DEF 14A 1 a17-2423_1def14a.htm DEF 14A

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 

Filed by the Registrant  x

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  o

 

Check the appropriate box:

o

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

x

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

Definitive Additional Materials

o

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

SI Financial Group, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

x

No fee required.

o

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

 

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

 

 

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

 

 

(5)

Total fee paid:

 

 

 

o

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

 

 

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Filing Party:

 

 

 

 

(4)

Date Filed:

 

 

 

 



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March 31, 2017

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of stockholders of SI Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”).  The meeting will be held at the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Financial Center, 579 North Windham Road, North Windham, Connecticut on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., local time.

 

The notice of annual meeting and proxy statement appearing on the following pages describe the formal business to be transacted at the meeting.  During the meeting, we will also report on the operations of the Company.  Directors and officers of the Company, as well as a representative of Wolf & Company, P.C., the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, will be present to respond to appropriate questions of stockholders.

 

It is important that your shares are represented at this meeting, whether or not you attend the meeting in person and regardless of the number of shares you own.  You can vote your shares via the internet, by telephone or by completing and returning a proxy card.  Voting instructions are printed on your proxy or voting instruction card that have been provided to you.  If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously mailed a proxy card.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

/s/ Rheo A. Brouillard

 

 

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 



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803 MAIN STREET

WILLIMANTIC, CONNECTICUT 06226

(860) 423-4581

 


 

NOTICE OF 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 


 

TIME AND DATE

 

9:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, May 10, 2017

 

 

 

PLACE

 

The Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Financial Center

 

 

579 North Windham Road

 

 

North Windham, Connecticut

 

 

 

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

 

(1)         To elect one director to serve for a term of one year and three directors to serve for a term of three years.

 

 

 

 

 

(2)         To ratify the selection of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

(3)         An advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.

 

 

 

 

 

(4)         An advisory vote on the frequency that stockholders will vote on our executive compensation.

 

 

 

 

 

(5)         To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

 

 

 

RECORD DATE

 

To vote, you must have been a stockholder at the close of business on March 13, 2017.

 

 

 

PROXY VOTING

 

It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. You can vote your shares via the internet, by telephone or by completing and returning the proxy or voting instruction card provided to you. Voting instructions are printed on your proxy or voting instruction card. A printed proxy card for the annual meeting and a self-addressed return envelope will be mailed to all stockholders of record on or about April 10, 2017. You can revoke a proxy at any time before its exercise at the meeting by following the instructions in this proxy statement.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Laurie L. Gervais

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

 

 

Corporate Secretary

 

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

 



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SI Financial Group, Inc.

 


 

Proxy Statement

 


 

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General Information

1

 

 

Information About Voting

1

 

 

Corporate Governance and Board Matters

4

 

 

Audit-Related Matters

10

 

 

Stock Ownership

12

 

 

Items to be Voted on by Stockholders:

 

 

 

Item 1 — Election of Directors

14

 

 

Item 2 — Ratification of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

16

 

 

Item 3 — Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

16

 

 

Item 4 — Advisory Vote on the Frequency that Stockholders will vote on the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

17

 

 

Compensation Committee Report

18

 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

18

 

 

Executive Compensation

24

 

 

Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers

34

 

 

Submission of Business Proposals and Stockholder Nominations

36

 

 

Stockholder Communications

36

 

 

Miscellaneous

36

 



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SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 


 

PROXY STATEMENT

 


 

General Information

 

We are providing this proxy statement to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of SI Financial Group, Inc. for the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders and for any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.  In this proxy statement, we may refer to SI Financial Group, Inc. as “SI Financial,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us.”

 

SI Financial is the holding company for Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company.  In this proxy statement, we may refer to Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company as “Savings Institute” or the “Bank.”

 

We are holding the 2017 annual meeting at the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Financial Center, 579 North Windham Road, North Windham, Connecticut on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., local time.

 

We intend to provide access to this proxy statement and a proxy card to stockholders of record beginning on or about March 31, 2017.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

to be held on May 10, 2017

 

This proxy statement and our 2016 Annual Report are available electronically at www.edocumentview.com/SIFI.  On this website, the Company also posts the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Information About Voting

 

Who Can Vote at the Meeting

 

You are entitled to vote the shares of SI Financial common stock that you owned as of the close of business on March 13, 2017.  As of the close of business on that date, 12,203,593 shares of SI Financial common stock were outstanding.  Each share of common stock has one vote on each matter presented to stockholders.

 

Ownership of Shares; Attending the Meeting; Voting

 

You may own shares of SI Financial in one of the following ways:

 

·                                          Directly in your name as the stockholder of record;

 

·                                          Indirectly through a broker, bank or other holder of record in “street name”; or

 

·                                          Indirectly through: (1) the SI Financial Group, Inc. Stock Fund (the “Stock Fund”) in the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”); (2) the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust (the “ESOP”); and/or (3) the trust that holds restricted stock awards and performance shares issued under the SI Financial Group, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”).

 

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If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are the holder of record of these shares and have the right to give your proxy directly to us or to vote in person at the meeting.

 

If you hold your shares in street name, your broker, bank or other holder of record is sending these proxy materials to you.  As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other holder of record how to vote by filling out a voting instruction form that accompanies your proxy materials.  Your broker, bank or other holder of record may allow you to provide voting instructions by telephone or the internet.  Please see the instruction form provided by your broker, bank or other holder of record that accompanies this proxy statement.  If you hold your shares in street name, you will need proof of ownership to be admitted to the meeting.  A recent brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership.  If you want to vote your shares of SI Financial common stock held in street name in person at the meeting, you must obtain a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who is the record holder of your shares.

 

See “Participants in the ESOP, 401(k) Plan and Equity Incentive Plan” for a discussion of voting rights under those plans.

 

Quorum and Vote Required

 

Quorum.  We will have a quorum and be able to conduct the business of the annual meeting if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote are present at the meeting, either in person or by proxy.  If you return valid proxy instructions or attend the meeting in person, we will count your shares to determine whether there is a quorum, even if you abstain from voting.  Broker non-votes also will be counted to determine the existence of a quorum.  Broker non-votes occur when brokerage firms return proxies for which no voting instructions have been received from beneficial owners and the broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on the proposal.

 

Votes Required for Proposals.  At this year’s annual meeting, stockholders will be asked to elect one director to serve for a term of one year and three directors to serve a term of three years.  In voting on the election of directors, you may vote in favor of the nominees, withhold votes as to all nominees or withhold votes as to any nominee.  There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.  Directors must be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting.  This means that the nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected.  Votes that are withheld and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election.

 

In voting on the ratification of the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm or on the advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, you may vote in favor of the proposal, vote against the proposal or abstain from voting.  The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast is required to approve each of these proposals.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal.

 

In voting on the frequency of the stockholder vote to approve the compensation of the named executive officers, you may vote for stockholders to consider that proposal every one, two or three years, or you may abstain from voting. This proposal will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast meaning that the option with the greatest number of votes will be considered the recommendation of the stockholders.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal.

 

Effect of Not Casting Your Vote.  If you hold your shares in street name it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of directors (Item 1 of this Proxy Statement), with respect to the advisory vote regarding the compensation of our named executive officers (Item 3 of this Proxy Statement) or with respect to the frequency of the advisory vote regarding the compensation of our named executive officers (Item 4 of this Proxy Statement).  Current regulations restrict the ability of your bank or broker to vote your shares in the election of directors and other matters on a discretionary basis.  Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote in the election of directors, for the advisory vote regarding the compensation of our named executive

 

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officers or with respect to the frequency of the advisory vote regarding the compensation of our named executive officers, no votes will be cast on your behalf.  These are referred to as broker non-votes.  Your bank or broker does, however, continue to have discretion to vote any shares for which you do not provide instructions on how to vote on the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (Item 2 of this Proxy Statement).

 

Voting by Proxy

 

The Board of Directors of SI Financial is requesting that you allow your shares of SI Financial common stock to be represented at the annual meeting by the persons named in the proxy card.  All shares of SI Financial common stock represented at the annual meeting by properly executed and dated proxy cards will be voted according to the instructions indicated on the proxy card.  If you sign, date and return a proxy card without giving voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors recommends:

 

·                                          a vote FOR each of the nominees for director;

 

·                                          a vote FOR ratification of Wolf & Company, P.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

·                                          a vote FOR approval of the compensation of the named executive officers; and

 

·                                          to mark the 1 YEAR box so that stockholder have the opportunity to vote every year to approve the compensation of the named executive officers. Stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove this recommendation by the Board of Directors.

 

If you received a notice and wish to receive a paper copy of the proxy card, you can obtain a copy by calling (866) 641-4276;

 

·                                          Visiting www.envisionreports.com/SIFI; or

 

·                                          e-mailing investorvote@computershare.com with “Proxy Materials SI Financial Group, Inc.” in the subject line.

 

If any matters not described in this proxy statement are properly presented at the annual meeting, the persons named in the proxy card will use their judgment to determine how to vote your shares.  This includes a motion to adjourn or postpone the annual meeting to solicit additional proxies.  If the annual meeting is postponed or adjourned, your SI Financial common stock may be voted by the persons named in the proxy card on the new annual meeting date as well, unless you have revoked your proxy.  We do not know of any other matters to be presented at the annual meeting.

 

You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the meeting.  To revoke your proxy, you must either advise the Corporate Secretary of the Company in writing before your common stock has been voted at the annual meeting, deliver a later dated proxy or attend the meeting and vote your shares in person.  Attendance at the annual meeting will not in itself constitute revocation of your proxy.

 

Voting by Telephone or Internet

 

Instead of voting by mailing a proxy card, registered stockholders can vote their shares of Company common stock via the internet or by telephone.  The internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate stockholders’ identities, allow stockholders to provide their voting instructions and confirm that their instructions have been recorded properly.  Specific instructions for internet and telephone voting are set forth on the proxy card.  The deadline for voting via the internet or by telephone is 1:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.

 

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Participants in the ESOP, 401(k) Plan and Equity Incentive Plan

 

If you participate in the ESOP, if you invest in SI Financial common stock through the Stock Fund in the 401(k) Plan or if you are a participant in the Equity Incentive Plan, you will receive a voting instruction card for each plan that will reflect all the shares that you may direct the trustees to vote on your behalf under the respective plans.  Under the terms of the ESOP, all allocated shares of SI Financial common stock held by the ESOP are voted by the ESOP trustee, as directed by plan participants.  All unallocated shares of SI Financial common stock held by the ESOP and all allocated shares for which no timely voting instructions are received are voted by the ESOP trustee in the same proportion as shares for which the trustee received voting instructions from other plan participants, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary duties.  Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, participants may direct the Stock Fund trustee how to vote the shares credited to their accounts.  The Stock Fund trustee will vote all shares for which it does not receive timely instructions from participants in the same proportion as shares for which the trustee received voting instructions from other plan participants.  Under the Equity Incentive Plan, participants may direct the plan trustee how to vote the unvested shares of restricted stock awards and performance shares.  The plan trustee will vote all shares held in the trust for which it does not receive timely instructions as directed by SI Financial.  The deadline for returning your voting instruction cards is May 1, 2017.

 

Corporate Governance and Board Matters

 

Director Independence

 

The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of nine members, all of whom are independent under the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, except for Rheo A. Brouillard and Kevin M. McCarthy.  Mr. Brouillard is not independent because he is President and Chief Executive Officer of SI Financial and Savings Institute.  Mr. McCarthy is not independent as a result of the terms of the non-competition agreement that the Company entered into with Mr. McCarthy in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Newport Bancorp, Inc. and Newport Federal Savings Bank in September 2013.  In determining the independence of its directors, the Board considered transactions, relationships and arrangements between the Company and its directors that are not required to be disclosed in this proxy statement under the heading “Transactions with Related Persons,” including loans or lines of credit that the Bank has made, directly or indirectly, to Mark D. Alliod, Roger Engle and Robert O. Gillard.

