UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.______)

 

Filed by the Registrantx
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨
Check the appropriate box:

 

¨Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
xDefinitive Proxy Statement
¨Definitive Additional Materials
¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

WidePoint 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):

xNo fee required.

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

 (1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 (2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

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

 (4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 (5)Total fee paid:

¨    Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

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

 (1)Amount Previously Paid:

 (2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 (3)Filing Party:

 (4)Date Filed:

 

 

 

 

 

WIDEPOINT CORPORATION

7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520

McLean, Virginia 22102

 

November 1, 2016August 6, 2018

 

To Our Stockholders:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of WidePoint Corporation, which will be held at 10:00 a.m., EST, on Thursday, December 15, 2016Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the Washington, D.C. offices of Foley & Lardner LLP, located at 3000 K Street N.W., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20007.

 

The accompanying notice of meeting and proxy statement describe the matters to be voted on at the meeting.

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. We invite you to attend the meeting in person. If attending the meeting is not feasible, we encourage you to read the proxy statement and vote your shares as soon as possible. To ensure your shares will be represented, we ask that you vote your shares via the Internet or by telephone, as instructed on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or as instructed on the accompanying proxy. If you received or requested a copy of the proxy card by mail, you may submit your vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card by mail. You may also vote in person on the day of the Annual Meeting by submitting your vote to the Secretary of the Company. We encourage you to vote via the Internet or by telephone. These methods save us significant postage and processing charges. Please vote your shares as soon as possible. This is your Annual Meeting and your participation is important.

 

 Sincerely,
  
 S.L. Komar/s/Jin Kang
  
 Steve L. KomarJin Kang
 Chairman of the Board, President and
 Chief Executive Officer

  

 

 

 

WIDEPOINT CORPORATION

7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520

McLean, Virginia 22102

 

NOTICE OF 20162018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of WidePoint Corporation will be held onThursdayTuesday, December 15, 2016September 18, 2018 at10:00a.m., EST, at the Washington, D.C. offices of Foley & Lardner LLP, located at 3000 K Street, N.W., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20007 to consider and vote on the following matters described in the accompanying proxy statement:

 

·To elect the one director nominee named in the attached proxy statement as a Class IIII director to serve for a three-year period until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in the year 2019;

·To approve an advisory resolution on executive compensation;2021;

 

·To ratify the selection of Moss Adams LLP as the Company’s independent accountants; and

 

·To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

Stockholders of record at the close of business on October 17, 2016July 27, 2018 are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote in person or by proxy at, the Annual Meeting.

 

 By order of the Board of Directors,
  
 James T McCubbin/s/Jin Kang
  
 James T. McCubbinJin Kang
 Corporate SecretaryChief Executive Officer
August 6, 2018

November 1, 2016

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Notice of Electronic Availability of Proxy Materials1
Voting Procedures and Securities1
Proposal One – Election of Directors34
Board Meetings – Committees of the Board89
Director Independence1011
Identification and Evaluation of Director Candidates1112
Process for Communicating with Board Members1213
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings1213
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight1213
Director Compensation1314
Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance1315
Executive Officers1416
Principal Stockholders1517
Executive Compensation1720
Certain Related Person Transactions2631
Proposal Two – Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation27
Proposal Three – Independent Accountants2732
Audit Committee Report2833
Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services2933
Other Information3035
Stockholder Proposals for 20172019 Annual Meeting3035
Other Matters3035

 

 

 

 

WIDEPOINT CORPORATION

7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520

McLean, Virginia 22102

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of WidePoint Corporation, a Delaware corporation (referred to herein as “WidePoint,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”), of proxies of stockholders to be voted at the 20162018 WidePoint Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Washington, D.C. offices of Foley & Lardner LLP, located at 3000 K Street, N.W., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20007 at10:00a.m.,EST, onThursdayTuesday, December 15, 2016,September 18, 2018, and any and all adjournments thereof.

 

Any stockholder executing a proxy retains the right to revoke it at any time prior to its being exercised by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company.

 

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy are first being sent to stockholders of the Company on or about November 1, 2016.August 6, 2018.

 

Notice of Electronic Availability of Proxy Materials

 

In accordance with regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our annual report to stockholders, to each stockholder of record, we may now furnish these materials by mail or e-mail. On or about November 1, 2016,August 6, 2018, we mailed to our stockholders who have not previously requested to receive these materials by mail or e-mail a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our annual report and to vote online. The Notice instructs you as to how you may access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials. The Notice also instructs you as to how you may submit your proxy on the Internet or by telephone. If you received the Notice by mail, you will not automatically receive a printed copy of our proxy materials or annual report unless you follow the instructions for requesting these materials included in the Notice. For directions to the Annual Meeting, please contact James McCubbinKito Mussa atjmccubbin@widepoint.comkmussa@widepoint.comor at (703) 349-2577.

 

Voting Procedures and Securities

 

Your Vote is Very Important

 

Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please take the time to vote your shares as soon as possible. You may submit your vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card by mail. We encourage you to vote via the Internet or by telephone. These methods save us significant postage and processing charges.

 

 1 

 

 

Vote Required, Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

 

Shares of WidePoint common stock represented by proxy will be voted according to the instructions, if any, given in the proxy. Unless otherwise instructed, the person or persons named in the proxy will vote (1) FOR the election of the nominee for director listed herein (or a substitute in the event thea nominee is unavailable for election); (2) FOR approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation; (3) FOR the ratification of the selection of Moss Adams LLP as the independent accountants for the Company for the current fiscal year; and (4)(3) in their discretion, with respect to such other business as may properly come before the meeting. The Board of Directors has designated Steve L. KomarJin Kang and James T. McCubbin,Kito Mussa, and each or any of them, as proxies to vote the shares of common stock solicited on its behalf.

 

Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by an inspector of election appointed by the Company for the meeting. A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company entitled to vote are present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. A director is elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, which means that the nominee who receives the highest number of properly executed votes will be elected as a director, even if thatthe nominee did not receive a majority of the votes cast. The approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation and the ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as the Company’s independent accountants require the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes present, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual Meeting. The advisory resolution on executive compensation, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay" resolution, is non-binding on the Board of Directors. Although the vote is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results in connection with their ongoing evaluation of the Company's compensation program.

 

The inspector of election will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but as unvoted for purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote. Your broker, bank or other nominee is permitted to vote your shares on the ratification of the appointment ofMoss Adams LLPas our independent auditor without receiving voting instructions from you. All other items are "non-discretionary" items. This means brokerage firms that have not received voting instructions from their clients on any proposal other than the appointment of Moss Adams LLP will not be permitted to vote such shares for any other matters at the Annual Meeting. These "broker non-votes" will be included in the calculation of the number of votes considered to be present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not be considered in determining the number of votes necessary for approval and will have no effect on the outcome of any of the proposals because in tabulating the voting results, shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered votes cast on that proposal.

