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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 Registrantý

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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

ý

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

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Definitive Additional Materials

o

 

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Mackinac Financial Corporation

(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):

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No fee required.

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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):
         
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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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.

 

 

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Amount Previously Paid:
        
 
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LOGO


130 South Cedar Street
Manistique, Michigan 49854

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Be Held May 24, 201629, 2019

              NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders (the"Annual Meeting of ShareholdersMeeting") of Mackinac Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation (the"Corporation"), a Michigan corporation, will be held on Tuesday,Wednesday, May 24, 2016,29, 2019, at 11:0030 a.m. EDT, at The Landmark Inn, 230 N. FrontStaybridge Suites Marquette, 855 West Washington Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855, for the following purposes:

              The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the"Board") recommends a vote for proposals 1 and 2, for an annual vote with respect to proposal 3, and for the ratification of proposal 3.4.

              The Board of Directors has fixed April 8, 2016,17, 2019, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meetingAnnual Meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.Annual Meeting.

              We call your attention to the proxy statement accompanying this notice for a more complete statement regarding the matters to be acted upon at the annual meeting.Annual Meeting. Please read it carefully.

              If you have questions or comments, please direct them to Mackinac Financial Corporation, 130 South Cedar Street, Manistique, Michigan 49854, Attention: Paul D. Tobias. Please also contact Paul D. Tobias if you would like directions to the annual meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Paul D. Tobias
Paul D. Tobias
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON May 24, 2016:MAY 29, 2019: The Proxy Statement, Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152018 and the 20152018 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at www.bankmbank.com.

Your vote is important. Even if you plan to attend the meeting,Annual Meeting, please date and sign the enclosed proxy form, indicate your choice with respect to the matters to be voted upon, and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. Note that if the stock is held in more than one name, all parties must sign the proxy form.

Dated: April 19, 201630, 2019


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PROXY STATEMENT

1

PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


4

PROPOSAL NO. 2: NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


7

PROPOSAL NO. 3: ADVISORY, NON-BINDING VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


8

PROPOSAL NO. 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


9

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES


10

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


14

Summary Compensation Table


15

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table


16

2018 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table


17

2018 Director Compensation Table


18

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT


19

Audit Committee


19

INDEBTEDNESS OF AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT


20

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK


21

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


22

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING


22

OTHER MATTERS


23

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LOGOLOGO

130 South Cedar Street
Manistique, Michigan 49854

April 19, 201630, 2019

PROXY STATEMENT

              This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy are furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the"Board") of Mackinac Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation (the"Corporation"), a Michigan corporation, to be voted at the Annual Meeting2019 annual meeting of Shareholdersshareholders of the Corporation (the"Annual Meeting") to be held on Tuesday,Wednesday, May 24, 2016,29, 2019, at 11:0030 a.m. EDT, at The Landmark Inn, 230 N. FrontStaybridge Suites Marquette, 855 West Washington Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice and in this proxy statement.

              This proxy statement is being mailed on or about April 19, 2016,30, 2019, to all holders of record of common stock of the Corporation as of the record date. The Board of Directors of the Corporation has fixed the close of business on April 8, 2016,17, 2019, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meetingAnnual Meeting and any adjournment of the meeting.Annual Meeting. As of the record date, there were 6,231,24610,740,712 shares of common stock outstanding. Each outstanding share will entitle the holderof common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter presented for vote atproperly brought before the meeting.Annual Meeting.

              If a proxy in the enclosed form is properly executed and returned to the Corporation, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted on each matter that properly arises at the meetingAnnual Meeting and any adjournment of the meeting.Annual Meeting. If a shareholder specifies a choice as to a particular matter, the proxy will be voted as specified.If no choice is specified, the shares represented by the proxy will be votedfor the election of all of the nominees named in the proxy statement,for the Say-on-Paysay-on-pay proposal,for an annual vote with respect to the say-on-frequency proposal,for ratification of the independent auditors, and in accordance with the judgment of the persons named as proxies with respect to any other matter which may come before the meeting.Annual Meeting.

              Brokers do not have discretion to cast votes on non-routine matters with respect to any shares held in street name for which they have not received voting directions from the beneficial owners. Therefore, if you hold your shares in street name, you must vote your proxy if you wish your shares to be voted in the election of directors, as well as with respect to the approval of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, approvalCorporation's compensation of the compensation of our executives or to approvenamed executive officers and the adjournment of the annual meeting.say-on-frequency proposal. A proxy may be revoked before exercise by notifying the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation in writing or in open meeting, by submitting a proxy of a later date or attending the meetingAnnual Meeting and voting in person. All shareholders are encouraged to date and sign the enclosed proxy, indicate youra choice with respect to the matters to be voted upon, and return it to the Corporation.


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Quorum, Required Vote, and Related Matters

              Quorum.    A quorum is present if a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a proposal are represented at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting in person or by proxy. For purposes of determining a quorum, shareholders who are present in person or are represented by proxy, but who abstain from voting, are considered present and count toward the determination of the quorum.whether a quorum is present. Shares reported as broker non-votes are also considered to be shares present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

              "Street Name" Accounts.    If you hold shares in "street name" with a broker, bank, or other custodian, you will receive voting instructions from the holder of record of your shares. In some cases, a broker may be able to vote your shares even if you provide no instructions. But on other matters (such as the election of directors and the approval of the Corporation's compensation of its named executive compensation)officers) your broker may vote the shares held for you only if you provide voting instruction.instructions. Shares for which a broker does not have the authority to vote are recorded as a "broker non-vote"non-votes" and are not counted in the vote by shareholders.

              If you hold your shares in street name through a broker, bank, or other nominee, it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of our director nominees or for the approval of the Say-on-Paysay-on-pay proposal, or in the say-on-frequency proposal. In the past, if you held your shares in street name and you did not indicate how you wanted your shares voted in the election of directors, your broker, bank, or other nominee was allowed to vote those shares on your behalf as they felt appropriate. However, certain regulations prohibit your broker, bank, or other nominee from voting uninstructed shares on a discretionary basis on proposals one two, or threetwo at the annual meeting.Annual Meeting. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your broker how to vote at the meeting,Annual Meeting, no votes will be cast on your behalf for proposals one two, or three.two. Further, if you abstain from voting on a particular proposal, the abstention does not count as a vote in favor of or against a particular proposal (or for the proposal.frequency of one, two, or three years for the say-on-frequency proposal).

              Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors.    Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote. For this purpose, a "plurality" means that the individuals receiving the largest number of votes are elected as directors. You may vote in favor of the nominees specified on the accompanying form of proxy or may withhold your vote as to one or more of such nominees. Shares withheld or not otherwise voted in the election of directors (because of abstention, broker non-vote, or otherwise) will have no effect on the election of directors.

              Proposal No. 2 – Say-on-Pay.    With respect to proposal no. 2, theThe say-on-pay proposal will be approved if the number of shares of common stock voted in favor of the matter exceedexceeds the number of shares of common stock voted against the matter.This vote is advisory and will not be binding upon our board of directors.the Board. However, the Compensation CommitteeBoard and the Board of DirectorsCompensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. If a shareholder submits a proxy but does not specify how he or shesuch shareholder would like it to be voted, then the proxy will be voted "FOR" the approval of the Corporation's compensation of the Corporation'sits named executive officers. Abstentions, broker non-votes or the failure to return a signed proxy will not be counted as either a vote for or against this proposal, so abstentions, broker non-votes and the failure to return a signed proxy will not affect the approval of the non-binding resolution to approve the Corporation's compensation of the Corporation'sits named executive officers.

              Proposal No. 3 – Say-on-Frequency.    The frequency of the advisory vote on the non-binding resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers receiving the greatest number of votes (either every three years, every two years, or every year) will be the frequency that our shareholders recommend. You may vote for a frequency of one, two or three years, or you may abstain from voting on this proposal. If a shareholder submits a proxy but does not specify how he or she would like it to be voted,


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then the proxy will be voted for a frequency of every year. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and the failure to return a signed proxy will have no effect on the outcome of the votes on this matter.

              Proposal No. 4 – Ratification of Independent Auditors.    The appointment of Plante & Moran, PLLC as independent auditors will be ratified if more shares are voted for the ratification than are voted against the ratification. If a shareholder submits a proxy but does not specify how he or she would like it to be voted, then the proxy will be voted "FOR" the ratification. Shares not voted (because of abstention, broker non-vote, or otherwise) will have no effect on the ratification.


