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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective as of March 9, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among SmartFinancial, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (“Company”), SmartBank, a banking corporation organized under the laws of the State of Tennessee (“Bank”), and Ronald J. Gorczynski, a resident of the State of North Carolina (“Executive”). Company, Bank, and Executive are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Parties,” and each is sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party.”
R E C I T A L S
A.Executive is currently employed by Company and Bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Company and Bank. 
B.The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth in writing the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with Company and Bank. 
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the premises set forth above and the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, effective as of the Effective Date, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.Definitions
.  Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms and their variant forms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a)“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any entity, any other entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such entity. For this purpose, “control” means ownership of more than 50% of the ordinary voting power of the outstanding equity securities of an entity.
(b)“Agreement” shall mean this Employment Agreement together with any amendments hereto made in the manner described in this Agreement.
(c)“Boards of Directors” shall mean, collectively, the board of directors of Company and the board of directors of Bank and, where appropriate, any committee or other designee thereof.
(d)“Business of Employer” shall mean any business conducted by Company or Bank or any of their respective Affiliates, including the business of commercial, retail, mortgage, and consumer banking.
(e)“Cause” shall mean, in the context of the termination of this Agreement by Employer:
(i)a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Executive not cured by Executive within 15 business days after Executive’s receipt of Employer’s written notice thereof, including without limitation failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities in the manner and to the extent required under this Agreement;