 

2

The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. Certain of our officers and other employees may, without compensation other than their regular compensation, solicit proxies by further mailing or personal conversations, or by telephone, facsimile or other electronic means. We will also, upon request, reimburse brokers and other persons holding stock in their names, or in the names of nominees, for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our stock and to obtain proxies.

 

2

Shares Outstanding

 

As of October 17, 2016,July 27, 2018, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, a total of 82,730,13483,081,597 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $.001 per share, which is the only class of voting securities of the Company, were issued and outstanding. All holders of record of the common stock as of the close of business on October 17, 2016July 27, 2018 are entitled to one vote for each share held when voting at the Annual Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, upon the matters listed in the Notice of Annual Meeting. Cumulative voting is not permitted.

 

Other Business

 

The Board knows of no other matters to be presented for stockholder action at the meeting. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the persons named as proxies in the accompanying proxy card intend to vote the shares represented by them in accordance with their best judgment.

3

 

Proposal One – Election of Directors

 

The Company’s Board is classified into three classes of directors, with one class of directors being elected at each annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to serve for a term of three years or until the earlier expiration of the term of their class of directors or until their successors are elected and take office as provided below. To maintain the staggered terms of election of directors, stockholders of the Company are voting upon the election of oneClass IIII director to serve for a three-year period until the 20192021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

The Bylaws of the Company provide that the Board will determine the number of directors to serve on the Board. The Company’s Board presently consists of sixseven members (three Class III directors and theretwo directors in each of Class I and Class II) with no vacancies. The Class III director nominee is currently serving as a director vacancy in Class II. The Board, upon the recommendationmember of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, decidedBoard. In light of the decision of the Board not to re-nominate Paul E. Johnson forJames Ritter and George Norwood as Class III directors, assuming the election toof the Board as a Class I director. Accordingly, followingone director nominee, the meeting, theCompany’s Board will consist of five members (one Class I director, one Class IIIII director and three Class III directors) with a director vacancytwo directors in each of ClassesClass I and II.Class II) with two vacancies for Class III directors following the Annual Meeting.

On July 3, 2018, we entered into an appointment and standstill agreement with our significant stockholder, Nokomis Capital, L.L.C. (“Nokomis”). The appointment and standstill agreement, among other things, provides that (i) Nokomis shall be entitled to appoint one qualified independent individual as a Class IIII director nominee is currently servingand as a member of the Board.Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board and we shall nominate such appointee for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; (ii) we and Nokomis shall mutually select a qualified independent individual to serve as a Class III director and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board and we shall nominate such appointee for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that if a mutually acceptable candidate is not appointed prior to January 2, 2019, we shall temporarily appoint either Wes Cummins or Brett Hendrickson to the Board until such time that a mutually acceptable nominee is selected; and (iii) we shall use commercially reasonable efforts to hold our 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting on or prior to October 1, 2018 and to hold our 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting on or prior to June 30, 2019. As part of the agreement, Nokomis, among other things, agreed to customary standstill commitments during the term of the Agreement and to vote its shares in favor of the Board's recommendations regarding director elections and other matters to be submitted to a vote at the 2018 and 2019 Annual Meetings of Stockholders. The term of the agreement expires on the date that is thirty days prior to the deadline related to nominations by stockholders of directors for election at the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting, unless authority is withheld, FOR the election of the person named below. The Company does not contemplate that the person named below will be unable or will decline to serve; however, if suchthe nominee is unable or declines to serve, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote for a substitute, or substitutes, in their discretion.

 

 34 

 

 

Class IIII Director Nominee For a Term That Will Expire at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

Name

Age

Position

Otto Guenther77Chairman of the Board of Directors

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Otto J. Guenther has served as a director since his appointment on August 15, 2007 and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors. General Guenther serves as a member of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. He joined the Board after a distinguished 34-year military career, including serving as the Army’s first chief information officer, followed by nearly a decade of exceptional leadership within the federal information technology industry. His key assignments included the following: commanding general for Fort Monmouth, NJ, and the Communications Electronics Command; program executive officer for the Army’s tactical communications equipment; project manager for the Tactical Automated Data Distribution System; and director for the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. General Guenther retired from Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, where he served as the Sector Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Systems Division. While there, he oversaw battlefield digitization, command and control, and system engineering activities for the U.S. Army. Under his leadership, the division grew to approximately 1,650 employees across several locations and completed over $700 million in acquisitions. Previously General Guenther was general manager of Computer Associates International’s Federal Systems Group, a $300 million operation providing IT products and services to the federal market area. General Guenther was awarded several honors by the U.S. Army, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Recognized for his work within the industry, he also received several Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association awards and was inducted into the Government Computer News Hall of Fame. Currently, General Guenther sits on two educational foundations, AFCEA Education Foundation and Aurora Foundation, and since 2006 has been an active trustee at McDaniel College. General Guenther received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Western Maryland College, now called McDaniel College, and a Master’s Degree in Procurement and Contracting from the Florida Institute of Technology.

General Guenther brings to the Board extensive knowledge of the federal marketplace as a result of a career that has spanned both military and informational technology industries, as well as over 30 years of acquisition and procurement experience. In addition, General Guenther’s knowledge of federal infrastructure as well as experience in successful business development and board service is particularly valuable to the Company. This experience, as well as his independence from the Company and his prior performance as a Board member, led the Board to conclude that he should continue to serve as a director of the Company.

5

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE ABOVE NOMINEE AS A
DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.

Directors Not Being Elected in 2018:

The directors whose terms are not expiring this year are listed below. They will continue to serve as directors for the remainder of their terms or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Information regarding each of such directors is provided below.

Class I Directors With Terms That Will Expire at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

Name

Age

Age

Position

   
Jin Kang54Director and Chief Executive Officer
Morton Taubman7375Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee

 

Jin Kang has served as a director and as our Chief Executive Officer and President since his appointment on July 1, 2017. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, Mr. Kang served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of WidePoint since June 30, 2012. Mr. Kang has also served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, since our acquisition of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp. formerly, iSYS, LLC on January 4, 2008. Mr. Kang founded WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp. in 1999 and has managed the company since its inception. Mr. Kang has over 32 years of professional experience in both public and private sectors. Prior to founding, iSYS, LLC (now WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp.), Mr. Kang held various senior management positions at large technology companies to include, Northrop Grumman, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), ManTech, and Atlantic Research Corporation. Mr. Kang managed marquee programs for the federal government contracts such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Defense Medical Information Systems/Systems Integration, Design Development, Operations and Maintenance Services (D/SIDDOMS) Mr. Kang received a Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Computer Science and Computer Systems Management from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Kang brings to the Board years of experience in the Federal Government Information Technology Services field. This experience, as well as his experience with the Company, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director of the Company.

