-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Qx/OVuhju5/Uxb7oA8AtNiOdEW1NxK5zT3ZGQZxAokGeGdb+ahOGBPZwZHFRJGob gANFq4GbSuWqDk48G7QiBw== 0001144204-11-000016.txt : 20110103 0001144204-11-000016.hdr.sgml : 20101231 20110103062034 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-11-000016 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20110103 ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20110103 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110103 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Education Realty Trust, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001302343 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 201352180 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-32417 FILM NUMBER: 11500125 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 530 OAK COURT DRIVE, SUITE 300 CITY: MEMPHIS STATE: TN ZIP: 38117 BUSINESS PHONE: 901.259.2500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 530 OAK COURT DRIVE, SUITE 300 CITY: MEMPHIS STATE: TN ZIP: 38117 8-K 1 v206988_8k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): January 3, 2011 (January 1, 2011)

Education Realty Trust, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Maryland
 
001-32417
 
20-1352180
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 
(Commission File
Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee
 
38117
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

901-259-2500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Executive Employment Agreements

Effective January 1, 2011, Education Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) and each of Randall H. Brown (Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary), Thomas Trubiana (Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer) and J. Drew Koester (Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer) entered into new executive employment agreements. The new executive employment agreements replace the amended and restated executive employment agreements between the Company and each of Messrs. Brown and Trubiana which were effective as of January 1, 2008 and the executive employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Koester which was effective as of October 29, 2008 (collectively, the “2008 Employment Agreements”). In addition, effective January 1, 2011, the Company and each of Ms. Christine Richards (Senior Vice President – Operations) and Mr. Olan Brevard (Senior Vice President – Acquisitions) entered into executive employment agreements based upon the new form of executive employment agreement for each of Messrs. Brown, Trubiana and Koester.

The terms of the new executive employment agreements for Messrs. Brown, Trubiana, Koester and Brevard and Ms. Richards (collectively, the “2011 Employment Agreements”) are substantially similar to the terms of the 2008 Employment Agreements. A description of the 2008 Employment Agreements is included under Part II, Item 5 “Other Information” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. The 2011 Employment Agreements do not materially amend the terms of 2008 Employment Agreements, except as follows:

 
·
The 2011 Employment Agreements will expire and will not automatically renew for one year periods upon the third anniversary of the effective date of the 2011 Employment Agreements;
 
·
The 2011 Employment Agreements amend certain obligations of the Company arising after a termination of employment or a “Change of Control” (as defined in the 2011 Employment Agreements) in the Company, including, but not limited to, the requirements that (i) the Company make certain payments only after the expiration of the “Severance Delay Period” (as defined in the 2011 Employment Agreements) and (ii) the Company pay a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000;
 
·
The 2011 Employment Agreements provide that any compensation paid to an executive, including, but not limited to, equity compensation, may be subject to forfeiture or repayment to the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and/or any clawback policy of the Company; and
 
·
The 2011 Employment Agreements supplement and/or amend certain provisions to ensure their compliance with the requirements of, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated under, Section 409A of the Code.

The foregoing description of the 2011 Employment Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2011 Employment Agreements, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 10.2, Exhibit 10.3, Exhibit 10.4 and Exhibit 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and which are incorporated by reference herein.

 
 

 

Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Awards Granted Thereunder

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company implemented the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 LTIP”) and, in connection therewith, awarded to the executive officers and certain key employees of the Company (the “Participants”) time-vested restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Restricted Stock”), and performance-vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The shares of Restricted Stock and RSUs awarded to Participants pursuant to the 2011 LTIP are subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of the Participants’ Restricted Stock Award Agreements (the “2011 RSA Agreements”) and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements (the “2011 RSU Agreements” and, together with the 2011 LTIP and the 2011 RSA Agreements, the “2011 LTIP Documents”). The 2011 LTIP Documents are in addition to, and do not amend or supersede, the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2010 LTIP”) and the related Restricted Stock Award Agreements (the “2010 RSA Agreements”) and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements (the “2010 RSU Agreements” and, together with the 2010 LTIP and the 2010 RSA Agreements, the “2010 LTIP Documents”).

The terms of the 2011 LTIP Documents are substantially similar to the terms of the 2010 LTIP Documents. A description of the 2010 LTIP Documents is included under Part II, Item 9B “Other Information” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference. The 2011 LTIP Documents do not materially amend the terms of the 2010 LTIP Documents, except as follows:

 
·
The 2011 LTIP and 2011 RSA Agreements provide that shares of Restricted Stock will vest in three equal annual installments on January 1, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as long as the Participant is an employee of the Company on the vesting date;
 
·
The 2011 LTIP and 2011 RSU Agreements provide that the vesting of RSUs will be determined based upon a “Performance Period” (as defined in the 2011 LTIP) which is comprised of the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending January 1, 2014;
 
·
The 2011 LTIP updates the “Peer Group” (as defined in the 2011 LTIP) to include an additional peer company; and
 
·
The 2011 LTIP Documents supplement and/or amend certain provisions to ensure their compliance with the requirements of, and Treasury Regulations promulgated under, Section 409A and/or Section 162(m) of the Code.

The table below shows the number of shares of Restricted Stock awarded to certain Participants pursuant to the 2011 LTIP and the 2011 RSA Agreements.

Participant
 
Restricted Stock (Time-Vested)
50% of 2011 LTIP Award
Randall Churchey
 
50,000 shares
Thomas Trubiana
 
35,000 shares
Christine Richards
 
20,000 shares
Randall Brown
 
15,000 shares
Drew Koester
  
3,500 shares

The table below shows the number of shares of Common Stock that certain Participants would earn pursuant to the 2011 LTIP and the 2011 RSU Agreements if the Company achieves “Threshold,” “Target” or “Maximum” total stockholder return performance levels.

 
 

 

   
RSUs (Performance-Vested) 
50% of 2011 LTIP Award
Participant
 
Threshold 
Performance (1)
 
Target
Performance (2)
 
Maximum
Performance (3)
Randall Churchey
 
25,000 shares
 
50,000 shares
 
75,000 shares
Thomas Trubiana
 
17,500 shares
 
35,000 shares
 
52,500 shares
Christine Richards
 
10,000 shares
 
20,000 shares
 
30,000 shares
Randall Brown
 
7,500 shares
 
15,000 shares
 
22,500 shares
Drew Koester
  
1,750 shares
  
3,500 shares
  
5,250 shares


(1) 50% of Participant’s long-term incentive target x .5.
(2) 50% of Participant’s long-term incentive target.
(3) 50% of Participant’s long-term incentive target x 1.5.

The foregoing description of the 2011 LTIP, 2011 RSA Agreements and 2011 RSU Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2011 LTIP, the form of 2011 RSA Agreement and the form of 2011 RSU Agreement, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibit 10.6, Exhibit 10.7 and Exhibit 10.8, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits.

Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Randall H. Brown
10.2
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Thomas Trubiana
10.3
 
Executive Employment Agreement – J. Drew Koester
10.4
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Christine Richards
10.5
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Olan Brevard
10.6
 
Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.7
 
Form of Education Realty Trust, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement
10.8
 
Form of Education Realty Trust, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

   
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
     
Date: January 3, 2011
By:
/s/ Randall H. Brown
   
Randall H. Brown
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Secretary

 
 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Randall H. Brown
10.2
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Thomas Trubiana
10.3
 
Executive Employment Agreement – J. Drew Koester
10.4
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Christine Richards
10.5
 
Executive Employment Agreement – Olan Brevard
10.6
 
Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.7
 
Form of Education Realty Trust, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement
10.8
 
Form of Education Realty Trust, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

 
 

 
EX-10.1 2 v206988_ex10-1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.

AND

RANDALL H. BROWN

JANUARY 1, 2011

 
 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and Randall H. Brown (“Executive” and, together with the Company, the “Parties”) is effective as of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been and currently is engaged by the Company to serve as its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary;

WHEREAS, Executive’s position is a position of trust and responsibility with access to Trade Secrets (defined below), Confidential Information (defined below) and information concerning Employees (defined below) and Customers (defined below) of the Company;

WHEREAS, Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and the relationships between the Company and each of its Employees and Customers are valuable assets of the Company and may not be used for any purpose other than the Company’s Business (defined below);

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that if Executive were to perform services for a competitor during the Restricted Period (defined below), it would be inevitable that Executive would disclose the Company’s Trade Secrets and Confidential Information;

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of an Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive effective as of October 29, 2008 (the “Prior Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue such employment relationship and enter into this Agreement, which will supersede the Prior Agreement and set forth the terms and conditions under which Executive will continue to serve the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive wishes to continue his employment with the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ Executive in exchange for Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.         Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, all initially capitalized words and phrases used in this Agreement have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any individual or entity, any other individual or entity who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such individual or entity.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Application” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.

Base Salary” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

 
 

 

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

Bonus” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b).

Business” shall mean the business of developing, owning and managing student housing communities, providing third-party management services for student housing communities and providing third-party development consulting services for student housing communities.
 
Cause” shall mean that Executive has (a) continually failed to substantially perform, or been grossly negligent in the discharge of, his duties to the Company (in any case, other than by reason of a Disability, physical or mental illness or analogous condition); (b) been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a felony or a misdemeanor with respect to which fraud or dishonesty is a material element; or (c) materially breached any material Company policy or agreement with the Company.
 
Change of Control” shall mean the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:

(a)           any Person or group of Persons together with its Affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plans of the Company or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company);

(b)           the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c)           the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(d)           the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

 
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(e)           the occurrence of any transaction or series of transactions deemed by the Board to constitute a change in control of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, and (ii) a “Change of Control” shall not occur for purposes of this Agreement as a result of any primary or secondary offering of Company common stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon or following the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, no event that would not qualify as a “change in the ownership of the Company,” a “change in the effective control of the Company,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company” as such terms are defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, shall be treated as a “Change of Control under this Agreement.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Confidential Information” means (a) information of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, to the extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (i) relates to the Business of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (ii) possesses an element of value to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (iii) is not generally known to the Company’s competitors; and (iv) would damage the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, if disclosed, and (b) information of any third party provided to the Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, future business plans, the composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or equipment of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, communication systems, audio systems, system designs and related documentation, advertising or marketing plans, information regarding independent contractors, Employees, clients and Customers of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, and information concerning the Company’s financial structure and methods and procedures of operation.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure, has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating this Agreement or the legal rights of any party or otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

Contact” means any interaction between Executive and a Customer which (a) takes place in an effort to establish, maintain and/or further a business relationship on behalf of the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, and (b) occurs during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year).

Customer” means any person or entity to whom the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, has sold or has solicited to sell its products or services.

Defense Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

 
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Disability” means a physical or mental condition entitling Executive to benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or any its Subsidiaries, or if no such plan exists, a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)) or as determined by the Company in accordance with applicable laws.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon the Executive’s Disability and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, Disability shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.409A-3(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.

Duties” means, solely for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement, supervising the Risk-Management and IT Departments, and functioning as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, which includes the usual and customary duties of a Chief Financial Officer of a public corporation, such as overseeing the Company’s treasury, recordkeeping and reporting activities.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Employee” means any person who (a) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company terminates; (b) was employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year); or (c) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the Restricted Period.

Employment Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.
 
Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Good Reason” means (a) a material diminution in Executive’s title, duties or responsibilities (provided, however, that a requirement to utilize skills in addition to those utilized in Executive’s current position, and/or a change in title and/or direct reports to reflect the organizational structure of the successor entity following a Change of Control, shall not in and of itself be considered a “material diminution” as contemplated by this subsection (a)); (b) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual Base Salary; (c) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual target bonus opportunity (including the failure to pay any bonus earned for any year in which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement in effect prior to such Change of Control); or (d) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s principal place of employment, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Executive’s historical business travel obligations.  Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder, provided that Executive provides the Company with a written notice of resignation within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to remedy such act or omission within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such notice.

Incentive Plans” means the Company’s (i) 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (ii) 2011 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (iii) 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and (iv) 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 
4

 

Licensed Materials” means any materials that Executive utilizes for the benefit of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), or delivers to the Company or the Company’s Customers, which (a) do not constitute Work Product, (b) are created by Executive or of which Executive is otherwise in lawful possession and (c) Executive may lawfully utilize for the benefit of, or distribute to, the Company or the Company’s Customers.

Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Person” shall mean a “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (a) the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

Prior Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

Restricted Period” means the period of time encompassing Executive’s employment with the Company and one (1) year after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Separation Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

Severance Delay Period” means the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the thirtieth day thereafter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant's termination of employment occurs in connection with an exit incentive program or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, as defined under the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 626, the Severance Delay Period shall mean the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the sixtieth day thereafter.

Subsidiary” means a corporation, partnership or other entity of which a majority of the voting interests of such corporation, partnership or other entity are at the time owned directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries or Subsidiaries, or both, by the Company.

Territory” means the continental United States.

Trade Secrets” means information of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), and its licensors, suppliers, clients and Customers, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans or a list of actual or potential Customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

Without Cause” which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) of this Agreement.

 
5

 

Work Product” means (a) any data, databases, materials, documentation, computer programs, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs and/or works of authorship, including but not limited to, discoveries, ideas, concepts, properties, formulas, compositions, methods, programs, procedures, systems, techniques, products, improvements, innovations, writings, pictures, audio, video, images of Executive and artistic works, and (b) any subject matter protected under patent, copyright, proprietary database, trademark, trade secret, rights of publicity, confidential information or other property rights, including all worldwide rights therein, that is or was conceived, created or developed in whole or in part by Executive while employed by the Company and that either (i) is created within the scope of Executive’s employment; (ii) is based on, results from or is suggested by any work performed within the scope of Executive’s employment and is directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing; (iii) has been or will be paid for by the Company; or (iv) was created or improved in whole or in part by using the Company’s time, resources, data, facilities or equipment.

2.      Employment and Duties.
 
(a)           The Company shall employ Executive as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary.  Executive shall perform all duties that are consistent with Executive’s position and that may otherwise be assigned to Executive by the Company from time to time.  Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or any other executive designated by the Board from time to time.

(b)           Executive agrees to (i) devote all necessary working time required of Executive’s position; (ii) devote Executive’s best efforts, skill and energies to promote and advance the Business and/or interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (iii) fully perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.

(c)           During Executive’s employment, Executive shall not render services to any other entity, regardless of whether Executive receives compensation, without the prior written consent of the Company.  Executive may, however, (i) engage in community, charitable and educational activities; (ii) manage Executive’s personal investments; and (iii) with the prior written consent of the Board (or a designated committee thereof), serve on corporate boards or committees, provided that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement or conflict with the interests of the Company.

(d)           Executive agrees to comply with the policies and procedures of the Company as may be adopted and changed from time to time, including those described in the Company’s employee handbook, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other policies set forth by the Company from time to time. If this Agreement conflicts with such policies or procedures, this Agreement will control.

(e)           As an officer of the Company, Executive owes a duty of care and loyalty to the Company as well as a duty to perform such duties in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company.

3.            Term.  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date and terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Employment Period”), provided, however, that the restrictive covenants applicable to and all post-termination obligations of Executive contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

4.      Compensation.

(a)           During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), minus applicable withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  Executive’s Base Salary will be adjusted annually at the discretion of the Committee based upon the performance of Executive and the Company.

 
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(b)           During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at one hundred percent (100%) of Base Salary if, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Executive meets certain criteria established from year to year by the Committee (the “Bonus”).  Executive will not receive any Bonus if Executive does not meet such criteria.  The Bonus will be subject to all applicable withholdings and will be paid (to the extent earned) between January 1 and March 15 of the year following the end of the year in which the Bonus was earned, unless otherwise provided herein.

(c)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all benefit plans in effect for executives and Employees of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans.

(d)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.

(e)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits available to executives of the Company.

(f)            During the Employment Period, the Company will reimburse Executive for all approved business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.

5.      Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any of the following events:

(a)           Expiration of the Employment Period;

(b)           Mutual written agreement between Executive and the Company at any time;

(c)           Executive’s death;

(d)           Executive’s Disability which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job even with reasonable accommodation;

(e)           By the Company for Cause;

(f)            By Executive for Good Reason;

(g)           Resignation by Executive without Good Reason; or

(h)           Without Cause, which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) above.

 
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6.      Company’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)          If this Agreement terminates for the reasons set forth in Section 5(a), Section 5(b), Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 5(e) or Section 5(g) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary, through the termination date; (ii) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (iii) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5(a), all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses, but only if Executive was employed for the entire annual Bonus period;  (iv) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d) during an annual Bonus period, all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses prorated to the date of Executive’s death or Disability; and (v) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d), a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.  Amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(i), (ii) and (v) above shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s termination date and amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be paid at the time the bonus would otherwise be payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(b).  The Company shall have no other obligations to Executive, including under any provision of this Agreement, Company policy or otherwise; however, Executive shall continue to be bound by Section 8 and all other post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(b)          If this Agreement terminates for any of the reasons set forth in  Section 5(f) or Section 5(h) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (ii) a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid over a period of twelve (12) months following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; (iii) all accrued but unpaid vacation through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (iv) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (v) all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses; and (vi) a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.  Amounts or benefits payable under this Section 6(b) shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period.   Except as set forth in this Section 6(b), the Company shall have no other obligations to Executive.

(c)          The Company’s obligation to provide the payments set forth in Section 6(b) above shall be conditioned upon the following (the “Separation Conditions”):
 
(i)           Executive’s (or, in the case of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive’s estate or trustee, as applicable) execution (and the expiration of any applicable revocation period) of a separation agreement in a form prepared by the Company prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, which will include a general release from liability so that Executive will release the Company and its Subsidiaries from any and all liability and claims of any kind as permitted by law; and

(ii)          Executive’s compliance with the restrictive covenants (Section 8) and all post-termination obligations, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(d)          If Executive does not execute (or revokes) an effective separation agreement as set forth in Section 6(c) above prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period (or if any applicable revocation period has not yet ended prior to such time), the Company will not provide any payments or benefits to Executive under Section 6(b).  The Company’s obligation to make the separation payments set forth in Section 6(b) shall terminate immediately upon any breach by Executive of any post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject.

7.      Change of Control.
 
(a)          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Incentive Plans or any award agreement, upon a Change of Control, all of Executive’s outstanding unvested equity-based awards (including, but not limited to, restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted pursuant to the Incentive Plans, shall vest and become immediately exercisable and unrestricted, without any action by the Board or any committee thereof.