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PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

              The Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Corporation provide for a Board of Directors consisting of a number of members to be determined by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%)80% of the Board of Directors and a majority of the Continuing Directors"Continuing Directors" (as defined in the Bylaws). The Board of Directors has fixed the number of Directorsdirectors at ten (10).eleven. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Corporation and the Bylaws also provide for the division of the Board of Directors into three (3) classes of nearly equal size with staggered three-year terms of office. See "Information about Directors and Nominees – Director Information" below. Three persons have been nominated for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting, each to serve a three-year term expiring at the 20192022 annual meeting of shareholders.

Term Expiring in 20162019 Term Expiring in 20172020 Term Expiring in 20182021
Robert E. Mahaney Dennis B. Bittner Walter J. Aspatore
Paul D. Tobias Joseph D. Garea Robert H. Orley
David R. Steinhardt Kelly W. George Randolph C. Paschke
  L. Brooks Patterson Martin Thomson

              Unless otherwise directed, by a shareholder's proxy, the persons named as proxy holders in the accompanying proxy will vote for Messrs. Mahaney, Tobias and Steinhardt, the nominees named below. MessrsMessrs. Mahaney, Tobias and Steinhardt are currently Directorsdirectors of the Corporation and its subsidiary, mBank (the"Bank"), and are the members of the class of Directorsdirectors of the Corporation whose terms will expire at the 2016 annual meeting.Annual Meeting. In the event that any of the nominees become unavailable, which is not anticipated, the Board, of Directors atin its discretion, may reduce the number of Directorsdirectors or designate substitute nominees, in which event the enclosed proxy will be voted for such substitute nominees. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of personsdirectors than the number of nominees named.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTEFOR THE ELECTION OF THE THREE DIRECTOR NOMINEES

Information about Directors and Nominees

Director Information

              The Corporation believes that the Board as a whole should encompass a range of talent, skill, diversity, and expertise that enables the Board to provide sound guidance with respect to the Corporation's operations and interests. The following information has been furnished to the Corporation by the respective Directors.directors. Each of them has been engaged in the occupations stated below during the periods indicated, or if no period is indicated, for more than five years.

Nominees Standing for Election
 Age
 Principal Occupation
 Director of
Corporation
Since

Robert E. Mahaney 57 Founder and President, Veridea Group, LLC (A commercial and residential real estate development and hotel management company). Mr. Mahaney is also a private equity investor in a number of lodging and other businesses. Mr. Mahaney's qualifications to serve on the Board include his many business ventures and previous financial services experience, coupled with his academic background, professional designations and community involvement. 2001

Paul D. Tobias

 

65

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Chairman of the Bank from December 2004 to present. Mr. Tobias' qualifications as a director included his experience as a banking and financial services executive, along with his knowledge of the Corporation as Chief Executive Officer.

 

2007
Nominees Standing for Election
 Age
 Principal Occupation
 Director Since
Robert E. Mahaney II 60 Founder and President, Veridea Group, LLC (a commercial and residential real estate development and hotel management company). Mr. Mahaney is also a private equity investor in a number of lodging and other businesses. Mr. Mahaney's qualifications to serve as a director include his many business ventures and his previous financial services experience, coupled with his academic background, professional designations and community involvement. 2008

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Paul D. Tobias 68 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Chairman of the Bank since December 2004. Mr. Tobias' qualifications to serve as a director include his experience as a banking and financial services executive, along with his institutional knowledge of the Corporation through his tenure as its Chief Executive Officer. 2004
David R. Steinhardt 46 Co-Founder and Board Member, KCPS & Company Ltd; Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager, Wooster Capital Management. Mr. Steinhardt has served as Managing Director and Head of Research at Centurion Investment Group and as an analyst and assistant portfolio manager at Spears, Benzak, Salomon and Farrell. Mr. Steinhardt's qualifications to serve as a Director include his vast experience in capital management and his educational background. 2012
 

49

 

Co-Founder and Board Member, Clarity Capital, Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager, Wooster Capital Management. Mr. Steinhardt has served as Managing Director and Head of Research at Centurion Investment Group and as an analyst and assistant portfolio manager at Spears, Benzak, Salomon and Farrell. Mr. Steinhardt's qualifications to serve as a director include his vast experience in capital management and his educational background.

 

2012

Continuing Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whose Terms Expire in 2017

 

Age

 

Principal Occupation

 

Since

Whose Terms Expire in 2020

 

Age

 

Principal Occupation

 

Director Since

Dennis B. Bittner

 

66

 

Owner and President, Bittner Engineering, Inc. (A professional services company providing planning, development and consultation related services on civil, environmental and architectural engineering projects.) Mr. Bittner's qualifications as a Director include the management/ownership of an engineering company, his many years of business related consultation to a broad array of public and private companies along with his prior career experience as an engineer with State and Federal Agencies.

 

2001

 

59

 

Owner and President, Bittner Engineering, Inc. (professional services company providing planning, development and consultation related services on civil, environmental and architectural engineering projects.) Mr. Bittner's qualifications to serve as a director include his management and ownership of an engineering company, his many years of business related consultation to a broad array of public and private companies, along with his prior career as an engineer with State and Federal Agencies.

 

2001

Joseph D. Garea

 

61

 

Investment Advisor, Managing Director Detalus Institutional Advisors and related companies (provides investment portfolio management services to banks, thrift institutions and other institutional customers). Mr. Garea's qualifications as a Director include his historical employment within the financial service industry, his service as a member of the Board of Directors, with a variety of committee responsibilities including the chairmanship of audit and compensation, along with his other current advisory services to numerous public and private financial service organizations.

 

2007

 

64

 

Investment Advisor, Managing Director, Detalus Advisors and related companies (provider of investment portfolio management services to banks, thrift institutions and other institutional customers). Mr. Garea's qualifications to serve as a director include his prior employment within the financial services industry, his service as a member of the Board, with a variety of committee responsibilities, along with his other current advisory services to numerous public and private financial services organizations.

 

2007

Kelly W. George

 

48

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and President of the Corporation. Mr. George's qualifications to serve as a Director include his employment within the financial services industry for over twenty years with employment as a regulator for the Federal Reserve System, along with lending experience, prior to joining this Corporation.

 

2006

 

51

 

President of the Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Mr. George's qualifications to serve as a director include his employment within the financial services industry for over 25 years, including his experience as a regulator for the Federal Reserve System, along with his lending experience, prior to joining the Corporation.

 

2006

L. Brooks Patterson

 

76

 

Elected County Executive, Oakland County, Michigan–1992. Mr. Patterson's qualifications to serve as a Director include his many years of service as the County Executive of Oakland County, service on the Board or Directors for Plastipak Holdings Inc. since August 17, 2007 and his academic background, along with a distinguished career as a prosecuting attorney.

 

2006

 

79

 

Elected County Executive, Oakland County, Michigan. Mr. Patterson's qualifications to serve as a director include his service as the County Executive of Oakland County since 1992, his service on the Board of Directors for Plastipak Holdings Inc. since August 17, 2007 and his academic background, along with his distinguished career as a prosecuting attorney.

 

2006

Whose Terms Expire in 2018

 

Age

 

Principal Occupation

 

 

Walter J. Aspatore (currently designated as "Lead Director")

 

73

 

Chairman, Methode Electronics Corp. (Developer of customer-engineered and application-specific products and solutions using the latest technologies). Controller, Flight Systems Division of Bendix Corporation. Vice-President of Finance, Industrial Energy Group of TRW Corporation. President, Cross & Trecker Corporation. Mr. Aspatore's qualifications to serve on the Board encompass a broad financial background which spans across several decades as CEO and board member in a wide variety of national and international publicly held companies.

 

2004

Whose Terms Expire in 2021

 

Age

 

Principal Occupation

 

Director Since

Walter J. Aspatore(currently designated as lead-director)

 

76

 

Chairman and audit committee chair, Methode Electronics Corp. (developer of customer-engineered and application-specific products and solutions using the latest technologies) from September 2012 to the present; from 1987 to 1989, President, Cross & Trecker Corporation; from 1985 to 1986, Vice-President of Finance, Industrial Energy Group of TRW Corporation; and from 1974 to 1978, Controller, Flight Systems Division of Bendix Corporation. Mr. Aspatore's qualifications to serve as a director encompass his broad financial background which spans across several decades and includes his service as chief executive officer and director for a wide variety of national and international publicly held companies.