6

Morton S. Taubman has served as a director since his appointment on March 10, 2006 to serve out the remaining term of G.W. Norman Wareham, who resigned his position on March 7, 2006. Mr. Taubman is also the Chairman of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee, Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Taubman has experience as a certified public accountant and is currently an attorney with expertise in corporate law, government contracting and international relations. Prior to forming Hunter Taubman Fischer law firm, Mr. Taubman was the senior vice president and general counsel to DIGICON Corporation, an IT and telecommunications company. Before joining DIGICON, he was a senior partner at Ginsburg, Feldman and Bress, LLP, an established Washington, D.C. firm that provided expertise in tax, telecommunications, litigation, federal regulatory issues, capital reformation, government contracting and international issues. Before that, he was a founding partner at a number of law firms, was the partner-in-charge of the Washington D.C. office of Laventhol & Harworth, in charge of the Washington, D.C. tax department at Coopers & Lybrand and a special agent with the U.S. Treasury Department. Mr. Taubman has been an adjunct law professor for more than 15 years at Georgetown University and George Washington University. He presently also serves as special corporate counsel to Interior Systems, Inc. d/b/a ISI Professional Services, a United States federal contractor. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Baltimore, a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Baltimore Law School, and a Masters of Law Degree from Georgetown University.

 

Mr. Taubman brings to the Board financial expertise and is qualified as an audit committee financial expert. Mr. Taubman also brings to the Board a wealth of experience as a financial and legal professional serving as a partner at both major auditing and legal firms. This experience, as well as his independence from the Company and his prior performance as a Board member, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

4

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE ABOVE NOMINEE AS A
DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.

Directors Not Being Elected in 2016:

The directors whose terms are not expiring this year are listed below. They will continue to serve as directors for the remainder of their terms or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Information regarding each of such directors is provided below.

Class II DirectorDirectors With a TermTerms That Will Expire at the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

 

Name

Age

Position

   
Alan B. Howe57Director
Steve L. KomarPhilip Richter4875Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman of the Board

 

Steve L. KomarAlan B. Howe has served as a director since December 1997his appointment on July 20, 2017 pursuant to an appointment and became Chairmanstandstill agreement with Nokomis. Mr. Howe also serves as a member of the Board in OctoberAudit Committee, Mergers and Acquisitions Committee, Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Howe is Managing Partner of Broadband Initiatives, LLC, a small boutique corporate advisory firm that he has managed since 2001. Mr. KomarHowe has also served as Chief Executive Officer since December 2001. From June 2000 until December 2001, Mr. Komar servedboth as a founding partnerdirector and as a board chairman in multiple companies in a variety of C-III Holdings, a development stage financialindustries including telecom and wireless equipment, software, IT services, company. From 1991 to June 2000,wireless RF services, golf-shaft manufacturing, semi-conductors, and storage. Mr. Komar servedHowe presently serves as Group Executive Vice President of Fiserv,board member for Determine Inc. (Nasdaq: DTRM), a company that provides advanced data processing servicescloud platform offering source to pay solutions to mitigate risk, streamline productivity and related products to the financial industry. From 1980 to 1991, generate revenue, since January 2009; Data I/O Corporation (Nasdaq: DAIO), a manufacturer of programming and automated device handling systems, since January 2013; MagicJack Vocaltec Inc. (Nasdaq: CALL), an Israeli telecom equipment provider, since April 2017; and Cafepress (Nasdaq: PRSS), an online gift shop retailer offering custom designs for individuals and businesses, since February 2018.

7

Mr. Komar served in a number of financial management positions with CitiGroup, including the role of Chief Financial Officer of Diners Club International and Citicorp Information Resources, respectively. Mr. Komar is a graduate of the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and holds a Master’s DegreeHowe earned an MBA in Finance from Pace University.the Kelley Graduate School of Business of Indiana University and a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Illinois.

 

Mr. KomarHowe brings extensive financial and operational management experience to the Board as a result of his past operationalextensive business development, financial, CEO, CFO, board level and Chairman experience. This experience, at several large firms where he held senior executive positions in areas including financial and operational management and mergers and acquisitions. The financial and managerial skills he developed over a career that has spanned more than 45 years, as well as Mr. Komar’s experience as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, his knowledge of our Company as a result thereof, and his prior performance serving as a Board member ofindependence from the Company, led the Board to conclude that he should continueserve as a director of the Company

Philip Richterhas served as a director since his appointment on July 20, 2017 pursuant to an appointment and standstill agreement with Nokomis. Mr. Howe also serves as a member of the Audit Committee, Mergers and Acquisitions Committee, Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Richter is President and co-founder of New York City based Hollow Brook Wealth Management, LLC, which was formed in 1999. Hollow Brook is an SEC registered independent wealth management firm that manages and advises capital on behalf of families, foundations, endowments, pension plans, and individuals. Prior to Hollow Brook, Mr. Richter was an equity research analyst at Ingalls & Snyder, LLC, an employee owned investment manager, from 2004-2007, and a managing director of Knickerbocker, LLC, a private investment management family office, from 1998-2003, where he advised an alternative investment portfolio in private equity, venture capital and alternative investments. Earlier he was director of strategic planning for Beneficial Technology Corporation from 1996 to 1998 and a branch manager of consumer finance for Beneficial Management Corporation from 1994 to 1996. Mr. Richter has served as a trustee of the Pray Family Foundation since August 2013. He has also been the Treasurer of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation since January 2012 and has been on the Board of Directors of the Lake Placid Horse Show since January 2008, the Hampton Classic Horse Show since May 2009, and the United States Equestrian Federation since June 2016. Mr. Richter received a B.A. in History at Boston College and holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Mr. Richter brings to the Board extensive experience in capital management, venture capital and the equity markets. This experience, as well as his independence from the Company, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

 5

Class III Directors With a Term That Will Expire at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

Name

Age

Position

James Ritter72Director, Chairman of the Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees
Otto Guenther75Director
George Norwood74Director

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Otto J. Guenther has served as a director since his appointment on August 15, 2007. General Guenther serves as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. He joined the Board after a distinguished 34-year military career, including serving as the Army’s first chief information officer, followed by nearly a decade of exceptional leadership within the federal information technology industry. His key assignments included the following: commanding general for Fort Monmouth, NJ, and the Communications Electronics Command; program executive officer for the Army’s tactical communications equipment; project manager for the Tactical Automated Data Distribution System; and commander for the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. General Guenther recently retired from Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, where he served as the Sector Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Systems Division. While there, he oversaw battlefield digitization, command and control, and system engineering activities for the U.S. Army. Under his leadership, the division grew to approximately 1,650 employees across several locations and completed over $700 million in acquisitions. Previously General Guenther was general manager of Computer Associates International’s Federal Systems Group, a $300 million operation providing IT products and services to the federal market area. General Guenther was awarded several honors by the U.S. Army, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Recognized for his work within the industry, he also received several Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association awards and was inducted into the Government Computer News Hall of Fame. Currently, General Guenther sits on two educational foundations, AFCEA Education Foundation and Aurora Foundation, and since 2006 has been an active trustee at McDaniel College. General Guenther received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Western Maryland College, now called McDaniel College, and a Master’s Degree in Procurement and Contracting from the Florida Institute of Technology.

