<?xml version="1.0" ?>
<proxyVoteTable xmlns="http://www.sec.gov/edgar/document/npxproxy/informationtable">
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>HomeStreet, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>43785V102</cusip>
    <isin>US43785V1026</isin>
    <meetingDate>08/21/2025</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To consider and vote on a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the merger-related compensation payments that will or may be paid to the named executive officers of HomeStreet in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, which we refer to as the &quot;&quot;HomeStreet merger-related compensation proposal&quot;&quot;; and</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>394133</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>394133</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Veritex Holdings, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>923451108</cusip>
    <isin>US9234511080</isin>
    <meetingDate>09/22/2025</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the merger-related named executive officer compensation that will or may be paid to Veritex's named executive officers in connection with the merger (the &quot;&quot;Veritex compensation proposal&quot;&quot;).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>285136</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>285136</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Axos Financial, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>05465C100</cusip>
    <isin>US05465C1009</isin>
    <meetingDate>11/13/2025</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve in a non-binding and advisory vote, the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the proxy statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>236959</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>AGAINST</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>236959</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>AGAINST</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Comerica Incorporated</issuerName>
    <cusip>200340107</cusip>
    <isin>US2003401070</isin>
    <meetingDate>01/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the merger-related compensation payments that will or may be paid to Comerica's named executive officers in connection with the first merger.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>173888</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>AGAINST</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>173888</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>AGAINST</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>598511103</cusip>
    <isin>US5985111039</isin>
    <meetingDate>01/26/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of MidWestOne that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>155200</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>155200</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>SouthState Bank Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>84472E102</cusip>
    <isin>US84472E1029</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/15/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval, as an advisory, non-binding &quot;say on pay&quot; resolution, of our executive compensation;</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>245500</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>245500</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>CNB Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>126128107</cusip>
    <isin>US1261281075</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the compensation paid to CNB Financial Corporation's Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables, and related narrative executive compensation disclosures contained in the Proxy Statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>458673</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>458673</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>CNB Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>126128107</cusip>
    <isin>US1261281075</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the frequency of the advisory vote to approve the compensation of CNB Financial Corporation's Named Executive Officers;</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>458673</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>ONE YEAR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>458673</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Fifth Third Bancorp</issuerName>
    <cusip>316773100</cusip>
    <isin>US3167731005</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>An advisory vote on approval of the Company's compensation of its named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>323593</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>323593</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Citizens Financial Group, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>174610105</cusip>
    <isin>US1746101054</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/23/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>373880</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>373880</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Renasant Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>75970E107</cusip>
    <isin>US75970E1073</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/28/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Adoption, in a nonbinding advisory vote, of a resolution approving the compensation of our named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>245732</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>245732</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>UMB Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>902788108</cusip>
    <isin>US9027881088</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/28/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>An advisory vote (non-binding) on the compensation paid to UMB's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>228789</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>228789</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Hancock Whitney Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>410120109</cusip>
    <isin>US4101201097</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/29/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>300596</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>300596</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.</issuerName>
    <cusip>591774104</cusip>
    <isin>US5917741044</isin>
    <meetingDate>04/29/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Non-binding Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2025</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>75000</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>75000</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Bank of America Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>870875101</cusip>
    <isin>US0605051046</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/04/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approving our executive compensation (an advisory, non-binding &quot;&quot;Say on Pay&quot;&quot; resolution)</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>147837</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>147837</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>First Citizens BancShares, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>31946M103</cusip>
    <isin>US31946M1036</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/04/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Non-binding advisory resolution (&quot;say-on-pay&quot; resolution) to approve compensation paid or provided to BancShares' named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>4483</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>4483</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>04911A107</cusip>
    <isin>US04911A1079</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/05/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve the compensation of our named executive officers (an advisory, non-binding &quot;&quot;Say on Pay&quot;&quot; resolution)</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>740157</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>740157</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>F.N.B. Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>302520101</cusip>
    <isin>US3025201019</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory approval of the 2025 named executive officer compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>872591</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>872591</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>First BanCorp.</issuerName>
    <cusip>318672706</cusip>
    <isin>PR3186727065</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve on a non-binding basis the 2025 compensation of First BanCorp's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>309910</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>309910</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Regions Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>7591EP100</cusip>
    <isin>US7591EP1005</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/06/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory Vote to Approve Regions' Executive Compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>440320</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>440320</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Horizon Bancorp, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>440407104</cusip>
    <isin>US4404071049</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/07/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory vote to approve executive compensation.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>492410</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>492410</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Old National Bancorp</issuerName>