 

2004

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Robert H. Orley 60 Real Estate Developer, Founding Partner, O2 Investments, LLC (real estate and corporate development and management). Mr. Orley's qualifications as director include a background in real estate management and corporate developments, along with his academic background. 2004 63 Real Estate Developer, Founding Partner, O2 Investments, LLC (private equity firm). Mr. Orley's qualifications to serve as a director include his background in real estate management and corporate developments, along with his academic background. 2004

Randolph C. Paschke

 

66

 

Executive-in-Residence, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University. From August 2012 to 2015–Director of External Relations and Community Engagement, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University. From August 2002 to 2012–Chair, Department of Accounting and Interim Chair of The Department of Finance (2009-2010), Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University. Mr. Paschke's qualifications as a Director include 32 years in an international accounting firm, 20 years as a partner with 16 years as a practice managing partner, a licensed CPA since 1972, along with his years as a chair of the accounting department at Wayne State University.

 

2004

 

69

 

Executive-in-Residence, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University; from August 2012 to 2015, Director of External Relations and Community Engagement, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University; from August 2002 to 2012, Chair, Department of Accounting and Interim Chair of The Department of Finance (2009-2010), Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University. Mr. Paschke's qualifications to serve as a director include 32 years of service for an international accounting firm, 20 years as a partner with 16 years as a practice managing partner, his experience as a licensed CPA since 1972, along with his years of service as a chair of the accounting department at Wayne State University.

 

2004

Martin Thomson

 

70

 

Chairman of the board of directors of First Federal of Northern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. from May 2008 to May 2018; president and chief executive officer of First Federal of Northern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary bank, First Federal of Northern Michigan beginning in May 2001 to 2006 and 2008, respectively. Prior to his service at First Federal of Northern Michigan, Mr. Thomson was president and chief executive officer of Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op., Onaway, Michigan. Mr. Thomson's qualifications to serve as director include his extensive background in bank management.

 

2018

Director Independence

              The Corporation believes thatBoard recently undertook its Board as a whole should encompass a rangeannual review of talent, skill, diversity, and expertise enabling it to provide sound guidancedirector independence in accordance with respect to the Corporation's operations and interests. In addition to considering a candidates' background and accomplishments, candidates are reviewed to maintain the current majority of Directors which qualify as "independent" under theapplicable rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC ("Nasdaq"). The independence rules include a series of objective tests, including that the director is not employed by the Corporation and has not engaged in various types of business dealings with the Corporation. In addition, the Board is required to make a subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, the Board reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and the Corporation with regard to each director's business and personal activities as they may relate to the Corporation and its management.

              The Corporation's Board has considered the independenceaffirmatively determined, after considering all of the nominees for election at the annual meeting,relevant facts and the continuing Directors under the rules of Nasdaq. The Board has determinedcircumstances, that all of the director nominees and continuing Directorsdirectors are independent directors under the applicable rules of Nasdaq, rules except for Mr. Tobias, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Chairman of the Bank,Bank; Mr. George, President of the Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank,Bank; and Director Robert Mahaney.Mr. Mahaney, director. Messrs. Tobias and George are not independent because of their services as Executive Officersexecutive officers of the Corporation and the Bank. Mr. Mahaney is not independent under Nasdaq rules as a result of the transaction described under "Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management" below.

              Each member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee is independent under Nasdaq rules. In addition, the Board has affirmatively determined that the members of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee qualify as independent in accordance with the additional independence rules established by the Securities Exchange Commission (the"SEC") and Nasdaq.

              There are no family relationships between or among any of the directors, nominees, or executive officers of the Corporation.


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PROPOSAL NO. 2: NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

              The recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the"Dodd-Frank Act") enables ourthe Corporation's shareholders to vote to approve, on a non-binding basis, the Corporation's compensation of the Corporation'sits named executive officers. At the Corporation's 2013 annual meeting of shareholders, the Corporation's shareholders were asked to recommend how often they should be given the opportunity to cast this advisory vote. Consistent with the Board's recommendation, the shareholders voted to hold the advisory vote on an annual basis until the next required vote on the frequency of shareholder votes on executive compensation.compensation, which will be held this year at the Annual Meeting and is detailed in this Proxy Statement as Proposal No. 3. Accordingly, we are asking you to approve the Corporation's compensation of the Corporation'sits named executive officers as described under "Compensation of DirectorsExecutive Officers and Executive Officers"Directors" and the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer compensation (together with the accompanying narrative disclosure) in this proxy statement. In 2014, we held our first shareholder advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, and shareholdersofficer compensation. Shareholders voted in support of our executive compensation strategy.strategy in each of the past five years.

              The Corporation seeks to align the interests of ourits named executive officers with the interests of ourits shareholders. Therefore, ourthe Corporation's compensation programs are designed to reward ourits named executive officers for the achievement of strategic and operational goals and the achievement of increased shareholder value, while at the same time avoiding the encouragement ofwithout unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. We believe that ourthe Corporation's compensation policies and procedures are competitive and focused on performance and are aligned with the long-termlong term interest of ourits shareholders.

              The proposal described below, commonly known as a "Say-on-Pay""say-on-pay" proposal, gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to express your views regarding the Corporation's compensation of theits named executive officers by voting to approve or not approve such compensation as described in this proxy statement. This vote is advisory and will not be binding upon the Corporation, the board of directors,Board, or the human resources/compensation committee.Compensation Committee. However, the Corporation, the Board, of Directors, and the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation, but rather relates to the Corporation's overall compensation of ourits named executive officers, as described in this proxy statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the"SEC").SEC.

              The board of directorsBoard believes ourthe Corporation's compensation policies and procedures achieve this objective, and therefore recommend that shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal through the following resolution:

              If a quorum is present, the proposal will be approved if the number of shares of common stock voted in favor of the matter exceedexceeds the number of shares of common stock voted against the matter. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and the failure to return a signed proxy will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this matter.

YOUROUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THIS "SAY-ON-PAY" PROPOSAL


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PROPOSAL NO. 3: ADVISORY, NON-BINDING VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF APPROVAL OF
THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

              The Dodd-Frank Act requires that the Corporation provide shareholders with the opportunity to vote, at least once every six years, on a non-binding, advisory basis, for their preference as to how frequently the Corporation should conduct an advisory say-on-pay vote. Shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer that the Corporation conduct future say-on-pay votes every year, every two years, or every three years. Shareholders also may abstain from casting a vote on this proposal.

              The Board of Directors has determined that a say-on-pay vote that occurs once every year is the most appropriate alternative for the Corporation and, therefore, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote in favor of conducting a say-on-pay vote every year. The Board of Directors supports an annual advisory approval because we believe that this will provide our shareholders with the most consistent and clear communication channel for shareholder concerns about the compensation of the named executive officers.

              This vote is advisory, which means that it is not binding on the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee. The Corporation recognizes that the shareholders may have different views as to the best approach and looks forward to hearing from the shareholders as to their preferences on the frequency of the say-on-pay vote. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will carefully review the outcome of the say-on-frequency vote; however, when considering the frequency of future say-on-pay votes, the Board of Directors may decide that it is in the Corporation's and the shareholders' long-term best interest to hold a say-on-pay vote more or less frequently than the frequency receiving the most votes cast by our shareholders.

              The proxy card provides shareholders with the opportunity to choose among four options (holding the say-on-pay vote every year, every two years, or every three years, or abstain from voting). Shareholders are not being asked to approve or disapprove the recommendation of the Board of Directors. If a quorum is present, the frequency of the advisory vote on the non-binding resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers receiving the greatest number of votes (either every three years, every two years, or every year) will be the frequency that our shareholders recommend. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and the failure to return a signed proxy will have no effect on the outcome of the votes on this matter.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOULY RECOMMENDS
THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR AN ANNUAL "SAY-ON-FREQUENCY"


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PROPOSAL NO. 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

              The Audit Committee has selected Plante & Moran, PLLC ("Plante"Plante Moran"), as independent auditors for the Corporation, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.2019. The services provided to usthe Corporation and ourits subsidiaries by Plante Moran for 20152018 and 20142017 are described below, under the caption "Relationship with Independent Certified Public Accountants."

              We are asking shareholders to ratify the selection of Plante Moran as ourthe Corporation's independent auditors. Although ratification is not legally required, the Board is submitting the selection of Plante Moran to ourthe shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. Representatives of Plante Moran are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make such statements as they may desire.