General Guenther brings to the Board extensive knowledge of the federal marketplace as a result of a career that has spanned both military and informational technology industries. In addition, General Guenther’s knowledge of federal infrastructure as well as experience in successful business development and board service is particularly valuable to the Company. This experience, as well as his independence from the Company and his prior performance as a Board member, led the Board to conclude that he should continue to serve as a director of the Company.

6

James M. Ritter has served as a director since December 1999 and served as Assistant Secretary of the Company from December 2002 until 2008. Mr. Ritter is the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee and is also a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Ritter is the retired Corporate Headquarters Chief Information Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Prior to his retirement in February 2001, Mr. Ritter was employed at Lockheed Martin Corporation for over 32 years in various positions involving high level IT strategic planning and implementation, e-commerce development, integrated financial systems, and large-scale distributed systems.

Mr. Ritter brings to the Board extensive knowledge of information systems and managerial experience as a result of a career managing and building complex information technology systems. This experience, as well as his independence from the Company, his prior performance as a Board member, led the Board to conclude that he should continue to serve as a director of the Company.

Major General (Ret.) George W. Norwood has served as a director since his appointment on August 15, 2007. General Norwood serves as a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. General Norwood also currently serves on the board of directors of Scalable Network Technologies. He is also on the boards of Peduzzi Associates, Ltd., and Airborne Tactical Advantage Company. General Norwood brings to the Board extensive knowledge of the federal marketplace as a result of a distinguished 30-year military career and more than 12-years in the commercial market with significant experience in both military and defense contracting.

General Norwood is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood & Associates, Inc. of Tampa, Fla., which maintains extensive international and U.S. networks of government, military and private sector contacts while providing technical and strategic planning expertise to corporations pursuing defense-related opportunities. General Norwood previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the United Nations Command and United States Forces in Korea from 1995 to 1997. He also served as the U.S. member of the United Nations Command’s Military Armistice Commission responsible for crucial general officer level negotiations with North Korea.

General Norwood received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from San Diego State University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University. He is also a graduate of the National War College and Defense Language Institute.

General Norwood’s experience supporting the federal infrastructure as well as his experience in successful business development and board service is particularly valuable to the Company. This experience, as well as his independence from the Company and his prior performance as a Board member, led the Board to conclude that he should continue to serve as a director of the Company.

78 

 

 

Board Meetings – Committees of the Board

 

The Board of Directors held 49 meetings during 2015.2017. During this period, all of the directors attended or participated in more than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by all Committees of the Board of Directors on which each such director served.

 

The Board currently has the following standing Committees: Audit;Corporate Governance and Nominating; and Compensation. Each standing Committee consists entirely of independent, non-employee directors in accordance with the listing standards of the NYSE MKT.American. Membership and principal responsibilities of the Board’s Committees are described below. Each Committee of the Board has adopted a charter and each such charter is available free of charge on our website,www.widepoint.com, or by writing to WidePoint Corporation, 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520, McLean, Virginia 22102, c/o Corporate Secretary.

 

Additionally, the Board formed a special Mergers and Acquisitions Committee. The Mergers and Acquisitions Committee’s objective is to review and analyze transaction opportunities brought to its attention by management or other sources. The current members of the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee are Morton Taubman, Alan Howe and Philip Richter.

Audit Committee

 

The members of the Audit Committee are:

 

·Morton S. Taubman (Chair)
·James M. Ritter
·George W. Norwood
·Otto J. Guenther
·Alan B. Howe
·Philip Richter

 

The Audit Committee met four times in 2015.2017. The Audit Committee has been established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The primary functions of the Audit Committee are to: appoint (subject to stockholder approval), and be directly responsible for the compensation, retention and oversight of, the firm that will serve as the Company’s independent accountants to audit our financial statements and to perform services related to the audit (including the resolution of disagreements between management and the independent accountants regarding financial reporting); review the scope and results of the audit with the independent accountants; review with management and the independent accountants, prior to the filing thereof, the annual and interim financial results (including Management’s Discussion and Analysis) to be included in our Forms 10-K and 10-Q, respectively; consider the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal accounting controls and auditing procedures; review, approve and thereby establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; review and approve related person transactions in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company; and consider the accountants’ independence and establish policies and procedures for pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to WidePoint by the independent accountants who audit its financial statements. At each meeting, Audit Committee members may meet privately with representatives of Moss Adams LLP, our independent accountants, and with the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

 

 89 

 

 

The Board has determined that Messrs. Taubman, Howe, Richter, Ritter, Norwood and Guenther each meet the definition of "independent directors" for purposes of serving on an audit committee under applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the listing standards of the NYSE MKT.American. In addition, the Board has determined that Mr. Taubman satisfies the “financially sophisticated” requirements set forth in the NYSE MKTAmerican Company Guide, and has designated Mr. Taubman as the “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Corporate Governance and NominatingCommittee

 

The members of theCorporate Governance and NominatingCommittee are:

 

·James M. Ritter (Chair)
·Morton S. Taubman
·Otto J. Guenther
·George W. Norwood
·Alan B. Howe
·Philip Richter

 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met 1one (1) time in 2015.2017. The primary functions of this Committee are to: identify individuals qualified to become Board members and recommend to the Board the nominees for election to the Board at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders; review annually and recommend changes to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines; lead the Board in its annual review of the performance of the Board and its committees; review policies and make recommendations to the Board concerning the size and composition of the Board, the qualifications and criteria for election to the Board, retirement from the Board, compensation and benefits of non-employee directors, the conduct of business between WidePoint and any person or entity affiliated with a director, and the structure and composition of the Board’s Committees; review the Company’s policies and programs relating to compliance with its Code of Business Conduct and such other matters as may be brought to the attention of the Committee regarding WidePoint’s role as a responsible corporate citizen. See “Identification and Evaluation of Director Candidates” and “Director Compensation” in this proxy statement.

 

 910 

 

 

Compensation Committee

 

The members of the Compensation Committee are:

 

·James M. Ritter (Chair)
·Morton S. Taubman
·George W. Norwood
·Otto J. Guenther
·Alan B. Howe
·Philip Richter

 

The Compensation Committee met 2two (2) times in 2015.2017. The primary functions of the Compensation Committee are to: evaluate and approve executive compensation plans, policies and programs, including review of relevant corporate and individual goals and objectives, as submitted by the Chief Executive Officer; evaluate the Chief Executive Officer’s performance relative to established goals and objectives and, together with the other independent directors, determine and approve the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation level based on this evaluation; review and approve the annual salary and other remuneration of all other officers; review the management development program, including executive succession plans; review with management, prior to the filing thereof, the executive compensation disclosure included in this proxy statement; recommend individuals for election as officers; and review or take such other action as may be required in connection with the bonus, stock and other benefit plans of WidePoint and its subsidiaries.