(ii)any act by Executive of fraud against, misappropriation from, or dishonesty to Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank;
(iii)the conviction of Executive of, or Executive’s plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud or moral turpitude;
(iv)conduct by Executive that amounts to willful misconduct, gross neglect, or a material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, including prolonged absences without the consent of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company; provided that the nature of such conduct shall be set forth with reasonable particularity in a written notice to Executive who shall have 15 business days following delivery of such notice to cure such alleged conduct, provided that such conduct is, in the reasonable discretion of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company, susceptible to a cure;
(v)the exhibition by Executive of a standard of behavior within the scope of or related to Executive’s employment that is in violation of any written policy, board committee charter, or code of ethics or business conduct (or similar code) of Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank to which Executive is subject; provided that the nature of such conduct shall be set forth with reasonable particularity in a written notice to Executive who shall have 15 business days following delivery of such notice to cure such alleged conduct, provided that such conduct is, in the reasonable discretion of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company, susceptible to a cure;
(vi)conduct or behavior by Executive, including without limitation conduct or behavior that is unethical and/or involves moral turpitude, that, in the reasonable opinion of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company, has harmed or could reasonably be expected to harm, in each case in any material respect, the business or reputation of Company or Bank;
(vii)receipt of any form of written notice that any regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank has instituted any form of regulatory action against Executive; or 
(viii)Executive’s removal from office and/or permanent prohibition from participating in the conduct of Company’s or Bank’s affairs as a result of an order issued under Section 8(e) or Section 8(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. § 1818(e) and (g)).
(f)“Change in Control” shall mean:
(i)a change in the ownership of Company or Bank within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v); 
(ii)a change in the effective control of Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi)(A)(2); or
(iii)a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of Company’s or Bank’s assets within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii), substituting 80% for 40% under Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(A).
(g)“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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(h)“Competing Business” shall mean any person (other than an Affiliate of Company or Bank) that is conducting any business that is the same or substantially the same as the Business of Employer.
(i)“Confidential Information” shall mean all information not generally available to and known by the public, whether spoken, printed, electronic, or in any other form or medium, relating to the business, practices, policies, plans, prospects, operations, results of operations, financial condition or results, strategies, know-how, patents, trade secrets, inventions, intellectual property, records, suppliers, vendors, customers, clients, products, services, employees, independent contractors, personnel, systems, or internal controls of Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank, or of any other person that has entrusted information to Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank in confidence, as well as any other information that is marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary or that would otherwise appear to a reasonable person to be confidential or proprietary in the context and under the circumstances in which the information is known or used. The term “Confidential Information” shall include information developed by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment by Employer as if Employer furnished such information to Executive in the first instance. The term “Confidential Information” shall not include information that, through no fault of Executive or person(s) acting in concert with Executive or on Executive’s behalf, is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to Executive or thereafter becomes generally available to and known by the public.
(j)“Disability” shall mean the inability of Executive 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 12 months.
(k)“Employer” shall mean, collectively, Company and Bank. 
(l)“Good Reason” shall mean, in the context of the termination of this Agreement by Executive:
(i)a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities, as compared to Executive’s authority, duties, and responsibilities as of the Effective Date, which is not consented to by Executive in writing;  
(ii)a material diminution in Executive’s Annual Base Salary which is not consented to by Executive in writing;  
(iii)a change in the location of Executive’s primary office such that Executive is required to report regularly to an office located outside of a 75-mile radius from the location of Executive’s primary office as of the Effective Date, which change is not consented to by Executive in writing; or 
(iv)a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Employer. 
(m)“IRS” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.
(n)“Post-Termination Period” shall mean a period of 12 months (subject to extension as set forth in Section 8(f)) following the effective date of the termination of Executive’s employment.
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(o)“Restricted Area” shall mean (i) during the period of Executive’s employment, a radius of 50 miles from each banking office (whether a main office, branch office, or loan or deposit production office) maintained by Bank or any Affiliate of Bank from time to time during such period of employment and (ii) following the termination of Executive’s  employment, a radius of 50 miles from each banking office (whether a main office, branch office, or loan or deposit production office) maintained by Bank or any Affiliate of Bank as of the date of termination of Executive’s employment.
(p)“Separation from Service” shall have the meaning set forth in, and whether Executive has experienced a Separation from Service shall be determined by Employer in accordance with, Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-1(h). 
2.Executive Duties
.
(a)Position(s); Reporting.  Executive shall be employed as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Company and Bank and shall perform and discharge faithfully the duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to Executive from time to time in connection with the conduct of the business of Employer. The duties and responsibilities of Executive shall be commensurate with those of individuals holding similar positions at other banks and bank or financial holding companies similarly organized and of comparable size and complexity. Executive shall report directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company and Bank. 
(b)Full-Time Status.  In addition to the duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to Executive pursuant to Section 2(a), Executive shall:
(i)subject to Section 2(c), during regular business hours, devote substantially all of Executive’s time, energy, attention, and skill to the performance of the duties and responsibilities of Executive’s employment (reasonable paid time off and leaves of absence in accordance with policies and guidelines established from time to time by Employer excepted) and faithfully and industriously perform such duties and responsibilities;
(ii)diligently follow and implement all reasonable and lawful policies and decisions communicated to Executive by the Boards of Directors or the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company and Bank; and
(iii)timely prepare and forward to the Boards of Directors or the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company and Bank, as applicable, all reports and accountings as may be reasonably requested of Executive.
(c)Permitted Activities.  Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s business time, attention, and energies to the Business of Employer and shall not during the Term be engaged (whether or not during normal business hours) in any other significant business or professional activity, whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit, or other pecuniary advantage, provided that, as long as the following activities do not interfere with Executive’s obligations to Employer, this Section 2(c) shall not be construed as preventing Executive from:
(i)investing Executive’s personal assets in any manner which will not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or affairs of the subject entity and in which Executive’s participation is solely that of an investor, provided that such investment activity following the Effective 
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Date shall not result in Executive owning beneficially at any time 2% or more of the equity securities of any Competing Business; or
(ii)participating in civic and professional affairs and organizations and conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books, or teaching, so long as any such activities do not interfere with the ability of Executive to effectively discharge Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, provided that the board of directors of Company, the board of directors of Bank, or the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company may direct Executive in writing to resign from any such organization and/or cease any such activities in the event the board of directors or President and Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, reasonably determines that continued membership in such organization and/or activities of the type identified would not be in the best interests of Company or Bank or any one or more of their Affiliates.
3.Term
.  The initial term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall commence on and as of the Effective Date and, unless this Agreement is sooner terminated in accordance with its terms, shall end on the date which is the two-year anniversary of the Effective Date. At the end of the Initial Term (and the end of any one-year renewal term(s) herein provided for), this Agreement will automatically renew for an additional, successive term of one year, unless Employer or Executive gives the other Party written notice of such Party’s election to terminate this Agreement as of the end of the Initial Term (or then-current renewal term) at least 60 days prior to the end of the Initial Term (or then-current renewal term). The Initial Term and any and all such renewal terms are referred to together herein as the “Term.”  
4.Compensation
.  During the Term of this Agreement, Employer shall compensate Executive as follows:
(a)Annual Base Salary.  Executive shall be compensated at a base annual rate of $257,500 per year (the “Annual Base Salary”). Executive’s Annual Base Salary will be reviewed by the compensation committee of Company’s board of directors at least annually, in accordance with the compensation committee’s charter and any procedures adopted by the compensation committee, for adjustment based on an evaluation of Executive’s performance. Executive’s Annual Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with Employer’s normal payroll practices.
(b)Annual Cash Incentive Compensation.
(i)Executive shall be eligible to receive such annual cash incentive compensation, if any, as may be determined by, and based on performance measures established by, the board of directors of Company, or its designee (including the compensation committee of the board of directors), consistent with the strategic plan of Company, pursuant to any incentive compensation plan or program that may be adopted from time to time by the board of directors of Company (“Incentive Compensation”), including without limitation an annual cash bonus (the “ACIP Bonus”) based upon the achievement of performance goals under Employer’s Annual Cash Incentive Plan. 
(ii)Any Incentive Compensation earned shall be payable in cash not later than March 15th of the year following the year in which the Incentive Compensation is earned in accordance with Employer’s normal practices for the payment of short-term incentives. The payment of any Incentive Compensation shall be subject to and conditioned on Executive being employed by Employer on December 31st of the year in which the Incentive Compensation is earned, Executive’s employment with 
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Employer having not been terminated by Employer for Cause prior to the payment of such Incentive Compensation, and any approvals or non-objections required from or by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over Company or Bank, and it is acknowledged by the Parties that it is possible that Executive may not be eligible to receive any such Incentive Compensation if Company or Bank is subject to restrictions imposed on Company or Bank by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, or any other regulatory authority, or if Company or Bank is otherwise restricted from making payment of such compensation under applicable law, rule, or regulation.
(c)Automobile Allowance.  Executive shall receive an automobile allowance of $750 per month, which amount shall be subject to applicable withholdings. Executive acknowledges that Employer makes no representation with respect to the taxability or non-taxability of the benefits provided under this Section 4(c).
(d) Cellular Telephone.  Employer will provide Executive with an Employer-owned cellular telephone for use by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment. Executive acknowledges that Employer makes no representation with respect to the taxability or non-taxability of the benefits provided under this Section 4(d).    
(e)Business Expenses.  Subject to the reimbursement policies of Employer in effect from time to time, and consistent with the annual budget approved for the period during which an expense is incurred, Employer will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder; provided, however, that, as a condition to any such reimbursement, Executive shall submit verification of the nature and amount of such expenses in accordance with said reimbursement policies. Executive acknowledges that Employer makes no representation with respect to the taxability or non-taxability of the benefits provided under this Section 4(e).