 

Board Leadership Structure and Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Board of Directors has determined that the separation of the offices of Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer will enhance Board independence and oversight.  Moreover, the separation of the Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer will allow the President and Chief Executive Officer to better focus on his responsibilities of running the Company, enhancing stockholder value and expanding and strengthening our franchise while allowing the Chairman of the Board to lead the Board in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management.  Consistent with this determination, Mr. Alliod currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Alliod is independent under the listing requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success.  We face a number of risks, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, strategic risk and reputation risk.  Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks the Company faces, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management.  In its risk oversight role, the Board of Directors has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed.  To do this, the Chairman of the Board meets regularly with management to discuss strategy and the risks facing the Company.  Senior management attends the Board meetings and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on

 

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risk management and any other matters.  The Chairman of the Board and independent members of the Board work together to provide strong, independent oversight of the Company’s management and affairs through its standing committees and, when necessary, special meetings of independent directors.

 

Corporate Governance Policies

 

The Board of Directors has adopted a corporate governance policy to govern certain activities, including: the duties and responsibilities of directors; the composition, responsibilities and operation of the Board of Directors and its committees; succession planning; convening executive sessions of independent directors; the Board of Directors’ interaction with management and third parties; and the evaluation of the performance of the Board of Directors and of the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

The following table identifies the Company’s standing committees and their members as of March 13, 2017.  All members of each committee are independent in accordance with the listing requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market.  Each committee operates under a written charter that is approved by the Board of Directors that governs its composition, responsibilities and operation.  Each committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its charter at least annually.  The charters of all three committees are available in the Governance Documents portion of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s Web site (www.mysifi.com).

 

Director

 

Audit and Risk
Committee

 

Compensation
Committee

 

Nominating and
Corporate Governance
Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark D. Alliod

 

X

 

X

 

X

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roger Engle

 

 

 

X*

 

X

Donna M. Evan

 

 

 

X

 

X*

Michael R. Garvey

 

X*

 

X

 

X

Robert O. Gillard

 

X

 

 

 

 

Kevin M. McCarthy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen A. Nealon

 

X

 

 

 

 

Dennis Pollack

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of meetings in 2016

 

4

 

4

 

5

 


*Chairperson

 

Audit and Risk Committee.  The Audit and Risk Committee meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm and management to review accounting, auditing, internal control structure and financial reporting matters.  The committee also receives and reviews the reports and findings and other information presented to them by the Company’s officers regarding financial reporting policies and practices.  The Audit and Risk Committee also reviews the performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the internal audit function and oversees policies associated with financial risk assessment and risk management.  The Audit and Risk Committee selects the independent registered public accounting firm and meets with them to discuss the results of the annual audit and any related matters.  The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Alliod and Garvey are “audit committee financial experts” under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Messrs. Alliod and Garvey are independent under the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market applicable to audit committee members.

 

Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee approves the compensation objectives for the Company and the Bank, establishes the compensation for the President and Chief Executive Officer and other executives and establishes personnel policies.  The Compensation Committee reviews all components of compensation including base salary, bonus, equity compensation, benefits and

 

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other perquisites.  In addition to reviewing competitive market values, the Compensation Committee also examines the total compensation mix, pay-for-performance relationship and how all elements, in the aggregate, comprise the executives’ total compensation package.  The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee from time to time regarding the appropriate mix and level of compensation for other officers.  Those recommendations consider the objectives of the compensation philosophy and the range of compensation programs authorized by the Compensation Committee.  Decisions by the Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation of executive officers are approved by the full Board of Directors.  The Compensation Committee also assists the Board of Directors in evaluating potential candidates for executive positions.

 

Consistent with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure requirements, we have assessed our compensation programs and have concluded that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The Compensation Committee assessed the Company’s executive and broad-based compensation and benefits to determine if the programs’ provisions and operations create undesired or unintentional risks of a material nature.  This risk assessment process included:  a review of program policies and practices; analysis of risk and risk controls related to the programs; and determinations as to the sufficiency of risk identification, the balance of potential risk to potential reward and the potential risks of the programs to Company strategy.  Although we reviewed all compensation programs, we focused on the programs with variability of payout and with the ability of a participant to directly affect payout.

 

Based on the foregoing, we believe that our compensation policies and practices do not create inappropriate or unintended significant risks to the Company.  We also believe that our incentive compensation arrangements:  provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage significant risks; are compatible with effective internal controls; and are supported by the oversight and administration of the Compensation Committee.

 

The Compensation Committee, in conjunction with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, considers the appropriate levels and form of director compensation and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding director compensation.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes a leadership role in shaping governance policies and practices, including recommending to the Board of Directors the corporate governance policies and guidelines applicable to SI Financial and monitoring compliance with these policies and guidelines.  In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommending to the Board the director nominees for election at the next annual meeting of stockholders.  It recommends director candidates for each committee for appointment by the Board.

 

Director Selection Process

 

Minimum Qualifications.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has adopted a set of criteria that it considers when it selects individuals to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors.  A candidate must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws, which include an age limitation and a requirement that the candidate not have been subject to certain criminal or regulatory actions.  A candidate also must meet any qualification requirements set forth in any Board or committee governing documents.

 

If the candidate is deemed eligible for election to the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will then evaluate the prospective nominee to determine if he or she possesses the following qualifications, qualities or skills:

 

·                                          contributions to the range of talent, skill and expertise appropriate for the Board;

 

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·                                          financial, regulatory and business experience, knowledge of the banking and financial service industries, familiarity with the operations of public companies and ability to read and understand financial statements;

 

·                                          familiarity with the Company’s market area and participation in and ties to local businesses and local civic, charitable and religious organizations;

 

·                                          personal and professional integrity, honesty and reputation;

 

·                                          the ability to represent the best interests of the stockholders of the Company and the best interests of the institution;

 

·                                          the ability to devote sufficient time and energy to the performance of his or her duties;

 

·                                          independence under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission and listing definitions; and

 

·                                          current equity holdings in the Company.

 

The Committee will also consider any other factors it deems relevant, including age, size of the Board of Directors and regulatory disclosure obligations.  Further, when identifying nominees to serve as director, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers its desire to maintain a Board that is strong in its collective knowledge and has a diversity of skills and experience with respect to accounting and finance, management and leadership, vision and strategy, business operations, business judgment, industry knowledge and corporate governance.

 

In addition, before nominating an existing director for re-election to the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider and review an existing director’s Board and Committee attendance and performance; length of Board service; the experience, skills and contributions that the existing director brings to the Board; and independence.

 

Director Nomination Process.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee adheres to the following process when it identifies and evaluates individuals to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors:

 

For purposes of identifying nominees for the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee relies on personal contacts of the Committee members and other members of the Board of Directors, as well as its knowledge of members of Savings Institute’s local communities.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider director candidates recommended by stockholders in accordance with the policy and procedures set forth below.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not previously used an independent search firm in identifying nominees.

 

In evaluating potential nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines whether the candidate is eligible and qualified for service on the Board of Directors by evaluating the candidate under the selection criteria set forth above.  In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will conduct a check of the individual’s background and interview the candidate.

 

Consideration of Recommendations by Stockholders.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders who appear to be qualified to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.  However, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board of Directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board of Directors.  To avoid the unnecessary use of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s resources, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

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will consider only those director candidates recommended in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

 

Procedures to be Followed by Stockholders.  To submit a recommendation of a director candidate to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a stockholder should submit the following information in writing, addressed to the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, care of the Corporate Secretary, at the main office of the Company:

 

1.                                      The name of the person recommended as a director candidate;

 

2.                                      All information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

 

3.                                      The written consent of the person being recommended as a director candidate to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected;

 

4.                                      As to the stockholder making the recommendation, the name and address, as they appear on the Company’s books, of such stockholder; provided, however, that if the stockholder is not a registered holder of the Company’s common stock, the stockholder should submit his or her name and address along with a current written statement from the record holder of the shares that reflects ownership of the Company’s common stock; and

 

5.                                      A statement disclosing whether such stockholder is acting with or on behalf of any other person and, if applicable, the identity of such person.

 

In order for a director candidate to be considered for nomination at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders, the recommendation must be received by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at least 120 calendar days before the date the Company’s proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting, advanced by one year.

 

Directors’ Compensation

 

The following table provides the compensation received by individuals who served as non-employee directors of SI Financial during 2016.  The table excludes perquisites, which did not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate, for each director.

 

Name

 

Fees
Earned
or Paid
in
Cash ($)

 

Stock
Awards
($)(1)

 

Option
Awards
($)(2)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)

 

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(4)

 

All Other
Compensation
($)(5)

 

Total
($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark D. Alliod

 

$

50,600

 

$

 

$

 

$

4,400

 

$

4,902

 

$

225

 

$

60,127

 

Roger Engle

 

41,400

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

225

 

46,025

 

Donna M. Evan

 

41,400

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

225

 

46,025

 

Michael R. Garvey

 

38,600

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

225

 

43,225

 

Robert O. Gillard

 

38,800

 

 

 

4,400

 

10,807

 

225

 

54,232

 

William R. Harvey(6)

 

38,600

 

 

 

4,100

 

 

 

42,700

 

Kevin M. McCarthy

 

39,600

 

 

 

4,400

 

2,135

 

 

46,135

 

Kathleen A. Nealon

 

36,800

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

 

41,200

 

Dennis Pollack

 

38,100

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

 

42,500

 

 


(1)         See footnote 1 to the directors and executive officers stock ownership table under “Stock Ownership” for the number of unvested shares of restricted stock and performance awards held in trust under the Equity Incentive Plan for each director at March 13, 2017.

 

(footnotes continue on following page)

 

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(2)         As of December 31, 2016, Messrs. Engle, Gillard, Harvey, McCarthy and Pollack and Ms. Evan and Ms. Nealon each held stock options to purchase 10,000 shares of SI Financial’s common stock.  As of December 31, 2016, Messrs. Alliod and Garvey held stock options to purchase 18,981 and 27,962 shares of SI Financial’s common stock, respectively.

(3)         Represents the cash incentive earned by our directors in 2016 and distributed in 2016 and 2017 under our 2016 Pay for Performance Plan.  The Company performance criteria used to determine incentives for our directors was the same criteria used for our named executive officers and given the same weighting.  See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional information on our Pay for Performance Plan.

(4)         Reflects the above market earnings on the deferred fee arrangements between Savings Institute and Messrs. Alliod, Gillard and McCarthy.  Under the terms of the arrangements, Messrs. Alliod, Gillard and McCarthy defer a portion of their director fees.

(5)         Reflects dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards for all directors.

(6)         Mr. Harvey passed away on January 5, 2017.

 

Cash Retainer and Meeting Fees for Non-Employee Directors.  The following table sets forth the applicable retainers and fees to be paid to non-employee directors for their service on Savings Institute’s and SI Financial’s Board of Directors during 2017.

 

Quarterly Retainer (for service on SI Financial’s Board of Directors)

 

$

4,000

 

Monthly Retainer (for service on Savings Institute’s Board of Directors)

 

1,000

 

Monthly Retainer for Savings Institute’s Chairman of the Board

 

2,000

 

Fee per Board or Committee Meeting

 

500

 

 

Board and Committee Meetings

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company held 13 meetings and the Board of Directors of the Bank held 12 meetings.  No director attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees on which they served in 2016.

 

Director Attendance at Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

While the Company has no formal policy on director attendance at annual meetings of stockholders, directors are encouraged to attend.  All but three of the directors attended the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

 

SI Financial has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that is designed to ensure that the Company’s directors and employees meet the highest standards of ethical conduct.  The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which applies to all employees and directors, addresses conflicts of interest, the treatment of confidential information, general employee conduct and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.  In addition, the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is designed to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, full and accurate disclosure and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

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Audit-Related Matters

 

Audit and Risk Committee Report

 

The Company’s management is responsible for the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and issuing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  The independent registered public accounting firm is also responsible for issuing an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria issued by the Committee on Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Audit and Risk Committee oversees the Company’s internal control over financial reporting on behalf of the Board of Directors.

 

In this context, the Audit and Risk Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm.  Management represented to the Audit and Risk Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and the Audit and Risk Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.  The Audit and Risk Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU Section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T, including the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements.

 

In addition, the Audit and Risk Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit and Risk Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the firm’s independence from the Company and its management.  In concluding that the independent registered public accounting firm is independent, the Audit and Risk Committee considered, among other factors, whether the non-audit services provided by the firm were compatible with its independence.

 

The Audit and Risk Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit.  The Audit and Risk Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examination, their evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting process.

