidencing the Unvested Shares with an escrow agent designated by the Company under the terms and conditions of an escrow agreement approved by the Company.  If the Company does not require such deposit as a condition of the issuance of Shares to the Participant, the Company reserves the right at any time to require the Participant to so deposit the Unvested Share certificate or certificates in escrow.  The Company shall bear the expenses of the escrow.

(b)           Delivery of Shares to the Participant.  As soon as practicable after the expiration of the Unvested Share Reacquisition Right, the escrow agent shall deliver to the Participant the Shares no longer subject to such restriction.

  

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Section 83(b) Election.  The Participant acknowledges and understands that when the Shares become Vested Shares under this Award Agreement, Section 83 of the Code imposes a tax at ordinary income rates with respect to such Vested Shares in an amount equal to the fair market value of such Vested Shares, determined on the date such Shares become Vested Shares.  The Participant also understands that (i) alternatively, the Participant may elect to be taxed in the year the Shares were granted rather than when the Shares become Vested Shares by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days from the Grant Date; (ii) if the Participant files such an election, the Participant will be taxed at ordinary income rates on the fair market value of the Shares on the Grant Date; (iii) if the Participant makes such an election he must provide the Company with a copy of the election no later than three (3) business days after filing the election with the Internal Revenue Service; and (iv) the Participant must file another copy of the election with his federal income tax return for the tax year in which Participant filed the election.  The Participant acknowledges that it is the Participant’s sole responsibility and not the Company’s responsibility to determine whether it is advisable to make the election and, if the Participant so elects, to file the election in a timely fashion and to make any filings under corresponding provisions of state tax law.

10.         Withholding.  At the time that this Award Agreement is executed, or at any time thereafter as determined by the Company, the Company shall have the right to withhold the applicable minimum withholding taxes, including but not limited to federal tax, state tax, foreign taxes, or social taxes, if any, which arise in connection with the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the Plan, including, without limitation, obligations arising upon (i) the transfer, in whole or in part, of any Shares, (ii) the lapse of any restriction with respect to any Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan, or (iii) the filing of an election to recognize a tax liability.  The Participant authorizes the Company to withhold from the Participant’s compensation such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable tax withholding obligations arising in connection with the issuance of the Shares pursuant to the Plan.  The Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate as to the Shares and/or to release the Shares from escrow until applicable withholding obligations have been satisfied.

11.         Trade for Taxes (Swap).  Please circle the applicable election below if you wish to trade Shares to satisfy the minimum required tax withholding determined upon the date of vesting outlined in Section 9 above.  If you elect to trade Shares to satisfy the minimum taxes due, the remaining amount due after the trade, less than the value of one Share, will be deducted from your cash compensation.  If you wish to change your election during the life of the Award Agreement, you must contact stock administration at least thirty (30) days prior to the applicable vesting date.

TRADE SHARES FOR TAXES DUE (please circle one):         YES                                                                                                                                NO

If you do not wish to trade Shares for taxes, and select “no” above, you must provide payment to stock administration within fifteen (15) days from date of vesting.  If payment is not provided within fifteen (15) days after applicable taxes are due, stock administration will have the authority and discretion to (i) trade Shares to satisfy such applicable taxes or (ii) to withhold the entire tax obligation from your compensation.

 

12.         Broker.  Your Shares will be deposited directly into your brokerage account with the Company’s approved broker when vested and the applicable withholding obligations have been satisfied.

13.         Binding Effect.  This Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

14.         Amendment or Termination.  The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Agreement; provided, however, that no such amendment, alteration, suspension or termination may adversely affect the Restricted Stock hereof without the written consent of the Participant.  Termination of the Agreement shall not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Agreement prior to the date of such termination.

 

 

  

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15.         Entire Agreement; Applicable Law.  This Award Agreement, along with the Participant’s Offer Letter, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.  To the extent that this Award Agreement sets forth terms and conditions that are less beneficial to the Participant than the Offer Letter, the terms of the Offer Letter shall prevail. This Award Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and all disputes hereunder shall be governed by, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its conflict of laws rules.

16.         Notices.  Any notice to be given to the Company hereunder shall be in writing and shall be addressed to the Company at its then current principal executive office or to such other address as the Company may hereafter designate to the Participant.  Any notice to be given to the Participant hereunder shall be addressed to the Participant at the last address known to the Company, or at such other address as the Participant may hereafter designate to the Company.  A notice shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail to the party entitled to receive it.

 

 

	 PARTICIPANT	 	 	3COM CORPORATION	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	
 

	 	 	
 

	 
	
Jay Zager

	 	 	
Neal D. Goldman

	 
	
Chief Financial Officer

	 	 	
EVP, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer

	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 Date	 	 	 Date	 

  

8ex10_1.htm

  

  

  

Employment Agreement

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into this  19th day of April, 2010, effective as of April 1, 2010, by and between Petroleum Development Corporation, a Nevada Corporation (the “Company”), and Richard W. McCullough (the “Employee”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of January 1, 2008, the Company employs Employee in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee desire to amend and restate such employment agreement to provide for Employee's employment with the Company, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged and accepted, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

	
1.  

	
Effective Date and Term

 

	
a.  

	
Initial Term

 

	
  

	
.  The effective date of this Agreement will be April 1, 2010 (the “Effective Date”), and the initial term will be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending December 31, 2011.

 

	
b.  

	
Automatic Extensions.

 

	
  

	
  The Term of this Agreement will be extended for an additional twelve (12) months beginning on December 31, 2010 and on each successive December 31 unless either party provides the other with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of its non-renewal for an additional twelve (12) months (the "Non-Renewal Notice"), or unless the Agreement has otherwise been terminated by the parties in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement.  The period of time from the Effective Date until the Termination Date, as defined in Section 7.b., will be the “Term.”