 
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(b)          Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, if, within one (1) year following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive’s employment Without Cause pursuant to Section 5(h), or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then the Company will pay Executive the following amounts:
 
(i)           all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary;
 
(ii)          a separation payment equal to two times (2x) the sum of (A) Executive’s then current Base Salary, and (B) Executive’s average Bonus for the two (2) year period prior to the Change of Control, which separation payment shall be paid  in a lump sum as provided below;
 
(iii)         a payment for all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses;
 
(iv)        a payment for all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; and
 
(v)          a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.
 
(c)          The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be provided to Executive in lieu of any benefits to which Executive may be entitled to receive under Section 6(b) above and shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, provided, however, that Executive’s right to receive the separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be subject to the Separation Conditions set forth in Section 6(c) above.  The separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall constitute full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, any Company policy or otherwise.

8.      Executive’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)          Return of Materials.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company all of the Company’s property, including, but not limited to, keys, passcards, credit cards, customer lists, rolodexes, tapes, software, computer files, marketing and sales materials and any other property, record, document or piece of equipment belonging to the Company.

(b)          Set-Off.  If Executive has any outstanding obligations to the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive hereby authorizes the Company to deduct any amounts owed to the Company from Executive’s final paycheck and/or any amounts that would otherwise be due to Executive, including under Section 6 or Section 7 above, but only to the extent such set-off is made in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii).  No other set-off shall be permitted under this Agreement.

(c)          Non-Disparagement. During Executive’s employment and upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall not make any disparaging or defamatory statements, whether written or verbal, regarding the Company.

 
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(d)          Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 8 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and will not impair or infringe upon Executive’s right to work or earn a living after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.

(e)          Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

(i)           Executive represents and warrants that Executive (A) is not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that would prevent or prohibit Executive from performing the duties contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise complying with this Agreement, and (B) is not in breach of any legal or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade secrets or confidential information owned by any other party.

(ii)          Executive agrees that Executive will not (A) use, disclose or reverse engineer Trade Secrets or Confidential Information for any purpose other than the Company’s Business, except as authorized in writing by the Company; (B) during Executive’s employment with the Company, use, disclose or reverse engineer (1) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former employer or third party or (2) any works of authorship developed in whole or in part by Executive during any former employment or for any other party, unless authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or (C) upon Executive’s resignation or termination with the Company (1) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies existing in any form (including electronic form), which are in Executive’s possession or control or (2) destroy, delete or alter Trade Secrets or Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent.

(iii)         The obligations under this Section 8 shall remain in effect as long as Trade Secrets and Confidential Information constitute trade secrets or confidential information under applicable law.  The confidentiality, property and proprietary rights protections available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and all other rights to which the Company is entitled under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade secret and confidential information laws and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

(f)          Non-Competition.  During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive shall not perform services which are substantially similar and/or equivalent to the Duties, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that (i) the periods of restriction and Territory of restriction contained in this Agreement are fair and reasonable in that they are reasonably required for the protection of the Company and that the Territory is the area in which Executive performs services for the Company and (ii) by having access to information concerning Employees and actual or prospective Customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Executive shall obtain a competitive advantage as to the Company.

(g)          Non-Solicitation of Customers.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Customer of the Company for the purpose of providing any goods or services competitive with the Business within the Territory.  The restrictions set forth in this Section 8(g) apply only to the Customers with whom Executive had Contact.

(h)          Non-Recruitment of Employees.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Employee to (i) terminate his or her employment relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) work for any other person or entity engaged in the Business.

 
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(i)           Post-Employment Disclosure.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall provide a copy of this Agreement to persons and/or entities for whom Executive works or consults as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor.  If, during the Restricted Period, Executive works or consults for another person or entity as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor, Executive shall provide the Company with such person or entity’s name, the nature of such person or entity’s business, Executive’s job title and a general description of the services Executive will provide.

(j)           Resignation.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason and upon the request of the Company, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written resignation from all offices, membership on the Board and fiduciary positions in which Executive serves for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

9.          Work Product.  Executive’s employment duties may include creating, developing and/or inventing in areas directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or to a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing.  If ownership of all right, title and interest to the legal rights in and to the Work Product will not vest exclusively in the Company, then, without further consideration, Executive assigns all presently-existing Work Product to the Company and agrees to assign, and automatically assigns, all future Work Product to the Company.  The Company will have the right to obtain, and hold in its own name, copyrights, patents, design registrations, proprietary database rights, trademarks, rights of publicity and any other protection available in the Work Product. At the Company’s request, Executive agrees to perform, during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, any acts to transfer, perfect and defend the Company’s ownership of the Work Product, including, but not limited to (a) executing all documents (including a formal assignment to the Company) necessary for filing an application or registration for protection of the Work Product (an “Application”); (b) explaining the nature of the Work Product to persons designated by the Company; (c) reviewing Applications and other related papers; or (d) providing any other assistance reasonably required for the orderly prosecution of Applications.  Executive agrees to provide the Company with a written description of any Work Product in which Executive is involved (solely or jointly with others) and the circumstances attendant to the creation of such Work Product.

10.         License.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive grants to the Company an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to (a) make, use, sell, copy, perform, display, distribute or otherwise utilize copies of the Licensed Materials; (b) prepare, use and distribute derivative works based upon the Licensed Materials; and (c) authorize others to do the same.  Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any Licensed Materials Executive delivers to the Company.

11.         Release.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive consents to the Company’s use of Executive’s image, likeness, voice or other characteristics in the Company’s products or services.  Executive releases the Company from any causes of action that Executive has or may have arising out of the use, distribution, adaptation, reproduction, broadcast or exhibition of such characteristics.

12.         Injunctive Relief.  Executive agrees that, if Executive breaches Section 8 of this Agreement, (a) the Company would suffer irreparable harm; (b) damages would be difficult to determine, and money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries suffered by the Company; and (c) if the Company seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, Executive hereby waives and will not (i) assert any defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to the breach; (ii) require that the Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information; or (iii) require the Company to post a bond or any other security.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to any other remedies at law or in equity.

 
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13.         Payment of Defense Costs.  If Executive is individually named as a defendant in a lawsuit relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company, then the Company agrees to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses Executive incurs in defending such lawsuit (the “Defense Costs”).  The Company will not pay any damages or any other sums or relief for which Executive is held liable.  If Executive is held liable, then Executive agrees to reimburse the Company for all Defense Costs the Company paid to Executive or on Executive’s behalf.  The Company’s obligation under this Section 13 shall not apply to any claim or lawsuit brought by the Company against Executive. Payment of the Defense Costs shall be the Company’s only obligation under this Section 13; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 13 shall be construed to limit either Party’s rights or obligations under any indemnification agreement or the Company’s organizational documents, as applicable

14.         Clawback. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any amounts paid or payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by the Company, including, but not limited to, any equity compensation granted to Executive, may be subject to forfeiture or repayment to the Company in accordance with Code Section 409A and pursuant to any clawback policy as adopted by the Board from time to time, and Executive hereby agrees to be bound by any such policy.

15.         Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be modified so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.  If such provision cannot be modified to be enforceable, the provision shall be severed from this Agreement to the extent unenforceable.  The remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.         Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

17.         Waiver.  Either Party’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision.  Either Party’s waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.

18.         Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including without limitation the Prior Agreement.  Other than the terms of this Agreement, no other representation, promise or agreement has been made with Executive to cause Executive to sign this Agreement.

19.         Amendments.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both Parties.

20.         Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including, without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation or sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets and shall be binding upon Executive. Executive shall not have the right to assign Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.  The covenants contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, regardless of which Party causes the termination or the reason for the termination.

 
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21.         Governing Law.  The laws of the State of Tennessee shall govern this Agreement. If Tennessee’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws, the Parties agree that Tennessee law shall still govern.

22.         No Strict Construction.  If there is a dispute about the language of this Agreement, the fact that one Party drafted this Agreement shall not be considered in its interpretation.

23.         Notice. Whenever any notice is required, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:

To Company:
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
   
To Executive:
The address then maintained with respect to the Executive in the Company’s records

Notice shall be deemed given and effective when deposited in the U.S. mail, sent to the receiving party by electronic means or when actually received.  Either Party may change the address to which notices shall be delivered or mailed by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section.

24.         Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  Executive agrees that any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in Tennessee.  Executive consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and/or federal courts located in Tennessee.  Executive waives (a) any objection to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or improper venue in any action brought in such courts.

25.         Affirmation.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement, Executive knows and understands its terms and conditions and Executive has had the opportunity to ask the Company any questions Executive may have had prior to signing this Agreement.

26.         Compliance with Code Section 409A and Other Applicable Provisions of the Code.

(a)           It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A, and (ii) that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two (2) year exception) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company, and (ii) that any payments to be provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section 26 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  It is intended that Agreement shall comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the payment of additional taxes and interest under Code Section 409A. In furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated, and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 
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(b)           In addition, to the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which Executive participates during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, (i) the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment under such plan or arrangement in one calendar year may not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment in any other calendar year (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), (ii) subject to any shorter time periods provided herein or the applicable plans or arrangements, any reimbursement or payment of an expense under such plan or arrangement must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, and (iii) the right to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)           Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a termination of Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) (which, by definition, includes a separation from any other entity that would be deemed a single employer together with the Company for this purpose under Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination date,” or similar terms shall mean “separation from service.”

(d)           For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall pay any amounts that are due under this Agreement following Executive’s termination of employment, death, Disability or other event within the periods of time that are specified in this Agreement, provided, however, that the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the date or dates on which any such payment shall be made during such specified period.

(e)           By accepting this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries make any representations with respect to the application of Code Section 409A to any tax, economic or legal consequences of any payments payable to Executive hereunder.  Further, by the acceptance of this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive has obtained independent tax advice regarding the application of Code Section 409A to the payments due to Executive hereunder, (ii) Executive retains full responsibility for the potential application of Code Section 409A to the tax and legal consequences of payments payable to Executive hereunder  and (iii) the Company shall not indemnify or otherwise compensate Executive for any violation of Code Section 409A that my occur in connection with this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate in good faith to amend such documents and to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with Code Section 409A.

Signatures on Following Page

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
 
/s/ Randall L. Churchey
 
 
Name:
Randall L. Churchey
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
EXECUTIVE
   
 
/s/ Randall H. Brown
 
 
Randall H. Brown
 
Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement

 

 
EX-10.2 3 v206988_ex10-2.htm

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.

AND

THOMAS TRUBIANA

JANUARY 1, 2011

 
 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and Thomas Trubiana (“Executive” and, together with the Company, the “Parties”) is effective as of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been and currently is engaged by the Company to serve as its Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer;

WHEREAS, Executive’s position is a position of trust and responsibility with access to Trade Secrets (defined below), Confidential Information (defined below) and information concerning Employees (defined below) and Customers (defined below) of the Company;

WHEREAS, Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and the relationships between the Company and each of its Employees and Customers are valuable assets of the Company and may not be used for any purpose other than the Company’s Business (defined below);

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that if Executive were to perform services for a competitor during the Restricted Period (defined below), it would be inevitable that Executive would disclose the Company’s Trade Secrets and Confidential Information;

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of an Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive effective as of October 29, 2008 (the “Prior Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue such employment relationship and enter into this Agreement, which will supersede the Prior Agreement and set forth the terms and conditions under which Executive will continue to serve the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive wishes to continue his employment with the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ Executive in exchange for Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.         Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, all initially capitalized words and phrases used in this Agreement have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any individual or entity, any other individual or entity who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such individual or entity.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Application” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.

Base Salary” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

 
 

 

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

Bonus” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b).

Business” shall mean the business of developing, owning and managing student housing communities, providing third-party management services for student housing communities and providing third-party development consulting services for student housing communities.
 
Cause” shall mean that Executive has (a) continually failed to substantially perform, or been grossly negligent in the discharge of, his duties to the Company (in any case, other than by reason of a Disability, physical or mental illness or analogous condition); (b) been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a felony or a misdemeanor with respect to which fraud or dishonesty is a material element; or (c) materially breached any material Company policy or agreement with the Company.
 
Change of Control” shall mean the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:

(a)           any Person or group of Persons together with its Affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plans of the Company or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company);

(b)           the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c)           the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(d)           the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

 
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(e)           the occurrence of any transaction or series of transactions deemed by the Board to constitute a change in control of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, and (ii) a “Change of Control” shall not occur for purposes of this Agreement as a result of any primary or secondary offering of Company common stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon or following the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, no event that would not qualify as a “change in the ownership of the Company,” a “change in the effective control of the Company,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company” as such terms are defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, shall be treated as a “Change of Control under this Agreement.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Confidential Information” means (a) information of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, to the extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (i) relates to the Business of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (ii) possesses an element of value to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (iii) is not generally known to the Company’s competitors; and (iv) would damage the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, if disclosed, and (b) information of any third party provided to the Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, future business plans, the composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or equipment of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, communication systems, audio systems, system designs and related documentation, advertising or marketing plans, information regarding independent contractors, Employees, clients and Customers of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, and information concerning the Company’s financial structure and methods and procedures of operation.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure, has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating this Agreement or the legal rights of any party or otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

Contact” means any interaction between Executive and a Customer which (a) takes place in an effort to establish, maintain and/or further a business relationship on behalf of the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, and (b) occurs during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year).

Customer” means any person or entity to whom the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, has sold or has solicited to sell its products or services.

Defense Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

 
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Disability” means a physical or mental condition entitling Executive to benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or any its Subsidiaries, or if no such plan exists, a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)) or as determined by the Company in accordance with applicable laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon the Executive’s Disability and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, Disability shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.409A-3(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.

Duties” means, solely for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement, identifying and executing the Company’s investment strategy including underwriting property acquisition and development opportunities, structuring, negotiating and closing property transactions, and assisting with the integration of new properties into the Company’s portfolio.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Employee” means any person who (a) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company terminates; (b) was employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year); or (c) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the Restricted Period.

Employment Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.
 
Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Good Reason” means (a) a material diminution in Executive’s title, duties or responsibilities (provided, however, that a requirement to utilize skills in addition to those utilized in Executive’s current position, and/or a change in title and/or direct reports to reflect the organizational structure of the successor entity following a Change of Control, shall not in and of itself be considered a “material diminution” as contemplated by this subsection (a)); (b) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual Base Salary; (c) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual target bonus opportunity (including the failure to pay any bonus earned for any year in which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement in effect prior to such Change of Control); or (d) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s principal place of employment, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Executive’s historical business travel obligations.  Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder, provided that Executive provides the Company with a written notice of resignation within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to remedy such act or omission within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such notice.

Incentive Plans” means the Company’s (i) 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (ii) 2011 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (iii) 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and (iv) 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 
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Licensed Materials” means any materials that Executive utilizes for the benefit of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), or delivers to the Company or the Company’s Customers, which (a) do not constitute Work Product, (b) are created by Executive or of which Executive is otherwise in lawful possession and (c) Executive may lawfully utilize for the benefit of, or distribute to, the Company or the Company’s Customers.

Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Person” shall mean a “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (a) the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

Prior Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

Restricted Period” means the period of time encompassing Executive’s employment with the Company and one (1) year after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Separation Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

Severance Delay Period” means the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the thirtieth day thereafter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant's termination of employment occurs in connection with an exit incentive program or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, as defined under the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 626, the Severance Delay Period shall mean the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the sixtieth day thereafter.

Subsidiary” means a corporation, partnership or other entity of which a majority of the voting interests of such corporation, partnership or other entity are at the time owned directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries or Subsidiaries, or both, by the Company.

Territory” means the continental United States.

Trade Secrets” means information of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), and its licensors, suppliers, clients and Customers, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans or a list of actual or potential Customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

Without Cause” which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) of this Agreement.

 
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Work Product” means (a) any data, databases, materials, documentation, computer programs, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs and/or works of authorship, including but not limited to, discoveries, ideas, concepts, properties, formulas, compositions, methods, programs, procedures, systems, techniques, products, improvements, innovations, writings, pictures, audio, video, images of Executive and artistic works, and (b) any subject matter protected under patent, copyright, proprietary database, trademark, trade secret, rights of publicity, confidential information or other property rights, including all worldwide rights therein, that is or was conceived, created or developed in whole or in part by Executive while employed by the Company and that either (i) is created within the scope of Executive’s employment; (ii) is based on, results from or is suggested by any work performed within the scope of Executive’s employment and is directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing; (iii) has been or will be paid for by the Company; or (iv) was created or improved in whole or in part by using the Company’s time, resources, data, facilities or equipment.

2.      Employment and Duties.
 
(a)           The Company shall employ Executive as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer.  Executive shall perform all duties that are consistent with Executive’s position and that may otherwise be assigned to Executive by the Company from time to time.  Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or any other executive designated by the Board from time to time.

(b)           Executive agrees to (i) devote all necessary working time required of Executive’s position; (ii) devote Executive’s best efforts, skill and energies to promote and advance the Business and/or interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (iii) fully perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.

(c)           During Executive’s employment, Executive shall not render services to any other entity, regardless of whether Executive receives compensation, without the prior written consent of the Company.  Executive may, however, (i) engage in community, charitable and educational activities; (ii) manage Executive’s personal investments; and (iii) with the prior written consent of the Board (or a designated committee thereof), serve on corporate boards or committees, provided that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement or conflict with the interests of the Company.

(d)           Executive agrees to comply with the policies and procedures of the Company as may be adopted and changed from time to time, including those described in the Company’s employee handbook, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other policies set forth by the Company from time to time. If this Agreement conflicts with such policies or procedures, this Agreement will control.

(e)           As an officer of the Company, Executive owes a duty of care and loyalty to the Company as well as a duty to perform such duties in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company.

3.      Term.  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date and terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Employment Period”), provided, however, that the restrictive covenants applicable to and all post-termination obligations of Executive contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

4.      Compensation.

(a)           During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), minus applicable withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  Executive’s Base Salary will be adjusted annually at the discretion of the Committee based upon the performance of Executive and the Company.

 
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(b)           During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at one hundred percent (100%) of Base Salary if, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Executive meets certain criteria established from year to year by the Committee (the “Bonus”).  Executive will not receive any Bonus if Executive does not meet such criteria.  The Bonus will be subject to all applicable withholdings and will be paid (to the extent earned) between January 1 and March 15 of the year following the end of the year in which the Bonus was earned, unless otherwise provided herein.

(c)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all benefit plans in effect for executives and Employees of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans.