 

In performing all of these functions, the Audit and Risk Committee acts only in an oversight capacity.  In its oversight role, the Audit and Risk Committee relies on the work and assurances of the Company’s management, which has the primary responsibility for financial statements and reports, and of the independent registered public accounting firm that, in its report, expresses an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  The Audit and Risk Committee’s oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies, or appropriate internal control over financial reporting designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.  Furthermore, the Audit and Risk Committee’s considerations and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm do not assure that the Company’s financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of the Company’s financial statements has been carried out

 

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in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) or that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is “independent.”

 

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit and Risk Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Audit and Risk Committee has appointed, subject to stockholder ratification, the selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.

 

Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors

of SI Financial Group, Inc.

 

Michael R. Garvey — Chairperson

Mark D. Alliod

Robert O. Gillard

Kathleen A. Nealon

 

Audit Fees

 

The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 by Wolf & Company, P.C.:

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

$

261,542

 

$

256,692

 

Audit-Related Fees (1)

 

37,880

 

34,264

 

Tax Fees (2)

 

50,815

 

48,965

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 


(1)         Represents fees for audits of the 401(k) Plan and the ESOP.

(2)         Represents services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, including the preparation of the annual tax returns and quarterly tax payments.

 

Policy on Audit and Risk Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services by the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm.  In accordance with its charter, the Audit and Risk Committee approves, in advance, all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.  Such approval process ensures that the independent registered public accounting firm does not provide any non-audit services to the Company that are prohibited by law or regulation.

 

In addition, the Audit and Risk Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.  Requests for services by the independent registered public accounting firm for compliance with the auditor services policy must be specific as to the particular services to be provided.

 

The request may be made with respect to either specific services or a type of service for predictable or recurring services.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, all services were approved, in advance, by the Audit and Risk Committee in compliance with these procedures.

 

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Stock Ownership

 

The following table provides information as of March 13, 2017 with respect to persons and entities known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  A person or entity may be considered to beneficially own any shares of common stock over which the person or entity has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investing power.

 

Name and Address

 

Number of
Shares Owned

 

Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomson Horstmann & Bryant Inc.
501 Merritt 7
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851

 

869,085

(1)

7.12

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maltese Capital Management LLC
Maltese Capital Holdings, LLC
Terry Maltese
150 East 52
nd Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10022

 

861,955

(2)

7.06

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institute Bank & Trust Company
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
803 Main Street
Willimantic, Connecticut 06226

 

713,599

(3)

5.85

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52
nd Street
New York, New York 10055

 

647,691

(4)

5.31

%

 


(1)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 10, 2017.

(2)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2017.

(3)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 7, 2017.

(4)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 30, 2017.

 

The following table provides information as of March 13, 2017 about the shares of SI Financial common stock that may be considered to be owned by each director, each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and by all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.  A person may be considered to own any shares of common stock over which he or she has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment power, including any shares that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days, such as through the exercise of stock options.  Unless otherwise indicated, each of the named individuals has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

 

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Name

 

Number of Shares
Owned (1)

 

Number of Shares
That May Be
Acquired Within
60 Days By
Exercising Options

 

Total

 

Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding

 

Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark D. Alliod

 

13,441

(2)

10,981

 

24,422

 

*

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

108,989

(3)

58,981

 

167,970

 

1.37

%

Roger Engle

 

21,360

(4)

2,000

 

23,360

 

*

 

Donna M. Evan

 

23,390

 

2,000

 

25,390

 

*

 

Michael R. Garvey

 

9,903

 

16,369

 

26,272

 

*

 

Robert O. Gillard

 

25,454

(5)

2,000

 

27,454

 

*

 

Kevin M. McCarthy

 

78,243

 

2,000

 

80,243

 

*

 

Kathleen A. Nealon

 

6,281

 

2,000

 

8,281

 

*

 

Dennis Pollack

 

3,930

 

2,000

 

5,930

 

*

 

Named Executive Officers Who Are Not Also Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

58,640

(6)

33,490

 

92,130

 

*

 

Paul R. Little

 

12,204

 

19,000

 

31,204

 

*

 

Lauren L. Murphy

 

28,420

 

27,133

 

55,553

 

*

 

Gerald D. Coia

 

4,212

 

 

4,212

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (14 persons)

 

411,190

 

193,954

 

605,144

 

4.88

%

 


*Less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

(1)         This column includes the following:

 

 

 

Unvested Shares of
Restricted Stock and
Performance Awards
Held in Trust

 

Allocated
Shares Held in
ESOP Trust

 

Shares Held in
Trust in 401(k)
Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Brouillard

 

3,333

 

11,861

 

18,706

 

Ms. Gervais

 

3,333

 

7,864

 

20,676

 

Mr. Little

 

 

4,788

 

 

Ms. Murphy

 

3,333

 

6,999

 

2,505

 

Mr. Coia

 

 

1,534

 

1,589

 

 


(2)         Includes 1,212 shares held by Mr. Alliod’s daughter, 250 shares held by the individual retirement account of Mr. Alliod’s daughter and 2,229 shares held by the individual retirement account of Mr. Alliod’s spouse.

(3)         Includes 898 shares held by Mr. Brouillard’s spouse and 2,659 shares held by the individual retirement account of Mr. Brouillard’s spouse.

(4)         Includes 22 shares and 43 shares held in a custodian account for Mr. Engle’s two children, under which Mr. Engle’s spouse has voting and investment power.

(5)         Includes 3,959 shares held by the individual retirement account of Mr. Gillard’s spouse.

(6)         Includes 449 shares held in custodian accounts for each of Ms. Gervais’ two children.

 

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Items to be Voted on by Stockholders

 

Item 1 — Election of Directors

 

The Company’s Board of Directors consists of nine members.  The Board is divided into three classes with three-year staggered terms, with approximately one-third of the directors elected each year.  To ensure that the Board classes remain equal in number, one of the Board of Directors’ nominees for election this year (Robert O. Gillard) will serve for a one-year term and until his successor has been elected and qualified and three of the Board of Directors’ nominees for election this year (Mark D. Alliod, Michael R. Garvey and Kathleen A. Nealon) will serve for a three-year term and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified.

 

It is intended that the proxies solicited by the Board of Directors will be voted for the election of the nominees named above.  If any of the nominees is unable to serve, the persons named in the proxy card will vote your shares to approve the election of any substitute nominee proposed by the Board of Directors.  At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominees might be unable to serve.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of all of the nominees.

 

Information regarding the nominees and the directors continuing in office is provided below.  Unless otherwise stated, each individual has held his or her current occupation for the last five years.  The age indicated in each individual’s biography is as of December 31, 2016.  There are no family relationships among the directors or executive officers.  The indicated period for service as a director includes service as a director of Savings Institute.

 

Board Nominee for Terms Ending in 2018

 

Robert O. Gillard is the Chairman and owner of the O.L. Willard Company, Inc., a material supply company with locations in Storrs and Willimantic, Connecticut.  Age 70.  Director since 1999.

 

Mr. Gillard’s career as a small business executive provides SI Financial with organizational understanding and expertise.  Further, through his business, Mr. Gillard has gained comprehensive knowledge of the homebuilding industry throughout Eastern Connecticut, which aids the Board in its oversight of the lending function.  In addition, as an active member of the community, including being a former member of the Design Review subcommittee of the Mansfield Planning Board and his previous service on the Greater Windham Community Foundation, Mr. Gillard is knowledgeable of the local consumer environment.

 

Board Nominees for Terms Ending in 2020

 

Mark D. Alliod is the President and sole owner of Mark D. Alliod CPA PC, a public accounting firm in South Windsor, Connecticut.  Age 53.  Director since 2005.

 

Mr. Alliod provides expertise with regard to tax, financial and accounting matters.  Also, as owner of an accounting firm, Mr. Alliod brings small business knowledge and management experience.  He has the background to qualify as SI Financial’s audit committee financial expert.

 

Michael R. Garvey became the principal and owner of the public accounting firm of Garvey, Steele & Company, LLP, which provides audit and tax services throughout Connecticut, on January 1, 2015.  Previously, he was the principal and owner of Garvey & Associates, LLC.  As a principal of an accounting firm, Mr. Garvey is responsible for monitoring the firm’s risk management, strategic plan and overall firm operations.  Mr. Garvey is also a principal and owner of Professional Payrolls, LLC, which provides payroll processing services to small, local businesses in New London, Connecticut.  Age 52.  Director since 2007.

 

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Mr. Garvey is a certified public accountant and has the financial background and expertise in financial accounting, auditing and tax matters to qualify as an audit committee financial expert.  In addition, Mr. Garvey possesses substantial small company management experience as the owner of Professional Payrolls, LLC.  He has the background to qualify as SI Financial’s audit committee financial expert.

 

Kathleen A. Nealon, a certified public accountant, is the Chief Financial Officer of the Professional Planning Group, a Westerly, Rhode Island-based company that provides financial planning services.  Ms. Nealon was a director of Newport Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Newport Federal Savings Bank (“Newport Federal”), from 2005 until it merged into Savings Institute in September 2013.  Before serving as a director with Newport Federal, Ms. Nealon was a director of Westerly Savings Bank from 2004 until it merged with Newport Federal in 2005.  Age 64.  Director since 2013.

 

Ms. Nealon brings financial, accounting and management expertise to the Board.  Ms. Nealon also provides the Board with knowledge of our Rhode Island market.

 

Directors with Terms Ending in 2018

 

Donna M. Evan retired as a Sales Manager for WILI AM/FM, a commercial radio station located in Willimantic, Connecticut, in 2016.  Her responsibilities included working with local and regional businesses to market products and services, soliciting business from local and regional businesses and communicating with advertising agencies to coordinate advertising for national clients.  Age 68.  Director since 1996.

 

Ms. Evan brings significant business and management level experience from her experience in a setting outside of the financial services industry.  In addition, through her business experience, Ms. Evan has gained significant marketing knowledge and valuable insight into current buying trends and the local economic environment, adding additional value to the Board.

 

Dennis Pollack has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:  PBIP) and Prudential Bank in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since April 2016.  Mr. Pollack has held numerous executive positions, including Divisional President at Sony Corporation of America, President and CEO of the Connecticut Bank of Commerce, President and CEO of The Savings Bank of Rockland County, Chief Operating Officer at Paulson & Company, a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, and President and CEO of Pegasus Funding Group.  Mr. Pollack served as a member of the Board of Directors of TF Financial Corp. until its sale to National Penn Bancshares, Inc. in October 2014, served as Chairman of the Board of Presilient, LLC until October 2015 and is a member of the Board of Directors of Prudential Bancorp, Inc.  Mr. Pollack has authored numerous articles on the state of banking which appeared in Bottomline Magazine and The Bankers Magazine.  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, dated February 25, 2015, between the Company and Lawrence B. Seidman and various affiliates of Mr. Seidman, the Company agreed to appoint Mr. Pollack to the Board of Directors.  Age 66.  Director since 2015.

 

Mr. Pollack’s substantial experience as President, CEO and director of community banking organizations, in-depth knowledge of community bank lending, and additional management and Board experience involving the oversight of private and non-profit organizations provides the Company with valuable and relevant expertise as a director.

 

Directors with Terms Ending in 2019

 

Rheo A. Brouillard has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Savings Institute and SI Financial since 1995 and 2004, respectively.  Age 62.  Director since 1995.

 

Mr. Brouillard’s extensive experience in the local banking industry and involvement in business and civic organizations in the communities in which Savings Institute serves affords the Board valuable insight regarding the business and operations of Savings Institute.  Mr. Brouillard’s knowledge of SI

 

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Financial’s and Savings Institute’s business and history position him well to continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Roger Engle was the President of The Crystal Water Company, a water supplier located in Danielson, Connecticut, from 1973 until his retirement in 2000.  Mr. Engle served as the First Selectman for the town of Brooklyn, Connecticut from 2005 until 2009.  As First Selectman, Mr. Engle oversaw all functions of the town, including the budgeting process, issuance of bonds and maintenance of public infrastructure.  He was also a director of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTWS), which delivers water to customers throughout 42 towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts, from 2000 to 2005.  Age 78.  Director since 1998.

 

Mr. Engle’s experience as President of The Crystal Water Company and First Selectman provides the Board valuable management level experience, including insight into the budget process.  In addition, Mr. Engle’s continued involvement in community organizations and local political matters is a vital component of a well-rounded board.