 

	
c.  

	
Change of Control.

 

	
  

	
  In the event of a Change of Control, the Term of this Agreement will automatically be extended to the date that is twenty-four (24) months after the date of the Change of Control without any action on the part of the Company or the Employee.  Thereafter, the date of the Change of Control will be treated as the Effective Date for purposes of further automatic 12-month extensions of the Agreement under this section.  “Change of Control” of the Company will occur on the earliest of the following events:

 

	
(i)  

	
Change in Ownership:  A change in ownership of the Company occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, excluding the acquisition of additional stock by a person or more than one person acting as a group who is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company.

 

	
(ii)  

	
Change in Effective Control:  A change in effective control of the Company occurs on the date that either:

 

	
(A)  

	
Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

 

	
(B)  

	
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board of directors prior to the date of the appointment or election; provided, that this paragraph (B) will apply only to the Company if no other corporation is a majority shareholder.

 

	
(iii)  

	
Change in Ownership of Substantial Assets:  A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 90% of the total gross fair market value of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, “gross fair market value” means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. It is the intent that this definition be construed consistent with the definition of “Change of Control” as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the applicable Treasury Regulations, as amended from time to time.

 

	
2.  

	
Place of Employment

 

The place of employment will be the Company’s headquarters building in Denver, Colorado unless the Employee and the Company agree to an alternative location.

 

	
3.  

	
Position and Responsibilities

 

	
a.  

	
Position

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and shall report to the Board.

 

	
b.  

	
Responsibilities

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee will have obligations, duties, authority and power to do such acts as are customarily done by a person holding the same or equivalent positions in corporations of similar size to the Company.  The Employee shall perform such managerial duties and responsibilities for the Company as may reasonably be assigned to him by the Board and, at no additional compensation, shall serve on the Board and in other such positions with any subsidiary corporation of the Company, or any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has an interest (herein collectively called “Affiliates”), as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

	
c.  

	
Dedication of Professional Services

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee shall devote substantially all of his business time, best efforts and attention to promote and advance the business of the Company and its Affiliates to perform diligently and faithfully all the duties, responsibilities and obligations of his positions with the Company.  Employee shall not be employed in any other business activity, other than with the Company and its Affiliates, during the Term, whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage without approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”); provided, however, that this restriction will not be construed as preventing Employee from investing his or her personal assets in a business which does not compete with the Company or its Affiliates, where the form or manner of such investment will not require services of any significance on the part of Employee in the operation of the affairs of the business in which such investment is made and in which his participation is solely that of a passive investor.

 

	
d.  

	
Adherence to Standards

 

	
  

	
.  Employee shall comply with the written policies, standards, rules and regulations of the Company from time to time established for all executive officers of the Company consistent with Employee's position and level of authority.

 

	
e.  

	
Minimum Stock Ownership

 

	
  

	
.  Employee shall comply with the minimum stock ownership requirements for the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

	
4.  

	
Compensation

 

	
a.  

	
Base Salary

 

	
  

	
.  The Company shall pay the Employee an annual base salary of $550,000  (the “Base Salary”) effective as of January 1, 2010 and ending on the Termination Date.  The Base Salary will be payable in accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of the Company.  The Compensation Committee shall review the Base Salary annually, and the Base Salary may be changed by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, taking into account the base salaries, aggregate annual cash compensation, and other compensation of individuals holding similar positions at other comparable companies and the performance of the Employee and the Company.

 

	
b.  

	
Performance Bonus

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee shall be eligible to earn an annual performance bonus (the “Bonus”) during the Term based on criteria established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion each year as part of the annual compensation resolution.

 

	
c.  

	
Retirement Compensation.  For each complete year worked by the Employee beginning from the effective date of his employment with the Company (November 13, 2006) and each anniversary thereof, the Employee will earn and be entitled to receive an annual retirement payment equal to $7,500 (such annual retirement payment being the “Retirement Payment”) for each of the ten years noted below.  For example, (i) if the Employee is employed for six years and three months, the annual Retirement Payment would be 6 x $7,500 = $45,000, and (ii) if the Employee is employed for seven years and eight months, the annual Retirement Payment would be 7 x $7,500 = $52,500.  The annual Retirement Payment will be payable to the Employee, or in the event of the Employee’s death, to his estate, beneficiaries, or designees, on each of the first ten anniversary dates following the date the Employee leaves the service of the Company.  The Retirement Payment will be in addition to any deferred compensation, pension, or other payments the Employee has earned under this and any other previous and subsequent agreements with the Company and any other payments he may be due under the Company’s employee benefit plans.  The Retirement Payment is payable to the Employee even if the Employee's termination is for Just Cause pursuant to Section 7.c.

 

	
d.  

	
Equity Compensation Grant

 

	
  

	
.  As a long term incentive, under the Company’s long-term equity compensation plan, the Employee shall participate in any equity compensation program provided to all executive officers based on criteria established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion each year as part of the annual compensation resolution.

 

	
e.  

	
Other Compensation

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee will continue to be eligible to participate in all other cash or stock compensation plans or programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time, in which other senior executives of the Company are allowed to participate.

 

	
f.  

	
Recoupment of Certain Compensation.

 

	
  

	
  If the Company has to restate all or a portion of its financial statements due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Employee shall, for the affected years, reimburse the Company for any excess bonus paid to the Employee pursuant to Section 4.b.  The reimbursements shall be equal to the difference between the bonus paid to him for the affected years and the bonus that would have been paid to the Employee had the financial results been properly reported.  Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Company within ninety days after the Company notifies the Employee of the amount owed to the Company.

 

	
5.  

	
Employee Benefits

 

	
a.  