 

Director Independence

 

The listing standards of the NYSE MKTAmerican require that our Board be comprised of a majority of "independent directors" and that the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee each be comprised solely of "independent directors," as defined underthe listing standards of the NYSE MKTAmerican.

 

The Company’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee conducts an annual review of the independence of the members of the Board and its Committees and reports its findings to the full Board of Directors. Based on the report and recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board has determined that each of the Company’s non-employee directors and its director nominee—directors—Messrs. Taubman, Ritter, Guenther, Howe, Richter and Norwood—satisfy the independence criteria (including the enhanced criteria with respect to members of the Audit Committee) set forth inthe listing standards of the NYSE MKTAmerican and Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Each of the Board’s standing Committees consists entirely of independent, non-employee directors.

 

 1011 

 

 

Identification and Evaluation of Director Candidates

 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is charged with seeking individuals qualified to become directors and recommending candidates for all directorships to the full Board of Directors. The Committee considers director candidates in anticipation of upcoming director elections and other potential or expected Board vacancies.

 

The Committee considers director candidates suggested by members of the Committee, other directors, senior management and stockholders.

 

Director candidates are reviewed by the Committee based on the needs of the Board and the Company’s various constituencies, their relative skills, characteristics and age, and against the following qualities and skills that are considered desirable for Board membership: exemplification of the highest standards of personal and professional integrity; independence from management under applicable securities laws, listing standards, and the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles; experience and industry and educational background; potential contribution to the composition, diversity and culture of the Board; and ability and willingness to constructively challenge management through active participation in Board and committee meetings and to otherwise devote sufficient time to Board duties.

 

The Committee’s charter includes diversity as one of the criteria used to evaluate director candidates. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may consider diversity in its broadest sense when evaluating candidates. Though we do not have a formal policy regarding how diversity will be considered in identifying potential director nominees, our Corporate Governance Guidelines direct that the evaluation of nominees should include (but not be limited to) an assessment of whether a nominee would provide the Board with a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, experiences, and other demographics.

 

In evaluating the needs of the Board, the Committee considers the qualifications of sitting directors and consults with other members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management. All recommended candidates must possess the requisite personal and professional integrity, meet any required independence standards, and be willing and able to constructively participate in, and contribute to, Board and committee meetings. Additionally, the Committee conducts regular reviews of current directors whose terms are nearing expiration, but who may be proposed for re-election, in light of the considerations described above and their past contributions to the Board.

 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a policy pursuant to which a stockholder who has owned at least 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock for at least two years may recommend a director candidate that the Committee will consider when there is a vacancy on the Board either as a result of a director resignation or an increase in the size of the Board. Such recommendation must be made in writing addressed to the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee at the Company’s principal executive offices and must be received by the Chairman at least 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the release of the prior year’s proxy statement.

 

 1112 

 

 

Although the Committee has not formulated any specific minimum qualifications that the Committee believes must be met by a nominee that the Committee recommends to the Board, the factors it will take into account will include strength of character, mature judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills or financial acumen, diversity of viewpoint and industry knowledge. There will be no differences between the manner in which the Committee evaluates a nominee recommended by a stockholder and the manner in which the Committee evaluates nominees recommended by other persons.

 

The Company did not receive in a timely manner, in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s requirements, any recommendation of a director candidate from a stockholder, or group of stockholders that beneficially owned more than 5% of the Company’s common stock for at least two years as of the date of recommendation.recommendation other than the appointment and standstill agreements with Nokomis.

 

Process for Communicating with Board Members

 

Interested parties may communicate directly with the Board, or the presiding director for an upcoming meeting or the non-employee directors as a group, by writing to WidePoint Corporation, 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520, McLean, Virginia 22102, c/o Corporate Secretary. Communications may also be sent to individual directors at the above address.

 

Director Attendance at Annual Meetings

 

The Company has adopted a policy that each director should attempt to attend and/or be available via online access or phone for each Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All members of the Board attended last year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in person or via telephone, with the exception of Lt. Gen. (ret.) Otto Guenther, who was in the midst of unexpected travel.Stockholders.

 

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

 

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines allow flexibility as toBoard of Directors does not have a policy on whether or not the roleroles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman should be separate. Our board reserves the right to assign the responsibilities of the BoardChief Executive Officer and Chairman in different individuals or in the same individual if, in the Board’s judgment, a combined Chief Executive Officer and Chairman position is determined to be in the best interest of our Company. In the circumstance where the responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman are separatedvested in the same individual or combined. The Board’s policy is to adopt the practice that best serves the Company at any point in time. At this time,other circumstances when deemed appropriate, the Board believes that combiningwill designate a lead independent director from among the role of Chairmanindependent directors to preside at the meetings of the Board with the rolenon-employee director executive sessions.

The positions of Chief Executive Officer provides the most effective and efficient leadership model for the Company. Combining the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles fosters clear accountability, effective decision-making and alignment on corporate strategy. Currently,have been separate since Steve L. Komar servesretired as our Chief Executive Officer and asin January 2017. In connection with the retirement of Steve L. Komar from our ChairmanBoard of Directors, the Board.

Because we have combined the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles, pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our independent directors have designated Mr. Ritter to serveBoard selected Otto J. Guenther as the Presiding Independent Director to further strengthen our governance structure. The Presiding Independent Director is responsible for coordinating the activities of the independent directors, calling for meetings or sessions of the independent directors, presiding at executive sessions and coordinating the agenda for such sessions with at least two such meetings being held annually, facilitating communications and functioning as principal liaison on Board-wide issues between independent directors and thenon-executive Chairman of the Board in October 2017. Our Board retains the authority to modify this structure to best address our Company’s unique circumstances as and when necessary, recommending the retention of outside advisors and consultants who report directly to Board.appropriate.

 

 1213 

 

 

Non-management members of the Board of Directors conduct at least two regularly scheduled meetings per year without members of management being present. Following an executive session of non-employee directors, the Presiding Independent Director may act as a liaison between the non-employee directors and the Chairman, provide the Chairman with input regarding agenda items for Board of Directors and Committee meetings, and coordinate with the Chairman regarding information to be provided to the non-employee directors in performing their duties.

 

The Board oversees the management of the risks inherent in the operation of the Company’s business. This is accomplished principally through the Audit Committee. Additionally, the Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the assessment of risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and programs. Each of these committeesreceivesand discusses reports regularly with members of management who are responsible for applicable day-to-day risk management functions of the Company, and reports regularly to the Board. The Board’s, the Audit Committee’s and the Compensation Committee’s respective roles in our risk oversight process have not affected our Board leadership structure.

 

Director Compensation

 

DirectorsIn 2017, we paid our directors who are not also officers orour employees receiveannual compensation consisting of $15,000 in cash and a grant of 50,000 stock options vesting at the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders. In December 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors authorized a board member compensation study by Compensia, an independent compensation consultant, to evaluate whether the current annual feeretainer reflects market compensation for directors of $12,000. similarly-sized organizations. In order to attract and retain qualified directors, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors recommended, and the full Board of Directors approved, an increase in the annual retainer per board member to include $20,000 in cash and $50,000 in restricted stock that vests at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2018.