              The affirmative voteappointment of the holders of the majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on this itemPlante Moran as independent auditors will be requiredratified if more shares are voted for approval.the ratification than are voted against the ratification. Shares not voted (because of abstention, broker non-vote, or otherwise) will have no effect on the ratification.

              If ourthe shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Plante Moran, the appointment will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee and the Board. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the Corporation and ourits shareholders.

YOUROUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THIS PROPOSAL


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERSBOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

              The Executive Officers of the Corporation serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Set forth below are the current Executive Officers of the Corporation and a brief explanation of their principal employment during at least the last five years. Additional information concerning employment agreements of Executive Officers of the Corporation is included elsewhere in this proxy statement under the heading "Executive Compensation."Meetings

              Paul D. Tobias – Age 65 – ChairmanAll directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Chairman of the Board of the Bank. Mr. Tobias was appointed to his present positions with the Corporation and the Bank in November 2006.

Kelly W. George – Age 48 – President of the Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Mr. George was appointed as President of the Corporation and as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank in November 2006.

Ernie R. Krueger – Age 66 – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and the Bank. Mr. Krueger was appointed to his current positions in October 2006.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

committees on which they serve. The Board met nine times during 2018. In 2015,2018, each director attended more than 75% of the totalaggregate number of all meetings of the boardBoard and the committees on which they serve. In addition, all board members are expected to attend the annual meeting of shareholders,he served.

Board and all attended the 2015 Annual Meeting Shareholders.Committee Membership

              Current boardBoard and committee membership in 2015memberships are shown in the table below.

Name MFNC Board mBank Board Nominating Compensation Audit
Mr. Aspatore Lead Director Lead Director Member Member Chairman
Mr. Bittner Member Member   Member Member
Mr. Garea Member Member Member Member  
Mr. George Member Member      
Mr. Mahaney Member Member      
Mr. Orley Member Member   Member  
Mr. Patterson Member Member Chairman Member  
Mr. Paschke Member Member Member Member Member
Mr. Steinhardt Member Member   Chairman  
Mr. ThomsonMemberMember
Mr. Tobias Chairman Chairman      

Audit Committee

              The Audit Committee is a separately-designated standing Committeecommittee of the Board of Directors established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the"Exchange Act"). The Audit Committee has responsibility for, among other things:



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              The Board of Directors has adopted a charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which is available on the Corporation's website at www.bankmbank.com.

              The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Aspatore (chairman), Bittner and Paschke, all of whom are considered independent, as independence for audit committee members is defined in applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. In addition, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that each of the members of the audit committee and compensation committee qualify as independent under the same standards. The Board has determined that Mr. Aspatore is an "audit committee financial expert" as that term is defined by the SEC. The Audit Committee held eight meetings in 2015.2018.

              The Board has determined that each Audit Committee member has sufficient knowledge in reading and understanding financial statements to serve on the Audit Committee. The Board has further determined that Mr. Aspatore qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" in accordance with SEC rules. The designation of an "audit committee financial expert" does not impose upon such person any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than those which are generally imposed on him as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board, and such designation does not affect the duties, obligations or liabilities of any other member of the Audit Committee or the Board.

Nominating Committee

              The Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things:

              The current members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Patterson (chairman), Aspatore, Garea and Paschke. All members are considered independent under the applicable Nasdaq rules. The Nominating Committee held one meeting in 2015.

              The Board of Directors has adopted a charter for the Nominating Committee, a copy of which is available on the Corporation's website at www.bankmbank.com. The Nominating Committee held two meetings in 2018.

In the past, the committeeNominating Committee has identified potential nominees through recommendations made by executive officers and non-management directors and has evaluated themsuch potential nominees based on their resumes and through references and personal interviews. The Corporation has not paid any third party fee to assist in the process of identifying or evaluating director nominees. No shareholder, other than an officer or director, has ever submitted a suggestion for a nominee, but if the committee were to receive such a suggestion, it expects it would evaluate that nominee in substantially the same manner as required by its charter.

The Corporation does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying Directordirector nominees, but the Nominating Committee strives to nominate Directorsdirectors with a variety of complementary skills so that, as a group, the Board will possesspossesses the appropriate talent, skills, and expertise to oversee the Corporation's businesses.


              TheUpon receipt of suggestions from shareholders director nominations, the Nominating Committee will consider candidates nominated by shareholdersconsiders such candidate in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and in the Nominating Committee's charter, pursuant to which thecharter. The Nominating Committee would applyapplies the same qualification criteria and consideration factors to shareholder director nominees as are applicable to its own nominees. Under the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, nominations other than those made by the Board of Directors or the Nominating Committee must be made pursuant to timely notice in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a shareholder's request to nominate a person for election to the Boardas a director at thean annual meeting of shareholders, together with the written consent of such person to serve as a Director,director, must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting of shareholders in the immediately preceding year. To be in proper written form, the notice must contain certain information concerning the nominee and the shareholder submitting the nomination.

              With respect to each person proposed to be nominated as a director, the Nominating Committee must be provided with the following information: (i) the name, address (business and residence), date of birth, principal occupation or employment of such person (present and for the past five (5) years); (ii) the


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number of shares of the Corporation such person beneficially owns (as such term is defined by Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act); and (iii) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a definitive proxy statement to shareholders prepared in connection with an election of Directorsdirectors pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act. The Nominating Committee may require any proposed nominee to furnish additional information as may be reasonably required to determine the qualifications of such person to serve as a Directordirector of the Corporation. No person is eligible for election as a Directordirector of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Compensation Committee

              The current Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Messrs. Steinhardt (chairman), Aspatore, Bittner, Garea, Orley, Paschke and Patterson, each of whom is considered independent under Nasdaq rules defining independence. The Compensation Committee held two meetings in 2015.              The Compensation Committee's primary functions are: (i) to review and recommend to the Board all persons to be elected as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and other executive positions; (ii) to review all material performance criteria used in evaluating Executive Officersexecutive officers of the Corporation, including their compensation; and (iii) to review and approve the annual base salary level, annual incentive opportunity level, long-termlong term incentive opportunity level, employment and other agreements, and other benefits of the Executive Officers.executive officers. The primary responsibilitiesresponsibility of the Compensation Committee areis to ensure that the Corporation's compensation available to the Board of Directorsits directors and officers of the Corporation:officers:

              The Board has adopted a charter for the Compensation Committee, a copy of which is available on the Corporation's website at www.bankmbank.com. The Compensation Committee's charter allows for delegation of certain of its functions to subcommittees or otherwise; however, no such functions were delegated in 2018. The Compensation Committee held three meetings in 2018.

In 2015,2018, the Compensation Committee reviewed earnings information and other performance metrics relative to the historical compensation of executive management and comparative information prepared both internally and from external providers. The Compensation Committee also reviewed management's recommendations for contracts and compensation levels of all of the Corporation's senior executive officers and considered these recommendations with reference to relative compensation levels of like-size financial institutions. The totality of the information reviewed by the Compensation Committee was considered when establishing current executive salary levels, and similar analysis will be considered when reviewing and establishing future salaries and long term incentives.


              The Corporation's compensation policies and practices were evaluatedare designed to ensure that they do not foster risk taking above the level or risk associated with the Corporation's business model. For this purpose, the Compensation Committee consideredgenerally considers the Corporation's growth and returnfinancial performance, volatility and leverage, and the time horizon of the Corporation's investments; and comparedcomparing them to the performance metrics leverage, and time horizon ofincluded in the Corporation's compensation policies and practices. Westrategic plan. The Compensation Committee also evaluatedgenerally evaluates management's compensation in light of other specific risk parameters such as credit, liquidity and interest rate risk.parameters. Based on this assessment, the Corporation concludedCompensation Committee believes that itthe Corporation has a balanced pay and performance program that does not promote excessive risk taking.


              The Compensation Committee charter is available on the Corporation's website at www.bankmbank.com. The Committee reviews management recommendations for contracts and compensation levels

Table of all senior executive officers. The Committee considers these recommendations in reference to relative compensation levels of like-size financial institutions. The Compensation Committee charter allows for delegation of certain of its functions to subcommittees or otherwise, however, no such functions were delegated in 2015.

Attendance of Directors; Family RelationshipsContents

              The Board of Directors held a total of 9 meetings during 2015. No Director attended less than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees on which he served in 2015. There are no family relationships between or among any of the Directors, nominees, or Executive Officers of the Corporation.