(d)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.

(e)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits available to executives of the Company.

(f)            During the Employment Period, the Company will reimburse Executive for all approved business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.

5.      Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any of the following events:

(a)           Expiration of the Employment Period;

(b)           Mutual written agreement between Executive and the Company at any time;

(c)           Executive’s death;

(d)           Executive’s Disability which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job even with reasonable accommodation;

(e)           By the Company for Cause;

(f)            By Executive for Good Reason;

(g)           Resignation by Executive without Good Reason; or

(h)           Without Cause, which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) above.

 
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6.      Company’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)          If this Agreement terminates for the reasons set forth in Section 5(a), Section 5(b), Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 5(e) or Section 5(g) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary, through the termination date; (ii) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (iii) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5(a), all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses, but only if Executive was employed for the entire annual Bonus period;  (iv) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d) during an annual Bonus period, all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses prorated to the date of Executive’s death or Disability; and (v) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d), a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.  Amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(i), (ii) and (v) above shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s termination date and amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be paid at the time the bonus would otherwise be payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(b).  The Company shall have no other obligations to Executive, including under any provision of this Agreement, Company policy or otherwise; however, Executive shall continue to be bound by Section 8 and all other post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(b)          If this Agreement terminates for any of the reasons set forth in  Section 5(f) or Section 5(h) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (ii) a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid over a period of twelve (12) months following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; (iii) all accrued but unpaid vacation through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (iv) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (v) all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses; and (vi) a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.  Amounts or benefits payable under this Section 6(b) shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period.   Except as set forth in this Section 6(b), the Company shall have no other obligations to Executive.

(c)          The Company’s obligation to provide the payments set forth in Section 6(b) above shall be conditioned upon the following (the “Separation Conditions”):
 
(i)           Executive’s (or, in the case of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive’s estate or trustee, as applicable) execution (and the expiration of any applicable revocation period) of a separation agreement in a form prepared by the Company prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, which will include a general release from liability so that Executive will release the Company and its Subsidiaries from any and all liability and claims of any kind as permitted by law; and

(ii)          Executive’s compliance with the restrictive covenants (Section 8) and all post-termination obligations, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(d)          If Executive does not execute (or revokes) an effective separation agreement as set forth in Section 6(c) above prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period (or if any applicable revocation period has not yet ended prior to such time), the Company will not provide any payments or benefits to Executive under Section 6(b).  The Company’s obligation to make the separation payments set forth in Section 6(b) shall terminate immediately upon any breach by Executive of any post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject.

7.      Change of Control.
 
(a)          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Incentive Plans or any award agreement, upon a Change of Control, all of Executive’s outstanding unvested equity-based awards (including, but not limited to, restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted pursuant to the Incentive Plans, shall vest and become immediately exercisable and unrestricted, without any action by the Board or any committee thereof.

 
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(b)          Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, if, within one (1) year following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive’s employment Without Cause pursuant to Section 5(h), or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then the Company will pay Executive the following amounts:
 
(i)           all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary;
 
(ii)          a separation payment equal to two times (2x) the sum of (A) Executive’s then current Base Salary, and (B) Executive’s average Bonus for the two (2) year period prior to the Change of Control, which separation payment shall be paid in a lump sum as provided below;
 
(iii)         a payment for all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses;
 
(iv)        a payment for all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; and
 
(v)          a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.
 
(c)          The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be provided to Executive in lieu of any benefits to which Executive may be entitled to receive under Section 6(b) above and shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, provided, however, that Executive’s right to receive the separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be subject to the Separation Conditions set forth in Section 6(c) above.  The separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall constitute full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, any Company policy or otherwise.

8.      Executive’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)          Return of Materials.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company all of the Company’s property, including, but not limited to, keys, passcards, credit cards, customer lists, rolodexes, tapes, software, computer files, marketing and sales materials and any other property, record, document or piece of equipment belonging to the Company.

(b)          Set-Off.  If Executive has any outstanding obligations to the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive hereby authorizes the Company to deduct any amounts owed to the Company from Executive’s final paycheck and/or any amounts that would otherwise be due to Executive, including under Section 6 or Section 7 above, but only to the extent such set-off is made in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii).  No other set-off shall be permitted under this Agreement.

(c)          Non-Disparagement. During Executive’s employment and upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall not make any disparaging or defamatory statements, whether written or verbal, regarding the Company.

 
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(d)          Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 8 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and will not impair or infringe upon Executive’s right to work or earn a living after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.

(e)          Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

(i)           Executive represents and warrants that Executive (A) is not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that would prevent or prohibit Executive from performing the duties contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise complying with this Agreement, and (B) is not in breach of any legal or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade secrets or confidential information owned by any other party.

(ii)          Executive agrees that Executive will not (A) use, disclose or reverse engineer Trade Secrets or Confidential Information for any purpose other than the Company’s Business, except as authorized in writing by the Company; (B) during Executive’s employment with the Company, use, disclose or reverse engineer (1) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former employer or third party or (2) any works of authorship developed in whole or in part by Executive during any former employment or for any other party, unless authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or (C) upon Executive’s resignation or termination with the Company (1) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies existing in any form (including electronic form), which are in Executive’s possession or control or (2) destroy, delete or alter Trade Secrets or Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent.

(iii)         The obligations under this Section 8 shall remain in effect as long as Trade Secrets and Confidential Information constitute trade secrets or confidential information under applicable law.  The confidentiality, property and proprietary rights protections available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and all other rights to which the Company is entitled under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade secret and confidential information laws and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

(f)          Non-Competition.  During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive shall not perform services which are substantially similar and/or equivalent to the Duties, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that (i) the periods of restriction and Territory of restriction contained in this Agreement are fair and reasonable in that they are reasonably required for the protection of the Company and that the Territory is the area in which Executive performs services for the Company and (ii) by having access to information concerning Employees and actual or prospective Customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Executive shall obtain a competitive advantage as to the Company.

(g)          Non-Solicitation of Customers.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Customer of the Company for the purpose of providing any goods or services competitive with the Business within the Territory.  The restrictions set forth in this Section 8(g) apply only to the Customers with whom Executive had Contact.

(h)          Non-Recruitment of Employees.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Employee to (i) terminate his or her employment relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) work for any other person or entity engaged in the Business.

 
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(i)           Post-Employment Disclosure.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall provide a copy of this Agreement to persons and/or entities for whom Executive works or consults as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor.  If, during the Restricted Period, Executive works or consults for another person or entity as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor, Executive shall provide the Company with such person or entity’s name, the nature of such person or entity’s business, Executive’s job title and a general description of the services Executive will provide.

(j)           Resignation.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason and upon the request of the Company, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written resignation from all offices, membership on the Board and fiduciary positions in which Executive serves for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

9.          Work Product.  Executive’s employment duties may include creating, developing and/or inventing in areas directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or to a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing.  If ownership of all right, title and interest to the legal rights in and to the Work Product will not vest exclusively in the Company, then, without further consideration, Executive assigns all presently-existing Work Product to the Company and agrees to assign, and automatically assigns, all future Work Product to the Company.  The Company will have the right to obtain, and hold in its own name, copyrights, patents, design registrations, proprietary database rights, trademarks, rights of publicity and any other protection available in the Work Product. At the Company’s request, Executive agrees to perform, during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, any acts to transfer, perfect and defend the Company’s ownership of the Work Product, including, but not limited to (a) executing all documents (including a formal assignment to the Company) necessary for filing an application or registration for protection of the Work Product (an “Application”); (b) explaining the nature of the Work Product to persons designated by the Company; (c) reviewing Applications and other related papers; or (d) providing any other assistance reasonably required for the orderly prosecution of Applications.  Executive agrees to provide the Company with a written description of any Work Product in which Executive is involved (solely or jointly with others) and the circumstances attendant to the creation of such Work Product.

10.         License.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive grants to the Company an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to (a) make, use, sell, copy, perform, display, distribute or otherwise utilize copies of the Licensed Materials; (b) prepare, use and distribute derivative works based upon the Licensed Materials; and (c) authorize others to do the same.  Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any Licensed Materials Executive delivers to the Company.

11.         Release.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive consents to the Company’s use of Executive’s image, likeness, voice or other characteristics in the Company’s products or services.  Executive releases the Company from any causes of action that Executive has or may have arising out of the use, distribution, adaptation, reproduction, broadcast or exhibition of such characteristics.

12.         Injunctive Relief.  Executive agrees that, if Executive breaches Section 8 of this Agreement, (a) the Company would suffer irreparable harm; (b) damages would be difficult to determine, and money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries suffered by the Company; and (c) if the Company seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, Executive hereby waives and will not (i) assert any defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to the breach; (ii) require that the Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information; or (iii) require the Company to post a bond or any other security.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to any other remedies at law or in equity.

 
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13.         Payment of Defense Costs.  If Executive is individually named as a defendant in a lawsuit relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company, then the Company agrees to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses Executive incurs in defending such lawsuit (the “Defense Costs”).  The Company will not pay any damages or any other sums or relief for which Executive is held liable.  If Executive is held liable, then Executive agrees to reimburse the Company for all Defense Costs the Company paid to Executive or on Executive’s behalf.  The Company’s obligation under this Section 13 shall not apply to any claim or lawsuit brought by the Company against Executive. Payment of the Defense Costs shall be the Company’s only obligation under this Section 13; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 13 shall be construed to limit either Party’s rights or obligations under any indemnification agreement or the Company’s organizational documents, as applicable

14.         Clawback. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any amounts paid or payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by the Company, including, but not limited to, any equity compensation granted to Executive, may be subject to forfeiture or repayment to the Company in accordance with Code Section 409A and pursuant to any clawback policy as adopted by the Board from time to time, and Executive hereby agrees to be bound by any such policy.

15.         Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be modified so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.  If such provision cannot be modified to be enforceable, the provision shall be severed from this Agreement to the extent unenforceable.  The remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.         Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

17.         Waiver.  Either Party’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision.  Either Party’s waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.

18.         Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including without limitation the Prior Agreement.  Other than the terms of this Agreement, no other representation, promise or agreement has been made with Executive to cause Executive to sign this Agreement.

19.         Amendments.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both Parties.

20.         Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including, without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation or sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets and shall be binding upon Executive. Executive shall not have the right to assign Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.  The covenants contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, regardless of which Party causes the termination or the reason for the termination.

 
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21.         Governing Law.  The laws of the State of Tennessee shall govern this Agreement. If Tennessee’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws, the Parties agree that Tennessee law shall still govern.

22.         No Strict Construction.  If there is a dispute about the language of this Agreement, the fact that one Party drafted this Agreement shall not be considered in its interpretation.

23.         Notice. Whenever any notice is required, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:

To Company:
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
   
To Executive:
The address then maintained with respect to the Executive in the Company’s records

Notice shall be deemed given and effective when deposited in the U.S. mail, sent to the receiving party by electronic means or when actually received.  Either Party may change the address to which notices shall be delivered or mailed by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section.

24.         Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  Executive agrees that any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in Tennessee.  Executive consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and/or federal courts located in Tennessee.  Executive waives (a) any objection to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or improper venue in any action brought in such courts.

25.         Affirmation.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement, Executive knows and understands its terms and conditions and Executive has had the opportunity to ask the Company any questions Executive may have had prior to signing this Agreement.

26.         Compliance with Code Section 409A and Other Applicable Provisions of the Code.

(a)           It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A, and (ii) that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two (2) year exception) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company, and (ii) that any payments to be provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section 26 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  It is intended that Agreement shall comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the payment of additional taxes and interest under Code Section 409A. In furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated, and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 
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(b)           In addition, to the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which Executive participates during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, (i) the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment under such plan or arrangement in one calendar year may not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment in any other calendar year (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), (ii) subject to any shorter time periods provided herein or the applicable plans or arrangements, any reimbursement or payment of an expense under such plan or arrangement must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, and (iii) the right to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)           Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a termination of Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) (which, by definition, includes a separation from any other entity that would be deemed a single employer together with the Company for this purpose under Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination date,” or similar terms shall mean “separation from service.”

(d)           For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall pay any amounts that are due under this Agreement following Executive’s termination of employment, death, Disability or other event within the periods of time that are specified in this Agreement, provided, however, that the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the date or dates on which any such payment shall be made during such specified period.

(e)           By accepting this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries make any representations with respect to the application of Code Section 409A to any tax, economic or legal consequences of any payments payable to Executive hereunder.  Further, by the acceptance of this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive has obtained independent tax advice regarding the application of Code Section 409A to the payments due to Executive hereunder, (ii) Executive retains full responsibility for the potential application of Code Section 409A to the tax and legal consequences of payments payable to Executive hereunder  and (iii) the Company shall not indemnify or otherwise compensate Executive for any violation of Code Section 409A that my occur in connection with this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate in good faith to amend such documents and to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with Code Section 409A.

Signatures on Following Page

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
 
/s/ Randall L. Churchey
 
 
Name:
Randall L. Churchey
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
EXECUTIVE
   
 
/s/ Thomas Trubiana
 
 
Thomas Trubiana
 
Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement

 

 
EX-10.3 4 v206988_ex10-3.htm

Exhibit 10.3

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.

AND

J. DREW KOESTER

JANUARY 1, 2011

 
 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and J. Drew Koester (“Executive” and, together with the Company, the “Parties”) is effective as of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been and currently is engaged by the Company to serve as its Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer;

WHEREAS, Executive’s position is a position of trust and responsibility with access to Trade Secrets (defined below), Confidential Information (defined below) and information concerning Employees (defined below) and Customers (defined below) of the Company;

WHEREAS, Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and the relationships between the Company and each of its Employees and Customers are valuable assets of the Company and may not be used for any purpose other than the Company’s Business (defined below);

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that if Executive were to perform services for a competitor during the Restricted Period (defined below), it would be inevitable that Executive would disclose the Company’s Trade Secrets and Confidential Information;

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of an Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive effective as of October 29, 2008 (the “Prior Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue such employment relationship and enter into this Agreement, which will supersede the Prior Agreement and set forth the terms and conditions under which Executive will continue to serve the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive wishes to continue his employment with the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ Executive in exchange for Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.         Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, all initially capitalized words and phrases used in this Agreement have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any individual or entity, any other individual or entity who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such individual or entity.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Application” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.

Base Salary” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

 
 

 

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

Bonus” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b).

Business” shall mean the business of developing, owning and managing student housing communities, providing third-party management services for student housing communities and providing third-party development consulting services for student housing communities.
 
Cause” shall mean that Executive has (a) continually failed to substantially perform, or been grossly negligent in the discharge of, his duties to the Company (in any case, other than by reason of a Disability, physical or mental illness or analogous condition); (b) been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a felony or a misdemeanor with respect to which fraud or dishonesty is a material element; or (c) materially breached any material Company policy or agreement with the Company.
 
Change of Control” shall mean the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:

(a)           any Person or group of Persons together with its Affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plans of the Company or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company);

(b)           the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c)           the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(d)           the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

 
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(e)           the occurrence of any transaction or series of transactions deemed by the Board to constitute a change in control of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, and (ii) a “Change of Control” shall not occur for purposes of this Agreement as a result of any primary or secondary offering of Company common stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon or following the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, no event that would not qualify as a “change in the ownership of the Company,” a “change in the effective control of the Company,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company” as such terms are defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, shall be treated as a “Change of Control under this Agreement.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Confidential Information” means (a) information of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, to the extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (i) relates to the Business of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (ii) possesses an element of value to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (iii) is not generally known to the Company’s competitors; and (iv) would damage the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, if disclosed, and (b) information of any third party provided to the Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, future business plans, the composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or equipment of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, communication systems, audio systems, system designs and related documentation, advertising or marketing plans, information regarding independent contractors, Employees, clients and Customers of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, and information concerning the Company’s financial structure and methods and procedures of operation.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure, has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating this Agreement or the legal rights of any party or otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

Contact” means any interaction between Executive and a Customer which (a) takes place in an effort to establish, maintain and/or further a business relationship on behalf of the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, and (b) occurs during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year).

Customer” means any person or entity to whom the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, has sold or has solicited to sell its products or services.

Defense Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

 
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Disability” means a physical or mental condition entitling Executive to benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or any its Subsidiaries, or if no such plan exists, a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)) or as determined by the Company in accordance with applicable laws.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon the Executive’s Disability and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, Disability shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.409A-3(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.

Duties” means, solely for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement, functioning as the Company’s Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer Chief Accounting Officer, which includes the usual and customary duties of a Chief Accounting Officer of a public corporation, such as overseeing the implementation of accounting policies and procedures and developing and implementing proper internal control over all financial recordkeeping.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Employee” means any person who (a) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company terminates; (b) was employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year); or (c) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the Restricted Period.

Employment Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.
 
Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Good Reason” means (a) a material diminution in Executive’s title, duties or responsibilities (provided, however, that a requirement to utilize skills in addition to those utilized in Executive’s current position, and/or a change in title and/or direct reports to reflect the organizational structure of the successor entity following a Change of Control, shall not in and of itself be considered a “material diminution” as contemplated by this subsection (a)); (b) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual Base Salary; (c) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual target bonus opportunity (including the failure to pay any bonus earned for any year in which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement in effect prior to such Change of Control); or (d) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s principal place of employment, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Executive’s historical business travel obligations.  Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder, provided that Executive provides the Company with a written notice of resignation within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to remedy such act or omission within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such notice.

Incentive Plans” means the Company’s (i) 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (ii) 2011 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (iii) 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and                     (iv) 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 
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Licensed Materials” means any materials that Executive utilizes for the benefit of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), or delivers to the Company or the Company’s Customers, which (a) do not constitute Work Product, (b) are created by Executive or of which Executive is otherwise in lawful possession and (c) Executive may lawfully utilize for the benefit of, or distribute to, the Company or the Company’s Customers.

Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Person” shall mean a “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (a) the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

Prior Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals above.

Restricted Period” means the period of time encompassing Executive’s employment with the Company and one (1) year after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Separation Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

Severance Delay Period” means the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the thirtieth day thereafter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant's termination of employment occurs in connection with an exit incentive program or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, as defined under the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 626, the Severance Delay Period shall mean the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the sixtieth day thereafter.

Subsidiary” means a corporation, partnership or other entity of which a majority of the voting interests of such corporation, partnership or other entity are at the time owned directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries or Subsidiaries, or both, by the Company.

Territory” means the continental United States.