14

The following table sets forth director compensation for the year ended December 31, 2015:2017:

 

 Fees Earned Option All Other     Fees Earned Option All Other Total 
 or Paid Awards Compensation     or Paid Awards Compensation Annual Board 
Director Name ($) ($) ($) Total  ($)  ($)(1)  ($)  Retainer 
Steve Komar(2) $2,500  $14,685  $-  $17,185 
Otto Guenther  14,250   14,685   -   28,935 
James Ritter $12,000  $-  $-  $12,000   14,250   14,685   -   28,935 
George Norwood  14,250   14,685   -   28,935 
Morton Taubman $12,000  $-  $-  $12,000   14,250   14,685   -   28,935 
George Norwood $12,000  $-  $-  $12,000 
Otto Guenther $12,000  $-  $-  $12,000 
Paul Johnson (1) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Alan Howe  5,000   14,955   -   19,955 
Philip Richter  5,000   14,955   -   19,955 
                
 $69,500  $103,335  $-  $172,835 

 

(1)Paul Johnson became a memberAmount represents the grant date fair value calculated pursuant to ASC Topic 718. Additional information about the assumptions used when valuing equity awards is set forth in the notes the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(2)Former director and chairman of our Board of Directors in December 2015.the board.

 

Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of securities ownership and changes in such ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 4 are generally required to be filed before the end of the second business day following the day on which the change in beneficial ownership occurred. Based on the Company's review of Forms 3 and 4 filed during 2015,2017, all such Forms 3 and Forms 4 were filed on a timely basis.basis except for one late Form 4 filed by Steve Komar reporting the withholding of shares for tax purposes.

 

 1315 

 

 

Executive Officers

 

The Company’s executive officers as of August 6, 2018 are as follows:

 

Name Age Position
Steve L. Komar 75
Jin Kang54 Chief Executive Officer, Director,President and Chairman of the BoardDirector
James McCubbin 52
Jason Holloway50 Executive Vice President, Chief FinancialSales and Marketing Officer, Secretary, and TreasurerPresident of WidePoint Cybersecurity Solutions Corporation
Jin Kang 52
Kito Mussa42 Executive Vice President and Chief OperationsFinancial Officer Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp.

 

For information with respect toSteve L. KomarJin Kang, please see the information about the members of our Board of Directors on the preceding pages. There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors.

 

James T. McCubbin has served as our Secretary since November 1998. Since August 1998, Mr. McCubbin has also served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. McCubbin previously served as a member of our board of directors from November 1998 until June 2016. From December 1997 to August 1998, Mr. McCubbin served as Vice President, Controller, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. Prior to the commencement of his employment with WidePoint in November 1997, Mr. McCubbin held various financial management positions with several companies in the financial and government sectors. Mr. McCubbin is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and a Master’s Degree in International Management. Mr. McCubbin brings extensive financial and corporate compliance expertise as well as internal knowledge of the Company as a result of his having over 13 years of experience with the Company. Mr. McCubbin also has significant experience serving in financial managerial roles within a variety of organizations and membership on several boards of directors over the past 25 years.

Jin KangJason Hollowayhas served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of WidePoint since June 30, 2012. Mr. Kang was appointed Chief Operations Officer on June 30, 2012. Mr. Kang has also served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint’s wholly-owned subsidiary, WidePoint IntegratedCybersecurity Solutions Corp.Corporation, since July 1, 2017 and has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer since May 2016. Mr. Holloway has been in the IT industry for more than 25 years, holding senior executive positions in multiple IT organizations, with a primary focus on business development, sales, and management to profitability. Mr. Holloway has industry vertical experience in Government, Technology, Finance, Transportation, Health Care, Entertainment, and Manufacturing. Mr. Holloway co-founded Nexcentri, an IT provider for the Credit Union industry, in 2001 and served as president and CEO until 2013. At Nexcentri, working with key vendor partners including Microsoft, First Data, and HP, he developed and implemented three successful financial services software products and was recognized as the first Credit Union service organization to successfully conduct business internationally. Prior to Nexcentri, he was president and CEO of Networked Knowledge Systems (NKS), a wholly-owned subsidiaryglobal Linux security managed service company where he increased annual revenue more than 800% in five years, servicing clients such as IBM and PwC, and making NKS an Open Source Managed Security industry leader. In addition, Mr. Holloway has held several key executive roles within technology start-up companies that were being positioned for an IPO.

Kito Mussa became the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since his appointment on January 2, 2018 after serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer between October 2017 and December 2017. Prior to being appointed as the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Mussa served as the Vice President and Controller for more than five years and played a key role driving changes in a number of areas throughout the Company. Mr. Mussa has strong expertise in the Company’s industry as well as deep expertise in other industries such as information technology, healthcare, consumer finance and professional services. Mr. Mussa has more than 19 years of diverse experience overseeing a number of key business areas including financial management, acquisition due diligence, financial systems, financial and regulatory reporting, employee development and human resource management. Prior to joining the Company, since our acquisitionMr. Mussa spent many years as a CPA in public accounting and provided audit, litigation support, forensic accounting, business valuation and other management advisory services to publicly-traded and privately held corporations. While in public accounting, Mr. Mussa worked at both Moss Adams LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Mussa also held the role of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp. on January 4, 2008.SEC Director of Financial Reporting at American Express where he implemented and oversaw internal control over financial reporting, prepared SEC filings and registration statements and automated preparation of financial statements and disclosures. Mr. Kang founded the companyMussa is a licensed certified public accountant in 1999Washington and has managed WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp. since its inception.Virginia and holds several globally recognized credentials in financial management. Mr. Kang has over 26 years of professional experience in the Federal Government Information Technology Services field. Prior to founding, iSYS, LLC (now WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp.), Mr. Kang was a Division Manager for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). His responsibilities included the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a marquee program for the FBI Laboratory Division. As the Engineering Manager for Northrop Grumman Corporation, Mr. Kang played a critical role in the successful management of the Defense Medical Information Systems/Systems Integration, Design Development, Operations and Maintenance Services (D/SIDDOMS) contract from its inception with zero revenues to a program of $190 million in sales. Mr. Kang received a Bachelor and Master’sMussa holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer ScienceAccounting and Computer Systems ManagementFinance from the University of Maryland.Seattle University.

 

 1416 

 

 

Principal Stockholders

 

Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following tables set forth the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned as ofOctober 17, 2016by each director, director nominee, executive officer and beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the common stock as of October 17, 2016. In general, “beneficial ownership” includes those shares a director or executive officer has the power to vote or transfer, except as otherwise noted, and shares underlying warrants and stock options that are exercisable currently or within 60 days. The calculation of the percentage of outstanding shares is based on 82,730,13483,081,597 shares outstanding as ofOctober 17, 2016. July 27, 2018. The mailing address for each of our directors, director nominees and officers is 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520, McLean, Virginia 22102.