(f)Paid Time Off.  Executive shall be entitled to paid time off in accordance with the paid time off policies and guidelines established from time to time by Employer for similarly situated executives of Employer. 
(g)Other Benefits.  In addition to the benefits specifically described in this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to such other benefits as may be available from time to time to employees of Employer generally, including, by way of example only, retirement plan and health, dental, life, and disability insurance benefits. All such benefits shall be awarded and administered in accordance with the written terms of any applicable benefit plan or, if no written terms exist, Employer’s standard policies and practices relating to such benefits.  
(h)Reimbursement of Expenses; In-Kind Benefits.  All expenses described in this Agreement as eligible for reimbursement must be incurred by Executive during the Term of this Agreement to be eligible for reimbursement. Any in-kind benefits provided by Employer must be provided during the Term of this Agreement. The amount of reimbursable expenses incurred, and the amount of any in-kind benefits provided, in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, in any other taxable year. Each category of reimbursement shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable, but in no event shall any such reimbursement be paid after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred. Neither rights to reimbursement, nor in-kind benefits, shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for other benefits.
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(i)Claw Back of Compensation.  Executive agrees to repay any compensation previously paid or otherwise made available to Executive that is subject to recovery under any applicable law, rule, or regulation (including any rule of any exchange or service on or through which any securities of the Company are listed or traded). Executive agrees to repay promptly any such compensation identified by Company or Bank. If Executive fails to repay any such compensation promptly, Executive agrees that the amount of such compensation may be deducted from any and all other compensation owed to Executive under this Agreement or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that Employer may take appropriate disciplinary action (up to, and including, termination of Executive’s employment for Cause) if Executive fails to repay any such compensation. The provisions of this Section 4(i) shall be modified to the extent, and remain in effect for the period, required by applicable law, rule, or regulation.
5.Termination of Employment
. 
(a)Termination by Employer.  During the Term, Executive’s employment may be terminated by Employer:
(i)at any time for Cause, as determined by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company; provided that, before Executive’s employment may be terminated by Employer for Cause pursuant to this Section 5(a)(i), the board of directors of Company, by a vote of a majority of all members of the board of directors of Company other than Executive (if Executive is a member of the board of directors), must have adopted resolution(s) finding that such determination by the President and Chief Executive Officer is reasonable and consistent with the definition of “Cause” set forth in this Agreement; or
(ii)at any time without Cause (provided that Employer shall give Executive at least 60 days prior written notice of its intent to terminate), in which event Employer shall be required to (A) pay to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate, heirs, or designated beneficiaries, as the case may be) a severance benefit equal to one times Executive’s Annual Base Salary as of the date of termination, said benefit to be payable in equal installments over the course of the 12-month period beginning 60 days following termination in accordance with Employer’s normal payroll practices, and (B) if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), timely pay on behalf of Executive the monthly (or other) COBRA premium for such coverage for Executive and his dependents until the earliest of (x) the one-year anniversary of the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (y) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage, and (z) the date on which Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer (notice of which eligibility Executive shall promptly give to Employer). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if payments under clause (B) of this Section 5(a)(ii) would cause Employer to violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the Affordable Care Act (the “ACA”), or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, the Parties agree to reform clause (B) of this Section 5(a)(ii) in such manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA while, to the extent reasonably practicable, preserving the benefit provided for in clause (B) of this Section 5(a)(ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employer shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 5(a)(ii) unless within 45 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment Executive executes and delivers to Employer a separation agreement containing a full release of claims and covenant not to sue in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Employer and Executive (the “Separation Agreement”) 
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and the Separation Agreement becomes fully effective within 60 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment. Additionally, Employer shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 5(a)(ii), and the payment of the same by Employer shall immediately cease, in the event of a breach by Executive of Section 7 or Section 8.     
(b)Termination by Executive.  During the Term, Executive’s employment may be terminated by Executive:
(i)at any time for Good Reason, provided that (A) before terminating his employment for Good Reason, (1) Executive shall give notice to Employer of the existence of Good Reason for termination, which notice must be given by Executive to Employer within 60 days of the initial existence of the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination and shall state with reasonable detail the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination and (2) Employer shall have 30 days from the effective date of such notice to remedy the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination and (B) such termination must occur within 12 months of the initial existence of the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination. In the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason, Employer shall be required to (A) pay to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate, heirs, or designated beneficiaries, as the case may be) a severance benefit equal to (1) if termination is for Good Reason as defined in Section 1(l)(i), Section 1(l)(iii), or Section 1(l)(iv), one times Executive’s Annual Base Salary as of the date of termination, said benefit to be payable in equal installments over the course of the 12-month period beginning 60 days following termination in accordance with Employer’s normal payroll practices, or (2) if termination is for Good Reason as defined in Section 1(l)(ii), one times Executive’s Annual Base Salary immediately prior to the diminution in Annual Base Salary giving rise to termination, said benefit to be payable in equal installments over the course of the 12-month period beginning 60 days following termination in accordance with Employer’s normal payroll practices, and (B) if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under COBRA, timely pay on behalf of Executive the monthly (or other) COBRA premium for such coverage for Executive and his dependents until the earliest of (x) the one-year anniversary of the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (y) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage, and (z) the date on which Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer, notice of which eligibility Executive shall promptly give to Employer (provided that, if Employer making payments under this clause (B) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the ACA, or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, the Parties agree to reform this clause (B) in such manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA while, to the extent reasonably practicable, preserving the benefit provided for in this clause (B)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employer shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 5(b)(i) unless within 45 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment Executive executes and delivers to Employer the Separation Agreement and the Separation Agreement becomes fully effective within 60 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment. Additionally, Employer shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 5(b)(i), and the payment of the same by Employer shall immediately cease, in the event of a breach by Executive of Section 7 or Section 8; or 
(ii)at any time without Good Reason (provided that Executive shall give Employer at least 60 days prior written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate).
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(c)Termination Upon Disability.  During the Term, Executive’s employment may be terminated by Employer upon the Disability of Executive (provided that Employer shall give Executive at least 60 days prior written notice of its intent to terminate). For the avoidance of doubt, termination for Disability under this Section 5(c) shall not be considered termination without Cause. 
(d)Termination Upon Death.  Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the death of Executive. For the avoidance of doubt, termination of Executive’s employment upon the death of Executive under this Section 5(d) shall not be considered termination without Cause.
(e)Termination by Mutual Agreement.  During the Term, Executive’s employment may be terminated at any time by mutual written agreement of the Parties. 
(f)Non-Renewal of Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties expressly acknowledge and agree that neither the election by a Party to not renew or extend this Agreement pursuant to Section 3, nor the termination of Executive’s employment at the end of the Initial Term or then-current renewal, as applicable, of this Agreement in connection with any such election, shall give rise to any severance or other payment or benefit to Executive under this Agreement.
(g)Effect of Termination; Resignation.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment, Employer shall have no further obligations to Executive or Executive’s estate, heirs, beneficiaries, executors, administrators, or legal or personal representatives under or with respect to this Agreement, except for the payment of any amounts earned and owing under Sections 4(a) and 4(b) as of the effective date of the termination of Executive’s employment and any payment(s) required by Section 5(a)(ii), Section 5(b)(i), or Section 6 of this Agreement. Further, upon the termination of Executive’s employment, (i) if Executive is a member of the board of directors of Company or the board of directors of Bank, or the board of directors of any Affiliate of Company or Bank, Executive shall, at the request of Employer, resign from Executive’s position(s) on such boards, and (ii) Executive shall, at the request of Employer, resign from any officer position(s) held by Executive at any Affiliate of Company or Bank, in each case with any and all such resignations to be effective not later than the date on which Executive’s employment is terminated unless a later effective date is agreed to by Employer.
6.Change in Control
.  
i.If, within 18 months following a Change in Control, Employer (or any successor of or to Employer) terminates Executive’s employment without Cause, Employer (or its successor) shall be required to (i) pay to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate, heirs, or designated beneficiaries, as the case may be) a severance benefit in an amount equal to 2.0 times the sum of (A) Executive’s Annual Base Salary as of the date of termination and (B) the average of the two most recent ACIP Bonuses paid to Executive prior to the Change in Control (the “ACIP Bonus Amount”), said benefit to be payable in one lump sum payment within 60 days following the date of termination of Executive’s employment, and (ii) if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under COBRA, timely pay on behalf of Executive the monthly (or other) COBRA premium for such coverage for Executive and his dependents until the earliest of (x) the 18-month anniversary of the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (y) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage, and (z) the date on which Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer (notice of which eligibility Executive shall promptly give to Employer). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if payments under clause (ii) of this Section 6(a) would cause 
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Employer to violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the ACA, or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, the Parties agree to reform clause (ii) of this Section 6(a) in such manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA while, to the extent reasonably practicable, preserving the benefit provided for in clause (ii) of this Section 6(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employer (or its successor) shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 6(a) unless within 45 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment Executive executes and delivers to Employer (or its successor) the Separation Agreement and the Separation Agreement becomes fully effective within 60 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment. Additionally, Employer (or its successor) shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 6(a), and the payment of the same by Employer (or its successor) shall immediately cease, in the event of a breach by Executive of Section 7 or Section 8.