	
Participation in Company Benefit Plans

 

	
  

	
.  During the Term, the Company shall provide the Employee with coverage under all employee pension and welfare benefit programs, plans and practices commensurate with his positions in the Company and to the extent permitted under the respective employee benefit plan.

 

	
b.  

	
Vacation

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee will be entitled to twenty (20) days of paid vacation in each calendar year, to be taken at such times as is reasonably determined by the Employee to be consistent with the Employee’s responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

	
c.  

	
Expense Reimbursement

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, including, without limitation, expenses related to travel, meals, entertaining, and similar items related to such duties and responsibilities.  The Company shall reimburse the Employee for all such expenses on presentation by Employee from time to time of appropriately itemized and approved (consistent with the Company’s policy) accounts of such expenditures.  The Company shall reimburse the Employee for reasonable dues and expenses of membership in such club or clubs as the Board reasonably deems necessary for the Employee to entertain on behalf of the Company and for costs associated with continuing education and professional dues.  All expense reimbursements for a calendar year will be paid in the normal course, but no later than March 15 of the following calendar year.

 

	
d.  

	
Life and Disability Insurance

 

	
  

	
.  The Company will either provide or reimburse the Employee for the cost of life insurance on the Employee in the face amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) with a person or persons named by the Employee as either the owner or the beneficiary as the Employee directs, and for the cost of a disability policy consistent with what is provided to other executive officers of the Company.  All reimbursements for a calendar year will be paid in the normal course, but no later than March 15 of the following calendar year.

 

	
e.  

	
Health Insurance

 

	
  

	
.  The Company agrees that it will include the Employee under any hospital, surgical, or group health plan or policy adopted generally for the benefit of its employees.  The payment of the premiums for the Employee and his dependents will be determined in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Company for its employees.  In the event the Company has no group health plan, the Company agrees to pay all reasonable premiums on any health insurance policy obtained by the Employee to provide such coverage.

 

	
f.  

	
Automobile

 

	
  

	
.  During the Term, the Employee will be entitled to use of a Company automobile or payment of a car allowance in accordance with a plan approved by the Board or its designee.

 

	
6.  

	
Confidential Material and Employee Obligations.

 

	
a.  

	
Confidential Material.

 

	
  

	
  The Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either during the Term or thereafter, disclose to anyone (except in the regular course of the Company's business or as required by law), or use in any manner, any information acquired by the Employee during his employment by the Company with respect to any clients or customers of the Company or any confidential, proprietary or secret aspect of the Company's operations or affairs unless such information has become public knowledge other than by reason of actions, direct or indirect, of the Employee. Information subject to the provisions of this paragraph will include, without limitation:

 

	
(i)  

	
Brokers, broker/dealer firms, law firms used to prepare Company and partnership registration statements, due diligence investigations, or other parties involved with the registration, review, or offering of the Company’s securities and drilling programs;

 

	
(ii)  

	
 Names, addresses, and other information regarding investors in the Company’s drilling programs;

 

	
(iii)  

	
Names, addresses and other information regarding investors who participate with the Company in the drilling, completion or operation of oil and gas wells as joint venture partners, working interest owners, or in any other form of ownership;

 

	
(iv)  

	
Lists of or information about personnel seeking employment with or who are currently employed by the Company;

 

	
(v)  

	
Maps, logs, drilling reports and any other information regarding past, planned or possible future leasing, drilling, acquisition, or other operations that the Company has completed or is investigating or has investigated for possible inclusion in future activities;

 

	
(vi)  

	
Any other information or contacts relating to the Company's drilling, development, fund-raising, purchasing, engineering, marketing, merchandising, and selling activities.

 

	
b.  

	
Return of Confidential Material.

 

	
  

	
  All maps, logs, data, drawings and other records and written and digital material prepared or compiled by the Employee or furnished to the Employee during the Term will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and none of such material may be retained by the Employee upon termination of his employment.  The aforementioned materials include materials on the Employee’s personal computer.  Employee shall return to the Company or destroy all such materials on or prior to the Termination Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee will be under no obligation to return or destroy public information.

 

	
c.  

	
Non-Compete

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee shall not directly, either during the Term or for a period of one (1) year thereafter, engage in any Competitive Business within any county or parish or adjacent to any county or parish in which the Company or an Affiliate owns any oil and gas interests; provided, however, that the ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding capital stock of a corporation whose shares are traded on a national securities exchange or on the over-the-counter market shall not be deemed engaging in a Competitive Business.  "Competitive Business" shall mean typical oil and gas exploration and production activities including oil and gas leasing, drilling or any other business activities that are the same as or similar to the Company’s or an Affiliate’s business operations as its business exists on the Termination Date.

 

	
d.  

	
No Solicitation.

 

	
  

	
  The Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either during the Term or for a period of one (1) year thereafter (i) solicit, directly or indirectly, the services of any person who was a full-time employee of the Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, or affiliates, or otherwise induce such employee to terminate or reduce employment, or (ii) solicit the business of any person who was a client or customer of the Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, or affiliates, in each case at any time during the last year of the Term. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “person” includes natural persons, corporations, business trusts, associations, sole proprietorships, unincorporated organizations, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies or partnerships, and governments, or any agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions thereof.

 

	
e.  

	
Remedies.

 

	
  

	
  Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company's remedy at law for a breach or a threatened breach of the provisions herein would be inadequate, and in recognition of this fact, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Employee of any of the provisions of this Agreement, it is agreed that the Company will be entitled to equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available, without posting bond or other security.  Employee acknowledges that the granting of a temporary injunction, a temporary restraining order or other permanent injunction merely prohibiting Employee from engaging in any business activities would not be an adequate remedy upon breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, and consequently agrees upon any such breach or threatened breach to the granting of injunctive relief prohibiting Employee from engaging in any activities prohibited by this Agreement.  No remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every such remedy will be cumulative and will be in addition to any other remedy given hereunder now or hereinafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise.