 

Kevin M. McCarthy joined Newport Federal in 1989 and was its President and Chief Executive Officer before it merged into Savings Institute in September 2013.  Mr. McCarthy served as Vice President, Director of Policy and Supervision at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston from 1977 to 1989 and was a savings and loan examiner with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board from 1973 to 1977.  Mr. McCarthy served on the Board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston from 2004 to 2012 and the Community Bank Council of the American Bankers Association from 2008 to 2013.  Mr. McCarthy was a director of Newport Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Newport Federal, from 1993 until it merged into Savings Institute in September 2013.  Age 69.  Director since 2013.

 

Mr. McCarthy’s insight into the historical operations of Newport Federal and his extensive experience in the Rhode Island banking industry affords the Board valuable insight.

 

Item 2 — Ratification of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Wolf & Company, P.C. to be the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, subject to ratification by stockholders.  A representative of Wolf & Company, P.C. is expected to be present at the annual meeting to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement should he or she desire to do so.

 

If the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm is not approved by a majority of the votes cast, the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors may consider other independent registered public accounting firms.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Item 3 — Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires, among other things, that the Company permit a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of its named executive officers, as described in the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer compensation and the accompanying narrative disclosure in this proxy statement.

 

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The proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives the Company’s stockholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the Company’s executive compensation program and policies through the following resolution:

 

“Resolved, that the Company’s stockholders approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative disclosure in this proxy statement.”

 

Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Company or its Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.  We urge stockholders to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 18 of this proxy statement and related compensation tables and narrative beginning on page 24, which provide detailed information on our compensation policies and practices for our named executive officers.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” approval of the compensation of the named executive officers.

 

Item 4 — Advisory Vote on the Frequency of a Stockholder Vote on the Compensation of the Named Executive Officers

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Company to obtain, at least once every six years, a vote on how often stockholders should vote on the compensation of the named executive officers.  We held this vote at our 2011 annual meeting of stockholders.  Thus, we are required to provide stockholders, at this annual meeting, the opportunity to determine whether the frequency of a stockholder vote on the compensation of the named executive officers will be every one, two or three years. Stockholders may also abstain from voting on the frequency of a stockholder vote on executive compensation.

 

Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Company or its Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering the frequency of a stockholder vote on executive compensation. For the reasons described below, we recommend that our stockholders select a frequency of one year, or an annual vote.

 

Most companies hold a vote every year and this has been our practice for the past six years.  The determination to recommend an annual vote was based upon the premise that executive compensation is evaluated, adjusted and approved on an annual basis by the Board of Directors upon a recommendation from the Compensation Committee and the belief that investor sentiment should be a factor taken into consideration by the Compensation Committee in making its annual recommendation.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends conducting a vote to approve the compensation of the named executive officers every year and that you check the “1 YEAR” option. Note: stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove this recommendation.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that is required by the rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.  See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

of SI Financial Group, Inc.

 

Roger Engle - Chairperson

Mark D. Alliod

Donna M. Evan

Michael R. Garvey

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Executive Summary

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides our stockholders with an overview and analysis of the compensation programs in which our named executive officers (“NEOs”) participate and the process we use to make specific compensation decisions for our NEOs.  The following officers are our 2016 NEOs:

 

·

 

Rheo Brouillard

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

·

 

Lauren Murphy

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

·

 

Laurie Gervais

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

·

 

Gerald Coia

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer

·

 

Paul Little

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

 

It is the intent of the Compensation Committee to provide our NEOs with a total compensation package that is market-competitive, promotes the achievement of our strategic objectives and industry best practices and is aligned with operating and other performance metrics to support long-term stockholder value.

 

At our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, approximately 92% of our stockholders voted in favor of our executive compensation program (our “say-on-pay proposal), demonstrating support of the Compensation Committee’s compensation decisions for our NEOs.

 

Our Company in 2016.  In 2016, we achieved record earnings primarily due to the following:

 

·                                        Net proceeds of $7.3 million from the sale of the Company’s ownership interest in Vantis Life Insurance Company;

 

·                                        Net loans increased $55.0 million, or 4.7%, primarily due to a $36.3 million, or 9.4%, increase in multi-family and commercial real estate loans and a $35.1 million, or 24.0%, increase in commercial business loans, excluding Small Business Administration and United States Department of Agriculture-guaranteed loans.

 

·                                        Deposits increased $72.7 million, or 6.9%, from $1.06 billion at December 31, 2015 to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2016, primarily due to an increase in certificates of deposit and non-interest bearing deposits;

 

·                                        Mortgage banking revenue increased $482,000, or 66.9%, to $1.2 million for 2016 due to increased residential loan originations;

 

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·                                        Operating expenses decreased $587,000, or 1.4%, for the year; and

 

·                                        Asset quality improved as nonperforming loans decreased $1.2 million and represented 0.44% of total loans at December 31, 2016.

 

2016 Compensation Decisions for our NEOs.  The Compensation Committee began its work in 2016 by reviewing the compensation arrangements for each of our NEOs in light of each officer’s position in the Company, total compensation and best practices.  Mr. Brouillard’s employment agreement and the change in control agreements with Ms. Gervais, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Little were extended through December 31, 2019, following a review of each NEO’s job performance. Mr. Coia’s change in control agreement was extended through December 31, 2017.  In connection with the contract renewals, the Compensation Committee approved modest salary increases for each NEO in keeping with our philosophy of targeting base pay at median levels for the Company’s peer group.  The Compensation Committee also reviewed the impact of the Internal Revenue Code compensation limitations on the tax-qualified benefits provided to each of the NEOs and designated Ms. Gervais as a participant in the Amended and Restated Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) effective January 1, 2016, to provide her with retirement benefits lost under the Bank’s tax-qualified plans due to Internal Revenue Code limits.

 

The performance goals, with respect to the fourth tranche of shares under the 2012 performance awards granted to the NEOs other than Mr. Coia, were achieved as of December 31, 2016 and the Compensation Committee took action in early 2017 to certify the achievement of the performance goals and authorized the distribution of the performance shares.  Under the terms of the 2012 performance awards, one-fourth of the shares vest on each of February 26, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 based on the achievement of performance criteria for the preceding fiscal year.  Of the shares scheduled to vest on February 26, 2017, one-half would vest if the Company’s ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was less than 2% as of December 31, 2016 and one-half of the shares vest if the Company’s earnings per share for 2016 was at least 10% higher than the prior year.  Any performance shares that do not vest on a particular vesting date due to the failure to achieve the performance standard may vest on the next scheduled vesting date if the tangible book value per share of Company common stock equals or exceeds that which it was on the grant date of the award.  As of the final vesting date, 13,742 of the shares subject to the performance awards had not vested. The Compensation Committee reviewed the financial goals under the 2012 performance awards as of December 31, 2016 and concluded that absent the 2013 acquisition of Newport Bancorp, Inc., which occurred after the 2012 performance awards were granted, the Company would have satisfied all of the performance objectives under the 2012 performance awards.  Based on this conclusion, its assessment of the Company’s performance during the term of the performance awards, the Compensation Committee elected to exercise its discretion and vest the remaining unvested performance shares.

 

We believe the decisions our Compensation Committee made in 2016 are aligned with our compensation philosophy, commensurate with our performance and competitive with our peers.

 

Compensation Philosophy

 

Our compensation program for our NEOs is designed to:

 

·                  Align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of stockholders;

 

·                  Tie annual cash incentives to the achievement of measurable corporate and individual performance;

 

·                  Reward executives for enhancing long-term stockholder value;

 

·                  Balance rewards for the achievement of both short-term and long-term SI Financial objectives and ensure sound risk management; and

 

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·                  Encourage ownership of SI Financial common stock.

 

Our compensation program for our NEOs holds our executives accountable for Company performance and rewards them for delivering superior performance and enhanced stockholder returns.

 

Elements of Our Compensation and Benefits Program

 

To achieve our objectives, we have structured a compensation and benefits program that provides our NEOs with the following:

 

·                  Competitive Base Pay;

 

·                  Short-Term Cash-Based Incentives;

 

·                  Long-Term Equity Incentives;

 

·                  Retirement Benefits; and

 

·                  Employment/Change in Control Agreements.

 

The elements of a NEO’s total compensation package will vary depending upon the executive’s job position and responsibilities with SI Financial and Savings Institute.

 

Role of Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee reviews all of the elements of compensation for our NEOs annually and gives due consideration to prevailing market practice, our overall compensation philosophy and the costs associated with the arrangements.  The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that establishes its responsibilities.  The Compensation Committee and Board of Directors review the charter annually to ensure the scope of the charter is consistent with the Compensation Committee’s role.  Under the charter, the Compensation Committee is charged with general responsibility for the oversight and administration of our compensation program.  The charter also authorizes the Compensation Committee to engage consultants and other professionals without management approval to the extent deemed necessary to discharge its responsibilities.

 

Role of Management

 

Management provides data, analyses, input and recommendations to the Compensation Committee through our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer.  The Compensation Committee considers our Chief Executive Officer’s evaluation of each NEO’s performance and recommendation of appropriate compensation.  However, our Chief Executive Officer does not participate in any decisions relating to his own compensation.  Our Chief Administrative Officer also assists the Compensation Committee, providing support to the Compensation Committee Chairman as requested.

 

Role of Compensation Consultant

 

The Compensation Committee did not engage a compensation consultant in 2016.  However, the Company did participate in the 2016 McLagan Executive Compensation Review for regional and community banks and in doing so received compensation survey data that the Compensation Committee used in reviewing cash compensation for our NEOs.

 

Peer Group

 

The Compensation Committee considers information about the practices of other comparable companies, as well as evolving market practices, when it makes compensation decisions.   In 2016, the Compensation Committee reviewed the McLagan cash compensation survey for regional and community banks with asset sizes ranging from $1 billion to $3 billion.  Ninety financial institutions participated in

 

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the McLagan survey, the median asset size was $1.5 billion and 50% of the participating banks were publicly traded financial institutions.  In addition to the McLagan survey, the Compensation Committee considered cash compensation data from surveys prepared by the American Bankers Association and the Connecticut Bankers Association.

 

The Compensation Committee considered the survey data, in addition to NEO responsibilities and tenure with the Company, in connection with its executive compensation decision-making process.

 

Base Salary

 

Our goal is to provide our NEOs with base salaries that are competitive, reflect their tenure and individual experience and are consistent with their individual performance.  The Compensation Committee has established base salary ranges for each NEO using the median base salaries paid to similarly situated executives.  Generally, base salaries are reviewed on an annual basis in connection with each NEO’s performance review or in the event of a promotion.  See “Executive Compensation — Summary Compensation Table” for the base salaries paid to our NEOs in 2016.

 

Short-Term Cash-Based Incentive Compensation

 

A major element of our compensation philosophy is to tie annual cash incentives to the achievement of measurable corporate and individual performance.  Our annual Pay for Performance Program (“PFP”) provides a vehicle to reward participants for superior company and individual performance.  During 2016, each of our NEOs was eligible to participate in the 2016 PFP.  The Compensation Committee, in conjunction with the Asset Liability Committee (for purposes of determining budget pool), established the performance goals for each of our NEOs under the 2016 PFP.  The performance measures for the 2016 PFP were consistent with prior years: (1) return on assets; (2) noninterest expenses; and (3) earnings per share.  Earnings per share and return on assets are used in the PFP calculations as clear and commonly used measures of profitability and our return on investment.  Noninterest expense is also a valuable metric for aligning pay and performance.

 

Each PFP performance measure is assigned a specific weighting: return on assets (30%), noninterest expenses (30%) and earnings per share (40%).

 

The following table sets forth the Threshold, Target and Maximum performance goals under the 2016 PFP, as well as the Company’s 2016 performance results.

 

 

 

Performance Goals

 

2016 Actual

 

Objective

 

Threshold

 

Target

 

Maximum

 

Results

 

Return on Assets

 

40.3bp

 

44.8bp

 

49.3bp

 

45.7bp

 

Noninterest Expenses (in thousands)

 

$

44,119

 

$

40,108

 

$

36,097

 

$

38,826

 

Earnings Per Share

 

0.48

 

0.53

 

0.58

 

0.95

 

 

The 2016 PFP incentive pay opportunities for Mr. Brouillard were 25% of median base salary at the threshold level, 37.5% at the target level and 50% at the maximum level.  For our other NEOs, the opportunities were 20% of median base salary at the threshold level, 30% at the target level and 40% at the maximum level.  See “Executive Compensation — Grants of Plan-Based Awards” for each NEOs incentive opportunities under the 2016 PFP.