ii.If, within 18 months following a Change in Control, Executive terminates his employment with Employer (or its successor) for Good Reason (provided that (x) before terminating his employment for Good Reason, Executive shall give notice to Employer (or its successor) of the existence of Good Reason for termination, which notice must be given by Executive to Employer (or its successor) within 60 days of the initial existence of the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination and shall state with reasonable detail the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination, and Employer (or its successor) shall have 30 days from the effective date of such notice to remedy the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination and (y) such termination must occur within 12 months of the initial existence of the condition(s) giving rise to Good Reason for termination), Employer (or its successor) shall be required to (i) pay to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate, heirs, or designated beneficiaries, as the case may be) a severance benefit in an amount equal to (A) if termination is for Good Reason as defined in Section 1(l)(i), Section 1(l)(iii), or Section 1(l)(iv), 2.0 times the sum of (1) Executive’s Annual Base Salary as of the date of termination and (2) the ACIP Bonus Amount, said benefit to be payable in one lump sum payment within 60 days following the date of termination of Executive’s employment, or (B) if termination is for Good Reason as defined in Section 1(l)(ii), 2.0 times the sum of (1) Executive’s Annual Base Salary immediately prior to the diminution in Annual Base Salary giving rise to termination and (2) the ACIP Bonus Amount, said benefit to be payable in one lump sum payment within 60 days following the date of termination of Executive’s employment, and (ii) if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under COBRA, timely pay on behalf of Executive the monthly (or other) COBRA premium for such coverage for Executive and his dependents until the earliest of (x) the 18-month anniversary of the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (y) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage, and (z) the date on which Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer, notice of which eligibility Executive shall promptly give to Employer (provided that, if Employer making payments under this clause (ii) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the ACA, or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, the Parties agree to reform this clause (ii) in such manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA while, to the extent reasonably practicable, preserving the benefit provided for in this clause (ii)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employer (or its successor) shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums contemplated by this Section 6(b) unless within 45 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment Executive executes and delivers to Employer (or its successor) the Separation Agreement and the Separation Agreement becomes fully effective within 60 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment. Additionally, Employer (or its successor) shall have no obligation to pay the severance benefit or the monthly (or other) COBRA premiums 
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contemplated by this Section 6(b), and the payment of the same by Employer (or its successor) shall immediately cease, in the event of a breach by Executive of Section 7 or Section 8. 
iii.For the avoidance of doubt, if Executive becomes entitled to the benefits provided for in this Section 6, Executive will not also be entitled to the benefits provided for in Section 5(a)(ii) or Section 5(b)(i).
7.Confidential Information
.
iv.Executive understands and acknowledges that, during the course of Executive’s employment with Employer, Executive has had and will have access to and has learned and will learn of and about Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information of Company or Bank or their respective Affiliates that Executive accesses, receives, learns of, or develops while Executive is employed by Employer, or that Executive has previously accessed, received, learned of, or developed while employed by Employer, shall be and will remain the sole and exclusive property of Company and Bank and their respective Affiliates.
v.Executive understands and acknowledges that Company and Bank and their respective Affiliates have invested, and continue to invest, substantial time, money, and specialized knowledge into developing their resources, creating a customer base, generating customer and potential customer lists, training their employees, and improving their offerings in the field of banking and financial services. Executive understands and acknowledges that, as a result of these efforts, Company and Bank and their respective Affiliates have created and continue to create and use Confidential Information, and that the Confidential Information provides Company and Bank and their respective Affiliates with a competitive advantage over others in the marketplace.
vi.Executive covenants and agrees (i) to treat all Confidential Information as strictly confidential; (ii) not to directly or indirectly disclose, communicate, or make available Confidential Information, or allow it to be disclosed, communicated, or made available, in whole or in part, to any person (including other employees of Company or Bank or their respective Affiliates) not having a need to know and authority to know and use the Confidential Information in connection with the business of Company or Bank or their respective Affiliates, and, in any event, not to anyone outside of the direct employ of Company or Bank or their respective Affiliates except as required in the performance of Executive’s authorized employment duties to Employer or with the prior consent of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company in each instance (in which case such disclosure shall be made only within the limits and to the extent of such duties or consent); and (iii) not to access or use any Confidential Information, and not to copy any documents, records, files, media, or other resources containing any Confidential Information, or remove any such documents, records, files, media, or other resources from the premises or control of Company or Bank or any of their respective Affiliates, except as required in the performance of Executive’s authorized employment duties to Employer or with the prior consent of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company in each instance (in which case such access, use, copying, or removal shall be only within the limits and to the extent of such duties or consent). Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law, rule, or regulation or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, rule, regulation, or order. Executive shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company.
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vii.Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement: 
i.Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; and 
ii.If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by Employer for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose trade secrets to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive (A) files any document containing trade secrets under seal and (B) does not disclose trade secrets, except pursuant to court order.
viii.Executive understands and acknowledges that Executive’s obligations under this Agreement with regard to any particular Confidential Information shall commence, or shall be deemed to have commenced, immediately upon Executive first having access to such Confidential Information (whether before or after the Effective Date) and shall continue during and after Executive’s employment by Employer until such time as such Confidential Information has become public knowledge other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this Agreement or a breach by any person acting in concert with or at the direction of Executive or acting on Executive’s behalf.
ix.At any time upon request by Employer, and in any event upon termination of Executive’s employment with Employer, Executive will promptly deliver to Employer all property of or belonging to Employer, including without limitation all Confidential Information, then in Executive’s possession or control.
8.Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement
9.
.  
x.Non-Competition.  Executive agrees that, during the period of Executive’s employment by Employer hereunder and, in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment during the Term by Executive without Good Reason or in connection with an election by Executive to not renew (and thus terminate) this Agreement pursuant to Section 3, for the duration of the Post-Termination Period, Executive will not (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of Company or Bank) (i) within the Restricted Area, either directly or indirectly, on Executive’s own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, engage in any business, activity, enterprise, or venture competitive with the Business of Employer; (ii) within the Restricted Area, either directly or indirectly, perform for any Competing Business any services that are the same as, or substantially the same as, the services Executive performs or performed for Employer; (iii) within the Restricted Area, accept employment with or be employed by any person engaged in any business, activity, enterprise, or venture competitive with the Business of Employer; or (iv) work for or with, consult for, or otherwise be affiliated with or be employed by any person or group of persons proposing to establish a new bank or other financial institution within the Restricted Area.
xi.Non-Solicitation of Customers.  Executive agrees that, during the period of Executive’s employment by Employer hereunder and, in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, for the duration of the Post-Termination Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly 
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(except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of Company or Bank), on Executive’s own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, solicit, divert, or appropriate, or attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate, any business from any customers of Company or Bank or any customers of any Affiliate of Company or Bank, or any prospective customers actively sought by Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank with whom Executive has or had contact during the last two years of Executive’s employment with Employer, for purposes of selling, offering, or providing products or services that are competitive with those sold, offered, or provided by Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank.
xii.Non-Solicitation of Employees.  Executive agrees that, during the period of Executive’s employment by Employer hereunder and, following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, for the duration of the Post-Termination Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of Company or Bank), on Executive’s own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, solicit, recruit, or hire away, or attempt to solicit, recruit, or hire away, any employee of Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank with whom Executive had contact during the last two years of Executive’s employment, regardless of whether such employee is a full-time, part-time, or temporary employee of Company or Bank or an Affiliate of Company or Bank or such employee’s employment is pursuant to a written agreement, for a determined period, or at will. 
xiii.Non-Disparagement.  Executive agrees that, both during the period of Executive’s employment by Employer hereunder and following the termination of Executive’s employment, Executive will not make any disparaging statements or remarks (written or oral) about Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, or representatives. Employer agrees that, following the termination of Executive’s employment, Employer will instruct its directors and senior executive officers to refrain from making any disparaging statements or remarks (written or oral) about Executive.
xiv.Modification.  The Parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement represent a reasonable balancing of their respective interests and have attempted to limit the restrictions imposed on Executive to those necessary to protect Employer from inevitable disclosure of Confidential Information and unfair competition. The Parties agree that, if the scope or enforceability of this Agreement is in any way disputed at any time and an arbitrator, court, or other trier of fact determines that the scope of the restrictions contained in this Agreement is overbroad, then such arbitrator, court, or other trier of fact may modify the scope of the restrictions contained in this Agreement.
xv.Tolling.  Executive agrees that, in the event Executive breaches this Section 8, the Post-Termination Period shall be tolled during, and therefore extended by, the period of such breach. 
xvi.Remedies.  Executive agrees that the covenants contained in Section 7 and Section 8 of this Agreement are of the essence of this Agreement; that each of such covenants is reasonable and necessary to protect the business, interests, and properties of Company and Bank and their respective Affiliates; and that irreparable loss and damage will be suffered by Employer should Executive breach any of such covenants. Therefore, Executive agrees and consents that, in addition to all other remedies provided by or available at law or in equity, Employer shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent a breach or contemplated or threatened breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 7 or Section 8 of this Agreement and that, in such event, Employer shall not be required to post a bond. Employer and Executive agree that all remedies available to Employer shall be cumulative.
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1.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 provision of this Agreement 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, rule, regulation, or public policy, the provision shall be redrawn to make the provision consistent with, and valid and enforceable under, such law, rule, regulation, or public policy.
2.No Set-Off by Executive
.  The existence of any claim, demand, action, or cause of action by Executive against Company or Bank or any Affiliate of Company or Bank, whether predicated upon this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by Employer of any of its rights under this Agreement.
3.Notices
.  All notices, requests, waivers, and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered; sent by national overnight courier service, postage prepaid, next-business-day delivery guaranteed; or mailed by first class United States Mail, postage prepaid return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below indicated: 
        If to Company or Bank: If to Executive:

        SmartFinancial, Inc. Ronald J. Gorczynski  
        SmartBank  Post Office Box 965 
        5401 Kingston Pike, Suite 600 Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605
        Knoxville, Tennessee 37919
        Attention: President/CEO 

or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient Party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending Party. All such notices, requests, waivers, and other communications shall be deemed to have been effectively given: (a) when personally delivered to the Party to be notified; (b) two business days after deposit with a national overnight courier service, postage prepaid, addressed to the Party to be notified as set forth above with next-business-day delivery guaranteed; or (c) four business days after deposit in the United States Mail, first class, postage prepaid with return receipt requested, at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout, or otherwise (in which case such notice, request, waiver, or other communication shall be effectively given upon receipt), and addressed to the Party to be notified as set forth above. 

4.Assignment
.  Each of Company and Bank may assign this Agreement and its rights hereunder, and may delegate is duties and obligations under this Agreement, in each case without notice to or the consent of Executive, in connection with the consummation of a Change in Control. This Agreement is a personal contract, and neither this Agreement nor the rights, interest, duties, or obligations of Executive hereunder may be assigned or delegated by Executive. Subject to the preceding provisions of this Section 12, this 
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Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
5.Waiver
.  A waiver by a Party of any provision of this Agreement or of any breach of this Agreement by any other Party shall not be effective unless in a writing signed by the Party granting such waiver, and no waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of the same or any other provision or breach on any other occasion.
6.Mediation
.  Except with respect to Section 7 and Section 8, in the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or a breach hereof, which dispute cannot be settled through direct discussions among the Parties, the Parties agree to first endeavor to settle the dispute in an amicable manner by non-binding, confidential mediation in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee before resorting to any other process for resolving the dispute.
7.Applicable Law and Choice of Forum
.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to or the application of principles of conflicts of laws. The Parties agree that any litigation, suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be instituted exclusively in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Knoxville Division, or the courts of the State of Tennessee sitting in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee, and each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in such courts and waives any objection it might otherwise have to the jurisdiction of or venue in such courts. 
8.Interpretation
.  Words used herein importing any gender include all genders. Words used herein importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. When used herein, the terms “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereby,” “hereto,” and “hereof,” and any similar terms, refer to this Agreement. When used herein, the term “person” shall include an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, an association, a trust, and any other entity or organization, whether or not incorporated. Any captions, titles, or headings preceding the text of any section or subsection of this Agreement are solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute part of this Agreement or affect its meaning, construction, or effect.
9.Entire Agreement
; No Duplication of Benefits.  
(a) This Agreement embodies the entire and final, integrated agreement of the Parties on the subject matter stated in this Agreement and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements (oral and written) of the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. No amendment or supplement to or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon any Party unless made in writing and signed by all Parties. 
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(b) Any severance payments or benefits received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall be in lieu of any payments or benefits pursuant any general severance policy or other severance plan maintained by Company or Bank for the benefit of its employees generally.
10.Counterparts
.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail, or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original manually signed copy of this Agreement.
11.Rights of Third Parties
.  Nothing herein expressed is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person, other than the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
12.Legal Fees
.  In the event of any claim, action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party or Parties shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing Party or Parties all reasonable fees, expenses, and disbursements, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, incurred by such prevailing Party or Parties in connection with such claim, action, suit, or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such prevailing Party or Parties may be entitled at law or in equity.
13.Survival
.  The rights and obligations of the Parties under Sections 4(i), 5(a)(ii), 5(b)(i), 5(g), 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, and 26 shall survive the expiration and/or termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for the periods expressly designated in such sections or, if no such period is designated, for the maximum period permissible under applicable law. 
14.Representations Regarding Restrictive Covenants
 and Other Agreements.  Executive represents and warrants to Employer that (a) the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Executive do not and will not conflict with, breach, violate, or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment, or decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound and (b) Executive is not, and will not become, a party to or bound by (i) any employment, non-competition, non-solicitation, or confidentiality agreement with any other person or (ii) any other agreement which would prohibit or impair Executive from providing or performing for Employer the services contemplated by this Agreement. 
15.Code Section 409A
.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to all benefits and payments provided under this Agreement by Employer to Executive:
(a) The payment (or commencement of a series of payments) hereunder of any non-qualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) upon a termination of 
16