 

	
7.  

	
Termination of the Agreement

 

	
a.  

	
Notice of Termination.

 

	
  

	
  Either the Employee or the Board may terminate this Agreement at any time and in his or their sole discretion upon no less than thirty (30) days written Notice of Termination to the other party.  “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which shall indicate the specified termination provision in this Agreement relied upon (either a Non-Renewal Notice as provided under Section 1.b. or otherwise pursuant to Section 7.c., Section 7.d., Section 7.e., Section 7.f., Section 7.g. or Section 7.h.) and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Employee's employment under the provision so indicated; provided, however, no such purported termination will be effective without such Notice of Termination; provided further, however, any purported termination by the Company or by Employee must be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with  Section 9 (“Notices”) of this Agreement.  Termination of this Agreement by reason of a Non-Renewal Notice pursuant to Section 1.b. shall not entitle the Employee to receive the severance benefits described in Section 7.d. or Section 7.f.

 

	
b.  

	
Termination Date.

 

	
  

	
  Except as provided in Section 7.e.(ii) with respect to Disability, the “Termination Date” shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination. The Termination Date shall not be less than thirty (30) days after the date such Notice of Termination is given.

 

	
c.  

	
Termination by the Company for Just Cause.

 

	
(i)  

	
The Company may terminate the Employee for “Just Cause” (as defined in Section 7.c.(ii), provided that the Company shall:

 

	
(A)  

	
Give the Employee Notice of Termination as specified in Section 7.a., and

 

	
(B)  

	
Pay the Employee, within forty (40) days after his Termination Date, his Base Salary through the Termination Date at the rate in effect at the time the Notice of Termination is given plus any Bonus (only for periods completed and accrued, but not paid), incentive, deferred, or other compensation, and provide any other benefits, which have been earned or become payable as of the Termination Date, pursuant to the terms of this or any other agreement, or compensation or benefit plan, but which have not yet been paid or provided.

 

	
(ii)  

	
For purposes of this Agreement “Just Cause” means a good faith determination of the Board that the Employee:

 

	
(A)  

	
Failed to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than a failure resulting from his incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after a written demand for substantial performance has been delivered to him by the Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes he has not substantially performed his duties, and the Employee has failed to cure such deficiency within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice; or

 

	
(B)  

	
Has engaged in conduct the consequences of which are materially adverse to the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or

 

	
(C)  

	
Has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty; or

 

	
(D)  

	
Has engaged in conduct which demonstrates Employee’s gross unfitness to serve the Company as Chief Executive Officer; or

 

	
(E)  

	
Has materially breached the terms of this Agreement; or

 

	
(F)  

	
Following a Change in Control, "Just Cause" shall be limited to (1) Employee's refusal to or failure to attempt in good faith to perform his duties or to follow the written direction of the Board after fifteen days' written notice specifically identifying the manner in which the Board believes he has not performed his duties; and (2) Subsections (B) and (C) above.

 

	
d.  

	
Termination by the Company Without Just Cause

 

	
  

	
.  If the Company terminates this Agreement prior to its expiration (including extensions as provided in Section 1.b.) for any reason other than for Just Cause or the death or Disability (as defined in Section 7.e.) of the Employee, the Company shall:

 

	
(i)  

	
Within forty (40) days after the Termination Date, pay to the Employee a lump sum severance payment equal to three times the sum of: a) the Employee's highest Base Salary during the previous two years of employment immediately preceding the Termination Date, plus b) the highest Bonus paid or payable to the Employee for a year within the same two year period of employment immediately preceding the Termination Date,

 

	
(ii)  

	
Pay to the Employee any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by the Employee of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company practices, but no later than March 15 of the year following the year of termination,

 

	
(iii)  

	
Immediately vest any unvested Company stock options, SARs, and restricted stock (excluding all LTIP shares),

 

	
(iv)  

	
Pay any deferred income or Retirement Compensation (under Section 4.c.) or other benefit payments due under this or any other agreements or plans, provided such payments shall be made under the schedule originally contemplated in the agreement under which they were granted,

 

	
(v)  

	
Make any other payments or provide any benefits earned under this or any other employment agreement or plan, including the Company’s long-term incentive plan, and

 

	
(vi)  

	
Continue coverage of the Employee and any dependents covered at the time of termination under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s cost for a period equal to the lesser of (i) 18 months or (ii) such period as the Employee is eligible to participate in another employer’s health plan.

 

	
e.  

	
Termination in the Event of Death or Disability

 

	
  

	
.

 

	
(i)  

	
This Agreement will be terminated by the Company in the event of the death of the Employee upon proper notification to his estate.  The Company shall pay to the estate of the Employee the Base Salary described in Section 4.a. of this Agreement which would have been earned for six (6) months after the Termination Date and any amounts earned under Section 4.b. of this Agreement prorated for the period up to the Termination Date.

 

	
(ii)  

	
This Agreement may be terminated by the Company in the event of the Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Employee upon proper notification to the Employee, following the latest of the three events noted in this subsection (ii) (the “Disability Termination Date”).  Base Salary shall continue for up to thirteen (13) weeks following the initial period of Disability.  The Employee shall also receive in a lump sum payment an amount equal to the Base Salary described in Section 4.a. of this Agreement which would have been earned for six (6) months after the Disability Termination Date and a separate lump sum to be paid before March 15 of the following year providing any amounts earned under Section 4.b. of this Agreement prorated for the period up to the Termination Date.  The lump sum payment for the aggregate six (6) months Base Salary shall be made on the Disability Termination Date which shall be the latest to occur of: (1) the cessation of the thirteen (13) weeks of Base Salary continuation; (2) the expiration of the Family and Medical Leave Act period; and (3) Disability, which is defined as the inability the Employee 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 can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, as provided in Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") Section 409A(a)(2)(C) and Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(4).