 

  Number of  Percent of 
Directors, Nominees Shares of  Common Stock 
and Executive Officers Common Stock (1)  Outstanding (1) 
Steve Komar (2)  1,987,803   2.4%
Morton Taubman  -   * 
James McCubbin (3)  1,709,641   2.1%
James Ritter (4)  90,500   * 
Jin Kang (5)  3,062,844   3.7%
Otto Guenther (6)  62,000   * 
George Norwood (7)  62,000   * 
         
Paul Johnson (8)  -   * 
         
All directors, director nominees and officers as a group (8 persons) (9)  6,974,788   8.4%

The following tables set forth the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned as of July 27, 2018 by each director, director nominee, executive officer and beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the common stock:

  Direct  Restricted  Stock  Number of  Percent of 
Directors, Nominees Common  Common  Options  Shares of  Common Stock 
and Executive Officers Stock Owned  Stock Owned (1)  Exercisable (1)  Common Stock (1)  Outstanding (1) 
                
Otto Guenther (2)  60,000   148,936   50,000   258,936   * 
Morton Taubman (2)  -   106,383   50,000   156,383   * 
Philip Richter (2)  71,300   106,383   50,000   227,683   * 
Alan Howe (2)  -   106,383   50,000   156,383   * 
George Norwood (2)  10,000   106,383   50,000   166,383   * 
James Ritter (2)(3)  65,500   106,383   75,000   246,883   * 
Jin Kang (4)  3,105,344   -   195,000   3,300,344   4%
Jason Holloway (5)  851,000   -   -   851,000   1%
Kito Mussa (6)  21,300   -   158,333   179,633   * 
                     
All directors and officers as a group (9 persons)  4,184,444   680,851   678,333   5,543,628   7%

 

* LessIndicates ownership percentage is less than 1%1.0%.

____________________________

 

(1)Assumes in the case of each stockholder listed above that all options and/or restricted stock held by such stockholder that are exercisable currently or vesting within 60 days of October 17, 2016July 27, 2018 were fully exercised or vested by such stockholder, without the exercise or vesting of any warrantsshares of restricted stock or options held by any other stockholders.

 

(2)Includes (i) 1,194,70050,000 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares owned directly by Mr. Komar (excludes 125,000from the Company at a price $0.44 per share through June 23, 2022, pursuant to a stock option granted on June 23, 2017. The shares of unvested restricted common stock awards not vesting within 60 days), and (ii) 793,103 shares held by SLK Diversified L.P., a limited partnership controlled by Mr. Komar, as a resultvest in full at the 2018 Annual Meeting of which such shares are held by Mr. Komar indirectly.Stockholders.

15

 

(3)Includes 1,709,64125,000 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares owned directly by Mr. McCubbin (excludes 125,000 shares of unvested restricted stock awards not vesting within 60 days).

(4)Includes (i) 65,500 shares owned directly by Mr. Ritter and (ii) 25,000 shares of Common Stock that may be purchasedfrom the Company at a price of $0.54 per share through May 11, 2019, pursuant to a stock option granted on May 11, 2009.

 

17

(5)(4)Includes (i) 2,880,344 shares owned directly by Mr. Kang, (ii) 170,000 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $0.57 per share until March 20, 2018,2020, pursuant to a stock option granted on March 20, 2013, and (iii) 12,50025,000 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $1.38 per share until May 8, 2020, pursuant to a stock option granted on May 8, 2015. Excludes from shares owned 12,500750,000 unvested options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $1.38$0.65 per share until May 8,September 27, 2022, pursuant to a stock option granted on September 27, 2017. Excludes 100,000 shares of unvested restricted stock.

(5)Excludes 500,000 unearned and unexercisable options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $0.70 per share until April 27, 2019, pursuant to a stock option granted on April 26, 2016. Excludes 50,000 shares of unvested restricted stock.

(6)Includes (i) 50,000 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $0.46 per share until January 31, 2020, pursuant to a stock option granted on May 8,January 31, 2015, that will fully vest on December 31, 2016.

(6)Includes 62,000 shares subject to(ii) 100,000 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares Common Stock, consisting of (i) 12,000 shares that may be purchased at a price of $0.93 per share through August 15, 2017, pursuant to a director stock option granted on August 15, 2007 and (ii) 50,000 shares that may be purchased at a price of $0.54 per share through May 11, 2019, pursuant to a stock option granted on May 11, 2009.

(7)Includes 62,000 shares subject to exercisable options to purchase shares Common Stock, consisting of (i) 12,000 shares that may be purchased at a price of $0.93 per share through August 15, 2017, pursuant to a director stock option granted on August 15, 2007 and (ii) 50,000 shares that may be purchased at a price of $0.54 per share through May 11, 2019, pursuant to a stock option granted on May 11, 2009.

(8)Excludes 50,000 unvested options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $0.68 per share until January 4,April 22, 2021, pursuant to a stock option grantedgrant of 100,000 options awarded on January 4, 2016.

(9)IncludesApril 22, 2016, and (iii) 8,333 earned and exercisable options to purchase shares from the Company at a price of $0.55 per share until September 19, 2022, pursuant to a stock option grant of 25,000 options awarded on September 19, 2017. Excludes 50,000 shares referred to as included in notes (2) through (8) above.of unvested restricted stock.

 

 1618

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners (Greater than 5% Holders)

The following table sets forth beneficial owners of more than 5% based on83,081,597outstanding shares of Common Stock as of July 27, 2018:

Names and Complete Mailing AddressNumber of
Shares of
Common Stock
Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding
Nokomis Capital, L.L.C., and
Brett Hendrickson
2305 Cedar Springs Rd., Suite 420
Dallas, Texas 75201
12,774,25115.4% (1)

(1)Based on information provided in Amendment No. 3 Schedule 13D/A filed on July 6, 2018, Nokomis Capital, L.L.C. is a Texas limited liability company and Mr. Brett Hendrickson is the principal of Nokomis Capital, L.L.C. The Schedule 13D relates to shares purchased by Nokomis Capital through the accounts of certain private funds and managed accounts (collectively, the “Nokomis Accounts”). Nokomis Capital serves as the investment adviser to the Nokomis Accounts and may direct the vote and dispose of the shares held by the Nokomis Accounts. As the principal of Nokomis Capital, Mr. Hendrickson may direct the vote and disposition of the shares held by the Nokomis Accounts. Pursuant to Rule 16a-1, both Nokomis Capital and Mr. Hendrickson disclaim such beneficial ownership.