 

Based on our financial performance in 2016, NEO cash incentives earned in 2016 were distributed based on target payout for the achievement of Return on Assets and Noninterest Expenses performance goals and at maximum payout for the Earnings Per Share performance goal.  See “Executive Compensation — Summary Compensation Table” for 2016 PFP distributions.

 

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2016 PFP Calculations for our Named Executive Officers (payouts round up to the nearest dollar)

 

 

 

Allocation

 

Brouillard

 

Murphy

 

Gervais

 

Little

 

Coia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PFP Salary Allocation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base Salary Midpoint

 

 

 

$

426,161

 

$

191,421

 

$

257,269

 

$

214,391

 

$

191,421

 

Salary Allocation - Threshold

 

 

(1)

106,540

 

38,284

 

51,454

 

42,878

 

38,284

 

Salary Allocation - Target

 

 

(2)

159,810

 

57,426

 

77,181

 

64,317

 

57,426

 

Salary Allocation - Maximum

 

 

(3)

213,081

 

76,568

 

102,908

 

85,756

 

76,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PFP Distribution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Assets

 

30.0

%

$

47,944

 

$

17,228

 

$

23,154

 

$

19,295

 

$

17,228

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

30.0

 

47,944

 

17,228

 

23,154

 

19,295

 

17,228

 

Earnings Per Share

 

40.0

 

85,233

 

30,627

 

41,163

 

34,303

 

30,627

 

Total

 

100.0

%

$

181,121

 

$

65,083

 

$

87,471

 

$

72,893

 

$

65,083

 

 


(1)         Midpoint salary allocation at threshold was 25.0% for Mr. Brouillard and 20.0% for Ms. Murphy, Ms. Gervais, Mr. Little and Mr. Coia.

(2)         Midpoint salary allocation at target was 37.5% for Mr. Brouillard and 30.0% for Ms. Murphy, Ms. Gervais, Mr. Little and Mr. Coia.

(3)         Midpoint salary allocation at maximum was 50.0% for Mr. Brouillard and 40.0% for Ms. Murphy, Ms. Gervais, Mr. Little and Mr. Coia.

 

Long-Term Equity Incentives

 

The Compensation Committee developed a long-term incentive program that utilizes our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to align the interests of our NEOs with our stockholders and focuses our executives on long-term sustained performance through the grant of stock options, restricted stock and performance awards.  Our NEOs are currently vesting in time-based restricted stock awards granted in September 2015.  No new equity awards were made to our NEOs in 2016.

 

Stock Compensation Grant and Award Practices; Timing Issues

 

The Compensation Committee considers whether to make stock option grants and/or award other forms of equity on an annual basis based on the shares available under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.  The Compensation Committee’s determination of grant dates or stock option exercise prices is made after carefully considering the timing of earnings releases and/or other material non-public information to ensure there is no manipulation of the market to an executive’s benefit.  The Compensation Committee’s decisions are reviewed and ratified by the full Board of Directors.  SI Financial never times the release of material non-public information to affect the value of executive compensation.  In general, the release of such information reflects established timetables for the disclosure of material non-public information such as earnings reports or, with respect to other events reportable under federal securities laws, the applicable requirements of such laws with respect to timing of disclosure.  In accordance with the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, options are granted at an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the date of grant.

 

Retirement Benefits

 

All of our NEOs participate in the Savings Institute’s ESOP and 401(k) Plan.  In addition to the tax-qualified plans, Savings Institute maintains non-qualified supplemental retirement arrangements with Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais that provide for supplemental retirement benefits based on a fixed percentage of each executive’s three highest years of compensation.  The Bank also maintains the SERP,  which provides Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais (effective January 1, 2016) with benefits each officer would have received under the ESOP and 401(k) Plan, but for certain Internal Revenue Code limitations that reduce benefits for highly compensated executives under tax-qualified retirement plans.  In addition, the SERP provides participants with a supplemental stock ownership benefit in the event of a change in control before the full repayment of the ESOP loans.  The Compensation Committee reviews our retirement programs on an annual basis to ensure that they are consistent with prevailing market practices, our overall executive compensation philosophy and are cost effective.  See “Executive Compensation—Pension Benefits” for details on these programs.

 

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Our retirement plans and arrangements are consistent with the arrangements provided to senior executive officers in the banking industry and assist us in attracting and retaining top talent by providing executives with financial security in retirement.

 

Executive Agreements

 

An important consideration in our ability to attract and retain key executives is our ability to minimize the impact on our management team of the possible disruption associated with our analysis of strategic opportunities.  Accordingly, we believe it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to provide our key executives with reasonable financial arrangements in the event of termination of employment.  Therefore, we maintain an employment agreement with Mr. Brouillard and change in control agreements with our other NEOs.  See “Executive Compensation—Employment and Change in Control Agreements” for the details of these arrangements.   The executive agreements do not contain gross-ups or provide for severance benefits upon termination for cause or upon voluntary termination of employment.

 

The use of employment and change in control agreements is common among our competitors and therefore influences our use of such arrangements to retain our current management team.  The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the terms of the employment and change in control agreements.  For additional information regarding the executive agreements, see the section headed “Employment and Change in Control Agreements.”

 

Perquisites

 

We provide our NEOs with reasonable perquisites to further their ability to promote the business interests of the Company in our markets and to reflect competitive practices for similarly situated officers employed by our peers.  The perquisites are reviewed periodically and adjusted as necessary.

 

Tax and Accounting Considerations

 

In consultation with our advisors, we evaluate the tax and accounting treatment of each of our compensation programs at the time of adoption and on an annual basis to ensure an understanding of the financial impact of the program.  Our analysis includes a review of recently adopted and pending changes in tax and accounting requirements.  As part of our review, we consider modifications and/or alternatives to existing programs to take advantage of favorable changes in the tax or accounting environment or to avoid adverse consequences.  To preserve maximum flexibility in the design and implementation of our compensation programs, we have not adopted a formal policy that requires all compensation to be tax deductible.  However, to the greatest extent possible, it is our intent to structure our compensation programs in a tax efficient manner.

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

We have not adopted formal stock ownership requirements for our NEOs.  As a practical matter, our NEOs and directors are expected to hold a meaningful interest in our stock.  See the “Stock Ownership” section of this proxy statement for information on each NEO’s holdings in our common stock.

 

Risk Assessment

 

The Compensation Committee does not believe any of the current compensation policies and practices encourages excessive risk-taking.  Effective internal controls are in place at the management level and are supported by the oversight and administration of the Compensation Committee.

 

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Executive Compensation

 

Summary Compensation Table.  The following table provides information concerning total compensation earned or paid to the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers of SI Financial who served in such capacities at December 31, 2016.  These five officers are referred to as the named executive officers in this proxy statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Equity

 

Nonqualified

 

All

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option

 

Stock

 

Incentive

 

Deferred

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards

 

Awards

 

Plan

 

Compensation

 

Compensation

 

 

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

Compensation

 

Earnings

 

(3)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

2016

 

$

446,333

 

$

 

$

 

$

181,121

 

$

69,586

 

$

32,864

 

$

729,904

 

President and Chief Executive

 

2015

 

418,252

 

 

118,600

 

47,943

 

261,083

 

34,327

 

880,205

 

Officer

 

2014

 

388,630

 

 

 

78,338

 

139,430

 

40,911

 

647,309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

2016

 

253,000

 

 

 

87,471

 

150,487

 

23,231

 

514,189

 

Executive Vice President, Chief

 

2015

 

208,000

 

 

118,600

 

23,154

 

177,464

 

23,626

 

550,844

 

Administrative Officer

 

2014

 

171,077

 

 

 

28,150

 

52,871

 

17,629

 

269,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul R. Little

 

2016

 

213,385

 

 

 

72,893

 

 

23,111

 

309,389

 

Senior Vice President,

 

2015

 

206,462

 

63,700

 

 

19,295

 

 

22,746

 

312,203

 

Chief Lending Officer

 

2014

 

197,115

 

 

 

31,528

 

 

16,962

 

245,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren L. Murphy

 

2016

 

212,000

 

 

 

65,083

 

 

21,370

 

298,453

 

Senior Vice President,

 

2015

 

188,154

 

 

118,600

 

17,228

 

 

17,903

 

341,885

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2014

 

160,654

 

 

 

25,134

 

 

14,105

 

199,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald D. Coia

 

2016

 

204,039

 

 

 

65,083

 

 

20,422

 

289,544

 

Senior Vice President,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Credit Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)                      Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for stock options granted during the year computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 — Share Based Payment (“ASC 718”).  The amounts were based upon a fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model of $6.37 for the options granted in 2015.  For information on the assumptions used to compute the fair value, see note 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  The actual value, if any, realized by an executive officer from any option will depend on the extent to which the market value of the common stock exceeds the exercise price of the option on the date the option is exercised.  Accordingly, there is no assurance that the value realized by an executive officer will be at or near the value estimated above.

(2)                      These amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value for outstanding restricted stock awards and performance awards granted during 2015, computed in accordance with ASC 718 and are based on the Company’s stock price as of the date of grant, which was $11.86 for the grants in 2015.  The amounts were calculated assuming that all performance conditions have been satisfied.

(3)                      Details of the amounts reported in the “All Other Compensation” column for 2016 are provided in the table below.  The table excludes perquisites, which did not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate for each named executive officer.

 

 

 

Mr. Brouillard

 

Ms. Gervais

 

Mr. Little

 

Ms. Murphy

 

Mr. Coia

 

Employer matching contributions to 401(k) Plan

 

$

7,040

 

$

5,673

 

$

6,980

 

$

5,029

 

$

5,541

 

Fair market value of allocations under the ESOP

 

14,061

 

14,061

 

14,061

 

14,061

 

14,061

 

Economic benefit of employer-paid premiums for split-dollar life insurance agreements

 

8,530

 

1,414

 

1,439

 

484

 

820

 

Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards and performance awards

 

3,233

 

2,083

 

631

 

1,796

 

 

 

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Employment and Change in Control Agreements

 

SI Financial and Savings Institute maintain a three-year employment agreement with Mr. Brouillard.  On each anniversary date of the agreement and in connection with Mr. Brouillard’s performance review, the Board of Directors may renew the term of the agreement for an additional year so that the remaining term will be three years.  The employment agreement provides for a base salary and, among other things, participation in discretionary bonuses or other incentive compensation provided to senior management, and participation in stock benefit plans and other fringe benefits applicable to executive personnel.  The employment agreement also contains a non-competition and non-solicitation restriction if Mr. Brouillard’s employment is terminated for good reason (as defined in the agreement) or without cause (as defined in the agreement).  Mr. Brouillard’s employment agreement has been extended through December 31, 2019 and his current base salary is $480,000.

 

Savings Institute maintains change in control agreements with Ms. Gervais, Mr. Little, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Coia.  These agreements provide each executive with cash severance and the continuation of certain benefits if their employment is terminated in connection with a change in control.  In connection with each executive’s annual review, the Board of Directors may renew the agreements for an additional year so that the remaining term will be three years (one year for Mr. Coia).  The change in control agreements have been extended through December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2017 for Mr. Coia).

 

See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits” for a discussion of the benefits and payments that Messrs. Brouillard, Little and Coia and Ms. Gervais and Ms. Murphy may receive under their agreements upon termination of employment.

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

The following table provides certain information as to grants of plan-based awards for the named executive officers.

 

 

 

Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)

 

Name

 

Threshold

 

Target

 

Maximum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

$

106,540

 

$

159,810

 

$

213,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

51,454

 

77,181

 

102,908

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul R. Little

 

42,878

 

64,317

 

85,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren L. Murphy

 

38,284

 

57,426

 

76,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald D. Coia

 

38,284

 

57,426

 

76,568

 

 


(1)         These columns illustrate the possible payouts for each named executive officer under the 2016 Pay-for-Performance Program.  See “Summary Compensation Table” for the actual 2016 payouts.

 

Pay for Performance Program

 

Our 2016 PFP was designed to reward employees and our directors for their contribution towards our success.  Participants earned cash incentives under this program based on the Company’s achievement of specific financial performance measures.  See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for a detailed discussion of the 2016 PFP.  See “Summary Compensation Table” for the actual 2016 payouts to our named executive officers and “Corporate Governance and Board Matters—Directors’ Compensation” for the actual 2016 payout to our directors.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table provides information concerning options and stock awards that have not vested as of December 31, 2016 for each named executive officer.