    <cusip>680033107</cusip>
    <isin>US6800331075</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/13/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval of a non-binding advisory proposal on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>744434</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>744434</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Alerus Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>01446U103</cusip>
    <isin>US01446U1034</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/14/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation paid to our named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>338924</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>338924</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Columbia Banking System, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>197236102</cusip>
    <isin>US1972361026</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/14/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Columbia Banking System, Inc.'s named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>1185832</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>1185832</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>East West Bancorp, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>27579R104</cusip>
    <isin>US27579R1041</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/18/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers for 2025.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>187024</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>187024</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>65406E102</cusip>
    <isin>US65406E1029</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/18/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation paid to Nicolet's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>52805</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>AGAINST</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>52805</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>AGAINST</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Valley National Bancorp</issuerName>
    <cusip>919794107</cusip>
    <isin>US9197941076</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/18/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>An advisory, non-binding vote to approve the compensation of Valley's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>158166</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>158166</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Civista Bancshares, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>178867107</cusip>
    <isin>US1788671071</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To consider and vote upon a non-binding advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers as disclosed in the accompanying proxy statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>126653</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>AGAINST</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>126653</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>AGAINST</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>20786W107</cusip>
    <isin>US20786W1071</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To vote, on an advisory basis, to approve the executive compensation of ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.'s named executive officers, as described in the proxy statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>721639</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>721639</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Old Second Bancorp, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>680277100</cusip>
    <isin>US6802771005</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Proposal to approve on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers, as described in the Company's Proxy Statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>773528</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>773528</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Preferred Bank</issuerName>
    <cusip>740367404</cusip>
    <isin>US7403674044</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>ADVISORY COMPENSATION VOTE. To approve, in a non-binding advisory vote, the compensation of our named executive officers (&quot;&quot;Say on Pay&quot;&quot;).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>122621</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>122621</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Preferred Bank</issuerName>
    <cusip>740367404</cusip>
    <isin>US7403674044</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/19/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>FREQUENCY OF ADVISORY VOTE. To express preference, in a non-binding advisory vote, on the frequency of Say on Pay.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>122621</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>ONE YEAR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>122621</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>AGAINST</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Banner Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>06652V208</cusip>
    <isin>US06652V2088</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/20/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory approval of the compensation of Banner Corporation's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>193356</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>193356</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>FB Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>30257X104</cusip>
    <isin>US30257X1046</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Non-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>107116</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>107116</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>72348N109</cusip>
    <isin>US72348N1090</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Pinnacle's named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>60000</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>60000</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>72348N109</cusip>
    <isin>US72348N1090</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To recommend, on an advisory basis, that the compensation of Pinnacle's named executive officers be put to shareholders for their consideration every: one, two, or three years.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>60000</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>ONE YEAR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>60000</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>SmartFinancial, Inc.</issuerName>
    <cusip>83190L208</cusip>
    <isin>US83190L2088</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/21/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of SmartFinancial's named executive officers as listed in these proxy materials.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>147234</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>147234</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Coastal Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>19046P209</cusip>
    <isin>US19046P2092</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/27/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Advisory (non-binding) approval of the compensation paid to named executive officers.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>110251</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>110251</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Hanmi Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>410495204</cusip>
    <isin>US4104952043</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/27/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To provide a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (&quot;Say-on-Pay&quot; vote).</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>446917</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>446917</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Mechanics Bancorp</issuerName>
    <cusip>43785V102</cusip>
    <isin>US43785V1026</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/28/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the executive compensation of the Company's named executive officers for 2025.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>438635</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>438635</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Wintrust Financial Corporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>97650W108</cusip>
    <isin>US97650W1080</isin>
    <meetingDate>05/28/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>Proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the Company's executive compensation as described in the 2026 Proxy Statement.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>96083</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>96083</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
  <proxyTable>
    <issuerName>Western Alliance Bancorporation</issuerName>
    <cusip>957638109</cusip>
    <isin>US9576381092</isin>
    <meetingDate>06/10/2026</meetingDate>
    <voteDescription>To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of executives.</voteDescription>
    <voteCategories>
      <voteCategory>
        <categoryType>SECTION 14A SAY-ON-PAY VOTES</categoryType>
      </voteCategory>
    </voteCategories>
    <voteSource>ISSUER</voteSource>
    <sharesVoted>394585</sharesVoted>
    <sharesOnLoan>0</sharesOnLoan>
    <vote>
      <voteRecord>
        <howVoted>FOR</howVoted>
        <sharesVoted>394585</sharesVoted>
        <managementRecommendation>FOR</managementRecommendation>
      </voteRecord>
    </vote>
  </proxyTable>
</proxyVoteTable>