 

	
(iii)  

	
All amounts that are payable under this Section 7.e. in the form of a lump sum shall be paid as soon as practicable, but no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months following the close of the calendar year in which the death or Disability occurred.

 

	
f.  

	
Termination by the Employee for Good Reason.

 

	
(i)  

	
If the Employee terminates this Agreement for Good Reason (as defined in Section 7.f.(ii), provided that such Employee’s termination of employment occurs within ninety days of the Good Reason, the Company shall:

 

	
(A)  

	
Within forty (40) days after the Termination Date, pay to the Employee a lump sum severance payment equal to three times the sum of: a) the Employee's highest Base Salary during the previous two years of employment immediately preceding the Termination Date, plus b) the highest Bonus paid or payable to the Employee for a year within the same two year period of employment immediately preceding the Termination Date,

 

	
(B)  

	
Pay to the Employee any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by the Employee of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company practices, but no later than March 15 of the year following the year of termination,

 

	
(C)  

	
Immediately vest any unvested Company stock options, SARs and restricted stock (excluding all LTIP shares),

 

	
(D)  

	
Pay any deferred income or Retirement Compensation (under Section 4.c.) or other benefit payments due under this or any other agreements or plans, provided such payments shall be made under the schedule originally contemplated in the agreement under which they were granted,

 

	
(E)  

	
Make any other payments or provide any benefits earned under this or any other employment agreement or plan, including the Company’s long-term incentive plan, and

 

	
(F)  

	
Continue coverage of the Employee and any dependents covered at the time of termination under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s cost throughout the period of time the Employee is eligible for federal COBRA Health continuation coverage.

 

	
(ii)  

	
“Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events without Employee's prior express written consent:

 

	
(A)  

	
A material diminution in the Employee’s Base Salary or in reward opportunities under annual Bonus;

 

	
(B)  

	
A material diminution in the Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

 

	
(C)  

	
A material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom the Employee is required to report, including a requirement that the Employee report to a corporate officer or employee instead of reporting directly to the board of directors of a corporation (or similar governing body with respect to an Affiliate other than a corporation);

 

	
(D)  

	
A material diminution in the budget over which the Employee retains authority;

 

	
(E)  

	
A material change in the geographic location at which the Employee must perform the services;

 

	
(F)  

	
Any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or

 

	
(G)  

	
In addition, after a Change of Control, a failure to (1) during the two-year period following the date of the Change of Control, provide the Employee with compensation and benefits, which in the aggregate, are at least substantially equal (in terms of benefit levels and/or reward opportunities) to those provided for under a material employee benefit plan, program and practice in which the Employee was participating as of the date of the Change of Control, or (2) permit the Employee to participate in any or all incentive (including equity), savings, retirement plans and benefit plans, fringe benefits, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other similarly situated employees of the Company.

 

	
(iii)  

	
Employee must provide notice to the Company of the condition described in Section 7.f.(ii) within ninety (90) days, upon the notice of which the Company will have a period of thirty (30) days during which it may remedy the condition and not be required to pay the amount.

 

	
g.  

	
Termination by the Employee for other than Good Reason

 

	
  

	
.  The Employee may terminate this Agreement for other than Good Reason upon proper notification as provided in Section 7.a.  In such event the Company shall pay to the Employee:

 

	
(i)  

	
Within forty (40) days after his Termination Date, in a lump sum, the compensation provided in Section 4 at the rate in effect at the time of the Notice of Termination.  The Base Salary and Bonus will be prorated for the portion of the year that the Employee is employed by the Company; provided, however, that if the Employee’s termination occurs prior to March 31 of the year the Employee will not be entitled to a prorated Bonus for the year;

 

	
(ii)  

	
Any incentive, deferred or other compensation which has been earned or has become payable pursuant to the terms of this or any other agreement or compensation or benefit plan as of the Termination Date, but which has not yet been paid, provided such payments will be made under the schedule originally contemplated in the agreement under which they were granted;

 

	
(iii)  

	
Any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by the Employee of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company practices but not later than March 15 of the year following the year of termination; and

 

	
(iv)  

	
Any other payments for benefits earned under this or any other employment agreement or plan.

 

	
h.  

	
Termination by the Employee following Change of Control.

 

	
(i)  

	
If, within two years following a Change of Control, either (A) the Company terminates Employee's employment without Just Cause or (B) Employee terminates this Agreement for Good Reason, then the Company shall:

 

	
(A)  

	
Within forty (40) days after the Termination Date, pay to the Employee a lump sum severance payment equal to three times the sum of: a) the Employee's highest Base Salary during the previous two years of employment immediately preceding the Termination Date, plus b) the highest Bonus paid or payable to the Employee for a year within the same two year period of employment immediately preceding the Termination Date,

 

	
(B)  

	
Pay to the Employee any unpaid reimbursement upon presentation by the Employee of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company practices, but not later than March 15 of the year following the year of termination,

 

	
(C)  

	
Immediately vest any unvested Company stock options, SARs, and restricted stock (excluding all LTIP shares),

 

	
(D)  

	
Pay any deferred income or Retirement Compensation (under Section 4.c.) or retirement payment or other benefit payments due under this or any other agreements or plans, provided such payments will be made under the schedule originally contemplated in the agreement under which they were granted,

 

	
(E)  

	
Make any other payments or provide any benefits earned under this or any other employment agreement or plan, including the Company’s long-term incentive plan,

 

	
(F)  

	
Continue coverage of the Employee and any dependents covered at the time of termination under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s cost throughout the period of time that Employee is eligible for federal COBRA health continuation coverage, and

 

	
(G)  

	
Pay to Employee any reasonable legal fees incurred by Employee in seeking to enforce any legal right under this Agreement if Employee substantially prevails in such action.