 

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
exercisable
(#)(1)

 

Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
Unexercisable
(#)(1)

 

Option
exercise
price
($)

 

Option
expiration
date

 

Number of
shares or
units of
stock that have
not vested
(#)

 

Market value
of shares
or units of
stock that have
not vested
($)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

2/24/2010

 

8,981

 

 

$

5.68

 

2/24/2020

 

 

$

 

 

 

2/16/2011

 

10,000

 

 

9.40

 

2/16/2021

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

40,000

 

10,000

 

11.01

 

10/24/2022

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

 

 

 

 

9,996

(3)

153,938

 

 

 

9/23/2015

 

 

 

 

 

3,333

(4)

51,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

2/24/2010

 

4,490

 

 

5.68

 

2/24/2020

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2011

 

5,000

 

 

9.40

 

2/16/2021

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

24,000

 

6,000

 

11.01

 

10/24/2022

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

 

 

 

 

4,998

(3)

76,969

 

 

 

9/23/2015

 

 

 

 

 

3,333

(4)

51,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul R. Little

 

3/21/2012

 

800

 

200

 

11.20

 

3/21/2022

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

16,000

 

4,000

 

11.01

 

10/24/2022

 

 

 

 

 

9/23/2015

 

2,000

 

8,000

 

11.86

 

9/23/2025

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

 

 

 

 

2,499

(3)

38,485

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren L. Murphy

 

6/14/2007

 

3,143

 

 

13.93

 

6/14/2017

 

 

 

 

 

2/24/2010

 

4,490

 

 

5.68

 

2/24/2020

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2011

 

2,500

 

 

9.40

 

2/16/2021

 

 

 

 

 

3/21/2012

 

800

 

200

 

11.20

 

3/21/2022

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

16,000

 

4,000

 

11.01

 

10/24/2022

 

 

 

 

 

10/24/2012

 

 

 

 

 

3,749

(3)

57,735

 

 

 

9/23/2015

 

 

 

 

 

3,333

(4)

51,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald D. Coia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)               All stock options granted vest in five equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(2)               Based on $15.40 per share, the closing price of SI Financial’s common stock on December 30, 2016.

(3)               The performance stock award vests in four equal annual installments commencing on February 26, 2014 and in each case is subject to continued employment with the Company and the achievement of certain performance metrics.  If such performance metrics have not been satisfied as of such dates the awards may vest on a subsequent vesting date if the tangible book value of the Company’s common stock on that date equals or exceeds the value on the grant date.  All unvested stock awards after the fourth vesting date will be forfeited.

(4)               Remaining stock awards vest on September 23, 2017.

 

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Options Exercised and Stock Vested

 

The following table provides information concerning the vesting of stock awards for each named executive officer, on an aggregate basis, during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of shares
acquired on vesting

 

Value
realized on
vesting (1)

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

10,835

 

$

145,832

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

7,084

 

94,931

 

Paul R. Little

 

2,343

 

31,646

 

Lauren L. Murphy

 

6,146

 

82,202

 

Gerald D. Coia

 

 

 

 


(1)               The value realized upon vesting is equal to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of vesting multiplied by the number of shares acquired.  In each case, the amount reported is the aggregate of shares vesting from more than one grant of restricted stock.

 

Pension Benefits

 

The following table presents an estimate of the present value of the pension benefits payable at December 31, 2016.  Mr. Little, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Coia have not entered into an executive supplemental retirement arrangement or any other defined benefit pension arrangement with SI Financial or Savings Institute.

 

Name

 

Plan Name

 

Present Value
of Accumulated
Benefit ($)(1)

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

Savings Institute Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan

 

$

2,873,494

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

Savings Institute Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan

 

1,438,315

 

 


(1)         The present value has been calculated assuming the named executive officer will remain in service until Normal Retirement Age (as defined in the plan) without a reduction in benefits.  The accumulated benefit is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 710 — Compensation and Topic 715 — Compensation — Retirement Benefits, using a 6.00% discount rate.

 

Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan.  Savings Institute maintains an executive supplemental retirement plan arrangement for Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais.  Each executive is entitled to a retirement benefit based on a fixed percentage of the average of his or her three highest years of compensation.  Benefits are payable upon the earlier of an executive’s termination of employment (other than for cause) at or after attaining age 65, or on the date when the sum of the executive’s years of service and age total 80.  If an executive terminates employment before satisfaction of these requirements, he or she may receive an early retirement benefit that would be adjusted by 2% for each point by which the sum of his or her age and years of service is less than 80.  Executives may elect to receive their plan benefits in a single life annuity with 15 guaranteed annual payments or a lump sum equal to the actuarial equivalent of the annuity payment.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits” for a description of the benefits provided under the supplemental executive retirement plan arrangements.

 

Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements.  Savings Institute maintains individual split-dollar life insurance agreements with Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais to encourage the officers to continue to render high quality service to Savings Institute in exchange for financial protection for their beneficiaries if they die.  The death benefits provided under the split-dollar life insurance agreements are funded through bank-owned life insurance policies.  Savings Institute pays all of the life insurance premiums.

 

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See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits” for a description of the benefits provided under the agreements.

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 

The following table provides information with respect to the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.  Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais participate in the SERP.

 

Name

 

Plan Name

 

Registrant
Contributions in Last
Fiscal Year ($)

 

Aggregate
Earnings ($)

 

Aggregate Balance
at Last Fiscal Year
End ($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rheo A. Brouillard

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

$

36,279

 

$

8,399

 

$

175,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Gervais

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

9,827

 

 

9,827

 

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.  Savings Institute maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan that provides restorative payments to executives designated by the Board of Directors who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the ESOP’s benefit formula and the full matching contribution under the 401(k) Plan.  Savings Institute’s Board of Directors has designated Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais to participate in the plan.  The restorative payments under the plan consist of payments in lieu of shares that cannot be allocated to the participant’s account under the ESOP and payments for employer matching contributions that cannot be allocated under the 401(k) Plan due to the legal limitations imposed on tax-qualified plans.  The benefits under the plan will be paid to Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais at the same time benefits are paid under the ESOP and 401(k) Plan.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits” for a description of the benefits provided under the plan.

 

Potential Post-Termination Benefits

 

Payments Made Upon Termination for Cause.  If a named executive officer is terminated for cause, he or she will receive his or her base salary through the date of termination and retain the rights to any vested benefits subject to the terms of the plan or agreement under which those benefits are provided.  All unvested stock options, restricted stock and performance shares awarded to the named executive officers under the Equity Incentive Plan would be forfeited upon termination for cause.

 

All benefits credited to Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais under the supplemental executive retirement plan are non-forfeitable and therefore payable if he or she is terminated for cause.

 

Payments Made Upon Termination without Cause or for Good Reason.  Under the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Brouillard, if SI Financial or Savings Institute elects to terminate Mr. Brouillard for reasons other than for cause, or if Mr. Brouillard resigns for good reason (as defined below), the executive (or, in the event of death, his beneficiaries) is entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to the base salary payments due for the remaining term of the employment agreement, along with all contributions that would have been made on behalf of the executive during the remaining term of the agreement pursuant to any of SI Financial or Savings Institute sponsored-employee benefit plans.  In addition, Savings Institute or SI Financial would continue and/or pay for the executive’s life, medical, disability and dental coverage for the remaining term of the employment agreement.

 

“Good Reason” means the material breach of the agreement by Savings Institute or SI Financial, including:  (1) a material change to the executive’s responsibilities or authority; (2) assignment to executive of duties of a non-executive nature or duties for which he is not reasonably equipped by his skills or experience; (3) the failure to nominate or renominate the executive to the Board of Directors of Savings Institute or SI Financial; (4) a reduction in salary or benefits; (5) termination or material

 

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reduction of incentive and benefits plans, programs or arrangements; (6) relocation of executive’s principal business office by more than twenty-five miles; or (7) the liquidation or dissolution of SI Financial or Savings Institute.

 

If Ms. Gervais, Mr. Little, Ms. Murphy or Mr. Coia are terminated without cause or for good reason, each would retain the rights to any vested benefits subject to the terms of the plan or agreement under which those benefits are provided.

 

All benefits credited to Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais under the supplemental executive retirement plan are non-forfeitable and therefore payable if he or she is terminated for good reason or without cause.

 

All unvested stock options, restricted stock and performance shares awarded under the Equity Incentive Plan to named executive officers would be forfeited upon termination without cause or for good reason.

 

Payments Made Upon Disability.  Under the employment agreement with Mr. Brouillard, if he becomes disabled and his employment is terminated, he will be entitled to disability pay equal to 100% of his bi-weekly base salary in effect at the date of termination.  He would continue to receive disability payments until the earlier of: (1) the date he returns to full employment with us; (2) his death; or (3) age 65.  All disability payments would be reduced by the amount of any benefits payable under our disability plans.  In addition, Mr. Brouillard would continue to be covered to the greatest extent possible under all benefit plans in which he participated before his disability as if he were actively employed by us.

 

If Ms. Gervais, Mr. Little, Ms. Murphy or Mr. Coia becomes disabled and his or her employment is terminated, each will be entitled to benefits payable under our disability plans.

 

All benefits credited to Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais under the supplemental executive retirement plan are non-forfeitable and therefore payable if he or she becomes disabled and his or her employment is terminated.

 

Under the terms of the supplemental executive retirement plan arrangements, if an executive becomes disabled, Savings Institute will transfer funds to a contingent liability trust equal to its accrued plan liability for the executive as of the date of the disability.  When the accrued liability balance is transferred, Savings Institute’s obligation ends and a bank-owned disability policy from MassMutual Life Insurance Company covering the executive makes payments to the Contingent Liability Trust during the disability period.

 

Upon termination due to disability, outstanding stock options granted pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan vest and remain exercisable until the earlier of one year from the date of termination of employment due to disability or the expiration date of the stock options.  Restricted stock awards and performance shares granted to these officers under the plan also vest upon termination of employment due to disability.

 

Payments Made Upon Death.  Under his employment agreement, Mr. Brouillard’s estate is entitled to receive the compensation due to him through the end of the month in which his death occurs.

 

Ms. Gervais’, Mr. Little’s, Ms. Murphy’s or Mr. Coia’s estate is entitled to receive compensation due to him or her through the date of his or her death.

 

All benefits credited to Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais under the supplemental executive retirement plan are non-forfeitable and therefore payable to his or her beneficiaries if he or she dies.

 

Under the terms of the supplemental executive retirement plan arrangements, should an executive die while employed with Savings Institute or after the payments have begun, the executive’s designated beneficiary will receive the balance in the executive’s plan liability account on the date of death in a lump sum cash payment.

 

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Pursuant to the split-dollar life insurance agreements with Mr. Brouillard and Ms. Gervais, if an executive dies following his or her termination of employment, the death benefit provided under his or her split-dollar life insurance agreement is determined in accordance with the methodology set forth in his or her agreement.  The death benefit will not exceed the excess of the net-at-risk amount under the policies for the inactive officer provided, however, that the death benefit provided to a beneficiary of an inactive officer will be reduced to three times the officer’s compensation (as defined in the agreement), if, as of the officer’s death, the officer had an irrevocable election to receive a lump sum distribution of his or her benefits (if any) payable under the executive supplemental retirement plan agreement.

 

Upon termination of employment due to death, outstanding stock options granted pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan vest and remain exercisable until the earlier of one year from the date of death or the expiration date of the stock options.  Restricted stock awards and performance shares granted under the plans also vest upon death.

 

Payments Made Upon a Change in Control.  Mr. Brouillard’s employment agreement provides that in the event of a change in control followed by voluntary termination of employment (upon circumstances discussed in the agreement) or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, he receives a severance payment equal to 2.99 times the average of each executive’s five preceding taxable years’ annual compensation (“base amount”).  For this calculation, annual compensation will include all taxable income plus any retirement contributions or benefits made or accrued during the period.  Mr. Brouillard will also receive the contributions he would have received under our retirement programs for a period of 36 months, as well as health, life, dental and disability coverage for that same time period.  Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code provides that payments related to a change in control that equal or exceed three times the “base amount” constitute “excess parachute payments.”  Individuals who receive excess parachute payments are subject to a 20% excise tax on the amount that exceeds the base amount, and the employer may not deduct such amounts.  The employment agreement provides that if the total value of the benefits provided and payments made to him in connection with a change in control, either under his employment agreement alone or together with other payments and benefits that he has the right to receive from SI Financial and Savings Institute, exceed three times their base amount (“280G Limit”), at his option, he may receive either the full amount of the total payments payable in connection with a change in control or a reduced amount of the total payments payable in connection with a change in control such that the excise tax would not apply.