employment shall be delayed until such time as Executive has also undergone a Separation from Service, at which time such non-qualified deferred compensation (calculated as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder) shall be paid (or commence to be paid) to Executive as set forth in this Agreement as if Executive had undergone such termination of employment (under the same circumstances) on the date of Executive’s ultimate Separation from Service.
(b) If Executive is a specified employee (as determined by Employer in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(i)(2)) as of Executive’s Separation from Service with Employer, and if any payment, benefit, or entitlement provided for in this Agreement or otherwise both (i) constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and (ii) cannot be paid or provided in a manner otherwise provided herein without subjecting Executive to additional tax or interest (or both) under Section 409A of the Code, then any such payment, benefit, or entitlement that is payable during the first six months following the Separation from Service shall be paid or provided to Executive in a lump sum cash payment to be made on the earlier of (x) Executive’s death and (y) the first business day of the seventh month immediately following Executive’s Separation from Service.
(c) Any payment or benefit paid or provided under this Agreement due to a Separation from Service that is exempt from Section 409A of the Code pursuant to Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) will be paid or provided to Executive only to the extent that expenses are not incurred or the benefits are not provided beyond the last day of Executive’s second taxable year following Executive’s taxable year in which the Separation from Service occurs, provided that Employer reimburses such expenses no later than the last day of the third taxable year following Executive’s taxable year in which Executive’s Separation from Service occurs.
(d) It is the Parties’ intent that the payments, benefits, and entitlements to which Executive could become entitled in connection with Executive’s employment under this Agreement be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder, and, accordingly, this Agreement will be interpreted to be consistent with such intent. For purposes of the limitations on non-qualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, each payment of compensation under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment of compensation for purposes of applying the exclusion under Section 409A of the Code for short-term deferral amounts, the separation pay exception, or any other exception or exclusion under Section 409A of the Code.
(e) While the payments and benefits provided for hereunder are intended to be structured in a manner to avoid the implication of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code, in no event whatsoever shall Company or Bank or their respective Affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code).
(f)  No deferred compensation payments provided for under this Agreement shall be accelerated to Executive, except as permitted by Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(j)(4).
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code be subject to offset by any other amount unless permitted by Section 409A of the Code.  
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16.Tax Matters
.
xvii.Withholding of Taxes.  Employer may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local, or other taxes Employer is required to deduct or withhold pursuant to applicable law, rule, regulation, or ruling.
xviii.Excise Tax.  
a.In the event that any payments or benefits provided or to be provided by Company or Bank or their respective Affiliates to Executive or for Executive’s benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (“Covered Payments”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and would, but for this Section 24(b), be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes (collectively, the “Excise Tax”), then prior to making the Covered Payments the Parties will, to the extent practicable and reasonable, take such action and execute such documents as may be necessary to ensure that none of the Covered Payments will constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or any successor provision thereto), and in the event (but only in the event) it is not practicable and reasonable to take such action and execute such documents or it is not reasonably possible to ensure that none of the Covered Payments will constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or any successor provision thereto), then a calculation shall be made comparing (A) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (B) the Net Benefit to Executive if the Covered Payments are reduced to the minimum extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under clause (A) above is less than the amount calculated under clause (B) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. The term “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment, and excise taxes. Any reduction made pursuant to this Section 24(b) shall be made in a manner determined by Employer that is consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
b.All determinations and calculations required under this Section 24(b), including any determination of whether any payments or benefits constitute “parachute payments,” shall be made by Employer in good faith and shall be final and binding on Employer and Executive for all purposes. For purposes of making the determinations and calculations required by this Section 24(b), Employer may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code and may engage and in good faith rely on the advice and counsel of legal, accounting, and other professional advisors. Executive shall furnish Employer with such information and documents as Employer may reasonably request in order for Employer to make its determinations and calculations under this Section 24(b).
17.Regulatory Restrictions
.  The Parties expressly acknowledge and agree that (a) any and all payments contemplated by this Agreement are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) and 12 C.F.R. Part 359, as such laws and regulations may be amended from time to time, and (b) the obligations of the Parties under this Agreement are generally subject to such conditions, restrictions, and limitations 
18

as may be imposed from time to time by applicable state and/or federal banking laws, rules, and regulations.
18.Right to Contact.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Employer shall have the right to contact any new or potential employer of Executive (or other business) and apprise such person of Executive’s responsibilities and obligations owed under this Agreement.

(Signature Page Follows)

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed and delivered this Agreement effective as of the date first written above.
COMPANY:     SMARTFINANCIAL, INC.

        By: /s/ William Y. Carroll, Jr.   
         William Y. Carroll, Jr. 
   President and Chief Executive Officer  

BANK:      SMARTBANK

        By: /s/ William Y. Carroll, Jr.  
         William Y. Carroll, Jr. 
   President and Chief Executive Officer  

EXECUTIVE:

        /s/ Ronald J. Gorczynski  
        Ronald J. Gorczynski 

(Signature Page to Gorczynski Employment Agreement)

21nbio_ex43.htm

EXHIBIT 4.03

 
NASCENT BIOTECH.
STOCK PLAN
(as adopted by the Board of Directors on March 6, 2020)
 
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
 
1.1 Establishment. Effective as provided in Section 17, Nascent Biotech Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), hereby establishes this plan of stock- based compensation incentives for selected Eligible Participants of the Company or any Affiliated Corporation. This Plan shall be known as the Stock Plan (the “Plan”).
 
1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to promote the best interest of the Company, and its stockholders by providing a means of non-cash remuneration to selected Eligible Participants who contribute most to the operating progress and earning power of the Company.
 
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
 
The following definitions shall be applicable to the terms used in this Plan:
 
2.1 “Affiliated Corporation” means any corporation that is now or shall be during the term of this Plan either a parent corporation with respect to the Company or a subsidiary corporation with respect to the Company (within the meaning of Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code;
 
2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time.
 
2.3 “Committee” means a committee designated by the Board of Directors to administer this Plan or, if no committee is so designated, the Board of Directors. Any Committee member who is also an Eligible Participant may receive stock compensation, an Option or Stock Award only if he abstains from voting in favor of a grant to himself, and the grant is determined and approved by the remaining Committee members. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may at any time remove any member of the Committee and appoint another Director to fill any vacancy on the Committee.
 
2.4 “Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock with par value $.001.
 
2.5 “Company” means Nascent Biotech Inc., a Nevada corporation, and any subsidiary or Affiliated Corporation.
 
2.6 “Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan, as set forth in Section 17 hereof.
 
2.7 “Eligible Participant” means any employee, director, officer, consultant, or advisor of the Company who is determined (in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 hereof) to be eligible to receive stock compensation, an Option or Stock Award hereunder.
 
2.8 “Option” means the grant to an Eligible Participant of a right to acquire shares of Common Stock.
   

	 
	1
	 

	 

 
2.9 “Plan” means this Stock Plan, dated March 6, 2020.
 
2.10 “Stock Award” means the grant to an Eligible Participant of shares of Common Stock issuable directly under this Plan rather than upon exercise of an Option.
   
2.11 “Stock Compensation” means the issuance of shares of Common Stock to an Eligible Participant in lieu of cash payment for bona fide services provided by the Eligible Participant to the Issuer.
 
Wherever appropriate, words used in this Plan in the singular may mean the plural, the plural may mean the singular, and the masculine may mean the feminine.
 
SECTION 3. ADOPTION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THIS PLAN.
 
Upon adoption by the Company’s Board of Directors, this Plan became effective as of March 6, 2020. In the absence of contrary action by the Board of Directors, and except for action taken by the Committee pursuant to Section 4 in connection with the determination of Eligible Participants, any action taken by the Committee or by the Board of Directors with respect to the implementation, interpretation or administration of this Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding.
 
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY AND AWARDS
 
The Committee shall determine at any time and from time to time after the effective date of this Plan: (i) the Eligible Participants; (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable directly or to be granted pursuant to an Option; (iii) the price per share at which each Option may be exercised, in cash or cancellation of fees for services for which the Company is liable, if applicable, or the value per share if a direct issue of stock pursuant to a Stock Award; and (iv) the terms on which each Option may be granted. Such determination may from time to time be amended or altered at the sole discretion of the Committee. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3 hereof, no such determination by the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Company unless and until the Board of Directors has approved the same; provided, however, that if the Committee is composed of a majority of the persons then comprising the Board of Directors of the Company, such approval by the Board of Directors shall not be necessary.
 
SECTION 5. GRANT OF OPTION OR STOCK AWARD
 
Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the terms and conditions under which an Option or Stock Award may be granted to an Eligible Participant shall be set forth in a written agreement (i.e., a Consulting Agreement, Services Agreement, Fee Agreement, or Employment Agreement) or, if an Option, a written Grant of Option in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (which may contain such modifications thereto and such other provisions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine).
 
SECTION 6. TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
The total number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance by the Company either directly as stock compensation, Stock Awards or underlying Options granted under this Plan shall not be more than Eight Million (8,000,000). The total number of shares of Common Stock reserved for such issuance may be increased only by a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors and amendment of this Plan. Such Common Stock may be authorized and unissued or reacquired Common Stock of the Company.
 