 

	
(ii)  

	
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 7.h.:

 

	
(A)  

	
If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by Employee in connection with Employee's termination of employment in respect of a Change in Control, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company (all such payments and benefits, being hereinafter referred to as the "Total Payments") would be subject to the excise tax (the "Excise Tax") imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, Employee shall receive the Total Payments and be responsible for the Excise Tax; provided, however that Employee shall not receive the Total Payments and the Total Payments shall be reduced to the Safe Harbor amount if (1) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (2) the net amount of such Total Payment without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which Employee would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments).  The "Safe Harbor Amount" is the amount to which the Total Payments would hypothetically have to be reduced so that no portion of the Total Payments would be subject to the Excise Tax.

 

	
(B)  

	
For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (1) all of the Total Payments shall be treated as "parachute payments" (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) unless, in the opinion of tax counsel ("Tax Counsel") selected by the accounting firm which was, immediately prior to the Change in Control, the Company's independent auditor (the "Auditor"), such payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, including by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code, (2) all "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax unless, in the opinion of Tax Counsel, such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the base amount (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, and (3) the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Auditor in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.  If the Auditor is prohibited by applicable law or regulation from performing the duties assigned to it hereunder, then a different auditor, acceptable to both the Company and the Employee, shall be selected.  The fees and expenses of Tax Counsel and the Auditor shall be paid by the Company.

 

	
(C)  

	
In the event it is determined that the Safe Harbor amount is payable to the Employee, then the severance payments provided under Section 7.h.(i) which are cash shall first be reduced on a pro rata basis, among the different types of cash payments until the Safe Harbor amount is reached; provided, however, in the event further reduction is needed to reach the Safe Harbor amount after reducing all cash payments to zero, then the non-cash severance payments shall thereafter be reduced among the different types of non-cash payments on a pro rata basis, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax.

 

	
i.  

	
Code Section 409A Compliance.

 

Except with respect to amounts paid pursuant to a schedule in a plan or arrangement outside of this Employment Agreement, it is intended that amounts payable under this Section 7 not be considered non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A.  Employee is a Specified Employee under Code Section 409A, therefore, to the extent such amounts are considered non-qualified deferred compensation payable upon a separation from service under Code Section 409A, payment of those amounts so deferred under Code Section 409A may not be made until at least six (6) months following the Employee’s separation from service of the Company (or, if earlier, the date of death of Employee).

 

	
j.  

	
Release.  As a condition to the payment by the Company of the amounts due under subsections d., f., or h. above, Employee shall execute the release attached hereto as Exhibit A within twenty-one (21) days following the Termination Date and shall not revoke it within the seven (7) day revocation period.

 

	
8.  

	
Life Insurance

 

	
  

	
.  The Company may, at any time after the execution of this Agreement, maintain any outstanding life insurance policies and apply for and procure as owner and for its own benefit new life insurance on Employee, in such amounts and in such form or forms as the Company may determine.  Employee shall, at the request of the Company, submit to such medical examinations, supply such information, and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Company has applied for such insurance.  Employee hereby represents that to his knowledge he is in excellent physical and mental condition.

 

	
9.  

	
Notices

 

	
  

	
. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered, by facsimile transmission or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by expedited  (overnight) courier with established national reputation, shipping prepaid or billed to sender, in either case addressed to the respective addresses last given by each party to the other  (provided that all notices to the Company must be directed to the attention of the Secretary of the Company ) or to such other address as either party may have furnished  to the other in writing  in  accordance  herewith.  All notices and communication will be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery thereof, or on the second day after deposit thereof with an expedited courier service, except that notice of change of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

Company at:                                Petroleum Development Corporation

Attention:  Secretary

1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000

Denver, CO 80203

Employee at:                                Richard McCullough

1164 South High Street

Denver, CO 80210

	
10.  

	
Successors

 

	
  

	
.  This Agreement will be binding on the Company and any successor to any of its businesses or assets.  Without limiting the effect of the prior sentence, the Company shall use its best efforts to require any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assign to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement or which is otherwise obligated under this Agreement by the first sentence of this Section, entitled Successors, by operation of law or otherwise.

 

	
11.  

	
Binding Effect

 

	
  

	
.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee's personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  If Employee should die while any amounts would still be payable to him hereunder if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, will be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Employee's estate.

 

	
12.  

	
Integration, Modification and Waiver

 

	
  

	
.  This Agreement constitutes the sole employment agreement between the parties, and any prior employment agreement, written or oral, is terminated.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Employee and such officer of the Company as may be specifically designated by the Board.  No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

	
13.  

	
Headings

 

	
  

	
.  Headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and will not be used to interpret or construe its provisions.

 

	
14.  

	
Waiver of Breach

 

	
  

	
.  The waiver of either the Company or Employee of a breach of any provision of this Agreement will not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by either the Company or Employee.

 

	
15.  

	
Amendments

 

	
  

	
.  No amendments or variations of the terms and conditions of this Agreement will be valid unless the same is in writing and signed by all of the parties hereto.

 

	
16.  

	
Survival of Obligations

 

	
  

	
.  The provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement will continue to be binding upon the Employee and Company in accordance with their terms, notwithstanding the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason or the expiration of this Agreement.

 

	
17.  

	
Severability

 

	
  

	
.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement, whether in whole or in part, shall not in any way affect the validity and/or enforceability of any other provision contained herein.  Any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severable to the extent of any such invalidity or unenforceability.  It is expressly understood and agreed that while the Company and Employee consider the restrictions contained in this Agreement reasonable for the purpose of preserving for the Company the good will, other proprietary rights and intangible business value of the Company, if a final judicial determination is made by a court having jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable restriction against Employee, the provisions of such clause will not be rendered void but will be deemed amended to apply as to maximum time and territory and to such other extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be reasonable.