 

The change in control agreements provide that if, following a change in control, the officer’s employment is terminated without cause or he or she voluntarily terminates employment for good reason, he or she will be entitled to a severance payment equal to three times (one times for Mr. Coia) the average of his or her annual compensation over the five calendar years preceding the change in control, plus coverage under Savings Institute’s health and welfare plans for 36 months (12 months for Mr. Coia).  The terms “change in control” and “good reason” are defined in the change in control agreement.  The change in control agreements provide that, at the executive’s option, he or she may receive either the full amount of the total payments payable in connection with a change in control or a reduced amount of the total payments payable in connection with a change in control such that the excise tax would not apply.

 

Under the terms of the executive supplemental retirement plan agreements, if a participant terminates employment in connection with a change in control (as defined in the plan), the participant will be entitled to a lump sum cash amount specified in the executive’s plan agreement payable within five days of the participant’s termination of employment.  Payments made under the agreements upon a change in control may be categorized as parachute payments and, therefore, count towards each executive’s 280G Limit.

 

Under the terms of the ESOP, upon a change in control (as defined in the plan), the plan trustee will repay in full any outstanding acquisition loan.  After repayment of the acquisition loan, all remaining shares of our stock held in the loan suspense account, all other stock or securities, and any cash proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any shares of our stock held in the loan suspense account will be

 

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allocated among the accounts of all participants in the plan who were employed by us on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the change in control.  The allocations of shares or cash proceeds will be credited to each eligible participant in proportion to the opening balances in their accounts as of the first day of the valuation period in which the change in control occurred.  Payments under the ESOP are not categorized as parachute payments and, therefore, do not count towards each executive’s 280G Limit.

 

In addition to providing for benefits lost under the ESOP and 401(k) Plan as a result of limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, the supplemental executive retirement plan also provides supplemental benefits to participants upon a change in control (as defined in the plan) before the complete scheduled repayment of the ESOP loan.  The supplemental benefit is equal to the benefit the participants would have received under the ESOP had the participants remained employed throughout the term of the plan’s acquisition loan, less the benefits actually provided.  All benefits received under this plan count towards the participant’s 280G Limit.

 

In the event of a change in control of SI Financial or Savings Institute, outstanding stock options granted pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan vest and, if the option holder is terminated other than for cause within 12 months of the change in control, will remain exercisable until the expiration date of the stock options.  Restricted stock awards granted and performance shares to these officers under the plans also vest upon a change in control.  The value of the accelerated options, restricted stock grants and performance shares count towards an executive’s 280G Limit.

 

Potential Post-Termination Benefits Tables.  The amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer upon termination for cause, termination without cause or for good reason, a change in control followed by termination of employment, disability, death and retirement is shown below.  The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2016, and thus, include amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts that would be paid out to the executives upon their termination.  The amounts do not include the executive’s account balances in Savings Institute’s tax-qualified retirement plans to which each executive has a non-forfeitable interest.  The amounts shown relating to unvested options, restricted stock awards and performance shares are based on the fair market value of SI Financial’s common stock on December 30, 2016, which was $15.40.  The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation from SI Financial.

 

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The following table provides the amount of compensation payable to Mr. Brouillard for each of the situations listed below.

 

 

 

Payments Due Upon

 

 

 

Termination
For Cause

 

Termination
Without
Cause or for
Good Reason

 

Disability (1)

 

Death

 

Retirement

 

Change in
Control with
Termination of
Employment
(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payment

 

$

 

$

1,338,999

 

$

554,861

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,702,665

 

Health and welfare benefits(3)

 

 

58,080

 

40,333

 

 

 

58,080

 

401(k) Plan matching contribution and ESOP benefit

 

 

137,366

 

 

 

 

174,595

 

Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan benefit

 

 

2,873,494

 

2,873,494

 

1,443,854

 

2,873,494

 

2,873,494

 

Income attributable to accelerated value of stock options

 

 

43,900

 

43,900

 

43,900

 

 

43,900

 

Income recognized upon vesting of restricted stock

 

 

205,328

 

205,328

 

205,328

 

 

205,328

 

Split-dollar benefit

 

 

 

 

2,206,146

 

 

 

Supplemental executive retirement plan benefit

 

175,987

 

175,987

 

175,987

 

175,987

 

175,987

 

175,987

 

Total payment

 

$

175,987

 

$

4,833,154

 

$

3,893,903

 

$

4,075,215

 

$

3,049,481

 

$

5,234,049

 

 


(1)                  Disability payment equals the executive’s base salary as of his termination date assuming coverage is continued until executive reaches 65 years of age.

(2)                  Mr. Brouillard’s employment agreement provides that in the event of a change in control followed by voluntary termination of employment (upon circumstances discussed in the agreement) or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, his severance payment cannot exceed 2.99 times the 280G Limit.  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2016, the amount shown would have been reduced by $250,306 to reflect Mr. Brouillard’s 280G Limit.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits — Payments Made Upon a Change in Control.”

(3)                  Reflects the value of coverage under Savings Institute’s life, medical, health and dental insurance programs for a period of 36 months.

 

The following table provides the amount of compensation payable to Ms. Gervais for each of the situations listed below.

 

 

 

Payments Due Upon

 

 

 

Termination
For Cause

 

Termination
Without
Cause or for
Good
Reason

 

Disability

 

Death

 

Retirement

 

Change in
Control with
Termination of
Employment
(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payment

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

779,659

 

Health and welfare benefits(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,705

 

401(k) Plan matching contribution and ESOP benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

131,850

 

Executive supplemental retirement plan benefit

 

 

1,438,315

 

1,438,315

 

471,857

 

1,438,315

 

1,438,315

 

Income attributable to accelerated value of stock options

 

 

 

26,340

 

26,340

 

 

26,340

 

Income recognized upon vesting of restricted stock

 

 

 

128,328

 

128,328

 

 

128,328

 

Split-dollar benefit

 

 

 

 

969,304

 

 

 

Supplemental executive retirement plan benefit

 

9,827

 

9,827

 

9,827

 

9,827

 

9,827

 

9,827

 

Total payment

 

$

9,827

 

$

1,448,142

 

$

1,602,810

 

$

1,605,656

 

$

1,448,142

 

$

2,555,024

 

 


(1)         Ms. Gervais’ change in control agreement provides that in the event of a change in control followed by voluntary termination of employment (upon circumstances discussed in the agreement) or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, her severance payment cannot exceed three times the 280G Limit.  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2016, the amount shown would have been reduced by $190,429 to reflect Ms. Gervais’ 280G Limit.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits — Payments Made Upon a Change in Control.”

(2)         Reflects the value of coverage under Savings Institute’s life, medical, health and dental insurance programs for a period of 36 months.

 

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The following table provides the amount of compensation payable to Mr. Little for each of the situations listed below.

 

 

 

Payments Due Upon

 

 

 

Termination
For Cause

 

Disability

 

Death

 

Retirement

 

Change in
Control with
Termination of
Employment
(1)

 

Cash payment

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

697,091

 

Income attributable to accelerated value of stock options

 

 

46,720

 

46,720

 

 

46,720

 

Income recognized upon vesting of restricted stock

 

 

38,500

 

38,500

 

 

38,500

 

Total payment

 

$

 

$

85,220

 

$

85,220

 

$

 

$

782,311

 

 


(1)                  Mr. Little’s change in control agreement provides that in the event of a change in control followed by voluntary termination of employment (upon circumstances discussed in the agreement) or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, his severance payment cannot exceed three times the 280G Limit.  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2016, the amount shown would have been reduced by $10,192 to reflect Mr. Little’s 280G Limit.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits — Payments Made Upon a Change in Control.”

 

The following table provides the amount of compensation payable to Ms. Murphy for each of the situations listed below.

 

 

 

Payments Due Upon

 

 

 

Termination
For Cause

 

Disability

 

Death

 

Retirement

 

Change in
Control with
Termination of
Employment
(1)

 

Cash payment

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

666,334

 

Health and welfare benefits(2)

 

 

 

 

 

58,080

 

Income attributable to accelerated value of stock options

 

 

18,400

 

18,400

 

 

18,400

 

Income recognized upon vesting of restricted stock

 

 

109,063

 

109,063

 

 

109,063

 

Total payment

 

$

 

$

127,463

 

$

127,463

 

$

 

$

851,877

 

 


(1)         Ms. Murphy’s change in control agreement provides that in the event of a change in control followed by voluntary termination of employment (upon circumstances discussed in the agreement) or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, her severance payment cannot exceed three times the 280G Limit.  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2016, the amount shown would have been reduced by $65,585 to reflect Ms. Murphy’s 280G Limit.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits — Payments Made Upon a Change in Control.”

(2)         Reflects the value of coverage under Savings Institute’s life, medical, health and dental insurance programs for a period of 36 months.

 

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The following table provides the amount of compensation payable to Mr. Coia for each of the situations listed below.

 

 

 

Payments Due Upon

 

 

 

Termination
For Cause

 

Disability

 

Death

 

Retirement

 

Change in
Control with
Termination of
Employment (1)

 

Cash payment

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

195,616

 

Health and welfare benefits(2)

 

 

 

 

 

720

 

Total payment

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

196,336

 

 


(1)         Mr. Coia’s change in control agreement provides that in the event of a change in control followed by voluntary termination of employment (upon circumstances discussed in the agreement) or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, his severance payment cannot exceed one times the 280G Limit.  If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2016, the amount shown would not have been reduced because the 280G Limit for Mr. Coia was not met.  See “Potential Post-Termination Benefits — Payments Made Upon a Change in Control.”

(2)         Reflects the value of coverage under Savings Institute’s life, medical, health and dental insurance programs for a period of 12 months.

 

Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of any registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Executive officers, directors and stockholders who own greater than 10% of our common stock are required by regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.

 

Based solely on its review of the copies of the reports it has received and written representations provided to the Company from the individuals required to file the reports, the Company believes that each of its executive officers and directors complied with applicable reporting requirements for transactions in SI Financial common stock during 2016.

 

Policies and Procedures for Approval of Related Persons Transactions

 

SI Financial maintains a Policy and Procedures Governing Related Persons Transactions, which is a written policy and set of procedures for the review and approval or ratification of transactions involving related persons.  Under the policy, related persons consist of directors, director nominees, executive officers, persons or entities known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any outstanding class of voting securities of SI Financial, or immediate family members or certain affiliated entities of any of the foregoing persons.

 

Transactions covered by the policy consist of any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which:

 

·                  the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $50,000 in any calendar year;

 

·                  SI Financial is, will or may be expected to be a participant; and

 

·                  any related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

 

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The policy excludes certain transactions, including:

 

·                  any compensation paid to an executive officer of SI Financial if the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved (or recommended that the Board approve) such compensation;

 

·                  any compensation paid to a director of SI Financial if the Board or an authorized committee of the Board approved such compensation; and

 

·                  any transaction with a related person involving consumer and investor financial products and services provided in the ordinary course of SI Financial business and on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable services provided to unrelated third parties or to SI Financial’s employees on a broad basis (and, in the case of loans, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

 

Related person transactions will be approved or ratified by the Audit and Risk Committee.  In determining whether to approve or ratify a related person transaction, the Audit and Risk Committee will consider all relevant factors, including:

 

·                  whether the terms of the proposed transaction are at least as favorable to SI Financial as those that might be achieved with an unaffiliated third party;

 

·                  the size of the transaction and the amount of consideration payable to the related person;

 

·                  the nature of the interest of the related person;

 

·                  whether the transaction may involve a conflict of interest; and

 

·                  whether the transaction involves the provision of goods and services to SI Financial that are available from unaffiliated third parties.

 

A member of the Audit and Risk Committee who has an interest in the transaction will abstain from voting on the approval of the transaction but may, if so requested by the Chair of the Committee, participate in some or all of the discussion relating to the transaction.