Trade Secrets” means information of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), and its licensors, suppliers, clients and Customers, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans or a list of actual or potential Customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

Without Cause” which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) of this Agreement.

 
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Work Product” means (a) any data, databases, materials, documentation, computer programs, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs and/or works of authorship, including but not limited to, discoveries, ideas, concepts, properties, formulas, compositions, methods, programs, procedures, systems, techniques, products, improvements, innovations, writings, pictures, audio, video, images of Executive and artistic works, and (b) any subject matter protected under patent, copyright, proprietary database, trademark, trade secret, rights of publicity, confidential information or other property rights, including all worldwide rights therein, that is or was conceived, created or developed in whole or in part by Executive while employed by the Company and that either (i) is created within the scope of Executive’s employment; (ii) is based on, results from or is suggested by any work performed within the scope of Executive’s employment and is directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing; (iii) has been or will be paid for by the Company; or (iv) was created or improved in whole or in part by using the Company’s time, resources, data, facilities or equipment.

2.      Employment and Duties.
 
(a)           The Company shall employ Executive as Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer.  Executive shall perform all duties that are consistent with Executive’s position and that may otherwise be assigned to Executive by the Company from time to time.  Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or any other executive designated by the Board from time to time.

(b)           Executive agrees to (i) devote all necessary working time required of Executive’s position; (ii) devote Executive’s best efforts, skill and energies to promote and advance the Business and/or interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (iii) fully perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.

(c)           During Executive’s employment, Executive shall not render services to any other entity, regardless of whether Executive receives compensation, without the prior written consent of the Company.  Executive may, however, (i) engage in community, charitable and educational activities; (ii) manage Executive’s personal investments; and (iii) with the prior written consent of the Board (or a designated committee thereof), serve on corporate boards or committees, provided that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement or conflict with the interests of the Company.

(d)           Executive agrees to comply with the policies and procedures of the Company as may be adopted and changed from time to time, including those described in the Company’s employee handbook, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other policies set forth by the Company from time to time. If this Agreement conflicts with such policies or procedures, this Agreement will control.

(e)           As an officer of the Company, Executive owes a duty of care and loyalty to the Company as well as a duty to perform such duties in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company.

3.            Term. The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date and terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Employment Period”), provided, however, that the restrictive covenants applicable to and all post-termination obligations of Executive contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

4.      Compensation.

(a)           During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), minus applicable withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  Executive’s Base Salary will be adjusted annually at the discretion of the Committee based upon the performance of Executive and the Company.

 
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(b)           During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at fifty percent (50%) of Base Salary if, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Executive meets certain criteria established from year to year by the Committee (the “Bonus”).  Executive will not receive any Bonus if Executive does not meet such criteria.  The Bonus will be subject to all applicable withholdings and will be paid (to the extent earned) between January 1 and March 15 of the year following the end of the year in which the Bonus was earned, unless otherwise provided herein.

(c)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all benefit plans in effect for executives and Employees of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans.

(d)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.

(e)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits available to executives of the Company.

(f)           During the Employment Period, the Company will reimburse Executive for all approved business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.

5.      Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any of the following events:

(a)           Expiration of the Employment Period;

(b)           Mutual written agreement between Executive and the Company at any time;

(c)           Executive’s death;

(d)           Executive’s Disability which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job even with reasonable accommodation;

(e)           By the Company for Cause;

(f)            By Executive for Good Reason;

(g)           Resignation by Executive without Good Reason; or

(h)           Without Cause, which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) above.

 
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6.      Company’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)           If this Agreement terminates for the reasons set forth in Section 5(a), Section 5(b), Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 5(e) or Section 5(g) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary, through the termination date; (ii) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (iii) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5(a), all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses, but only if Executive was employed for the entire annual Bonus period;  (iv) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d) during an annual Bonus period, all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses prorated to the date of Executive’s death or Disability; and (v) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d), a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000. Amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(i), (ii) and (v) above shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s termination date and amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be paid at the time the bonus would otherwise be payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(b).  The Company shall have no other obligations to Executive, including under any provision of this Agreement, Company policy or otherwise; however, Executive shall continue to be bound by Section 8 and all other post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(b)           If this Agreement terminates for any of the reasons set forth in  Section 5(f) or Section 5(h) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (ii) a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid over a period of twelve (12) months following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; (iii) all accrued but unpaid vacation through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (iv) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (v) all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses; and (vi) a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000. Amounts or benefits payable under this Section 6(b) shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period.  Except as set forth in this Section 6(b), the Company shall have no other obligations to Executive.

(c)           The Company’s obligation to provide the payments set forth in Section 6(b) above shall be conditioned upon the following (the “Separation Conditions”):
 
(i)           Executive’s (or, in the case of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive’s estate or trustee, as applicable) execution (and the expiration of any applicable revocation period) of a separation agreement in a form prepared by the Company prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, which will include a general release from liability so that Executive will release the Company and its Subsidiaries from any and all liability and claims of any kind as permitted by law; and

(ii)          Executive’s compliance with the restrictive covenants (Section 8) and all post-termination obligations, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(d)           If Executive does not execute (or revokes) an effective separation agreement as set forth in Section 6(c) above prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period (or if any applicable revocation period has not yet ended prior to such time), the Company will not provide any payments or benefits to Executive under Section 6(b).  The Company’s obligation to make the separation payments set forth in Section 6(b) shall terminate immediately upon any breach by Executive of any post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject.

 
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7.      Change of Control.
 
(a)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Incentive Plans or any award agreement, upon a Change of Control, all of Executive’s outstanding unvested equity-based awards (including, but not limited to, restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted pursuant to the Incentive Plans, shall vest and become immediately exercisable and unrestricted, without any action by the Board or any committee thereof.
 
(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, if, within one (1) year following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive’s employment Without Cause pursuant to Section 5(h), or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then the Company will pay Executive the following amounts:
 
(i)           all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary;
 
(ii)          a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid in a lump sum as provided below;
 
(iii)         a payment for all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses;
 
(iv)         a payment for all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; and
 
(v)          a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.
 
(c)           The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be provided to Executive in lieu of any benefits to which Executive may be entitled to receive under Section 6(b) above and shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, provided, however, that Executive’s right to receive the separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be subject to the Separation Conditions set forth in Section 6(c) above.  The separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall constitute full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, any Company policy or otherwise.

8.      Executive’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)           Return of Materials.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company all of the Company’s property, including, but not limited to, keys, passcards, credit cards, customer lists, rolodexes, tapes, software, computer files, marketing and sales materials and any other property, record, document or piece of equipment belonging to the Company.

(b)           Set-Off.  If Executive has any outstanding obligations to the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive hereby authorizes the Company to deduct any amounts owed to the Company from Executive’s final paycheck and/or any amounts that would otherwise be due to Executive, including under Section 6 or Section 7 above, but only to the extent such set-off is made in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii).  No other set-off shall be permitted under this Agreement.

 
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(c)           Non-Disparagement. During Executive’s employment and upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall not make any disparaging or defamatory statements, whether written or verbal, regarding the Company.

(d)           Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 8 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and will not impair or infringe upon Executive’s right to work or earn a living after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.

(e)           Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

(i)           Executive represents and warrants that Executive (A) is not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that would prevent or prohibit Executive from performing the duties contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise complying with this Agreement, and (B) is not in breach of any legal or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade secrets or confidential information owned by any other party.

(ii)          Executive agrees that Executive will not (A) use, disclose or reverse engineer Trade Secrets or Confidential Information for any purpose other than the Company’s Business, except as authorized in writing by the Company; (B) during Executive’s employment with the Company, use, disclose or reverse engineer (1) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former employer or third party or (2) any works of authorship developed in whole or in part by Executive during any former employment or for any other party, unless authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or (C) upon Executive’s resignation or termination with the Company (1) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies existing in any form (including electronic form), which are in Executive’s possession or control or (2) destroy, delete or alter Trade Secrets or Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent.

(iii)         The obligations under this Section 8 shall remain in effect as long as Trade Secrets and Confidential Information constitute trade secrets or confidential information under applicable law.  The confidentiality, property and proprietary rights protections available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and all other rights to which the Company is entitled under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade secret and confidential information laws and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

(f)           Non-Competition.  During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive shall not perform services which are substantially similar and/or equivalent to the Duties, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that (i) the periods of restriction and Territory of restriction contained in this Agreement are fair and reasonable in that they are reasonably required for the protection of the Company and that the Territory is the area in which Executive performs services for the Company and (ii) by having access to information concerning Employees and actual or prospective Customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Executive shall obtain a competitive advantage as to the Company.

(g)          Non-Solicitation of Customers.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Customer of the Company for the purpose of providing any goods or services competitive with the Business within the Territory.  The restrictions set forth in this Section 8(g) apply only to the Customers with whom Executive had Contact.

 
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(h)          Non-Recruitment of Employees.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Employee to (i) terminate his or her employment relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) work for any other person or entity engaged in the Business.

(i)           Post-Employment Disclosure.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall provide a copy of this Agreement to persons and/or entities for whom Executive works or consults as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor.  If, during the Restricted Period, Executive works or consults for another person or entity as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor, Executive shall provide the Company with such person or entity’s name, the nature of such person or entity’s business, Executive’s job title and a general description of the services Executive will provide.

(j)           Resignation.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason and upon the request of the Company, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written resignation from all offices, membership on the Board and fiduciary positions in which Executive serves for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

9.         Work Product.  Executive’s employment duties may include creating, developing and/or inventing in areas directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or to a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing.  If ownership of all right, title and interest to the legal rights in and to the Work Product will not vest exclusively in the Company, then, without further consideration, Executive assigns all presently-existing Work Product to the Company and agrees to assign, and automatically assigns, all future Work Product to the Company.  The Company will have the right to obtain, and hold in its own name, copyrights, patents, design registrations, proprietary database rights, trademarks, rights of publicity and any other protection available in the Work Product. At the Company’s request, Executive agrees to perform, during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, any acts to transfer, perfect and defend the Company’s ownership of the Work Product, including, but not limited to (a) executing all documents (including a formal assignment to the Company) necessary for filing an application or registration for protection of the Work Product (an “Application”); (b) explaining the nature of the Work Product to persons designated by the Company; (c) reviewing Applications and other related papers; or (d) providing any other assistance reasonably required for the orderly prosecution of Applications.  Executive agrees to provide the Company with a written description of any Work Product in which Executive is involved (solely or jointly with others) and the circumstances attendant to the creation of such Work Product.

10.         License.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive grants to the Company an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to (a) make, use, sell, copy, perform, display, distribute or otherwise utilize copies of the Licensed Materials; (b) prepare, use and distribute derivative works based upon the Licensed Materials; and (c) authorize others to do the same.  Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any Licensed Materials Executive delivers to the Company.

11.         Release.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive consents to the Company’s use of Executive’s image, likeness, voice or other characteristics in the Company’s products or services.  Executive releases the Company from any causes of action that Executive has or may have arising out of the use, distribution, adaptation, reproduction, broadcast or exhibition of such characteristics.

 
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12.         Injunctive Relief.  Executive agrees that, if Executive breaches Section 8 of this Agreement, (a) the Company would suffer irreparable harm; (b) damages would be difficult to determine, and money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries suffered by the Company; and (c) if the Company seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, Executive hereby waives and will not (i) assert any defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to the breach; (ii) require that the Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information; or (iii) require the Company to post a bond or any other security.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to any other remedies at law or in equity.

13.         Payment of Defense Costs.  If Executive is individually named as a defendant in a lawsuit relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company, then the Company agrees to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses Executive incurs in defending such lawsuit (the “Defense Costs”).  The Company will not pay any damages or any other sums or relief for which Executive is held liable.  If Executive is held liable, then Executive agrees to reimburse the Company for all Defense Costs the Company paid to Executive or on Executive’s behalf.  The Company’s obligation under this Section 13 shall not apply to any claim or lawsuit brought by the Company against Executive. Payment of the Defense Costs shall be the Company’s only obligation under this Section 13; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 13 shall be construed to limit either Party’s rights or obligations under any indemnification agreement or the Company’s organizational documents, as applicable

14.         Clawback. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any amounts paid or payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by the Company, including, but not limited to, any equity compensation granted to Executive, may be subject to forfeiture or repayment to the Company in accordance with Code Section 409A and pursuant to any clawback policy as adopted by the Board from time to time, and Executive hereby agrees to be bound by any such policy.

15.         Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be modified so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.  If such provision cannot be modified to be enforceable, the provision shall be severed from this Agreement to the extent unenforceable.  The remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.         Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

17.         Waiver.  Either Party’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision.  Either Party’s waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.

18.         Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including without limitation the Prior Agreement.  Other than the terms of this Agreement, no other representation, promise or agreement has been made with Executive to cause Executive to sign this Agreement.

19.         Amendments.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both Parties.

 
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20.         Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including, without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation or sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets and shall be binding upon Executive. Executive shall not have the right to assign Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.  The covenants contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, regardless of which Party causes the termination or the reason for the termination.

21.         Governing Law.  The laws of the State of Tennessee shall govern this Agreement. If Tennessee’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws, the Parties agree that Tennessee law shall still govern.

22.         No Strict Construction.  If there is a dispute about the language of this Agreement, the fact that one Party drafted this Agreement shall not be considered in its interpretation.

23.         Notice.  Whenever any notice is required, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:

To Company:
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
To Executive:
The address then maintained with respect to the Executive in the Company’s records

Notice shall be deemed given and effective when deposited in the U.S. mail, sent to the receiving party by electronic means or when actually received.  Either Party may change the address to which notices shall be delivered or mailed by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section.

24.         Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  Executive agrees that any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in Tennessee.  Executive consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and/or federal courts located in Tennessee.  Executive waives (a) any objection to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or improper venue in any action brought in such courts.

25.         Affirmation.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement, Executive knows and understands its terms and conditions and Executive has had the opportunity to ask the Company any questions Executive may have had prior to signing this Agreement.

26.         Compliance with Code Section 409A and Other Applicable Provisions of the Code.

(a)           It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A, and (ii) that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two (2) year exception) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company, and (ii) that any payments to be provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section 26 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  It is intended that Agreement shall comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the payment of additional taxes and interest under Code Section 409A. In furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated, and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 
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(b)           In addition, to the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which Executive participates during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, (i) the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment under such plan or arrangement in one calendar year may not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment in any other calendar year (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), (ii) subject to any shorter time periods provided herein or the applicable plans or arrangements, any reimbursement or payment of an expense under such plan or arrangement must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, and (iii) the right to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)           Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a termination of Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) (which, by definition, includes a separation from any other entity that would be deemed a single employer together with the Company for this purpose under Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination date,” or similar terms shall mean “separation from service.”

(d)           For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall pay any amounts that are due under this Agreement following Executive’s termination of employment, death, Disability or other event within the periods of time that are specified in this Agreement, provided, however, that the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the date or dates on which any such payment shall be made during such specified period.

(e)           By accepting this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries make any representations with respect to the application of Code Section 409A to any tax, economic or legal consequences of any payments payable to Executive hereunder.  Further, by the acceptance of this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive has obtained independent tax advice regarding the application of Code Section 409A to the payments due to Executive hereunder, (ii) Executive retains full responsibility for the potential application of Code Section 409A to the tax and legal consequences of payments payable to Executive hereunder and (iii) the Company shall not indemnify or otherwise compensate Executive for any violation of Code Section 409A that my occur in connection with this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate in good faith to amend such documents and to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with Code Section 409A.

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
 
/s/ Randall L. Churchey
 
 
Name:
Randall L. Churchey
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
EXECUTIVE
   
 
/s/ J. Drew Koester
 
 
J. Drew Koester

Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement

 

 
EX-10.4 5 v206988_ex10-4.htm
Exhibit 10.4

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.

AND

CHRISTINE RICHARDS

JANUARY 1, 2011

 
 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and Christine Richards (“Executive” and, together with the Company, the “Parties”) is effective as of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been and currently is engaged by the Company to serve as its Senior Vice President – Operations;

WHEREAS, Executive’s position is a position of trust and responsibility with access to Trade Secrets (defined below), Confidential Information (defined below) and information concerning Employees (defined below) and Customers (defined below) of the Company;

WHEREAS, Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and the relationships between the Company and each of its Employees and Customers are valuable assets of the Company and may not be used for any purpose other than the Company’s Business (defined below);

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that if Executive were to perform services for a competitor during the Restricted Period (defined below), it would be inevitable that Executive would disclose the Company’s Trade Secrets and Confidential Information;

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company on an at-will basis;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue such employment relationship and enter into this Agreement, which will set forth the terms and conditions under which Executive will continue to serve the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive wishes to continue her employment with the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ Executive in exchange for Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.         Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, all initially capitalized words and phrases used in this Agreement have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any individual or entity, any other individual or entity who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such individual or entity.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Application” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.

Base Salary” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 
 

 

Bonus” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b).

Business” shall mean the business of developing, owning and managing student housing communities, providing third-party management services for student housing communities and providing third-party development consulting services for student housing communities.
 
Cause” shall mean that Executive has (a) continually failed to substantially perform, or been grossly negligent in the discharge of, her duties to the Company (in any case, other than by reason of a Disability, physical or mental illness or analogous condition); (b) been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a felony or a misdemeanor with respect to which fraud or dishonesty is a material element; or (c) materially breached any material Company policy or agreement with the Company.
 
Change of Control” shall mean the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:

(a)           any Person or group of Persons together with its Affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plans of the Company or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company);

(b)           the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c)           the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(d)           the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

(e)           the occurrence of any transaction or series of transactions deemed by the Board to constitute a change in control of the Company.

 
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, and (ii) a “Change of Control” shall not occur for purposes of this Agreement as a result of any primary or secondary offering of Company common stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon or following the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, no event that would not qualify as a “change in the ownership of the Company,” a “change in the effective control of the Company,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company” as such terms are defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, shall be treated as a “Change of Control under this Agreement.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Confidential Information” means (a) information of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, to the extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (i) relates to the Business of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (ii) possesses an element of value to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (iii) is not generally known to the Company’s competitors; and (iv) would damage the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, if disclosed, and (b) information of any third party provided to the Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, future business plans, the composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or equipment of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, communication systems, audio systems, system designs and related documentation, advertising or marketing plans, information regarding independent contractors, Employees, clients and Customers of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, and information concerning the Company’s financial structure and methods and procedures of operation.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure, has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating this Agreement or the legal rights of any party or otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

Contact” means any interaction between Executive and a Customer which (a) takes place in an effort to establish, maintain and/or further a business relationship on behalf of the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, and (b) occurs during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year).