 

	
18.  

	
Governing Law

 

	
  

	
.  This Agreement will be construed and enforced pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado giving effect to its conflict of laws.

 

	
19.  

	
Arbitration

 

	
  

	
.  Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any transactions provided for herein, or the breach thereof, other than a claim for injunctive relief, will be settled by arbitration in accordance with the commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “Rules”) in effect at the time demand for arbitration is made by any party.  The evidentiary and procedural rules in such proceedings will be kept to the minimum level of formality that is consistent with the Rules. The Company shall name one arbitrator, Employee shall name a second and the two arbitrators so chosen shall name a neutral, third arbitrator, who will serve as the sole arbitrator of the controversy or claim.  The third arbitrator must be experienced in the matters in dispute.  If the third and sole arbitrator is not agreed upon, the American Arbitration Association will name him or her.  Arbitration will occur in Denver, Colorado, or such other location agreed to by the Company and Employee.  The award made by the third arbitrator will be final and binding, and judgment may be entered in any court of law having competent jurisdiction. The award is subject to confirmation, modification, correction, or vacation only as explicitly provided in Title 9 of the United States Code.  The prevailing party will be entitled to an award of pre- and post-award interest as well as reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in connection with the arbitration and any judicial proceedings related thereto.

 

	
20.  

	
Executive Officer Status

 

	
  

	
.  Employee acknowledges that he may be deemed to be an “executive officer” of the Company for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and, if so, he shall comply in all respects with all the rules and regulations under the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act applicable to him in a timely and non-delinquent manner. In order to assist the Company in complying with its obligations under the 1933 Act and 1934 Act, Employee shall provide to the Company such information about Employee as the Company shall reasonably request including, but not limited to, information relating to personal history and stockholdings.  Employee shall immediately report to the General Counsel of the Company or other designated officer of the Company all changes in beneficial ownership of any shares of the Company Common Stock deemed to be beneficially owned by Employee and/or any members of Employee's immediate family.

 

	
21.  

	
Pronouns

 

	
  

	
.  All pronouns and any variations thereof will be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural, as the identity of the person or entity may require. As used in this Agreement: (1) words of the masculine gender shall mean and include corresponding neuter words or words of the feminine gender, (2) words in the singular shall mean and include the plural and vice versa, and (3) the word “may” gives sole discretion without any obligation to take any action.

 

	
22.  

	
Counterparts

 

	
  

	
.   This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute but one document.

 

DM3\666628.21

  

  

  

 

	
23.  

	
Exhibits

 

	
  

	
.  Any Exhibits attached hereto are incorporated herein by reference and are an integral part of this Agreement.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have duly executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Company                                                                           Executive

Petroleum Development Corporation

By:/s/ Kimberly Wakim                                                                /s/ Richard W. McCullough 

Kimberly Wakim                                                      Richard W. McCullough

Position:                      Chair of the

Compensation Committee

DM3\666628.21                                                                     

  

  

  

EXHIBIT A

 

GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This General Release ("Release") is entered into as of this ____ day of _________, 20__, by and between Petroleum Development Corporation (the “Company”), and Richard W. McCullough, an employee of the Company (the “Employee”) (collectively, the “Parties”).

 

WHEREAS, Employee and the Company are parties to an Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") dated ________ __, 2010, governing the terms and conditions applicable if Employee’s employment is terminated for various reasons;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide Employee certain benefits and payments under the terms and conditions specified therein, provided that Employee has executed and not revoked a general release of claims in favor of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, Employee’s employment with the Company is being terminated effective __________ __, 20__; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to terminate their relationship amicably and to resolve, fully and finally, all actual and potential claims and disputes relating to Employee’s employment with and termination from the Company and all other relationships between Employee and the Company, up to and including the date of execution of this Release.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these Recitals and the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are expressly acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Termination of Employment

 

	
  

	
.  Employee’s employment with the Company shall terminate on __________ __, 20__ (the "Termination Date").

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Severance Benefits

 

.  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, and in consideration of Employee’s release of claims and the other covenants and agreements contained herein and therein, and provided that Employee has signed this Release and delivered it to the Company and has not exercised any revocation rights as provided in Section 6 below, the Company shall provide the severance benefits described in Section 7 of the Agreement (the "Benefits") in the time and manner provided therein; provided, however, that the Company's obligations will be excused if Employee breaches any of the provisions of the Agreement including, without limitation, Sections 6, 7 and 9 hereof.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Benefits constitute consideration beyond that which, but for the mutual covenants set forth in this Release and the covenants contained in the Agreement, the Company otherwise would not be obligated to provide, nor would Employee otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
Effective Date

 

	
  

	
.  Provided that it has not been revoked pursuant to Section 6 hereof, this Release will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after the date of its execution by Employee (the "Effective Date").

 

	
  

	
4.

	
Effect of Revocation

 

	
  

	
.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that if Employee revokes this Release pursuant to Section 6 hereof, Employee will have no right to receive the Benefits.

 

	
  

	
5.

	
General Release

 

	
  

	
.  In consideration of the Company’s obligations, Employee hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges Company and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their respective officers, employees, directors, successors and assigns from any and all claims, actions or causes of action in any way related to his employment with the Company or the termination thereof, whether arising from tort, statute or contract, including but not limited to, claims of defamation, claims arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the discrimination and wage payment laws of Colorado and any other federal, state or local statutes or ordinances of the United States, it being Employee’s intention and the intention of the Company to make this release as broad and as general as the law permits.  Employee understands that this Agreement does not waive any rights or claims that may arise after his execution of it and does not apply to claims arising under the terms of this Agreement.