Communication with Directors; Attendance at Annual Meetings; Code of Ethics

              The Corporation's Board provides a process forinvites shareholders to send communications to the Board or any of the Directors. Shareholders may send written communications to the Board or any one or more of the individual Directorsdirector by mail, c/o Corporate Secretary, Mackinac Financial Corporation, 130 South Cedar Street, Manistique, Michigan 49854. All communications will be compiled by the Corporation's Corporate Secretary and submitted to the Board or the individual Directorsdirector(s) on a regular basis unless such communications are considered, in the reasonable judgment of the Corporate Secretary, to be improper for submission to the intended recipient(s). Examples of shareholder communications that would be considered improper for submission include, without limitation, customer complaints, solicitations, communications that do not relate directly or indirectly to the Corporation's business, or communications that relate to improper or irrelevant topics.

              It is the Corporation's policy that allAll directors are expected to attend annual meetings of the Directors and nominees for election as Directors at the annual meeting attend the annual meetingshareholders, except in cases of extraordinary circumstances. All of the nominees for election at the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders and all other Directorsdirectors attended the 20152018 annual meeting of shareholders. The Corporation expectsanticipates that all nominees and Directors todirectors will attend the 2016 annual meeting.this year's Annual Meeting as well.

              The Corporation has a business conduct and code of ethics policy for all employees, officers and directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Among other things, the business conduct and code of ethics policy includes provisions regarding ethical conduct, compliance with law, conflicts of interest, insider trading and certain investment and other opportunities, competition and fair dealing, discrimination and harassment, record keeping of personal transactions, accounting matters, confidentiality, and reporting of violations. The Corporation has posted copies of its business conduct and code of ethics policy on its corporate website, at www.bankmbank.com, under "MFNC Investor Relations – Corporate Overview – Governance Documents." Any amendments to such policy, or any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the link "Corporate Governance." If further matters are documented,rules of either the SEC or if those documents (including the business conduct and code of ethics policy) are changed, waivers from the business conduct and code of ethics policy are


granted, or new procedures are adopted, those new documents, changes and/or waiversNasdaq, will be disclosed on the corporate website at the internet address above, in a press release or on a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Board Leadership Structure

              The Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board as the Board believes it is in the best interests of the Corporation to make that determination based on the then-current position and direction of the Corporation and the membership of the Board. The Board believes having the Chief Executive Officer also fill the role of Chairman is more efficient and effective at this time. The Board has also determined that having an independent director serve as "Lead" Director"lead director" is in the best interest of the Corporation's shareholders. The lead independent director is responsible for, among other duties:things: (i) acting as a liaison and channel for communication between the Chief Executive Officer and the independent Directors;directors; (ii) considering questions of conflicts of interest of the Chief Executive Officer, other management and other Board members; and (iii) coordinating, developing the agenda and leading executive sessions of the independent Directorsdirectors and communicating the results thereof to the Chief Executive Officer. This structure ensures a greater role for the independent Directorsdirectors in the oversight of the Corporation and active participation of the independent Directorsdirectors in setting agendas and establishing Board priorities and procedures. Further, this structure permits the Chief Executive Officer to focus on the management of the Corporation's day-to-day operations.

Board's Role in Risk Oversight

              The Corporation faces a variety of risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk. The Board has implemented a risk management system that is intended to (i) timely identify the material risks that the Corporation faces, (ii) communicate necessary information with respect to material risks to senior executives and, as appropriate, to the Board or relevantthe appropriate Board Committee,committee, (iii) implement appropriate and responsive risk management strategies consistent with Corporation's risk profile, and (iv) integrate risk management into Corporationcorporate decision-making.


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CompensationEXECUTIVE OFFICERS

              The executive officers of the Corporation serve at the pleasure of the Board. Set forth below are the current executive officers of the Corporation and a brief explanation of their principal employment during at least the last five years. Additional information concerning the employment arrangements of the Corporation's executive officers is included elsewhere in this proxy statement under the heading "Executive Compensation."

Paul D. Tobias – Age 68 – Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank. Mr. Tobias was appointed to his present positions with the Corporation and the Bank in November 2006.

Kelly W. George – Age 51 – President of the Corporation and President and Chief Executive OfficersOfficer of the Bank. Mr. George was appointed to his present positions with the Corporation and the Bank in November 2006.

Jesse A. Deering – Age 39 – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and the Bank. Mr. Deering was appointed to his current positions in August 2016. Prior to such time, Mr. Deering served in various capacities for the Bank, including as a Senior Vice President and Managing Director (February 2013 to August 2016), as Senior Vice President and Southeast Michigan Executive (December 2011 to February 2013), and as First Vice President and Southeast Michigan Executive (February 2009 through December 2011).


COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Compensation Consultant Disclosure

              The Corporation's Compensation Committee has engaged an independent consulting firm to review Executiveexecutive officer and Board of Directordirector compensation, review the Corporation's annual Proxyproxy statement, assist with the risk reviews, and provide general consulting advice to the Compensation Committee over the course of the year.

              The Compensation Committee approved engagingengaged Meyer-Chatfield as a consultant in 2018. The 2018 engagement included an update of market compensation data requested by the Committee's consultant for 2015. The engagement for 2015 included a review of our annual proxy statement and a reviewCompensation Committee during their periodic evaluation of the semi-annual risk review.Company's compensation practices. Meyer-Chatfield is an independent third-party consulting firm that is focused on the banking marketplace.

Compensation Program Details

              The foregoing discussion provides background and context for the information that follows regarding our existingthe Corporation's compensation programs to those persons who served as ourof its named executive officers during 2015 and to assist in understanding2018, including the information in the executive compensation tables included later in our proxy statement. Named executive officers are determined using current year compensation for the year being disclosed.tables.


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Executive Compensation


Summary Compensation Table

              The following table showssets forth certain information, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, regarding the Corporation's compensation earned by our chief executive officer and president, our chief financial officer, andof its current Chief Executive Officer, the two other most highly compensated other executive officer (collectively, theofficers in 2018 who were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2018 (the"named executive officers") for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014..

Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(3)(4)
 Total
($)
 

Paul D. Tobias

  2015  306,731  49,800  134,652  24,633  515,816 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of the Corporation
Chairman of the Bank

  2014  292,125  53,000  189,251  24,287  558,663 

Kelly W. George

  
2015
  
301,350
  
49,800
  
52,378
  
31,527
  
435,055
 

President of the Corporation
President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Bank

  2014  287,000  53,000  189,407  29,366  558,773 

Ernie R. Krueger

  
2015
  
215,350
  
42,800
  
37,413
  
19,723
  
315,286
 

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of the
Corporation and the Bank

  2014  205,000  45,000  135,366  21,150  406,516 
Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(3)(4)
 Total
($)
 

Paul D. Tobias

  2018  370,000  120,000  66,685  16,579  573,264 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

  2017  326,991  110,000  49,049  16,246  502,286 

of the Corporation
Chairman of the Bank

                   

Kelly W. George

  
2018
  
365,000
  
120,000
  
65,778
  
25,734
  
576,512
 

President of the Corporation

  2017  321,255  110,000  48,188  23,666  503,109 

President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Bank

                   

Jesse A. Deering

  
2018
  
205,000
  
70,000
  
36,952
  
20,138
  
332,090
 

Executive Vice President and

  2017  182,505  50,000  27,376  17,571  277,452 

Chief Financial Officer of the
Corporation and the Bank

                   

(1)
The amountsAmounts reported in this column for 20142018 and 2017 represent a discretionary bonus that was paid to each named executive officer pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreements described below.officer.

(2)
The amountsAmounts reported relate to time-based restricted stock awards granted under the Corporation's 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan. Amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of such awards (excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures), in each case calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Awards for 2015 and 2014 in the Stock Awards column relate to time-based restricted stock awards granted on February 22, 2016, 2015 and March 24, 2015, respectively, under the Mackinac Financial Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan.

(3)
Amounts in this column for 20152018 include the value of the following benefits or perquisites: (i) for Mr. Tobias, health and disability insurance premiums and life insurance premiums of $24,633;$16,579; (ii) for Mr. George, 401(k) employer match contributions of $10,600$9,625 and health and disability insurance premiums and life insurance premiums of $20,927;$16,109; and (iii) for Mr. Krueger,Deering, 401(k) employer match contributions of $10,410$3,650 and health and disability insurance premiums and life insurance premiums of $9,313.$16,488.