Customer” means any person or entity to whom the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, has sold or has solicited to sell its products or services.

Defense Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

 
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Disability” means a physical or mental condition entitling Executive to benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or any its Subsidiaries, or if no such plan exists, a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)) or as determined by the Company in accordance with applicable laws.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon the Executive’s Disability and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, Disability shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.409A-3(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.

Duties” means, solely for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement, functioning as the Company’s Senior Vice President – Operations, which includes the usual and customary duties of a Senior Vice President – Operations of a public corporation, such administering key functions of the operations of the Company consistent with on-site operations and customers’ financial objectives, seeking new fee management business and maintaining continuous dialogue with those property owners and fulfilling such other responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and/or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company may assign to Executive from time to time.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Employee” means any person who (a) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company terminates; (b) was employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year); or (c) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the Restricted Period.

Employment Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.
 
Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Good Reason” means (a) a material diminution in Executive’s title, duties or responsibilities (provided, however, that a requirement to utilize skills in addition to those utilized in Executive’s current position, and/or a change in title and/or direct reports to reflect the organizational structure of the successor entity following a Change of Control, shall not in and of itself be considered a “material diminution” as contemplated by this subsection (a)); (b) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual Base Salary; (c) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual target bonus opportunity (including the failure to pay any bonus earned for any year in which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement in effect prior to such Change of Control); or (d) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s principal place of employment, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Executive’s historical business travel obligations.  Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder, provided that Executive provides the Company with a written notice of resignation within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to remedy such act or omission within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such notice.

Incentive Plans” means the Company’s (i) 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (ii) 2011 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (iii) 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and (iv) 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 
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Licensed Materials” means any materials that Executive utilizes for the benefit of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), or delivers to the Company or the Company’s Customers, which (a) do not constitute Work Product, (b) are created by Executive or of which Executive is otherwise in lawful possession and (c) Executive may lawfully utilize for the benefit of, or distribute to, the Company or the Company’s Customers.

Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Person” shall mean a “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (a) the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

Restricted Period” means the period of time encompassing Executive’s employment with the Company and one (1) year after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Separation Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

Severance Delay Period” means the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the thirtieth day thereafter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant's termination of employment occurs in connection with an exit incentive program or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, as defined under the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 626, the Severance Delay Period shall mean the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the sixtieth day thereafter.

Subsidiary” means a corporation, partnership or other entity of which a majority of the voting interests of such corporation, partnership or other entity are at the time owned directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries or Subsidiaries, or both, by the Company.

Territory” means the continental United States.

Trade Secrets” means information of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), and its licensors, suppliers, clients and Customers, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans or a list of actual or potential Customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

Without Cause” which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) of this Agreement.

 
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Work Product” means (a) any data, databases, materials, documentation, computer programs, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs and/or works of authorship, including but not limited to, discoveries, ideas, concepts, properties, formulas, compositions, methods, programs, procedures, systems, techniques, products, improvements, innovations, writings, pictures, audio, video, images of Executive and artistic works, and (b) any subject matter protected under patent, copyright, proprietary database, trademark, trade secret, rights of publicity, confidential information or other property rights, including all worldwide rights therein, that is or was conceived, created or developed in whole or in part by Executive while employed by the Company and that either (i) is created within the scope of Executive’s employment; (ii) is based on, results from or is suggested by any work performed within the scope of Executive’s employment and is directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing; (iii) has been or will be paid for by the Company; or (iv) was created or improved in whole or in part by using the Company’s time, resources, data, facilities or equipment.

2.     Employment and Duties.
 
(a)           The Company shall employ Executive as Senior Vice President – Operations.  Executive shall perform all duties that are consistent with Executive’s position and that may otherwise be assigned to Executive by the Company from time to time.  Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or any other executive designated by the Board from time to time.

(b)           Executive agrees to (i) devote all necessary working time required of Executive’s position; (ii) devote Executive’s best efforts, skill and energies to promote and advance the Business and/or interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (iii) fully perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.

(c)           During Executive’s employment, Executive shall not render services to any other entity, regardless of whether Executive receives compensation, without the prior written consent of the Company.  Executive may, however, (i) engage in community, charitable and educational activities; (ii) manage Executive’s personal investments; and (iii) with the prior written consent of the Board (or a designated committee thereof), serve on corporate boards or committees, provided that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement or conflict with the interests of the Company.

(d)           Executive agrees to comply with the policies and procedures of the Company as may be adopted and changed from time to time, including those described in the Company’s employee handbook, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other policies set forth by the Company from time to time. If this Agreement conflicts with such policies or procedures, this Agreement will control.

(e)           As an officer of the Company, Executive owes a duty of care and loyalty to the Company as well as a duty to perform such duties in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company.

3.            Term.  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date and terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Employment Period”), provided, however, that the restrictive covenants applicable to and all post-termination obligations of Executive contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

4.     Compensation.

(a)           During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), minus applicable withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  Executive’s Base Salary will be adjusted annually at the discretion of the Committee based upon the performance of Executive and the Company.

 
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(b)           During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at fifty percent (50%) of Base Salary if, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Executive meets certain criteria established from year to year by the Committee (the “Bonus”).  Executive will not receive any Bonus if Executive does not meet such criteria.  The Bonus will be subject to all applicable withholdings and will be paid (to the extent earned) between January 1 and March 15 of the year following the end of the year in which the Bonus was earned, unless otherwise provided herein.

(c)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all benefit plans in effect for executives and Employees of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans.

(d)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.

(e)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits available to executives of the Company.

(f)           During the Employment Period, the Company will reimburse Executive for all approved business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.

5.     Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any of the following events:

(a)           Expiration of the Employment Period;

(b)           Mutual written agreement between Executive and the Company at any time;

(c)           Executive’s death;

(d)           Executive’s Disability which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job even with reasonable accommodation;

(e)           By the Company for Cause;

(f)            By Executive for Good Reason;

(g)           Resignation by Executive without Good Reason; or

(h)           Without Cause, which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) above.

 
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6.     Company’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)           If this Agreement terminates for the reasons set forth in Section 5(a), Section 5(b), Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 5(e) or Section 5(g) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary, through the termination date; (ii) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (iii) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5(a), all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses, but only if Executive was employed for the entire annual Bonus period;  (iv) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d) during an annual Bonus period, all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses prorated to the date of Executive’s death or Disability; and (v) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d), a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000. Amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(i), (ii) and (v) above shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s termination date and amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be paid at the time the bonus would otherwise be payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(b).  The Company shall have no other obligations to Executive, including under any provision of this Agreement, Company policy or otherwise; however, Executive shall continue to be bound by Section 8 and all other post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(b)           If this Agreement terminates for any of the reasons set forth in  Section 5(f) or Section 5(h) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (ii) a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid over a period of twelve (12) months following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; (iii) all accrued but unpaid vacation through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (iv) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (v) all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses; and (vi) a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000. Amounts or benefits payable under this Section 6(b) shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period. Except as set forth in this Section 6(b), the Company shall have no other obligations to Executive.

(c)           The Company’s obligation to provide the payments set forth in Section 6(b) above shall be conditioned upon the following (the “Separation Conditions”):  
 
(i)           Executive’s (or, in the case of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive’s estate or trustee, as applicable) execution (and the expiration of any applicable revocation period) of a separation agreement in a form prepared by the Company prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, which will include a general release from liability so that Executive will release the Company and its Subsidiaries from any and all liability and claims of any kind as permitted by law; and

(ii)          Executive’s compliance with the restrictive covenants (Section 8) and all post-termination obligations, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(d)           If Executive does not execute (or revokes) an effective separation agreement as set forth in Section 6(c) above prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period (or if any applicable revocation period has not yet ended prior to such time), the Company will not provide any payments or benefits to Executive under Section 6(b).  The Company’s obligation to make the separation payments set forth in Section 6(b) shall terminate immediately upon any breach by Executive of any post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject.

7.     Change of Control.
 
(a)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Incentive Plans or any award agreement, upon a Change of Control, all of Executive’s outstanding unvested equity-based awards (including, but not limited to, restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted pursuant to the Incentive Plans, shall vest and become immediately exercisable and unrestricted, without any action by the Board or any committee thereof.

 
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(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, if, within one (1) year following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive’s employment Without Cause pursuant to Section 5(h), or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then the Company will pay Executive the following amounts:
 
(i)           all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary;
 
(ii)          a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid in a lump sum as provided below;
 
(iii)         a payment for all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses;
 
(iv)         a payment for all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; and
 
(v)          a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.
 
(c)           The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be provided to Executive in lieu of any benefits to which Executive may be entitled to receive under Section 6(b) above and shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, provided, however, that Executive’s right to receive the separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be subject to the Separation Conditions set forth in Section 6(c) above.  The separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall constitute full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, any Company policy or otherwise.

8.     Executive’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)           Return of Materials.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company all of the Company’s property, including, but not limited to, keys, passcards, credit cards, customer lists, rolodexes, tapes, software, computer files, marketing and sales materials and any other property, record, document or piece of equipment belonging to the Company.

(b)           Set-Off.  If Executive has any outstanding obligations to the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive hereby authorizes the Company to deduct any amounts owed to the Company from Executive’s final paycheck and/or any amounts that would otherwise be due to Executive, including under Section 6 or Section 7 above, but only to the extent such set-off is made in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii).  No other set-off shall be permitted under this Agreement.

(c)           Non-Disparagement. During Executive’s employment and upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall not make any disparaging or defamatory statements, whether written or verbal, regarding the Company.

 
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(d)           Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 8 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and will not impair or infringe upon Executive’s right to work or earn a living after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.

(e)           Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

(i)           Executive represents and warrants that Executive (A) is not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that would prevent or prohibit Executive from performing the duties contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise complying with this Agreement, and (B) is not in breach of any legal or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade secrets or confidential information owned by any other party.

(ii)          Executive agrees that Executive will not (A) use, disclose or reverse engineer Trade Secrets or Confidential Information for any purpose other than the Company’s Business, except as authorized in writing by the Company; (B) during Executive’s employment with the Company, use, disclose or reverse engineer (1) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former employer or third party or (2) any works of authorship developed in whole or in part by Executive during any former employment or for any other party, unless authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or (C) upon Executive’s resignation or termination with the Company (1) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies existing in any form (including electronic form), which are in Executive’s possession or control or (2) destroy, delete or alter Trade Secrets or Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent.

(iii)         The obligations under this Section 8 shall remain in effect as long as Trade Secrets and Confidential Information constitute trade secrets or confidential information under applicable law.  The confidentiality, property and proprietary rights protections available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and all other rights to which the Company is entitled under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade secret and confidential information laws and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

(f)           Non-Competition.  During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive shall not perform services which are substantially similar and/or equivalent to the Duties, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that (i) the periods of restriction and Territory of restriction contained in this Agreement are fair and reasonable in that they are reasonably required for the protection of the Company and that the Territory is the area in which Executive performs services for the Company and (ii) by having access to information concerning Employees and actual or prospective Customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Executive shall obtain a competitive advantage as to the Company.

(g)           Non-Solicitation of Customers.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Customer of the Company for the purpose of providing any goods or services competitive with the Business within the Territory.  The restrictions set forth in this Section 8(g) apply only to the Customers with whom Executive had Contact.

(h)           Non-Recruitment of Employees.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Employee to (i) terminate his or her employment relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) work for any other person or entity engaged in the Business.

 
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(i)            Post-Employment Disclosure.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall provide a copy of this Agreement to persons and/or entities for whom Executive works or consults as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor.  If, during the Restricted Period, Executive works or consults for another person or entity as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor, Executive shall provide the Company with such person or entity’s name, the nature of such person or entity’s business, Executive’s job title and a general description of the services Executive will provide.

(j)            Resignation.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason and upon the request of the Company, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written resignation from all offices, membership on the Board and fiduciary positions in which Executive serves for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

9.         Work Product.  Executive’s employment duties may include creating, developing and/or inventing in areas directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or to a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing.  If ownership of all right, title and interest to the legal rights in and to the Work Product will not vest exclusively in the Company, then, without further consideration, Executive assigns all presently-existing Work Product to the Company and agrees to assign, and automatically assigns, all future Work Product to the Company.  The Company will have the right to obtain, and hold in its own name, copyrights, patents, design registrations, proprietary database rights, trademarks, rights of publicity and any other protection available in the Work Product. At the Company’s request, Executive agrees to perform, during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, any acts to transfer, perfect and defend the Company’s ownership of the Work Product, including, but not limited to (a) executing all documents (including a formal assignment to the Company) necessary for filing an application or registration for protection of the Work Product (an “Application”); (b) explaining the nature of the Work Product to persons designated by the Company; (c) reviewing Applications and other related papers; or (d) providing any other assistance reasonably required for the orderly prosecution of Applications.  Executive agrees to provide the Company with a written description of any Work Product in which Executive is involved (solely or jointly with others) and the circumstances attendant to the creation of such Work Product.

10.       License.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive grants to the Company an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to (a) make, use, sell, copy, perform, display, distribute or otherwise utilize copies of the Licensed Materials; (b) prepare, use and distribute derivative works based upon the Licensed Materials; and (c) authorize others to do the same.  Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any Licensed Materials Executive delivers to the Company.

11.       Release.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive consents to the Company’s use of Executive’s image, likeness, voice or other characteristics in the Company’s products or services.  Executive releases the Company from any causes of action that Executive has or may have arising out of the use, distribution, adaptation, reproduction, broadcast or exhibition of such characteristics.

12.       Injunctive Relief.  Executive agrees that, if Executive breaches Section 8 of this Agreement, (a) the Company would suffer irreparable harm; (b) damages would be difficult to determine, and money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries suffered by the Company; and (c) if the Company seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, Executive hereby waives and will not (i) assert any defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to the breach; (ii) require that the Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information; or (iii) require the Company to post a bond or any other security.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to any other remedies at law or in equity.

 
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13.       Payment of Defense Costs.  If Executive is individually named as a defendant in a lawsuit relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company, then the Company agrees to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses Executive incurs in defending such lawsuit (the “Defense Costs”).  The Company will not pay any damages or any other sums or relief for which Executive is held liable.  If Executive is held liable, then Executive agrees to reimburse the Company for all Defense Costs the Company paid to Executive or on Executive’s behalf.  The Company’s obligation under this Section 13 shall not apply to any claim or lawsuit brought by the Company against Executive. Payment of the Defense Costs shall be the Company’s only obligation under this Section 13; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 13 shall be construed to limit either Party’s rights or obligations under any indemnification agreement or the Company’s organizational documents, as applicable

14.       Clawback.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any amounts paid or payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by the Company, including, but not limited to, any equity compensation granted to Executive, may be subject to forfeiture or repayment to the Company in accordance with Code Section 409A and pursuant to any clawback policy as adopted by the Board from time to time, and Executive hereby agrees to be bound by any such policy.

15.       Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be modified so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.  If such provision cannot be modified to be enforceable, the provision shall be severed from this Agreement to the extent unenforceable.  The remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.       Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

17.       Waiver.  Either Party’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision.  Either Party’s waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.

18.       Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.  Other than the terms of this Agreement, no other representation, promise or agreement has been made with Executive to cause Executive to sign this Agreement.

19.       Amendments.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both Parties.

20.       Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including, without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation or sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets and shall be binding upon Executive. Executive shall not have the right to assign Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.  The covenants contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, regardless of which Party causes the termination or the reason for the termination.

 
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21.       Governing Law.  The laws of the State of Tennessee shall govern this Agreement. If Tennessee’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws, the Parties agree that Tennessee law shall still govern.

22.       No Strict Construction.  If there is a dispute about the language of this Agreement, the fact that one Party drafted this Agreement shall not be considered in its interpretation.

23.       Notice.  Whenever any notice is required, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:

 
To Company:
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
 
To Executive:
The address then maintained with respect to the Executive in the Company’s records

Notice shall be deemed given and effective when deposited in the U.S. mail, sent to the receiving party by electronic means or when actually received.  Either Party may change the address to which notices shall be delivered or mailed by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section.

24.       Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  Executive agrees that any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in Tennessee.  Executive consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and/or federal courts located in Tennessee.  Executive waives (a) any objection to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or improper venue in any action brought in such courts.

25.       Affirmation.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement, Executive knows and understands its terms and conditions and Executive has had the opportunity to ask the Company any questions Executive may have had prior to signing this Agreement.

26.       Compliance with Code Section 409A and Other Applicable Provisions of the Code.

(a)           It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A, and (ii) that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two (2) year exception) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company, and (ii) that any payments to be provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section 26 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  It is intended that Agreement shall comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the payment of additional taxes and interest under Code Section 409A. In furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated, and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 
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(b)           In addition, to the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which Executive participates during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, (i) the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment under such plan or arrangement in one calendar year may not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment in any other calendar year (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), (ii) subject to any shorter time periods provided herein or the applicable plans or arrangements, any reimbursement or payment of an expense under such plan or arrangement must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, and (iii) the right to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)           Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a termination of Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) (which, by definition, includes a separation from any other entity that would be deemed a single employer together with the Company for this purpose under Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination date,” or similar terms shall mean “separation from service.”

(d)           For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall pay any amounts that are due under this Agreement following Executive’s termination of employment, death, Disability or other event within the periods of time that are specified in this Agreement, provided, however, that the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the date or dates on which any such payment shall be made during such specified period.

(e)           By accepting this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries make any representations with respect to the application of Code Section 409A to any tax, economic or legal consequences of any payments payable to Executive hereunder.  Further, by the acceptance of this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive has obtained independent tax advice regarding the application of Code Section 409A to the payments due to Executive hereunder, (ii) Executive retains full responsibility for the potential application of Code Section 409A to the tax and legal consequences of payments payable to Executive hereunder  and (iii) the Company shall not indemnify or otherwise compensate Executive for any violation of Code Section 409A that my occur in connection with this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate in good faith to amend such documents and to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with Code Section 409A.

Signatures on Following Page

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Randall L. Churchey
 
Name:
Randall L. Churchey
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
EXECUTIVE
   
 
/s/ Christine Richards
 
Christine Richards

Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement

 
 

 
EX-10.5 6 v206988_ex10-5.htm
Exhibit 10.5

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.