SECTION 7. COST BASIS AND PURCHASE PRICE OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
The negotiated cost basis of stock issued directly as stock compensation, a Stock Award or the exercise price for each Option to purchase shares of Common Stock shall be as determined by the Committee, it being understood that the price so determined by the Committee may vary from one Eligible Participant to another. In computing the negotiated direct issue price as stock compensation, a Stock Award or the Option exercise price per share of Common Stock, the Committee shall take into consideration, among other factors, the restrictions set forth in Section 11 hereof.
 

	 
	2
	 

	 

 
SECTION 8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS
 
The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of each Option granted to Eligible Participants, which terms shall be set forth in writing. The terms and conditions so set by the Committee may vary from one Eligible Participant to another. In the event that all the Committee approves an Option permitting deferred payments, the Eligible Participant’s obligation to pay for such Common Stock may be evidenced by a promissory note executed by such Eligible Participant and containing such modifications thereto and such other provisions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine.
 
SECTION 9. DELIVERY OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
The Company shall deliver to each Eligible Participant such number of shares of Common Stock as such Eligible Participant is entitled to receive pursuant to stock compensation, a Stock Award or elects to purchase upon exercise of the Option. Such shares, which shall be fully paid and nonassessable upon the issuance thereof (unless a portion or all of the purchase price shall be paid on a deferred basis) shall be represented by a certificate or certificates registered in the name of the Eligible Participant and stamped with an appropriate legend referring to the restrictions thereon, if any. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes and the written agreement to which he is a party, an Eligible Participant shall have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, including the right to vote the shares and to receive all dividends or other distributions paid or made with respect thereto (except to the extent such Eligible Participant defaults under a promissory note, if any, evidencing the deferred purchase price for such shares), provided that such shares shall be subject to the restrictions hereinafter set forth. In the event of a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party, or of any other acquisition of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company involving an exchange or a substitution of stock of an acquiring corporation for Common Stock of the Company, or of any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in exchange for stock of an acquiring corporation, a determination as to whether the stock of the acquiring corporation so received shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 11 shall be made solely by the acquiring corporation.
 
SECTION 10. RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES; ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS
 
10.1 Employment. Nothing contained in this Plan or in any stock compensation, Option or Stock Award granted under this Plan shall confer upon any Eligible Participant any right with respect to the continuation of his or her employment by the Company or any Affiliated Corporation, or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliated Corporation, subject to the terms of any separate employment agreement to the contrary, at any time to terminate such employment or to increase or decrease the compensation of the Eligible Participant from the rate in existence at the time of the stock compensation, grant of an Option or Stock Award. Whether an authorized leave of absence, or absence in military or government service, shall constitute termination of employment shall be determined by the Committee at the time.
 
10.2 Non-transferability. No right or interest of any Eligible Participant in stock compensation, an Option or Stock Award shall be assignable or transferable during the lifetime of the Eligible Participant, either voluntarily or involuntarily, or subjected to any lien, directly or indirectly, by operation of law, or otherwise, including execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge or bankruptcy. However, the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, permit transfers to family members if and to the extent such transfers are permissible under applicable securities laws. In the event of an Eligible Participant’s death, an Eligible Participant’s rights and interest in stock compensation, an Option or Stock Award shall be transferable by testamentary will or the laws of descent and distribution, and delivery of any shares of Common Stock due under this Plan shall be made to, and exercise of any Options may be made by, the Eligible Participant’s legal representatives, heirs or legatees. If in the opinion of the Committee a person entitled to payments or to exercise rights with respect to this Plan is unable to care for his or her affairs because of mental condition, physical condition, or age, payment due such person may be made to, and such rights shall be exercised by, such person’s guardian, conservator or other legal personal representative upon furnishing the Committee with evidence satisfactory to the Committee of such status.
 

	 
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SECTION 11. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
 
11.1 Investment Representations. The Company may require any person to whom stock compensation, an Option or Stock Award is granted, as a condition of exercising such Option, or receiving such stock compensation or Stock Award, to give written assurances in substance and form satisfactory to the Company and its counsel to the effect that such person is acquiring the Common Stock subject to the stock compensation, Option or Stock Award for his or her own account for investment and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the same, and to such other effects as the Company deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with federal and applicable state securities laws.
 
11.2 Restrictions on Transfer of Common Stock. The shares of Common Stock issuable directly as stock compensation, a Stock Award or upon exercise of an Option may not be offered for sale, sold or otherwise transferred except pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to an exemption from registration, the availability of which is to be established to the satisfaction of the Company, and any certificates representing shares of Common Stock will bear a legend to that effect. However, the Company may, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, register with the Securities and Exchange Commission some or all of the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan. Special resale restrictions may, however, continue to apply to officers, directors, control shareholders and affiliates of the Company and such persons will be required to obtain an opinion of counsel as regards their ability to resell shares received pursuant to this Plan.
 
11.3 Compliance with Securities Laws. Each stock compensation, Option or Stock Award shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time counsel to the Company shall determine that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such stock compensation, Option or Stock Award upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with, the issuance or purchase of shares thereunder, such stock compensation, Option or Stock Award may not be accepted or exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained on conditions acceptable to the Committee. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the Company to apply for or to obtain such listing, registration or qualification.
 
11.4 Changes in Accounting Rules. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, if, during the term of this Plan, any changes in the financial or tax accounting rules applicable to stock compensation, Options or Stock Awards shall occur that, in the sole judgment of the Committee, may have a material adverse effect on the reported earnings, assets or liabilities of the Company, the Committee shall have the right and power to modify as necessary, or cancel, any then outstanding and unexercised Options.
 
SECTION 12. COMPLIANCE WITH TAX REQUIREMENTS
 
Each Eligible Participant shall be liable for payment of all applicable federal, state and local income taxes incurred as a result of the receipt of stock compensation, a Stock Award or an Option, the exercise of an Option, and the sale of any shares of Common Stock received pursuant to stock compensation, a Stock Award or upon exercise of an Option. The Company may be required, pursuant to applicable tax regulations, to withhold taxes for an Eligible Participant, in which case the Company’s obligations to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of any Option granted under this Plan or pursuant to any stock compensation or Stock Award, shall be subject to the Eligible Participant’s satisfaction of all applicable federal, state and local income and other income tax withholding requirements.
 
SECTION 13. PLAN BINDING UPON ASSIGNS OR TRANSFEREES
 
In the event that, at any time or from time to time, any stock compensation, Option or Stock Award is assigned or transferred to any party (other than the Company) pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.2 hereof, such party shall take such stock compensation, Option or Stock Award pursuant to all provisions and conditions of this Plan, and, as a condition precedent to the transfer of such interest, such party shall agree (for and on behalf of himself or itself, his or its legal representatives and his or its transferees and assigns) in writing to be bound by all provisions of this Plan.
  

	 
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SECTION 14. COSTS AND EXPENSES
 
All costs and expenses with respect to the adoption, implementation, interpretation and administration of this Plan shall be borne by the Company.
 
SECTION 15. CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY
 
Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to an incomplete or pending stock compensation or Stock Award that has not yet been delivered or upon exercise of any Options and the exercise price thereof in the event of: (i) a subdivision or combination of any of the shares of capital stock of the Company; (ii) a dividend payable in shares of capital stock of the Company; (iii) a reclassification of any shares of capital stock of the Company; or (iv) any other change in the capital structure of the Company.
 