(4)
Amounts in this column for 20142017 include the value of the following benefits or perquisites: (i) for Mr. Tobias, health and disability insurance premiums and life insurance premiums of $21,273;$16,246; (ii) for Mr. George, 401(k) employer match contributions of $9,327$9,450 and health and disability insurance premiums and life insurance premiums of $17,031;$14,216; and (iii) for Mr. Krueger,Deering, 401(k) employer match contributions of $9,080$3,287.29 and health and disability insurance premiums and life insurance premiums of $9,831.$14,284.

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Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

Amendments toAmended and Restated Employment Agreements

              On March 24, 2015,1, 2018, the Corporation entered into first amendments (each, a"First Amendment"an amended and collectively, the"First Amendments") to certainrestated employment agreementsagreement with each of our named executive officers (each, an"Employment Agreement" and collectively, the"Employment Agreements") with each of (i) Paul D. Tobias, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of the Bank, (ii) Kelly W. George, the Company's President and the Bank's President and Chief Executive Officer, and (iii) Ernie R. Krueger, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank and the Company (each an"Executive Officer").

              Pursuant to the terms of eachEach of the First Amendments, the initial term under each of the Employment Agreements was reset to commence on March 24, 2015 (the"Commencement Date"). The Employment Agreements have an initial term (the"Initial Term") of three (3) years beginning on the March 1, 2018 (the"Commencement Date,Date"), and automatically renewrenewing for successive one (1) year terms at the end of the Initial Term provided that the applicable executive notifies the Board of the Company does not notify the executive of such renewalits intention not to renew the Employment Agreement on or prior to at least one hundred eighty (180) days prior (the"Renewal Date") to the expiration of the Initial Term or any renewal term and the Board does not notify the applicable executive of its intention not to renew the agreement on or prior to the Renewal Date.

term. In the event of a change of control of the Company, the Commencement Date of each Employment Agreement automatically resets as of the date of the change of control, resulting in an initial term of three (3) years from the date of such change of control. Except as amended by

              Each Employment Agreement supersedes the First Amendments,prior employment agreement between the Employment Agreements otherwise remainCompany and the applicable executive in full force and effect.its entirety.

              The Employment Agreements as amended by the First Amendments, entitle the applicable executives to, among other benefits, the following compensation:


              Each Employment Agreement contains provisions relating to non-solicitation of customers and personnel and non-competition during the term of employment and the two yearsfor eighteen (18) months thereafter, as well as a provision relating to the protection of confidential information.


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Equity Awards Granted to our Named Executive Officers

              On March 24, 2015,February 12, 2019, the Board granted the following restricted stock awards to Messrs. Tobias, George and KruegerDeering under the Mackinac Financial CorporationCorporation's 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2014"2019 Restricted Stock AwardsAwards"") as follows:: (i) 12,0764,194 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Tobias; (ii) 4,6984,137 shares of restricted stock to Mr. George, and (iii) 3,3552,324 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Krueger.Deering. The 20142019 Restricted Stock Awards vest in four equal annual installments beginning on February 26, 2020 so that such awards will be fully vested on February 26, 2023, subject to each such officer's continued employment.

              On February 26, 2018, the Board granted the following restricted stock awards to Messrs. Tobias, George and Deering under the Corporation's 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the"2018 Restricted Stock Awards"): (i) 3,066 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Tobias; (ii) 3,012 shares of restricted stock to Mr. George, and (iii) 1,711 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Deering. The 2018 Restricted Stock Awards vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date (or March 24th)(February 22, 2019) so that such awards shallwill be fully vested on March 24, 2019,February 22, 2022, subject to each named executivesuch officer's continued employment.

              The 2014 Restricted Stock Awards will also fully vest upon a named executiveany such officer's termination due to death or disability or upon a change inof control of the Corporation. On February 22, 2016,In the Board granted restricted stock awards to Messrs. Tobias, George and Krueger under the Mackinac Financial Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2015 Restricted Stock Awards") as follows: (i) 5,803 sharesevent of restricted stock to Mr. Tobias; (ii) 5,702 shares of restricted stock to Mr. George, and (iii) 4,073 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Krueger. The 2015any such officer's retirement, his Restricted Stock Awards will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date (or February 22nd) so that such awards shall be fully vested on February 22, 2020, subject to each named executive officer's continued employment. The 2015 Restricted Stock Awards will also fully vest upon a named executive officer's termination due to death or disability or upon a change in control of the Corporation.

              If the named executive officer retires, his respective awards shall continue to vest as if his employment with the Corporation continued, provided that if hewere continuing, but any unvested shares will be immediately forfeited in the event such officer ceases to be retired then any unvested shares shall be immediately forfeited.retired.



20152018 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

              The following table provides information on the holdingsunvested shares of restricted stock held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2015.2018. As of December 31, 2018, no named executive officer held any unexercised stock options.


  
 Stock Awards   
 Stock Awards 
Name
 Grant
Date(3)
 Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)(1)
 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
($)(2)
  Grant
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)(1)
 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
($)(2)
 

Paul D. Tobias

 08/31/2012 6,250 $71,813  03/24/2015 3,019 41,209 

 03/18/2014 10,961 125,942  02/22/2016 2,902 39,612 

 03/24/2015 12,076 138,753  02/24/2017 3,539 48,307 

 02/22/2018 3,066 41,851 

Kelly W. George

 08/31/2012 5,375 $61,759  03/24/2015 1,175 16,039 

 03/18/2014 10,970 126,045  02/22/2016 2,850 38,902 

 03/24/2015 4,698 53,980  02/24/2017 3,477 47,461 

Ernie R. Krueger

 08/31/2012 4,500 $51,705 

 02/22/2018 3,012 41,114 

Jesse A. Deering

 03/24/2015 875 11,944 

 03/18/2014 7,840 90,082  02/22/2016 1,377 18,796 

 03/24/2015 3,355 38,549  02/24/2017 1,975 26,959 

 02/22/2018 1,711 23,355 

(1)
TheShares of restricted stock vestsvest in four equal annual installments on the first through fourth anniversaries of the grant date.

(2)
Based uponon the $11.49 closing price of the sharesCorporation's common stock on Nasdaq on December 31, 2015.2018, which was $13.65.

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Retirement Plan

              The Corporation sponsors the Mackinac Financial Corporation 401(k) Plan (the"Plan"). All regular, and full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Plan after their 90 day90-day introductory period has been met. Employees who have completed 1,000 hours of service and are 18 years of age or older during the plan year (January 1—December 31) may participate in this plan.the Plan. If an employee completes at least 1,000 hours of service during any plan year (January 1—December 31) and is employed by the Corporation on the last day of the Plan year, the Corporation may, in its sole discretion, make a matching contribution on their behalf. The Plan permits the Corporation, through action of the Board, of Directors to specify the range, rate and level of and to make discretionary contributions to the Plan for allocation to eligible participants. For the 20152018 plan year, the Corporation made a discretionary contribution that matched 100% of the first 4%3% of eligible employee contributions.compensation and 50% on the next 1% of eligible compensation. All contributions to the Plan are subject to both individual and total participant contribution limits as established by the IRS.

Severance and Change inof Control Benefits

              Other than the Employment Agreements and the acceleration of equity vesting upon certain qualifying terminations described above, theThe Corporation does not provide for any severance or change inof control benefits.benefits, other than those discussed above.


Director Compensation


20152018 Director Compensation Table

              The table below summarizessets forth the compensation paidof each non-employee director in 2018.

Name
 Fees earned or
paid in cash ($)
 Stock awards
($)(1)
 Total ($) 

Walter J. Aspatore

  39,500  16,000  55,500 

Dennis B. Bittner

  32,000  16,000  48,000 

Joseph D. Garea

  31,000  16,000  47,000 

Robert E. Mahaney

  33,250  16,000  49,250 

Robert H. Orley

  30,500  16,000  46,500 

Randolph C. Paschke

  33,000  16,000  49,000 

L. Brooks Patterson

  34,000  16,000  50,000 

David R. Steinhardt

  33,500  16,000  49,500 

Martin Thomson

  18,083    18,083 

(1)
Consists of a one-time grant of 1,000 shares of restricted stock awards granted to each non-employee director pursuant to the Corporation's 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan. The amounts reported represent the grant date fair market value of the restricted stock award, which is the closing trading price as reported on the Nasdaq for a share of common stock on the date of grant, April 24, 2018 ($16.00), multiplied by the Corporationnumber of shares subject to non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Name
 Total Fees Earned or Paid in
Cash ($)
 Stock
Awards($)
 Total
($)
 

Walter J. Aspatore

  50,750    50,750 

Dennis B. Bittner

  42,500    42,500 

Joseph D. Garea

  35,250    35,250 

Robert E. Mahaney

  33,750    33,750 

Robert H. Orley

  34,000    34,000 

Randolph C. Paschke

  35,250    35,250 

L. Brooks Patterson

  40,000    40,000 

David R. Steinhardt

  38,750    38,750 
award.