AND

OLAN BREVARD

JANUARY 1, 2011

 
 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and Olan Brevard (“Executive” and, together with the Company, the “Parties”) is effective as of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been and currently is engaged by the Company to serve as its Senior Vice President – Acquisitions;

WHEREAS, Executive’s position is a position of trust and responsibility with access to Trade Secrets (defined below), Confidential Information (defined below) and information concerning Employees (defined below) and Customers (defined below) of the Company;

WHEREAS, Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and the relationships between the Company and each of its Employees and Customers are valuable assets of the Company and may not be used for any purpose other than the Company’s Business (defined below);

WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that if Executive were to perform services for a competitor during the Restricted Period (defined below), it would be inevitable that Executive would disclose the Company’s Trade Secrets and Confidential Information;

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company on an at-will basis;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue such employment relationship and enter into this Agreement, which will set forth the terms and conditions under which Executive will continue to serve the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive wishes to continue his employment with the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ Executive in exchange for Executive’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.         Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, all initially capitalized words and phrases used in this Agreement have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any individual or entity, any other individual or entity who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such individual or entity.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Application” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.

Base Salary” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 
 

 

Bonus” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b).

Business” shall mean the business of developing, owning and managing student housing communities, providing third-party management services for student housing communities and providing third-party development consulting services for student housing communities.
 
Cause” shall mean that Executive has (a) continually failed to substantially perform, or been grossly negligent in the discharge of, his duties to the Company (in any case, other than by reason of a Disability, physical or mental illness or analogous condition); (b) been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a felony or a misdemeanor with respect to which fraud or dishonesty is a material element; or (c) materially breached any material Company policy or agreement with the Company.
 
Change of Control” shall mean the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:

(a)           any Person or group of Persons together with its Affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plans of the Company or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company);

(b)           the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c)           the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(d)           the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

(e)           the occurrence of any transaction or series of transactions deemed by the Board to constitute a change in control of the Company.

 
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, and (ii) a “Change of Control” shall not occur for purposes of this Agreement as a result of any primary or secondary offering of Company common stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon or following the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, no event that would not qualify as a “change in the ownership of the Company,” a “change in the effective control of the Company,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company” as such terms are defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, shall be treated as a “Change of Control under this Agreement.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Confidential Information” means (a) information of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, to the extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (i) relates to the Business of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (ii) possesses an element of value to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof; (iii) is not generally known to the Company’s competitors; and (iv) would damage the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, if disclosed, and (b) information of any third party provided to the Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, future business plans, the composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or equipment of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, communication systems, audio systems, system designs and related documentation, advertising or marketing plans, information regarding independent contractors, Employees, clients and Customers of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, and information concerning the Company’s financial structure and methods and procedures of operation.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure, has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating this Agreement or the legal rights of any party or otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

Contact” means any interaction between Executive and a Customer which (a) takes place in an effort to establish, maintain and/or further a business relationship on behalf of the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, and (b) occurs during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year).

Customer” means any person or entity to whom the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, has sold or has solicited to sell its products or services.

Defense Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

 
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Disability” means a physical or mental condition entitling Executive to benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or any its Subsidiaries, or if no such plan exists, a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)) or as determined by the Company in accordance with applicable laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any payment under this Agreement is payable solely upon the Executive’s Disability and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, Disability shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.409A-3(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations.

Duties” means, solely for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement, functioning as the Company’s Senior Vice President – Acquisitions, which includes the usual and customary duties of a Senior Vice President – Acquisitions of a public corporation, such as assisting in the efforts of the Company’s acquisition and development department and fulfilling such other responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and/or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company may assign to Executive from time to time.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.

Employee” means any person who (a) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, at the time Executive’s employment with the Company terminates; (b) was employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the last year of Executive’s employment with the Company (or during Executive’s employment if employed less than one (1) year); or (c) is employed by the Company, or any Subsidiary thereof, during the Restricted Period.

Employment Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.
 
Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Executive” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Good Reason” means (a) a material diminution in Executive’s title, duties or responsibilities (provided, however, that a requirement to utilize skills in addition to those utilized in Executive’s current position, and/or a change in title and/or direct reports to reflect the organizational structure of the successor entity following a Change of Control, shall not in and of itself be considered a “material diminution” as contemplated by this subsection (a)); (b) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual Base Salary; (c) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Executive’s annual target bonus opportunity (including the failure to pay any bonus earned for any year in which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement in effect prior to such Change of Control); or (d) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s principal place of employment, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Executive’s historical business travel obligations.  Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder, provided that Executive provides the Company with a written notice of resignation within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to remedy such act or omission within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such notice.

Incentive Plans” means the Company’s (i) 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (ii) 2011 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, (iii) 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and (iv) 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 
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Licensed Materials” means any materials that Executive utilizes for the benefit of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), or delivers to the Company or the Company’s Customers, which (a) do not constitute Work Product, (b) are created by Executive or of which Executive is otherwise in lawful possession and (c) Executive may lawfully utilize for the benefit of, or distribute to, the Company or the Company’s Customers.

Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph above.
 
Person” shall mean a “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (a) the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

Restricted Period” means the period of time encompassing Executive’s employment with the Company and one (1) year after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Separation Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

Severance Delay Period” means the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the thirtieth day thereafter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Participant's termination of employment occurs in connection with an exit incentive program or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, as defined under the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 626, the Severance Delay Period shall mean the period beginning on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and ending on the sixtieth day thereafter.

Subsidiary” means a corporation, partnership or other entity of which a majority of the voting interests of such corporation, partnership or other entity are at the time owned directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries or Subsidiaries, or both, by the Company.

Territory” means the continental United States.

Trade Secrets” means information of the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), and its licensors, suppliers, clients and Customers, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans or a list of actual or potential Customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

Without Cause” which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) of this Agreement.

Work Product” means (a) any data, databases, materials, documentation, computer programs, inventions (whether or not patentable), designs and/or works of authorship, including but not limited to, discoveries, ideas, concepts, properties, formulas, compositions, methods, programs, procedures, systems, techniques, products, improvements, innovations, writings, pictures, audio, video, images of Executive and artistic works, and (b) any subject matter protected under patent, copyright, proprietary database, trademark, trade secret, rights of publicity, confidential information or other property rights, including all worldwide rights therein, that is or was conceived, created or developed in whole or in part by Executive while employed by the Company and that either (i) is created within the scope of Executive’s employment; (ii) is based on, results from or is suggested by any work performed within the scope of Executive’s employment and is directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing; (iii) has been or will be paid for by the Company; or (iv) was created or improved in whole or in part by using the Company’s time, resources, data, facilities or equipment.

 
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2.     Employment and Duties.
 
(a)           The Company shall employ Executive as Senior Vice President – Acquisitions.  Executive shall perform all duties that are consistent with Executive’s position and that may otherwise be assigned to Executive by the Company from time to time.  Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or any other executive designated by the Board from time to time.

(b)           Executive agrees to (i) devote all necessary working time required of Executive’s position; (ii) devote Executive’s best efforts, skill and energies to promote and advance the Business and/or interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (iii) fully perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.

(c)           During Executive’s employment, Executive shall not render services to any other entity, regardless of whether Executive receives compensation, without the prior written consent of the Company.  Executive may, however, (i) engage in community, charitable and educational activities; (ii) manage Executive’s personal investments; and (iii) with the prior written consent of the Board (or a designated committee thereof), serve on corporate boards or committees, provided that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement or conflict with the interests of the Company.

(d)           Executive agrees to comply with the policies and procedures of the Company as may be adopted and changed from time to time, including those described in the Company’s employee handbook, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other policies set forth by the Company from time to time. If this Agreement conflicts with such policies or procedures, this Agreement will control.

(e)           As an officer of the Company, Executive owes a duty of care and loyalty to the Company as well as a duty to perform such duties in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company.

3.            Term.  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date and terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Employment Period”), provided, however, that the restrictive covenants applicable to and all post-termination obligations of Executive contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

4.     Compensation.

(a)           During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), minus applicable withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.  Executive’s Base Salary will be adjusted annually at the discretion of the Committee based upon the performance of Executive and the Company.

 
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(b)           During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at fifty percent (50%) of Base Salary if, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Executive meets certain criteria established from year to year by the Committee (the “Bonus”).  Executive will not receive any Bonus if Executive does not meet such criteria.  The Bonus will be subject to all applicable withholdings and will be paid (to the extent earned) between January 1 and March 15 of the year following the end of the year in which the Bonus was earned, unless otherwise provided herein.

(c)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all benefit plans in effect for executives and Employees of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans.

(d)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.

(e)           During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive all other fringe benefits available to executives of the Company.

(f)           During the Employment Period, the Company will reimburse Executive for all approved business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.

5.     Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any of the following events:

(a)           Expiration of the Employment Period;

(b)           Mutual written agreement between Executive and the Company at any time;

(c)           Executive’s death;

(d)           Executive’s Disability which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s job even with reasonable accommodation;

(e)           By the Company for Cause;

(f)           By Executive for Good Reason;

(g)           Resignation by Executive without Good Reason; or

(h)           Without Cause, which shall mean any termination of employment by the Company which is not defined in Section 5(a) through Section 5(g) above.

6.     Company’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)           If this Agreement terminates for the reasons set forth in Section 5(a), Section 5(b), Section 5(c), Section 5(d), Section 5(e) or Section 5(g) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary, through the termination date; (ii) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (iii) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5(a), all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses, but only if Executive was employed for the entire annual Bonus period;  (iv) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d) during an annual Bonus period, all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses prorated to the date of Executive’s death or Disability; and (v) solely in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to either Section 5(c) or Section 5(d), a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000. Amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(i), (ii) and (v) above shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s termination date and amounts payable pursuant to subparagraphs 6(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be paid at the time the bonus would otherwise be payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 4(b).  The Company shall have no other obligations to Executive, including under any provision of this Agreement, Company policy or otherwise; however, Executive shall continue to be bound by Section 8 and all other post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

 
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(b)           If this Agreement terminates for any of the reasons set forth in  Section 5(f) or Section 5(h) above, then the Company will pay Executive (i) all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (ii) a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid over a period of twelve (12) months following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; (iii) all accrued but unpaid vacation through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary; (iv) all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; (v) all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses; and (vi) a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.  Amounts or benefits payable under this Section 6(b) shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period.  Except as set forth in this Section 6(b), the Company shall have no other obligations to Executive.

(c)           The Company’s obligation to provide the payments set forth in Section 6(b) above shall be conditioned upon the following (the “Separation Conditions”):  
 
(i)           Executive’s (or, in the case of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive’s estate or trustee, as applicable) execution (and the expiration of any applicable revocation period) of a separation agreement in a form prepared by the Company prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, which will include a general release from liability so that Executive will release the Company and its Subsidiaries from any and all liability and claims of any kind as permitted by law; and

(ii)          Executive’s compliance with the restrictive covenants (Section 8) and all post-termination obligations, including, but not limited to, the obligations contained in this Agreement.

(d)           If Executive does not execute (or revokes) an effective separation agreement as set forth in Section 6(c) above prior to the expiration of the Severance Delay Period (or if any applicable revocation period has not yet ended prior to such time), the Company will not provide any payments or benefits to Executive under Section 6(b).  The Company’s obligation to make the separation payments set forth in Section 6(b) shall terminate immediately upon any breach by Executive of any post-termination obligations to which Executive is subject.

7.     Change of Control.
 
(a)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Incentive Plans or any award agreement, upon a Change of Control, all of Executive’s outstanding unvested equity-based awards (including, but not limited to, restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted pursuant to the Incentive Plans, shall vest and become immediately exercisable and unrestricted, without any action by the Board or any committee thereof.

 
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(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, if, within one (1) year following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive’s employment Without Cause pursuant to Section 5(h), or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then the Company will pay Executive the following amounts:
 
(i)           all accrued but unpaid wages through the termination date, based on Executive’s then current Base Salary;
 
(ii)          a separation payment equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, to be paid in a lump sum as provided below;
 
(iii)         a payment for all earned and accrued but unpaid bonuses;
 
(iv)         a payment for all approved, but unreimbursed, business expenses, provided that a request for reimbursement of business expenses is submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and submitted within five (5) business days of Executive’s termination date; and
 
(v)          a transition lump sum severance payment of $10,000.
 
(c)           The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be provided to Executive in lieu of any benefits to which Executive may be entitled to receive under Section 6(b) above and shall be paid or commence on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll period occurring immediately following the expiration of the Severance Delay Period, provided, however, that Executive’s right to receive the separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall be subject to the Separation Conditions set forth in Section 6(c) above.  The separation payments and benefits set forth in this Section 7 shall constitute full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, any Company policy or otherwise.

8.     Executive’s Post-Termination Obligations.

(a)           Return of Materials.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company all of the Company’s property, including, but not limited to, keys, passcards, credit cards, customer lists, rolodexes, tapes, software, computer files, marketing and sales materials and any other property, record, document or piece of equipment belonging to the Company.

(b)           Set-Off.  If Executive has any outstanding obligations to the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive hereby authorizes the Company to deduct any amounts owed to the Company from Executive’s final paycheck and/or any amounts that would otherwise be due to Executive, including under Section 6 or Section 7 above, but only to the extent such set-off is made in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii).  No other set-off shall be permitted under this Agreement.

(c)           Non-Disparagement. During Executive’s employment and upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall not make any disparaging or defamatory statements, whether written or verbal, regarding the Company.

(d)           Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Section 8 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and will not impair or infringe upon Executive’s right to work or earn a living after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.

 
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(e)           Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

(i)           Executive represents and warrants that Executive (A) is not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that would prevent or prohibit Executive from performing the duties contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise complying with this Agreement, and (B) is not in breach of any legal or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade secrets or confidential information owned by any other party.

(ii)          Executive agrees that Executive will not (A) use, disclose or reverse engineer Trade Secrets or Confidential Information for any purpose other than the Company’s Business, except as authorized in writing by the Company; (B) during Executive’s employment with the Company, use, disclose or reverse engineer (1) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former employer or third party or (2) any works of authorship developed in whole or in part by Executive during any former employment or for any other party, unless authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or (C) upon Executive’s resignation or termination with the Company (1) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies existing in any form (including electronic form), which are in Executive’s possession or control or (2) destroy, delete or alter Trade Secrets or Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent.

(iii)         The obligations under this Section 8 shall remain in effect as long as Trade Secrets and Confidential Information constitute trade secrets or confidential information under applicable law.  The confidentiality, property and proprietary rights protections available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and all other rights to which the Company is entitled under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade secret and confidential information laws and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

(f)            Non-Competition.  During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive shall not perform services which are substantially similar and/or equivalent to the Duties, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that (i) the periods of restriction and Territory of restriction contained in this Agreement are fair and reasonable in that they are reasonably required for the protection of the Company and that the Territory is the area in which Executive performs services for the Company and (ii) by having access to information concerning Employees and actual or prospective Customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Executive shall obtain a competitive advantage as to the Company.

(g)           Non-Solicitation of Customers.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Customer of the Company for the purpose of providing any goods or services competitive with the Business within the Territory.  The restrictions set forth in this Section 8(g) apply only to the Customers with whom Executive had Contact.

(h)           Non-Recruitment of Employees.  During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Employee to (i) terminate his or her employment relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) work for any other person or entity engaged in the Business.

(i)            Post-Employment Disclosure.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall provide a copy of this Agreement to persons and/or entities for whom Executive works or consults as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor.  If, during the Restricted Period, Executive works or consults for another person or entity as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent contractor, Executive shall provide the Company with such person or entity’s name, the nature of such person or entity’s business, Executive’s job title and a general description of the services Executive will provide.

 
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(j)            Resignation.  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason and upon the request of the Company, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written resignation from all offices, membership on the Board and fiduciary positions in which Executive serves for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

9.         Work Product.  Executive’s employment duties may include creating, developing and/or inventing in areas directly or indirectly related to the Business of the Company or to a line of business that the Company may reasonably be interested in pursuing.  If ownership of all right, title and interest to the legal rights in and to the Work Product will not vest exclusively in the Company, then, without further consideration, Executive assigns all presently-existing Work Product to the Company and agrees to assign, and automatically assigns, all future Work Product to the Company.  The Company will have the right to obtain, and hold in its own name, copyrights, patents, design registrations, proprietary database rights, trademarks, rights of publicity and any other protection available in the Work Product. At the Company’s request, Executive agrees to perform, during or after Executive’s employment with the Company, any acts to transfer, perfect and defend the Company’s ownership of the Work Product, including, but not limited to (a) executing all documents (including a formal assignment to the Company) necessary for filing an application or registration for protection of the Work Product (an “Application”); (b) explaining the nature of the Work Product to persons designated by the Company; (c) reviewing Applications and other related papers; or (d) providing any other assistance reasonably required for the orderly prosecution of Applications.  Executive agrees to provide the Company with a written description of any Work Product in which Executive is involved (solely or jointly with others) and the circumstances attendant to the creation of such Work Product.

10.       License.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive grants to the Company an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to (a) make, use, sell, copy, perform, display, distribute or otherwise utilize copies of the Licensed Materials; (b) prepare, use and distribute derivative works based upon the Licensed Materials; and (c) authorize others to do the same.  Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any Licensed Materials Executive delivers to the Company.

11.       Release.  During Executive’s employment and after Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, Executive consents to the Company’s use of Executive’s image, likeness, voice or other characteristics in the Company’s products or services.  Executive releases the Company from any causes of action that Executive has or may have arising out of the use, distribution, adaptation, reproduction, broadcast or exhibition of such characteristics.

12.       Injunctive Relief.  Executive agrees that, if Executive breaches Section 8 of this Agreement, (a) the Company would suffer irreparable harm; (b) damages would be difficult to determine, and money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries suffered by the Company; and (c) if the Company seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, Executive hereby waives and will not (i) assert any defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to the breach; (ii) require that the Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information; or (iii) require the Company to post a bond or any other security.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to any other remedies at law or in equity.