 

Transactions with Related Persons

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by SI Financial to its executive officers and directors.  However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans by Savings Institute to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations.  Federal regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors of insured financial institutions must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to the Bank and must not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.  Savings Institute is therefore prohibited from making any new loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors at different rates or terms than those offered to the general public.  Notwithstanding this rule, federal regulations permit Savings Institute to make loans to executive officers and directors at reduced interest rates if the loan is made under a benefit program generally available to all other employees and does not give preference to any executive officer or director over any other employee.

 

All outstanding loans made by Savings Institute to its directors and executive officers, and members of their immediate families, were made in the ordinary course of business, were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to Savings Institute, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

 

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In accordance with banking regulations, the Board of Directors reviews all loans made to a director or executive officer in an amount that, when aggregated with the amount of all other loans to such person and his or her related interests, exceed the greater of $25,000 or 5% of Savings Institute’s capital and surplus (up to a maximum of $500,000) and such loans must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors.  Additionally, pursuant to SI Financial’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, all executive officers and directors of SI Financial must disclose any existing or emerging conflicts of interest to the President and Chief Executive Officer of SI Financial.  Such potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to: (1) SI Financial conducting business with or competing against an organization in which a family member of an executive officer or director has an ownership or employment interest; and (2) the ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding securities or 5% of total assets of any business entity that does business with or in competition with SI Financial.

 

Submission of Business Proposals

and Stockholder Nominations

 

The Company must receive proposals that stockholders seek to have included in the proxy statement for the Company’s next annual meeting no later than December 1, 2017.  If next year’s annual meeting is held on a date more than 30 calendar days from May 10, 2018, a stockholder proposal must be received by a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy solicitation materials.  Any stockholder proposals will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company’s Bylaws provide that for a stockholder to make nominations for the election of directors or proposals for business to be brought before a meeting of stockholders, a stockholder must deliver written notice of such nominations and/or proposals to the Corporate Secretary not less than 90 days before the date of the meeting; provided that if less than 100 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, such notice must be delivered not later than the close of the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made.

 

Stockholder Communications

 

The Company encourages stockholder communications to the Board of Directors and/or individual directors.  Stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board of Directors or an individual director should send their communications to the care of Laurie L. Gervais, Corporate Secretary, SI Financial Group, Inc., 803 Main Street, Willimantic, Connecticut 06226.  Communications regarding financial or accounting policies should be sent to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee.  All other communications should be sent to the attention of the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The Company will pay the cost of this proxy solicitation.  The Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the Company.  In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, directors, officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally or by telephone.  None of these persons will receive additional compensation for these activities.

 

We have elected to take advantage of Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to their stockholders on the internet.  We believe that these rules allow us to provide our stockholders with the information they need to vote at our Annual Meeting, while also lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of producing and distributing the related proxy materials.

 

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Since March 31, 2017, the proxy materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting (which includes the 2016 Annual Report to Stockholders) have been available at the following web site: www.edocumentview.com/SIFI.  On this website, the Company also posts the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Any stockholder who wishes to receive a printed copy of proxy materials and the Annual Report may obtain a copy by writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company.  The Annual Report is not to be treated as part of the proxy solicitation material or as having been incorporated in this proxy statement by reference.

 

A copy of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be furnished without charge to all persons who were stockholders as of the close of business on March 13, 2017 upon written request to Laurie L. Gervais, Corporate Secretary, SI Financial Group, Inc., 803 Main Street, Willimantic, Connecticut 06226.

 

If you and others who share your address own your shares in “street name,” your broker or other holder of record may be sending only one annual report and proxy statement to your address.  This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce our printing and postage costs.  However, if a stockholder residing at such an address wishes to receive a separate annual report or proxy statement in the future, he or she should contact the broker or other holder of record.  If you own your shares in “street name” and are receiving multiple copies of our annual report and proxy statement, you can request householding by contacting your broker or other holder of record.

 

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MMMMMMMMMMMM . MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 SI Financial Group, Inc. 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 1:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 10, 2017. MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Vote by Internet • Go to www.envisionreports.com/SIFI • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposals 2 – 3 and “1 YEAR” for Proposal 4. + 1. Election of Directors: 01 - Mark D. Alliod For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 02 - Michael R. Garvey 03 - Kathleen A. Nealon 04 - Robert O. Gillard For Against Abstain ForAgainst Abstain 2. To ratify the selection of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 3. Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement. year ending December 31, 2017. 4. Advisory vote on whether stockholders will vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give your full title. If shares are held jointly, each holder may sign, but only one signature is required. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. MMMMMMMC 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND + 1 U P X3 1 8 9 0 5 1 02ISOB MMMMMMMMM C B A Annual Meeting Proxy Card1234 5678 9012 345 X IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

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. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 10, 2017 The proxy statement, including the notice of the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, and the Company’s 2016 Annual Report are available at http://www.edocumentview.com/SIFI. q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q REVOCABLE PROXY — SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS — MAY 10, 2017, 9:00 a.m., Local Time THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned hereby appoints the official proxy committee of the Board of Directors of SI Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”), consisting of Roger Engle and Donna M. Evan, or any of them, with full power of substitution in each, to act as proxy for the undersigned, and to vote all shares of common stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote only at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 10, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Financial Center, 579 North Windham Road, North Windham, Connecticut, and at any adjournments thereof, with all of the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present at such meeting as follows. This proxy, properly signed and dated, will be voted as directed, but if no instructions are specified, this proxy, properly signed and dated, will be voted “FOR” each of the nominees and Proposals 2 and 3 and “1 YEAR” for Proposal 4. If any other business is presented at the annual meeting, including whether or not to adjourn the meeting, this proxy will be voted by the proxies in their judgment. At the present time, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the annual meeting. This proxy also confers discretionary authority on the Proxy Committee of the Board of Directors to vote (1) with respect to the election of any person as director, where the nominees are unable to serve or for good cause will not serve and (2) matters incident to the conduct of the annual meeting. The above signed acknowledges receipt from SI Financial Group, Inc. before the execution of this proxy, of a proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders and an Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2016. PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

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. Dear Stock Award Recipient: On behalf of the Board of Directors of SI Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”), I am forwarding you the enclosed white and purple voting instruction card to convey your voting instructions to First Bankers Trust Services, Inc. (the “Trustee”) on the proposals to be presented at the Annual meeting of Stockholders of SI Financial Group, Inc. to be held on May 10, 2017. Also enclosed is a Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and a copy of the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders. You are entitled to vote all shares of restricted stock awarded to you under the SI Financial Group, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) that are unvested as of March 13, 2017, the record date for the Annual Meeting. The Trustee will vote the shares of the Company’s common stock held in the Equity Incentive Plan Trust in accordance with instructions it receives by May 1, 2017. If the Trustee does not receive your voting instructions by that date, the Trustee will vote your unvested shares of Company stock as directed by the Company. Please complete, sign and return the enclosed white and purple voting instruction card in the postage-paid envelope provided by Computershare. Your voting instructions will not be revealed, directly or indirectly, to any employee or director of the Company or the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company. If you participate in several employer-sponsored stock based benefit plans you will receive multiple voting instruction cards. Please submit all voting instruction cards you receive. Sincerely, Rheo A. Brouillard President and Chief Executive Officer 02K5JA

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MMMMMMMMMMMM . MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 SI Financial Group, Inc. 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. Annual Meeting Voting Instruction Card q PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposals 2 – 3 and “1 YEAR” for Proposal 4. + 1. Election of Directors: 01 - Mark D. Alliod For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 02 - Michael R. Garvey 03 - Kathleen A. Nealon 04 - Robert O. Gillard For Against Abstain ForAgainst Abstain 2. To ratify the selection of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 3. Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement. year ending December 31, 2017. 4. Advisory vote on whether stockholders will vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. MMMMMMMC 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND + 1 U P X3 1 8 9 0 5 6 <STOCK#> 02ISXB MMMMMMMMM C B A X IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

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. SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS May 10, 2017 I understand that First Bankers Trust Services, Inc. is the holder of record and custodian of all unvested restricted shares of SI Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) common stock awarded to me under the SI Financial Group, Inc. 2005 and 2012 Equity Incentive Plans. Further, I understand that my voting instructions are solicited on behalf of the Company’s Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 10, 2017. Accordingly, please vote my shares as set forth on the reverse. q PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

 


 

. Dear Participant: As a participant in the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and/or the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as amended and restated (the “ESOP”), I am forwarding you the enclosed green 401(k) Plan and/or blue ESOP voting instruction cards to convey your voting instructions to Fidelity Management Trust Company (the “Trustee” for the Stock Fund in the 401(k) Plan) and to First Bankers Trust Services, Inc. (the “Trustee” for the ESOP) on the proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SI Financial Group Inc. (the “Company”) to be held on May 10, 2017. Also enclosed is a Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and a copy of the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders. As a holder of Company common stock through the 401(k) Plan and/or the ESOP, you are entitled to direct the Trustee how to vote shares of Company common stock credited to your account(s) as of March 13, 2017, the record date for the Annual meeting. If the Trustee does not receive your voting instructions by May 1, 2017, the Trustee will vote your shares in the same proportion as shares for which the Trustee has received voting instructions from the other 401(k) Plan participants and/or ESOP participants, subject to fiduciary duties. Please complete, sign and return the enclosed green and/or blue voting instruction cards in the postage-paid envelope provided by Computershare. Your voting instructions will not be revealed, directly or indirectly, to any employee or director of the Company or the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company. If you participate in several employer-sponsored stock based benefit plans you will receive multiple voting instruction cards. Please submit all voting instruction cards you receive. Sincerely, Rheo A. Brouillard President and Chief Executive Officer 02K63A

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MMMMMMMMMMMM . MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 SI Financial Group, Inc. 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your voting instruction card, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your voting instruction card. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 1:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 1, 2017. MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Vote by Internet • Go to www.envisionreports.com/SIFI • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q IF YOU HAVE NOT DIRECTED THE TRUSTEE TO VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposals 2 – 3 and “1 YEAR” for Proposal 4. + 1. Election of Directors: 01 - Mark D. Alliod For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 02 - Michael R. Garvey 03 - Kathleen A. Nealon 04 - Robert O. Gillard For Against Abstain ForAgainst Abstain 2. To ratify the selection of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 3. Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement. year ending December 31, 2017. 4. Advisory vote on whether stockholders will vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. MMMMMMMC 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND + 1 U P X3 1 8 9 0 5 4 02ISTB MMMMMMMMM C B A Annual Meeting Voting Instruction Card1234 5678 9012 345 X IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

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. SAVINGS INSTITUTE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY PROFIT SHARING AND 401(k) SAVINGS PLAN (“401(k) PLAN”) VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS May 10, 2017 I hereby direct Fidelity Management Trust Company (as trustee for SI Financial Group, Inc. Stock Fund in the 401(k) Plan) to vote all shares of SI Financial Group, Inc. common stock credited to my 401(k) Plan account at the SI Financial Group, Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and at any and all adjournments or postponements, as set forth on the reverse. q IF YOU HAVE NOT DIRECTED THE TRUSTEE TO VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

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MMMMMMMMMMMM . MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 SI Financial Group, Inc. 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your voting instruction card, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your voting instruction card. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 1:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 1, 2017. MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Vote by Internet • Go to www.envisionreports.com/SIFI • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q IF YOU HAVE NOT DIRECTED THE TRUSTEE TO VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposals 2 – 3 and “1 YEAR” for Proposal 4. + 1. Election of Directors: 01 - Mark D. Alliod For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 02 - Michael R. Garvey 03 - Kathleen A. Nealon 04 - Robert O. Gillard For Against Abstain ForAgainst Abstain 2. To ratify the selection of Wolf & Company, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal 3. Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement. year ending December 31, 2017. 4. Advisory vote on whether stockholders will vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. MMMMMMMC 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND + 1 U P X3 1 8 9 0 5 5 02ISWB MMMMMMMMM C B A Annual Meeting Voting Instruction Card1234 5678 9012 345 X IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

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. SAVINGS INSTITUTE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (“ESOP”) VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 10, 2017 I hereby direct First Bankers Trust Services, Inc. (the “ESOP Trustee”) to vote all shares of SI Financial Group, Inc. common stock allocated to my ESOP account at the SI Financial Group, Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and at any and all adjournments or postponements, as set forth on the reverse. q IF YOU HAVE NOT DIRECTED THE TRUSTEE TO VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

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