20152018 Non-Employee Director Annual Cash Retainer and Meeting Fees

              In 2015,2018, each non-employee director received an annual fee of $25,000. In addition to the annual fee, those directors who chaired board committees were paidBoard committee chairs received an additional $3,000, and boardBoard committee members received $250 per meeting attended. See "– Board of Directors Meetings and Committees" for identification of the Lead Director and each committee chair.

              Finally, on August 31, 2012, each non-employee director was granted an award of 10,000 shares of restricted stock, to vest ratably over 4 years on each of the first 4 anniversaries of the grant date. OurThe Corporation does not compensate its employee directors (which included Messrs.(Messrs. Tobias and George in 2015) did not receive compensation2018) for their service on the Board service.


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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

              The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Corporation's audited financial statements with management.

              In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from the independent auditors a formal written statement describing all relationships between the auditors and the Corporation that might bear on the auditors' independence and information required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with the auditors any relationships that may impact their objectivity and independence. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of any non-audit services by the auditors is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence. The Audit Committee is satisfied as to the auditors' independence. The Audit Committee also discussed with management and the independent auditors the quality and adequacy of the Corporation's internal controls and the internal audit function's organization, responsibilities, budget and staffing. The Audit Committee reviewed the audit plans, audit scope and identification of audit risks with the independent auditor.


              The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent auditors all communications required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, including those described in the Statement on Auditing StandardsStandard No. 61,16, as amended "Communication with(Communications With Audit Committees"Committees), and, with and without management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent auditors' examination of the financial statements.

              Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 20152018 for filing with the SEC.


Audit Committee

Walter J. Aspatore            Dennis B. Bittner            Randolph C. Paschke

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

              The following table summarizes fees for professional services rendered by Plante & Moran, PLLC, the Corporation's independent auditors for the years ended December 31, 20152018 and 2014:2017:


 2015 2014  2018 2017 

Audit fees(1)

 $153,057 $114,515  $227,258 $232,882 

Audit-related fees(2)

 29,482 24,150  143,930 36,100 

Tax fees(3)

 28,500 22,570  32,510 62,835 

All other fees(4)

  70,216 

All Other Fees(4)

  18,610 

Total fees

 $211,039 $231,451  $403,698 $350,427 

(1)
Audit fees consistConsists of fees billed for professional services performed by Plante Moran PLLC, for theits audit of the Corporation's annual financial statements, the review of financial statements included in the Corporation's Form 10-Q filings and services that are normally provided in connection with regulatory filings or engagements.


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(2)
Represents fees for audit of the Corporation's 401(k) plan.plan and discussions regarding proposed business combination accounting. In 2018, includes fees relating to a public stock offering.

(3)
Represents fees billed for tax services, including tax reviews and planning.

(4)
All otherRepresents fees represent fees paidbilled for review of registration statements and regulatory compliance testing.

              The Audit Committee is required to review and pre-approve both audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor (other than with respect tode minimis exceptions permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). During 2015,2018, all services provided by Plante Moran PLLC were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. To the extent required by Nasdaq rules or any other applicable legal or regulatory requirements, approval of non-audit services must be disclosed to investors in periodic reports required by Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.



INDEBTEDNESS OF AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT

              Certain of the Directorsdirectors and officers of the Corporation have had and are expected to have in the future, transactions with the Bank, or have been Directorsdirectors or officers of corporations, or members of partnerships or limited liability companies, which have had and are expected to have in the future, transactions with the Bank. In the opinion of management, all such previous transactions (i) were made in the ordinary course of business, (ii) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with other customers, and (iii) did not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has responsibility for reviewing and approving transactions with related persons, in accordance with the rules of the Nasdaq. The Audit Committee, as a general policy, approves transactions to related parties at essentially the same terms and conditions that apply to similar transactions it engages in or approves with non-related parties.

              Under SEC rules, a "related person transaction" is any transaction or series of transactions in which the Corporation or a subsidiary is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related person has a direct or indirect material interest. A "related person" is a director, officer, nominee for director or a more than 5% shareholder since the beginning of the Corporation's last completed fiscal year, and their immediate family members. The CompanyCorporation reviews all related person transactions in accordance with the its written policies and the procedure described above.

              Mr. Mahaney, a director of the Corporation, owns a controlling interest in Veridea Group, LLC, a commercial and residential real estate development and hotel management company he founded in 2001. On May 24, 2013, the Bank signed a lease for a branch office in a building owned by Mr. Mahaney.the Veridea Group, LLC. The lease has a 15-year term. Lease payments in calendar year 20152018 and 2017 totaled $426,354.$449,813 and $440,994, respectively.


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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

              AsThe following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of March 31, 2016, no person wasthe Exchange Act) of the Corporation's common stock as of April 17, 2019 by those persons known by (i) management to be the beneficial ownerowners of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, of the Corporation, except as follows:

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
Percent of
Class
Steinhardt Capital Investors, LLLP
712 5th Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10019
1,044,557 Common Shares16.8%
FBO Banc Funds Company, LLC(1)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3300
Chicago, IL 60606
526,707 Common Shares8.3%

Raymond Garea
31 Claremont Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040


372,225 Common Shares



5.94

%

FSI Group, LLC
441 Vine Street, Suite 507
Cincinnati, OH 45202


340,000 Common Shares



5.43

%

Elizabeth Park Capital Advisors, LTD(2)
29525 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 318
Pepper Pike, OH 44122


336,335 Common Shares



5.3

%

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
6300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746


343,282 Common Shares



5.52

%

(1)
Based upon Amendment 2015-1 to Schedule 13G/A as of December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on February 9, 2016. Includes 339,300 shares held by Banc Fund VI LP ("BF VI"), 43,772 shares held by Banc Fund VII LP ("BF VII"), 119,437 shares held by Banc Fund VIII LP ("BF VIII") and 24,198 shares held by Banc Fund IX LP ("BF IX"). MidBanc VI, LP is the general partner of BF VI. MidBanc VII LP is the general partner of BF VII, MidBanc VIII LP is the general partner of BF VIII, and MidBanc IX LP is the general partner of BF IX. The general partner of MidBanc VI LP, MidBanc VII LP, MidBanc VIII LP, and MidBanc IX LP is The Banc Funds Company, LLC, whose principal shareholder is Charles J. Moore. Mr. Moore also serves as the manager of BF VI, BV VII, BF VIII, and BF IX and as manager, Mr. Moore has voting and dispositive power over the securities reported.
(2)
Based upon Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G as of December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016.

              The information in the following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Corporation's common stock by(ii) each of the Corporation's Directors, eachdirectors and named executive officers, and (iii) all of the Executive Officers listed in the Summary Compensation Tabledirectors and by all current Directorsexecutive officers as a group. As of April 17, 2019, there were 10,740,712 shares of common stock outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated and Executive Officers of the Corporation as a


group, as of March 31, 2016. Except as noted, beneficial ownership is direct and the person indicatedsubject to applicable community property laws, each owner has sole voting and investment power.powers with respect to the shares in the table below.