 
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13.       Payment of Defense Costs.  If Executive is individually named as a defendant in a lawsuit relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company, then the Company agrees to pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses Executive incurs in defending such lawsuit (the “Defense Costs”).  The Company will not pay any damages or any other sums or relief for which Executive is held liable.  If Executive is held liable, then Executive agrees to reimburse the Company for all Defense Costs the Company paid to Executive or on Executive’s behalf.  The Company’s obligation under this Section 13 shall not apply to any claim or lawsuit brought by the Company against Executive. Payment of the Defense Costs shall be the Company’s only obligation under this Section 13; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 13 shall be construed to limit either Party’s rights or obligations under any indemnification agreement or the Company’s organizational documents, as applicable

14.       Clawback.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any amounts paid or payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by the Company, including, but not limited to, any equity compensation granted to Executive, may be subject to forfeiture or repayment to the Company in accordance with Code Section 409A and pursuant to any clawback policy as adopted by the Board from time to time, and Executive hereby agrees to be bound by any such policy.

15.       Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement are severable.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be modified so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.  If such provision cannot be modified to be enforceable, the provision shall be severed from this Agreement to the extent unenforceable.  The remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.       Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.

17.       Waiver.  Either Party’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision.  Either Party’s waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.

18.       Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.  Other than the terms of this Agreement, no other representation, promise or agreement has been made with Executive to cause Executive to sign this Agreement.

19.       Amendments.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in a writing signed by both Parties.

20.       Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including, without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation or sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets and shall be binding upon Executive. Executive shall not have the right to assign Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.  The covenants contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, regardless of which Party causes the termination or the reason for the termination.

21.       Governing Law.  The laws of the State of Tennessee shall govern this Agreement. If Tennessee’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws, the Parties agree that Tennessee law shall still govern.

 
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22.       No Strict Construction.  If there is a dispute about the language of this Agreement, the fact that one Party drafted this Agreement shall not be considered in its interpretation.

23.       Notice.  Whenever any notice is required, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:

   
To Company:
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
 
To Executive:
The address then maintained with respect to the Executive in the Company’s records

Notice shall be deemed given and effective when deposited in the U.S. mail, sent to the receiving party by electronic means or when actually received.  Either Party may change the address to which notices shall be delivered or mailed by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section.

24.       Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  Executive agrees that any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in Tennessee.  Executive consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and/or federal courts located in Tennessee.  Executive waives (a) any objection to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or improper venue in any action brought in such courts.

25.       Affirmation.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement, Executive knows and understands its terms and conditions and Executive has had the opportunity to ask the Company any questions Executive may have had prior to signing this Agreement.

26.       Compliance with Code Section 409A and Other Applicable Provisions of the Code.

(a)           It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A, and (ii) that the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Code Section 409A, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two (2) year exception) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company determines (i) that on the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company, and (ii) that any payments to be provided to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Code Section 409A if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section 26 shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death.  It is intended that Agreement shall comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the payment of additional taxes and interest under Code Section 409A. In furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated, and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 
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(b)           In addition, to the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which Executive participates during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, (i) the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment under such plan or arrangement in one calendar year may not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or payment in any other calendar year (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), (ii) subject to any shorter time periods provided herein or the applicable plans or arrangements, any reimbursement or payment of an expense under such plan or arrangement must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, and (iii) the right to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)           Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a termination of Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) (which, by definition, includes a separation from any other entity that would be deemed a single employer together with the Company for this purpose under Code Section 409A (and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” “termination date,” or similar terms shall mean “separation from service.”

(d)           For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall pay any amounts that are due under this Agreement following Executive’s termination of employment, death, Disability or other event within the periods of time that are specified in this Agreement, provided, however, that the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the date or dates on which any such payment shall be made during such specified period.

(e)           By accepting this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries make any representations with respect to the application of Code Section 409A to any tax, economic or legal consequences of any payments payable to Executive hereunder.  Further, by the acceptance of this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive has obtained independent tax advice regarding the application of Code Section 409A to the payments due to Executive hereunder, (ii) Executive retains full responsibility for the potential application of Code Section 409A to the tax and legal consequences of payments payable to Executive hereunder  and (iii) the Company shall not indemnify or otherwise compensate Executive for any violation of Code Section 409A that my occur in connection with this Agreement.  The parties agree to cooperate in good faith to amend such documents and to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with Code Section 409A.

Signatures on Following Page

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Randall L. Churchey
 
Name:
Randall L. Churchey
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
EXECUTIVE
   
 
/s/ Olan Brevard
 
Olan Brevard

Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement

 
 

 
EX-10.6 7 v206988_ex10-6.htm
Exhibit 10.6

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
2011 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1.  –  PURPOSE AND AWARD ALLOCATION

The Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) has been established by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Education Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) and ratified by the Board to provide long-term incentives to key employees of the Company.  The purposes of the LTIP are to attract, retain and motivate key employees of the Company and to promote the long-term growth and profitability of the Company.  Awards granted under the LTIP shall be issued pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and shall consist of a mixture of time-vested restricted stock (1/2) and performance-vested restricted stock units (1/2) (each, an “Award” and, collectively, “Awards”).  The Committee believes that shares of time-vested restricted stock support its goal of executives having an ownership position in the Company while simultaneously encouraging their long-term retention and that performance-vested restricted stock units provide an increased incentive for executives to achieve identified performance goals.

The Committee shall make Awards pursuant to the LTIP as set forth on Schedule A hereto, on such terms as the Committee may prescribe based upon the criteria set forth on Schedule A hereto and such other factors as it may deem appropriate.

SECTION 2. –  PARTICIPATION

The Committee shall have the sole and absolute discretion to determine those officers of the Company who shall be eligible to receive an Award pursuant to the LTIP (each, a “Participant”).

SECTION 3. – ADMINISTRATION

Subject to applicable law, all designations, determinations, interpretations and other decisions under or with respect to the LTIP or any Award shall be within the sole and absolute discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons. Designations, determinations, interpretations and other decisions made by the Committee with respect to the LTIP or any Award granted hereunder need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated.

SECTION 4. – TIME-VESTED RESTRICTED STOCK

One-half (1/2) of a Participant’s Award shall consist of a grant of restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Restricted Stock”), and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award Agreement, the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

The shares of Restricted Stock shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments as long as the Participant is an employee of the Company on the vesting date. Shares of Restricted Stock shall be entitled to voting and dividend rights from the effective date of the grant but shall be non-transferable by the Participant until such shares have vested in accordance with the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

 
 

 

SECTION 5. – PERFORMANCE-VESTED RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

One-half (1/2) of the Participant’s Award shall consist of a grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), with each such RSU representing the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Shares”), in the future. The vesting of RSUs shall be based upon the Company’s achievement of total stockholder returns (“TSR”) at specified levels as set forth on Schedule A hereto during the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending January 1, 2014 (the “Performance Period”).

RSUs granted to each Participant shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, the form of which is attached as Exhibit B hereto.

The Committee shall grant RSUs to each Participant equal to the number of Common Shares that such Participant would earn if “maximum performance” (as set forth on Schedule A) were achieved.  The Committee shall determine whether and to what extent the performance goal has been met at the end of the Performance Period (the “Determination Date”).  RSUs shall be converted to fully vested Common Shares based upon the Company’s achievement of the “threshold,” “target” or “maximum” TSR performance goals set forth on Schedule A on the Determination Date.  Only the number of RSUs that equate to actual performance, as determined by the Committee pursuant to Schedule A, shall be eligible to vest (such RSUs that satisfy the performance goals on the Determination Date are referred to as “Eligible Shares”) and convert to Common Shares as further set forth in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.  After the Determination Date, any RSUs that are not Eligible Shares shall be forfeited.

Prior to the Determination Date, no dividend payments shall accrue or be paid with respect to any RSUs.  If the performance goals are met, then the Participant shall earn dividends on the Eligible Shares and shall have voting rights with respect to the Eligible Shares.

SECTION 6. – FORFEITURE/REDUCTION IN AWARD

Time-Vested Restricted Stock Awards.  In the event of a Change of Control of the Company, a termination of the Participant’s employment by the Company without Cause or a termination of employment by the Participant for Good Reason, all unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall immediately accelerate and be fully vested and delivered to the Participant.  Unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall also vest in the event of termination of the Participant’s employment due to death or Disability.

Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Units.  Except as set forth below, in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement or as the Committee may otherwise determine in its sole and absolute discretion, termination of a Participant’s employment prior to the end of the Performance Period shall result in the forfeiture of the RSUs by the Participant, and no payments shall be made with respect thereto.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant’s employment is terminated prior to the end of the Performance Period as a result of Participant’s death or Disability, the Committee shall determine the number of RSUs that will convert to Eligible Shares by (i) applying the performance criteria set forth in the LTIP using the effective date of the Disability (to be determined by the Committee) or the date of death, as applicable, and by appropriately and proportionately adjusting the performance criteria for such shortened Performance Period and (ii) multiplying the number of Eligible Shares so determined by .3333 if the death or Disability occurs in 2011, .6667 if the if the death or Disability occurs in 2012, and 1 if the if the death or Disability occurs in 2013 (rounding the resulting number of Eligible Shares to the nearest whole number).

If a Change of Control occurs prior to the end of the Performance Period, the Committee shall determine the number of RSUs that will convert to Eligible Shares by (i) applying the performance criteria set forth in the LTIP using the effective date of the Change of Control as the end of the Performance Period, and by appropriately and proportionately adjusting the performance criteria for such shortened Performance Period, and (ii) multiplying the number of Eligible Shares so determined by .3333 if the Change of Control occurs in 2011, .6667 if the Change of Control occurs in 2012, and 1 if the Change of Control occurs in 2013 (rounding the resulting number of Eligible Shares to the nearest whole number).

 
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SECTION 7. – ADJUSTMENTS FOR UNUSUAL OR NONRECURRING EVENTS

The Committee shall make equitable and proportionate adjustments (consistent with Sections 162(m) and 409A of the Code and other applicable Sections therein) in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, an Award in recognition of the events described in Section 10 of the Plan.  In addition, the Committee may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under criteria set forth in this LTIP and Schedule A hereto to exclude any of the following events that occur during a Performance Period: (i) asset impairments or write-downs, (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, (v) any extraordinary non-recurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 and/or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable year and (vi) the effect of adverse federal, governmental or regulatory action, or delays in federal, governmental or regulatory action, provided that the Committee commits to make any such adjustments within the 90-day period set forth in Section 14.3 of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not have the discretion to increase any Award payable to any Covered Officer (as defined in Section 10 herein) in manner that is inconsistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.

SECTION 8. – NO RIGHTS TO AWARDS; NO TRUST OR FUND CREATED

No person shall have any claim to be granted any Award, and there shall be no obligation for uniformity of treatment among Participants.  The terms and conditions of Awards, if any, need not be the same with respect to each Participant.  The Committee reserves the right to terminate the LTIP at any time in the Committee’s sole and absolute discretion.  Neither the LTIP nor any Award granted hereunder shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate and a Participant or any other person.  The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary.

SECTION 9. – ASSIGNMENT AND ALIENATION OF BENEFITS

To the maximum extent permitted by law, a Participant’s rights or benefits under the LTIP shall not be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the same shall be void ab initio, provided, however, that, in the event of a Participant’s death, any such benefit not forfeited upon death shall pass to such Participant’s beneficiaries or estate in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution.  Except as prohibited by law (including Section 409A of the Code and Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii) of the Treasury Regulations, to the extent applicable), payments or benefits payable to or with respect to a Participant pursuant to the LTIP may be reduced by amounts that the Participant may owe to the Company, including, without limitation, any amounts owed on account of loans, travel or standing advances and personal charges on credit cards issued through the Company.

 
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SECTION 10. – ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS

The terms that follow, when used in this LTIP, any Restricted Stock Award Agreement or any Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement issued pursuant to this LTIP, shall have the meanings indicated below:
 
Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act.
 
Cause” means the Participant has (a) continually failed to substantially perform, or been grossly negligent in the discharge of, his or her duties to the Company (in any case, other than by reason of a Disability, physical or mental illness or analogous condition); (b) been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a felony or a misdemeanor with respect to which fraud or dishonesty is a material element; or (c) materially breached any material Company policy or agreement with the Company.
 
Change of Control” shall mean the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:

(a)           any Person or group of Persons together with its Affiliates, but excluding (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plans of the Company or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company);

(b)           the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c)           the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

(d)           the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or

(e)           the occurrence of any transaction or series of transactions deemed by the Board to constitute a change in control of the Company.

 
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, and (ii) a Change of Control shall not occur for purposes of this LTIP as a result of any primary or secondary offering of Company common stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) the payment of an any Award under this LTIP is payable solely upon or following the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) such payment is considered  “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code, a Change of Control shall mean an event described in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Covered Officer” shall mean at any date (i) any individual who, with respect to the previous taxable year of the Company, was a “covered employee” of the Company within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code; provided, however, that the term “Covered Officer” shall not include any such individual who is designated by the Committee, in its discretion, at the time of any Award under the LTIP or at any subsequent time, as reasonably expected not to be such a “covered employee” with respect to the current taxable year of the Company or the taxable year of the Company in which the applicable Award will be paid or vested, and (ii) any individual who is designated by the Committee, in its discretion, at the time of any Award or at any subsequent time, as reasonably expected to be such a “covered employee” with respect to the current taxable year of the Company or with respect to the taxable year of the Company in which any applicable Award will be paid or vested.
 
Disability” means a physical or mental condition entitling the Participant to benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or if no such plan exists, a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or as determined by the Company in accordance with applicable laws.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) any Award under this LTIP is payable solely upon a Participant’s Disability and (ii) such payment is treated as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, Disability shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.409A-3(i)(4) of the Treasury Regulations

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
Good Reason” means (a) a material diminution in Participant’s title, duties or responsibilities (provided, however, that a requirement to utilize skills in addition to those utilized in Participant’s current position, and/or a change in title and/or direct reports to reflect the organizational structure of the successor entity following a Change of Control, shall not in and of itself be considered a “material diminution” as contemplated by this subsection (a)); (b) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Participant’s annual base salary; (c) a reduction of ten percent (10%) or more in Participant’s annual target bonus opportunity (including the failure to pay any bonus earned for any year in which a Change of Control occurs pursuant to the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement in effect prior to such Change of Control); or (d) the relocation of Participant’s principal place of employment to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Participant’s principal place of employment, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Participant’s historical business travel obligations.  Participant’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder, provided that Participant provides the Company with a written notice of resignation within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to remedy such act or omission within thirty (30) days following its receipt of such notice.

 
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Person” shall mean a “person” as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (a) the Company (or any subsidiary thereof), (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

SECTION 11. – INTERPRETATION AND GOVERNING LAW

This LTIP shall be governed by and interpreted and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Maryland, without reference to principles of conflicts or choices of laws.

SECTION 12. – WITHHOLDING OF TAXES

Pursuant to Section 13.3 of the Plan, the Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company as a condition precedent for the fulfillment of any Award, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of this LTIP and/or any action taken by a Participant with respect to an Award.  Upon the lapse of all restricted periods and the issuance of Common Shares with respect to any portion of an Award, the Company shall satisfy any applicable withholding obligations or withholding taxes (“Withholding Taxes”) as set forth by Internal Revenue Service guidelines for the employer’s minimum statutory withholding with respect to the Participant and issue shares of common stock to the Participant without restriction.  As a condition to receiving settlement of any fully vested Common Shares hereunder, the Company may require Participant to pay to the Company, and the Company shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any payments hereunder or from any compensation or other amount owing to Participant, an amount of cash necessary for the Company to satisfy any Withholding Taxes in respect of this Award.  In its sole and absolute discretion, the Committee may satisfy the required Withholding Taxes by withholding from the Common Shares otherwise issuable pursuant to settlement of the Award that number of whole Common Shares necessary to satisfy Withholding Taxes with respect to such shares based upon the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of the Common Shares as of the date the applicable restricted period ends.

SECTION 13. – EFFECTIVE DATE

This LTIP shall be effective as of January 1, 2011 (the “Effective Date”).

SECTION 14. – MISCELLANEOUS

This LTIP is not a “qualified” plan for federal income tax purposes.

No provision of the LTIP shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under the LTIP, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes. Participants shall have no rights under the LTIP other than as unsecured general creditors of the Company except that, insofar as they may have become entitled to payment of additional compensation by performance of services, they shall have the same rights as other employees under general law.

 
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In no event shall any member of the Committee be personally liable by reason of any contract or other instrument executed by a member of the Committee or on his or her behalf in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee nor for any mistake of judgment made in good faith, and the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless such member of the Committee against any cost or expense (including fees of legal counsel) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim) arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the LTIP unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to and not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such person may be entitled under the Company’s charter, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify such person or hold such person harmless.

The members of the Committee shall be fully justified in relying, acting or failing to act, and shall not be liable for having so relied, acted or failed to act in good faith, upon any information furnished in connection with the LTIP by any person or persons other than such members.

It is intended that (i) each payment or installment of payments provided under an Award is a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and (ii) the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code, including those provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4) (regarding short-term deferrals), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (regarding the two-times, two (2) year exception) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v) (regarding reimbursements and other separation pay).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company determines that (i) on the date of a Participant’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, the Participant is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company, and (ii) the payment of any Award to the Participant pursuant to this LTIP is or may become subject to the additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of the Participant’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of the Participant’s death.  Any payment of an Award which is delayed pursuant to this subparagraph shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) or, if sooner, the date of the Participant’s death.  It is intended that this LTIP and any Award shall comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject the Participant to the payment of additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code. In furtherance of this intent, this LTIP and the Awards shall be interpreted, operated, and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 
7

 

Schedule A

LTIP Participant Opportunities and Allocation of LTIP Awards

Restricted Stock (Time-Vested) — 50% of LTIP Award

Participant
 
Number of Common Shares of Time-Vested Restricted Stock to be Awarded
Randy Churchey
 
50,000 shares
Thomas Trubiana
 
35,000 shares
Christine Richards
 
20,000 shares
Randall H. Brown
 
15,000 shares
Olan Brevard
 
5,000 shares
Scott Casey
 
3,500 shares
J. Drew Koester
 
3,500 shares
Wallace L. Wilcox
 
3,500 shares
David Braden
  
2,500 shares

Restricted Stock Units (Performance-Vested) — 50% of LTIP Award

Metric
 
Threshold
Performance
 
Target
Performance
 
Maximum
Performance
Company’s TSR compared to average TSR of Peer Group
  
Company’s TSR is equal to or exceeds (up to 4.9%) average TSR of Peer Group
  
Company’s TSR exceeds (5%-9.9%) average TSR of Peer Group
  
Company’s TSR exceeds average TSR of Peer Group by 10% or more

TSR” or “Total Stockholder Return” means the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares (or in the case of the Peer Group (defined below), the shares of common stock of such companies) plus any dividends paid in respect of such stock during the Performance Period.  For purposes of calculating performance, the Committee shall compare the Company’s TSR to the average TSR of the Peer Group at the end of the Performance Period.