SECTION 16. PLAN AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION
 
The Board, upon recommendation of the Committee or at its own initiative, at any time may terminate and at any time and from time to time and in any respect, may amend or modify this Plan, including:
 
	 
	(a)	Increase the total amount of Common Stock that may be awarded under this Plan, except as provided in Section 15 of this Plan;

 
	 
	(b)	Change the classes of persons from which Eligible Participants may be selected or materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in this Plan;
	 
	 
	 

	 
	(c)	Increase the benefits accruing to Eligible Participants; or
	 
	 
	 

	 
	(d)	Extend the duration of this Plan.

 
Any stock compensation, Option or other Stock Award granted to a Eligible Participant prior to the date this Plan is amended, modified or terminated will remain in effect according to its terms unless otherwise agreed upon by the Eligible Participant; provided, however, that this sentence shall not impair the right of the Committee to take whatever action it deems appropriate under Section 11 or Section 15. The termination or any modification or amendment of this Plan shall not, without the consent of a Eligible Participant, affect his rights under stock compensation, an Option or other Stock Award previously granted to him.
 
SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PLAN
 
17.1 Effective Date. This Plan is effective as of March 6, 2020, the date it was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
17.2 Duration of this Plan. This Plan shall terminate at midnight on March 6, 2023, and may be extended thereafter or terminated prior thereto by action of the Board of Directors; and no stock compensation, Option or Stock Award shall be granted after such termination. Stock compensation, Options and Stock Awards outstanding at the time of this Plan’s termination may continue to be exercised, or become free of restrictions, in accordance with their terms.
 
SECTION 18. BURDEN AND BENEFIT
 
The terms and provisions of this Plan shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, each Eligible Participant, his executives or administrators, heirs, and personal and legal representatives.
  
	 
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	 	NASCENT BIOTECH INC.
	
	 	 	 	 
	Dated as of the 6th day of March, 2020.	By:	/s/ Sean Carrick
	
	 
	 
	Sean Carrick
	 

	 
	 
	CEO, Director	 

 

	 
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EXHIBIT A
 
FORM OF
GRANT OF OPTION PURSUANT TO THE NASCENT BIOTECH INC.
STOCK PLAN
 
Nascent Biotech Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants to _________________________ (“Optionee”) an Option to purchase
___________ shares of common stock, no par value (the “Shares”) of the Company at the purchase price of $______ per share (the “Purchase Price”), in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of Stock Plan (the “Plan”).
 
This option is exercisable in whole or in part, and upon payment in cash or cancellation of fees, or other form of payment acceptable to the Company, to the offices of the Company at 1395 Chattahoochee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318. This Grant of Option supersedes and replaces any prior notice of option grant, description of vesting terms or similar documents previously delivered to Optionee for options granted on the date stated below.
 
Unless otherwise set forth in a separate written agreement, in the event that Optionee’s employee or consultant status with the Company or any of its subsidiaries ceases or terminates for any reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to, death, disability, or voluntary or involuntary cessation or termination, this Grant of Option shall terminate with respect to any portion of this Grant of Option that has not vested prior to the date of cessation or termination of employee or consultant status, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company. In the event of termination for cause, this Grant of Option shall immediately terminate in full with respect to any un-exercised options, and any vested but un-exercised options shall immediately expire and may not be exercised. Unless otherwise set forth in a separate written agreement, vested options must be exercised within six months after the date of termination (other than for cause), notwithstanding the Expiration Date set forth below.
 
Subject to the preceding paragraph, this Grant of Option, or any portion hereof, may be exercised only to the extent vested per the attached schedule, and must be exercised by Optionee no later than ____________________________ (the “Expiration Date”) by (i) notice in writing, signed by Optionee; and (ii) payment of the Purchase Price pursuant to the terms of this Grant of Option and the Plan. Any portion of this Grant of Option that is not exercised on or before the Expiration Date shall lapse. The notice must refer to this Grant of Option, and it must specify the number of shares being purchased, and recite the consideration being paid therefor. Notice shall be deemed given on the date on which the notice is received by the Company.
 
This Option shall be considered validly exercised once payment therefor has cleared the banking system or the Company has issued a credit memo for services in the appropriate amount, or receives a duly executed acceptable promissory note, if the Option is granted with deferred payment, and the Company has received written notice of such exercise. If payment is not received within two business days after the date the notice is received, the Company may deem the notice to be invalid.
 
If Optionee fails to exercise this Option in accordance with this Grant of Option, then this Grant of Option shall terminate and have no force and effect, in which event the Company and Optionee shall have no liability to each other with respect to this Grant of Option.
 
This Option may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
The validity, construction and enforceability of this Grant of Option shall be construed under and governed by the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to its rules concerning conflicts of laws, and any action brought to enforce this Grant of Option or resolve any controversy, breach or disagreement relative hereto shall be brought only in a court of competent jurisdiction within the County of Clark, State of Nevada.
 

	 
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The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Option (the “Underlying Shares”) may not be sold, exchanged, assigned, transferred or permitted to be transferred, whether voluntarily, involuntarily or by operation of law, delivered, encumbered, discounted, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of until (i) the Underlying Shares have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-8, or such other form as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Company; or (ii) an Opinion of Counsel, satisfactory to the Company, has been received, which opinion sets forth the basis and availability of any exemption for resale or transfer from federal or state securities registration requirements.
 
This Grant of Option relates to options granted on ____________________, _____.
 
 
	 
	 
	NASCENT BIOTECH INC.
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR A SPECIAL COMMITTEE THEREOF 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	NOT FOR EXECUTION
	 

	 
	 
	  
	 

	 
	By:
	 
	 

 
OPTIONEE:
 
NOT FOR EXECUTION
___________________________
 

	 
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GRANT OF OPTION PURSUANT TO THE 
NASCENT BIOTECH INC.
STOCK PLAN
 
OPTIONEE:
OPTIONS GRANTED:
PURCHASE PRICE: $_____ per Share DATE OF GRANT:
EXERCISE PERIOD: ____________ to ____________ 
 
VESTING SCHEDULE:
 
	OPTION ON #SHARES  
	 
	DATE VESTED 
	 
	(ASSUMING CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, ETC.)

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

  
EXERCISED TO DATE: ___________, INCLUDING THIS EXERCISE
 
 
BALANCE TO BE EXERCISED: _________
 
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
(TO BE SIGNED ONLY UPON EXERCISE OF THE OPTION)
 
TO: Nascent Biotech Inc. (“Optionor”)
 
The undersigned, the holder of the Option described above, hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the purchase rights represented by such Option for, and to purchase thereunder, _____________ shares of the Common Stock of Nascent Biotech Inc., and herewith makes payment of _________________ therefor. Optionee requests that the certificates for such shares be issued in the name of Optionee and be delivered to Optionee at the address of _______________________, and if such shares shall not be all of the shares purchasable hereunder, represents that a new Notice of Exercise of like tenor for the appropriate balance of the shares, or a portion thereof, purchasable under the Grant of Option pursuant to the Stock Plan, be delivered to Optionor when and as appropriate.
 
	 	 	OPTIONEE: 	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	NOT FOR EXECUTION
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	Dated: _____________ 	 
		

 

	 
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