Name of Beneficial Owner
 Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 Percent of
Class
 

Walter J. Aspatore

  26,120  * 

Dennis B. Bittner

  11,567  * 

Joseph D. Garea

  85,815  1.38%

Kelly W. George

  42,696  * 

Ernie R. Krueger

  45,770  * 

Robert E. Mahaney

  21,920  * 

Robert H. Orley

  34,141  * 

Randolph C. Paschke

  27,817  * 

L. Brooks Patterson

  7,500  * 

David R. Steinhardt(1)

  1,141,557  18.32%

Paul D. Tobias(2)

  169,605  2.72%

All current Directors and Executive Officers as a group (11 persons)

  1,614,508  25.91%
Name of Beneficial Owner
 Number of Shares
of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
 Percent of All
Common Stock
Outstanding
 

Five Percent Shareholders:

       

Steinhardt Capital Investors, LLLP(1)
712 5th Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10019

  
1,044,557
  
9.73

%

Directors and Executive Officers:

  
 
  
 
 

Walter J. Aspatore

  
29,620
  
*
 

Dennis B. Bittner

  3,102  * 

Jesse A. Deering(2)

  14,763  * 

Joseph D. Garea

  89,315  * 

Kelly W. George(3)

  77,443  * 

Robert E. Mahaney

  25,420  * 

Robert H. Orley

  36,641  * 

Randolph C. Paschke

  31,317  * 

L. Brooks Patterson

  11,000  * 

David R. Steinhardt(4)

  1,045,557  9.73%

Paul D. Tobias(5)

  193,764  1.8%

Martin A. Thomson

  44,391  * 

All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)

  1,602,333  14.9%

*
Less than 1.0%1%. Percentages are based on shares outstanding on March 31, 2016.

(1)
Includes 97,000 sharesShares are owned directly by a related entity held jointly with exclusivitySteinhardt Capital Investors, LLLP, and indirectly by Steinhardt Capital Management, LLC, as general partner of Steinhardt Capital Investors, and Mr. Steinhardt on voting rights.as a manager of Steinhardt Capital Management. Steinhardt Capital Management and Mr. Steinhardt disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interests therein.

(2)
Includes 10,256934 shares held by 401(k) plan.

(3)
Includes 5,946 shares held by 401(k) plan.

(4)
1,044,557 shares are owned directly by Steinhardt Capital Investors, LLLP, and indirectly by Steinhardt Capital Management, LLC, as general partner of Steinhardt Capital Investors, and Mr. Steinhardt as a manager of Steinhardt Capital Management. Steinhardt Capital Management and Mr. Steinhardt disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interests therein.

(5)
Includes 3,952 shares held by 401(k) plan, 54,194 shares held by Tobias Capital LLC, which is 35%61% owned by Mr. Tobias and his wife.wife, and 72,970 shares held by IRA.

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              The above beneficial ownership information is based on data furnished by the specified persons and is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, as required for purposes of this proxy statement. It isshould not necessarily to be construed as an admission of beneficial ownership for other purposes.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

              Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Corporation's officersdirectors and Directors,executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of the Corporation's common stockequity securities ("insiders") to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SecuritiesSEC regarding their pecuniary interest in the Corporation's equity securities and Exchange Commission.any changes thereto, and to furnish copies of these reports to the Corporation. Based solely on aour review of filingsthe insiders' forms furnished to and written representation regarding Form 5 filing obligations, the Corporation is not aware of any failureor filed with the SEC and representations made by any such personthe directors and executive officers, no insider failed to file required reports on a timely basis.basis a Section 16(a) report during 2018.


RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Independent Auditors

              The financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 20152018 have been examined by Plante Moran, PLLC, an independent registered public accounting firm. A representative of Plante Moran PLLC is expected to be at the meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement and will be available to answer appropriate questions. Plante Moran PLLC has been appointed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to serve as the independent public accountants of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the year ending December 31, 2016.2019.

Changes of Accountants

              There was no change of the Corporation's independent public accountants during 20142018 or 2015.2017.



SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 20172020 ANNUAL MEETING

Deadline for Shareholder Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in the Corporation's Proxy Materials

              A proposal submitted by a shareholder for the 20172020 annual meeting of shareholders must be sent to the Secretary of the Corporation, 130 South Cedar Street, Manistique, Michigan 49854 and must be received by the Corporation no later than December 20, 201626, 2019 to be eligible for inclusion in the Corporation's proxy materials for the 20172020 annual meeting of shareholders under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. The proposal must comply with SEC regulations regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials.

Deadline for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations to be Brought Before the 20172020 Annual Meeting

              In order to be considered at any meeting, a shareholder proposal submitted outside of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, other than a nomination of directors, must (i) comply with the requirements in the Corporation's Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as to form and content, and (ii) be received by the Corporation (a) at least 30not less than one hundred twenty (120) days nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the originally scheduledanniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders; provided however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within twenty (20) days before or (b)after such anniversary date, such notice by the shareholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the dateday on which such notice of the scheduled meeting was first mailed to the shareholders, if less than 40 days noticedate of the annual meeting is given by the Corporation.first provided. Shareholder nominations of directors must comply with the


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requirements of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws summarized above under "Board of Directors Meetings and Committees—Nominating Committee."


OTHER MATTERS

              The Board of Directors is not aware of any matter to be presented for action at the 2016 annual meeting,Annual Meeting, other than the matters set forth herein. If any other business should properly come before the meeting, the proxy will be voted regarding the matter in accordance with the best judgment of the persons authorized in the proxy, and discretionary authority to do so is included in the proxy.

              The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Corporation. If requested, the Corporation will reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and certain fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in mailing proxy materials to their principals. In addition to solicitation by mail, officers and other employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile or in person, without compensation other than their regular compensation.

              The Annual Report of the Corporation for 20152018 is included with this proxy statement. Copies of the report will also be available for all shareholders attending the annual meetingAnnual Meeting and can be obtained on ourthe Corporation's website at www.bankmbank.com.

              THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND THE CORPORATION'S 20152018 ANNUAL REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.BANKMBANK.COM AND WILL BE PROVIDED FREE TO SHAREHOLDERS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. TO REQUEST A COPY, WRITE TO SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION, 130 SOUTH CEDAR STREET, MANISTIQUE, MICHIGAN 49854.

              Shareholders are urged to sign and return the enclosed proxy in the enclosed envelope. A prompt response will be helpful and appreciated.


              LOCATION OF MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION 20152019
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Tuesday,Wednesday, May 24, 2016,29, 2019, at 11:0030 a.m. EDT
The Landmark InnStaybridge Suites Marquette
230 N. Front855 West Washington Street
Marquette, Michigan 49855

              Beneficial owners of common stock held in street name by a broker, bank, trust or other nominee may need proof of ownership to be admitted to the meeting. A brokerage or holding statement or letter from the broker, bank, trust or other nominee are examples of proof of ownership.


 

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up untilinformation. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date.ET on 05/28/2019 for shares held directly and by 11:59 P.M. ET on 05/23/2019 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION ATTN: ERNIE KRUEGER,JESSE DEERING, EVP/CFO 130 SOUTH CEDAR STREET MANISTIQUE, MI 49854 ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up untilinstructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date.ET on 05/28/2019 for shares held directly and by 11:59 P.M. ET on 05/23/2019 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. For All Withhold All For All Except To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the AllAll The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: nominee(s) on the line below. 0 0 0 1. Election of Directors Nominees 01 Robert E. Mahaney 02 Paul D. Tobias 03 David R. Steinhardt The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.the following proposal: 2A PROPOSAL TO APPROVE IN A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE THE CORPORATION'S COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVES,ITS NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING. 3TOFor 0 Against 0 Abstain 0 NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 YEAR on the following proposal: 3A PROPOSAL TO APPROVE A NON-BINDING 1 year 0 2 years 0 3 years 0 Abstain 0 RESOLUTION TO DETERMINE WHETHER SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD VOTE ON SAY-ON-PAY PROPOSALS EVERY ONE, TWO, OR THREE YEARS. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 4TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF PLANTE & MORAN, PLLC AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2016. NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.2019. For 0 0 Against 0 0 Abstain 0 0 Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date 0000288165_1 R1.0.1.250000422006_1 R1.0.1.18

 


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report, Form 10-K, and Proxy Statement is/are available at www.proxyvote.com MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION Annual Meeting of Shareholders May 24, 201629, 2019 11:0030 AM This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The undersigned hereby appoints Paul D. Tobias and Kelly W. George, or either of them, with power of substitution in each, proxies to vote, as designated hereon, all of the undersigned's shares of Common Stock of MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at The Landmark Inn, 230 N. FrontStaybridge Suites Marquette, 855 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855, on May 24, 2016,29, 2019, at 11:0030 a.m., EDT and any and all adjournments thereof:thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. Continued and to be signed on reverse side 0000288165_2 R1.0.1.250000422006_2 R1.0.1.18

 



QuickLinks

130 South Cedar Street Manistique, Michigan 49854 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held May 24, 2016
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL NO. 2: NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
2015 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
2015 Director Compensation Table
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Audit Committee
INDEBTEDNESS OF AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING
OTHER MATTERS