Peer Group” means the group of companies comprised of the following:

 
·      American Campus Communities, Inc. (ACC)-student housing properties
·      Associated Estates Realty Corporation (AEC)-multifamily apartment properties
·      BRE Properties, Inc. (BRE)-multifamily apartment properties
·      Camden Property Trust (CPT)-multifamily apartment properties
·      Campus Crest Communities, Inc. (CCG)-student housing properties
·      Cousins Properties Inc. (CUZ)-diverse real estate portfolio
·      Home Properties, Inc. (HME)-multifamily apartment properties
·      Mid-America Apartments (MAA)-multifamily apartment properties
·      Post Properties, Inc. (PPS)-multifamily apartment properties
·      UDR, Inc. (UDR)-multifamily apartment properties

 
A-1

 

Calculation of Restricted Stock Units (Performance-Vested)

The table below shows the number of Common Shares that each Participant is eligible to receive based upon the Threshold, Target and Maximum performance levels.

   
Number of Common Shares Based Upon:
 
Participant
 
Threshold
Performance (1)
   
Target
Performance (2)
   
Maximum
Performance (3)
 
Randy Churchey
    25,000       50,000       75,000  
Thomas Trubiana
    17,500       35,000       52,500  
Christine Richards
    10,000       20,000       30,000  
Randall H. Brown
    7,500       15,000       22,500  
Olan Brevard
    2,500       5,000       7,500  
Scott Casey
    1,750       3,500       5,250  
J. Drew Koester
    1,750       3,500       5,250  
Wallace L. Wilcox
    1,750       3,500       5,250  
David Braden
    1,250       2,500       3,750  

(1) 50% of Participant’s long-term incentive target value x .5.
(2) 50% of Participant’s long-term incentive target value.
(3) 50% of Participant’s long-term incentive target value x 1.5.

At the end of the Performance Period, the Committee will determine the level and to what extent (i.e., Threshold, Target or Maximum) the performance goal was met.  RSUs that satisfy the performance goal will be converted to fully vested Common Shares.

Total for Target Amount of LTIP Award

Participant
 
Restricted Stock
(Time-Vested)
50% of LTIP Award
   
Restricted Stock Units
(Performance-Vested) 
50% of LTIP Award
(based upon “target”
performance)
   
Total Common
Shares
(based upon “target”
performance)
 
Randy Churchey
    50,000       50,000       100,000  
Thomas Trubiana
    35,000       35,000       70,000  
Christine Richards
    20,000       20,000       40,000  
Randall H. Brown
    15,000       15,000       30,000  
Olan Brevard
    5,000       5,000       10,000  
Scott Casey
    3,500       3,500       7,000  
J. Drew Koester
    3,500       3,500       7,000  
David Braden
    2,500       2,500       5,000  
Wallace L. Wilcox
    3,500       3,500       7,000  
TOTAL
      276,000  

 
A-2

 

Exhibit A

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 
 

 

Exhibit B

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

 
 

 
EX-10.7 8 v206988_ex10-7.htm
Exhibit 10.7

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT
(2011 LTIP — Time Vested)

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 1st day of January 2011, between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), and _____________________________ (the “Grantee”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”).

WHEREAS, awards granted under the LTIP shall be issued pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “2004 Incentive Plan”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the LTIP, the Committee has approved an award for restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), to the Grantee as provided herein.

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

1.    Grant of Restricted Shares.

(a)          The Company hereby grants to the Grantee an award (the “Award”) of_________ shares of the Company’s Common Stock on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and as otherwise provided in the LTIP (the “Restricted Shares”).

(b)          The Grantee’s rights with respect to the Award shall remain forfeitable at all times prior to the dates on which the Restricted Shares vest in accordance with Section 2 and Section 3 hereof (the “Restricted Period”).

2.    Terms and Rights as a Stockholder.

(a)          Except as provided herein and subject to such other exceptions as may be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, one-third (1/3) of the Restricted Shares granted herein shall vest annually on January 1, 2012, 2013 and 2014, if and only if the Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries from the date of this Agreement through and including such vesting dates.

(b)          The Grantee shall have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the Restricted Shares, including the right to receive dividends and the right to vote such shares, subject to the following restrictions:

(i)           the Grantee shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate for any Restricted Shares until the expiration of the Restricted Period as to such Restricted Shares;

(ii)          none of the Restricted Shares may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of during the Restricted Period as to such shares; and

 
 

 

(iii)         except as provided herein or otherwise determined by the Committee at or after the grant of the Award hereunder, any Restricted Shares as to which the applicable “Restricted Period” has not expired shall be forfeited, and all rights of the Grantee to such Restricted Shares shall terminate, without further obligation on the part of the Company, unless the Grantee remains in the continuous employment of the Company for the entire Restricted Period.

(c)         Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Period shall automatically terminate as to all Restricted Shares awarded hereunder (as to which such Restricted Period has not previously terminated) in connection with the following events:

(i)           Grantee’s employment is terminated (1) as a result of the Grantee’s death or Disability, (2) by the Company without Cause, or (3) by the Grantee for Good Reason; or

(ii)          a Change of Control occurs.

Any shares of Common Stock, any other securities of the Company and any other property (except for cash dividends) distributed with respect to the Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions, terms and conditions as such Restricted Shares.

3.    Termination of Restrictions.  Following the termination of the Restricted Period, all restrictions set forth in this Agreement or in the LTIP relating to such portion or all, as applicable, of the Restricted Shares shall lapse as to such portion or all, as applicable, of the Restricted Shares, and a stock certificate for the appropriate number of shares of Common Stock, free of the restrictions and restrictive stock legend, shall, upon request, be delivered to the Grantee or the Grantee’s beneficiary or estate, as the case may be, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

4.    Delivery of Shares.

(a)         As of the date hereof, certificates representing the Restricted Shares shall be registered in the name of the Grantee and held by the Company or transferred to a custodian appointed by the Company for the account of the Grantee subject to the terms and conditions of the LTIP and shall remain in the custody of the Company or such custodian until their delivery to the Grantee or Grantee’s beneficiary or estate as set forth in Section 4(b) and Section 4(c) hereof or their reversion to the Company as set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

(b)         Certificates representing Restricted Shares in respect of which the Restricted Period has lapsed pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered to the Grantee upon request following the date on which the restrictions on such Restricted Shares lapse.

(c)         Certificates representing Restricted Shares in respect of which the Restricted Period lapsed upon the Grantee’s death shall be delivered to the executors or administrators of the Grantee’s estate as soon as practicable following the receipt of proof of the Grantee’s death satisfactory to the Company.

(d)         Each certificate representing Restricted Shares shall bear a legend in substantially the following form or substance:

THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE AND RESTRICTIONS AGAINST TRANSFER) CONTAINED IN THE RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (THE “AGREEMENT”) BETWEEN THE GRANTEE OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY AND EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC. (THE “COMPANY”).  THE RELEASE OF SUCH SHARES FROM SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS SHALL BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LTIP AND THE AGREEMENT AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMPANY, COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE AT THE COMPANY.

 
 

 

5.    Effect of Lapse of Restrictions.  To the extent that the Restricted Period applicable to any Restricted Shares shall have lapsed, the Grantee may receive, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of such shares free and clear of the restrictions imposed under the LTIP and this Agreement upon compliance with applicable legal requirements.

6.    No Right to Continued Employment.  This Agreement shall not be construed as giving Grantee the right to be retained in the employ of the Company, and the Company may at any time dismiss Grantee from employment, free from any liability or any claim under the LTIP but subject to the terms of the Grantee’s Employment Agreement, if any.

7.    Adjustments.  The Committee shall make equitable and proportionate adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, this Award in recognition of the events described in Section 10 of the 2004 Incentive Plan.

8.    Amendment to Award.  Subject to the restrictions contained in the LTIP, the Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate the Award, prospectively or retroactively; provided that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would adversely affect the rights of the Grantee or any holder or beneficiary of the Award shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the Grantee, holder or beneficiary affected.

9.    Withholding of Taxes.  If the Grantee makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the Award, the Award made pursuant to this Agreement shall be conditioned upon the prompt payment to the Company of any applicable withholding obligations or withholding taxes by the Grantee (“Withholding Taxes”).  Failure by the Grantee to pay such Withholding Taxes will render this Agreement and the Award granted hereunder null and void ab initio, and the Restricted Shares granted hereunder shall be immediately cancelled.  If the Grantee does not make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the Award, upon the lapse of the Restricted Period with respect to any portion of Restricted Shares (or property distributed with respect thereto), the Company shall satisfy the required Withholding Taxes as set forth by Internal Revenue Service guidelines for the employer’s minimum statutory withholding with respect to Grantee and issue vested shares to the Grantee without restriction.  The Committee may satisfy the required Withholding Taxes by withholding from the shares included in the Award that number of whole shares necessary to satisfy such taxes as of the date the restrictions lapse with respect to such shares based on the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 2.13 of the 2004 Incentive Plan) of the shares.

10.         LTIP Governs.  The Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the LTIP and agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions thereof.  The terms of this Agreement are governed by the terms of the LTIP.

11.         Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is, or becomes, or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or the Award, or would disqualify the LTIP or Award under any laws deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the LTIP or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award, and the remainder of the LTIP and Award shall remain in full force and effect.

 
 

 

12.  Notices.  All notices required to be given under this Grant shall be deemed to be received if delivered or mailed as provided for herein, to the parties at the following addresses, or to such other address as either party may provide in writing from time to time.

To the Company:
 
To the Grantee:
     
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38117-3725
Attn:  Corporate Secretary
  
The address then maintained with respect to the Grantee in the Company’s records.
 

13.  Governing Law.  The validity, construction and effect of this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without giving effect to conflicts of laws principles.

14.  Successors in Interest.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon any successor to the Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Grantee’s legal representatives.  All obligations imposed upon the Grantee and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be binding upon the Grantee’s heirs, executors, administrators and successors.

15.  Resolution of Disputes.  Any dispute or disagreement which may arise under, or as a result of, or in any way related to, the interpretation, construction or application of this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.  Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive on the Grantee and the Company for all purposes.
 
Signature Page Follows

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Restricted Stock Award Agreement to be duly executed effective as of the day and year first above written.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
 
 
Name:
 
 
Title:
 
   
 
GRANTEE:
   
   
 
Name:

Signature Page to Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 
 

 
EX-10.8 9 v206988_ex10-8.htm
Exhibit 10.8

EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
(2011 LTIP — Performance Vested)

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 1st day of January 2011 between Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), and ______________________ (the Grantee”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”).

WHEREAS, awards granted under the LTIP shall be issued pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “2004 Incentive Plan”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the LTIP, the Committee has approved an award for performance-vested restricted stock units to the Grantee as provided herein.

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

1.        Grant of Restricted Stock Units; Eligible Shares.

(a)           The Company hereby grants to the Grantee an award (the “Award”) of _____________ Restricted Stock Units on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and as otherwise provided in the LTIP (the “RSUs”).

(b)           The Grantee’s rights with respect to the Award shall remain forfeitable at all times prior to the dates on which the restrictions shall lapse in accordance with Section 2 hereof.

(c)           Prior to the Determination Date (as defined below), no dividend equivalents shall be paid or payable with respect to the RSUs covered by this Award, and the Grantee shall not be entitled to voting rights with respect to the RSUs covered by this Award.

(d)           Upon the completion of the Performance Period set forth in the LTIP and the Committee’s determination of the achievement of the performance targets set forth on Schedule A of the LTIP (the “Determination Date”), the number of RSUs granted hereby shall be immediately reduced to equal the number of Eligible Shares determined in accordance with the LTIP.  Grantee shall have no further rights with respect to any RSUs in excess of the Eligible Shares, and such excess number shall be deemed cancelled for purposes of the 2004 Incentive Plan.

(e)           Each Eligible Share equals one share of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (“Common Shares”), and shall be entitled to voting and dividend rights from the date of issuance after the Determination Date.

2.        Terms; Restricted Period.

(a)           Except as provided herein and subject to such other exceptions as may be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, the “Restricted Period” for the RSUs granted herein shall expire on the Determination Date with respect to RSUs that become Eligible Shares, as determined by the Committee on such Determination Date. After the Determination Date, any RSUs that are not Eligible Shares shall be forfeited.  None of the RSUs may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of during the Restricted Period for the RSUs.

 
 

 

(b)           Except as set forth below or as the Committee may otherwise determine in its sole and absolute discretion, termination of a Grantee’s employment prior to the end of the Performance Period shall result in the forfeiture of all RSUs granted hereunder by the Grantee, and no payments shall be made with respect thereto.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Grantee’s employment is terminated prior to the end of the Performance Period as a result of Grantee’s death or Disability, the Committee shall determine the number of RSUs that will convert to Eligible Shares by (i) applying the performance criteria set forth in the LTIP using the effective date of the Disability (to be determined by the Committee in it sole and absolute discretion) or the date of death, as applicable, and by appropriately and proportionately adjusting the performance criteria for such shortened Performance Period and (ii) multiplying the number of Eligible Shares so determined by .3333 if the death or Disability occurs in 2011, .6667 if the if the death or Disability occurs in 2012, and 1 if the if the death or Disability occurs in 2013 (rounding the resulting number of Eligible Shares to the nearest whole number) and the Restricted Period for such Eligible Shares shall terminate.

(c)           If a Change of Control (as such term is defined in Section 10 of the LTIP) occurs prior to the end of the Performance Period, the Committee shall determine the number of RSUs that will convert to Eligible Shares by (i) applying the performance criteria set forth in the LTIP using the effective date of the Change of Control as the end of the Performance Period, and by appropriately and proportionately adjusting the performance criteria for such shortened Performance Period, and (ii) multiplying the number of Eligible Shares so determined by .3333 if the Change of Control occurs in 2011, .6667 if the Change of Control occurs in 2012, and 1 if the Change of Control occurs in 2013 (rounding the resulting number of Eligible Shares to the nearest whole number).

3.        Settlement.  Settlement of an Eligible Share shall be made within 30 days (with the date of payment selected by the Company in its sole discretion) of the expiration of the Restricted Period.  Settlement of Eligible Shares pursuant to this Award shall be made through the issuance to the Grantee (or to the executors or administrators of Grantee’s estate, after the Company’s receipt of notification of Grantee’s death, as the case may be) of a stock certificate for a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Eligible Shares to be settled.  Following receipt of such Common Shares, the Grantee may receive, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of such Common Shares free and clear of the restrictions imposed under the LTIP and this Agreement.

4.        No Right to Continued Employment.  This Agreement shall not be construed as giving Grantee the right to be retained in the employ of the Company, and the Company may at any time dismiss Grantee from employment, free from any liability or any claim under the LTIP but subject to the terms of the Grantee’s Employment Agreement, if any.

5.        Adjustments.  The Committee shall make equitable and proportionate adjustments (consistent with Sections 162(m) and 409A of the Code and other applicable Sections therein) in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, this Award in recognition of the events described in Section 10 of the 2004 Incentive Plan.  In addition, the Committee may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under criteria set forth in the LTIP and Schedule A thereto to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a Performance Period: (i) asset impairments or write-downs, (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, (v) any extraordinary non-recurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 and/or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year and (vi) the effect of adverse federal, governmental or regulatory action, or delays in federal, governmental or regulatory action; provided that the Committee commits to make any such adjustments within the 90 day period set forth in Section 14.3 of the 2004 Incentive Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not have the discretion to increase the amounts payable under this Award if the Participant is a Covered Officer (as defined in Section 10 of the LTIP) in manner that is inconsistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.

 
2

 

6.        Amendment to Award.  Subject to the restrictions contained in the 2004 Incentive Plan and the LTIP, the Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate the Award (consistent with Sections 162(m) and 409A of the Code and other applicable Sections therein), prospectively or retroactively, provided that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would adversely affect the rights of the Grantee or any holder or beneficiary of the Award shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the Grantee, holder or beneficiary affected.
 
7.        Withholding of Taxes.  Upon the lapse of the Restricted Period and the issuance of Common Shares with respect to any portion of this Award, the Company shall satisfy any applicable withholding obligations or withholding taxes (“Withholding Taxes”) as set forth by Internal Revenue Service guidelines for the employer’s minimum statutory withholding with respect to Grantee and issue Common Shares to the Grantee without restriction.  As a condition to receiving settlement of the RSUs hereunder, the Company may require Grantee to pay to the Company, and the Company shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any payments hereunder or from any compensation or other amount owing to Grantee, an amount of cash necessary for the Company to satisfy any Withholding Taxes in respect of this Award.  In its sole and absolute discretion, the Committee may satisfy the required Withholding Taxes by withholding from the Common Shares otherwise issuable pursuant to settlement of the Award that number of whole shares necessary to satisfy Withholding Taxes with respect to such shares based on the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 2.13 of the 2004 Incentive Plan) of the Common Shares as of the date the Restricted Period ends.

8.        LTIP Governs.  The Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the LTIP and agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions thereof.  The terms of this Agreement are governed by the terms of the LTIP.

9.        Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is, or becomes, or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or the Award, or would disqualify the Award under any laws deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the LTIP or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the LTIP and Award shall remain in full force and effect.

10.      Notices.  All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be deemed to be received if delivered or mailed as provided for herein, to the parties at the following addresses, or to such other address as either party may provide in writing from time to time.

To the Company:
 
To the Grantee:
     
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38117-3725
Attn:  Corporate Secretary
  
The address then maintained with respect to the Grantee in the Company’s records.
 

 
3

 

11.      Governing Law.  The validity, construction and effect of this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without giving effect to conflicts of laws principles.

12.      Successors in Interest.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon any successor to the Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Grantee’s legal representatives.  All obligations imposed upon the Grantee and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be binding upon the Grantee’s heirs, executors, administrators and successors.

13.      Resolution of Disputes.  Any dispute or disagreement which may arise under, or as a result of, or in any way related to, the interpretation, construction or application of this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.  Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive on the Grantee and the Company for all purposes.
 
Signature Page Follows

 
4

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be duly executed effective as of the day and year first above written.

 
EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
   
 
By:
 
 
Name:
 
 
Title:
 
   
 
GRANTEE:
   
   
 
Name:

Signature Page to Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

 
 

 
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