 

	
  

	
6.

	
Review and Revocation Period

 

	
  

	
.  Employee acknowledges that the Company has advised Employee that Employee may consult with an attorney of Employee’s own choosing (and at Employee’s expense) prior to signing this Release and that Employee has been given at least twenty-one (21) days during which to consider the provisions of this Release, although Employee may sign and return it sooner. Employee further acknowledges that Employee has been advised by the Company that after executing this Release, Employee will have seven (7) days to revoke this Release, and that this Release shall not become effective or enforceable until such seven (7) day revocation period has expired.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that if Employee wishes to revoke this Release, Employee must do so in writing, and that such revocation must be signed by Employee and received by the Chairman of the Board of the Company (or the Chair of the Compensation Committee) no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on the seventh (7th) day after Employee has executed this Release. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, in the event that Employee revokes this Release, Employee will have no right to receive any benefits hereunder, including the Benefits. Employee represents that Employee has read this Release and understands its terms and enters into this Release freely, voluntarily and without coercion.

 

	
  

	
7.

	
Confidentiality, Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

 

	
  

	
.  Employee reaffirms his commitments in Sections 6.a., 6.c. and 6.d. of the Agreement.

 

	
  

	
8.

	
Cooperation in Litigation

 

	
  

	
.  At the Company's reasonable request, Employee shall use his good faith efforts to cooperate with the Company, its Affiliates, and each of its and their respective attorneys or other legal representatives ("Attorneys") in connection with any claim, litigation or judicial or arbitral proceeding which is material to the Company and is now pending or may hereinafter be brought against the Released Parties by any third party; provided, that, Employee’s cooperation is essential to the Company's case.  Employee’s duty of cooperation will include, but not be limited to (a) meeting with the Company's and/or its Affiliates' Attorneys by telephone or in person at mutually convenient times and places in order to state truthfully Employee’s knowledge of matters at issue and recollection of events; (b) appearing at the Company's, its Affiliates' and/or their Attorneys' request (and, to the extent possible, at a time convenient to Employee that does not conflict with the needs or requirements of Employee’s then-current employer) as a witness at depositions or trials, without necessity of a subpoena, in order to state truthfully Employee’s knowledge of matters at issue; and (c) signing at the Company's, its Affiliates' and/or their Attorneys' request declarations or affidavits that truthfully state matters of which Employee has knowledge.  The Company shall reimburse Employee for the reasonable expenses incurred by him in the course of his cooperation hereunder and shall pay to Employee per diem compensation in an amount equal to the daily prorated portion of the Employee’s base salary immediately prior to the Termination Date.  The obligations set forth in this Section 8 shall survive any termination or revocation of this Release.

 

	
  

	
9.

	
Non-Admission of Liability

 

	
  

	
.  Nothing in this Release will be construed as an admission of liability by Employee or the Released Parties; rather, Employee and the Released Parties are resolving all matters arising out of the employer-employee relationship between Employee and the Company and all other relationships between Employee and the Released Parties.

 

	
  

	
10.

	
Nondisparagement.  Employee agrees not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage the Company or its officers, directors, employees, shareholders or agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to them or their business, business reputation or personal reputation.  The Company agrees that the members of the Board and officers of the Company as of the date hereof will not, while employed by the Company or serving as a director of the Company, as the case may be, make negative comments about the Employee or otherwise disparage the Employee in any manner that is likely to be harmful to the Employee’s business or personal reputation.  The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process or required governmental testimony or filings, and the foregoing limitation on the Company’s directors and officers will not be violated by statements that they in good faith believe are necessary or appropriate to make in connection with performing their duties for or on behalf of the Company.

 

	
  

	
11.

	
Binding Effect

 

	
  

	
.  This Release will be binding upon the Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns.

 

	
  

	
12.

	
Governing Law

 

	
  

	
.  This Release will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado applicable to agreements negotiated, entered into and wholly to be performed therein.

 

	
  

	
13.

	
Severability

 

	
  

	
.  Each of the respective rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder will be deemed independent and may be enforced independently irrespective of any of the other rights and obligations set forth herein.  If any provision of this Release should be held illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity will not affect in any way other provisions hereof, all of which will continue, nevertheless, in full force and effect.

 

	
  

	
14.

	
Counterparts

 

	
  

	
.  This Release may be signed in counterparts and each counterpart will be deemed to be an original but together all such counterparts will be deemed a single agreement.

 

	
  

	
15.

	
Entire Agreement; Modification

 

	
  

	
.  This Release constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and may not be modified without the express written consent of both Parties.  This Release supersedes all prior written and/or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations regarding its subject matter.  This Release may not be modified or canceled in any manner except by a writing signed by both Parties.

 

	
  

	
16.

	
Acceptance

 

	
  

	
.  Employee may confirm his acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Release by signing and returning two (2) original copies of this Release to the Chairman of the Board of the Company, no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time twenty-one (21) days after Employee’s receipt of notice of termination.

 

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND REPRESENTS THAT EMPLOYEE HAS FULLY AND CAREFULLY READ THIS RELEASE PRIOR TO SIGNING IT AND UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS. EMPLOYEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN, OR HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE, ADVISED BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL OF EMPLOYEE’S OWN CHOICE AS TO THE LEGAL EFFECT AND MEANING OF EACH OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS RELEASE, AND IS ENTERING INTO THIS RELEASE FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH IN THIS RELEASE.

 

DM3\666628.21                                                                     

  

  

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have duly executed this Release as of the date first above written.

 

Company                                                                           Richard W. McCullough

Petroleum Development Corporation

 

 

By:                                                      

Kimberly L. Wakim

Position:                      Chair of the

Compensation Committee

DM3\666628.21

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