On July 3, 2018, we entered into an appointment and standstill agreement with Nokomis. The appointment and standstill agreement, among other things, provides that (i) Nokomis shall be entitled to appoint one qualified independent individual as a Class III director and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board and we shall nominate such appointee for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; (ii) we and Nokomis shall mutually select a qualified independent individual to serve as a Class III director and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board and we shall nominate such appointee for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that if a mutually acceptable candidate is not appointed prior to January 2, 2019, we shall temporarily appoint either Wes Cummins or Brett Hendrickson to the Board until such time that a mutually acceptable nominee is selected; and (iii) we shall use commercially reasonable efforts to hold our 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting on or prior to October 1, 2018 and to hold our 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting on or prior to June 30, 2019. Also, on July 20, 2017, we previously entered into an appointment and standstill agreement with Nokomis, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to immediately appoint Alan Howe and Philip Richter as Class II directors and as members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board and to nominate them for election at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

19 

 

 

Executive Compensation

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

This compensation discussion and analysis describes the material elements of compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to each of our named executive officers, whom we refer to as our “NEOs,” during 20152017 and describes our policies and decisions made with respect to the information contained in the following tables, related footnotes and narrative for 2015.2017. The NEOs are identified below in the table titled “Summary Compensation Table.” In this compensation discussion and analysis, we also describe various actions regarding NEO compensation take before or after 20152017 when we believe it enhances the understanding of our executive compensation program.

 

Overview of Our Executive Compensation Philosophy and Design

 

We believe that a skilled, experienced and dedicated executive and senior management team is essential to the future performance of our Company and to building stockholder value. We have sought to establish competitive compensation programs that enable us to attract and retain executive officers with these qualities. The other objectives of our compensation programs for our executive officers are the following:

 

·to motivate our executive officers to achieve strong financial performance;

 

·to attract and retain executive officers who we believe have the experience, temperament, talents and convictions to contribute significantly to our future success; and

 

·to align the economic interests of our executive officers with the interests of our stockholders.

 

Setting Executive Compensation

 

Our compensation committee has primary responsibility for, among other things, determining our compensation philosophy, evaluating the performance of our NEOs, setting the compensation and other benefits of our NEOs, overseeing the Company’s response to the outcome of the advisory votes of stockholders on executive compensation, assessing the relative enterprise risk of our compensation program and administering our equity compensation plans. The Company’s compensation planning is done annually for cash based performance goals and in multi-year periods for equity based performance goal setting.

 

17

It is our Chief Executive Officer’s responsibility to provide recommendations to the Compensation Committee for most compensation matters related to executive compensation. The recommendations are based on a general analysis of market standards and trends and an evaluation of the contribution of each executive officer to the Company’s performance. Our Compensation Committee considers, but retains the right to accept, reject or modify such recommendations and has the right to obtain independent compensation advice. Neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other members of management is present during executive sessions of the Compensation Committee. The Chief Executive Officer is not present when decisions with respect to his compensation are made. Our Board of Directors appoints the members of our compensation committee and delegates to the compensation committee the direct responsibility for overseeing the design and administration of our executive compensation program.

 

20

We have not historically utilized a compensation consultant to set the compensation of our NEOs and most of our compensation decisions are a product of negotiation with the NEOs.

 

Elements of Executive Compensation

 

We believe the most effective compensation package for our NEOs is one designed to reward achievement of individual and corporate objectives, provide for short-term, medium-term and long-term financial and strategic goals and align the interest of management with those of the stockholders by providing incentives for improving stockholder value. Compensation for our NEOs consists of base salary and an annual bonus opportunity, along with multi-year accelerated vesting goals associated with either stock option awards and or stock grant awards. Our annual bonus opportunity is intended to incentivize the achievement of goals that drive annual and multi-year performance, while our accelerated stock option and or stock grant vesting goals are intended to incentivize the achievement of goals that drive multi-year performance.

 

Base Salary. We pay our NEOs a base salary to compensate them for services rendered and to provide them with a steady source of income for living expenses throughout the year. The fiscal 2016 base2017 salaries forof our NEOs, as well asnamed executive officers and the percentage increase from the fiscal 20152016 base salaries, are as follows:

 

    Percentage    Percentage 
    Increase    Increase 
 Fiscal 2016 Over Fiscal Fiscal 2017 Over Fiscal 
 Base 2015 Base Base 2016 Base 
Name Salary Salary Salary  Salary 
        
Steve Komar $270,000  n/a
James McCubbin $265,000  n/a
Jin Kang $265,000  n/a $265,000   n/a 
Jason Holloway $265,000   n/a 
Kito Mussa $180,000   n/a 

 

21

The fiscal 2018 base salaries for our current NEOs are set forth below.

     Percentage 
     Increase 
  Fiscal 2018  Over Fiscal 
  Base  2017 Base 
Name Salary  Salary 
       
Jin Kang $300,000   13%
Jason Holloway $265,000   n/a 
Kito Mussa $200,000   11%

Annual Cash Based Bonus Opportunity.The amount of the annual discretionary cash based bonus award is based on individual performance assessments along with the financial performance of the Company. Our performance-based cash incentive compensation in recent years has included targets for achieving various levels of revenue, operating income, and other financial goals and metrics, along with individual performance assessments that has included goals in personal professional improvement, team building, and other individual personal growth goals. The amount of the annual discretionary cash based bonus award is based on individual performance assessments along with the financial performance of the Company. In 2017, the annual cash based bonus opportunity is for up to 50% of a NEOs base salary. In 2015,2017, none of our NEOs earned a bonus because ofdue to our net operating losses.

18

We believe these cash based award opportunities reinforce the alignment of interests In 2018, each of our executive officers with thoseNEOs have a target bonus of our stockholders in the shorter term as the positive financial performance that drives the cash based bonus awards also indirectly influences the performance of the Company’s common stock. We believe the personal professional improvement goals enhance the value of the NEO to expand their expertise and expand the effectiveness of the Company’s staff allowing for greater organization efficiencies while improving Company performance, which drives short-term, medium-term, and long-term organizational improvement and ultimately value for the stockholders in the form of better financial and common stock performance.

Restricted Stock Equity Awards. Mr. Komar and Mr. McCubbin were each awarded 250,000 shares of restricted common stock in 2010. 50% of base salary with the award vested in 2016 upon the determination that the Company’sopportunity to earn a cash bonus of up to 100% of their base annual salary if they achieve certain financial targets of cash flows, revenue for 2015 exceeded $70 million. The remaining 50% will vest upon the earliest of (i) the seventh anniversary from the date of grant (November 18, 2017) or (ii) upon an acceleration event that is determined by the Compensation Committee.

Stock Option Equity Awards. Mr. Kang was awarded 170,000 stock options in 2013 that vested one third per year over a term of three years in order to reward Mr. Kang for improved performance in the Company’s common stock price. On May 8, 2015, Mr. Kang was awarded 25,000 stock options that vested 50% on December 31, 2015 and the remainder vesting on December 31, 2016.

Acceleration of Equity Awards. The acceleration of the common shares and or stock options are tied generally to performance measures such asadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, amortization and depreciation and other triggers predominately tied to performance goals of the Company. In keeping with our philosophy for incentivizing the performance of our named executive officers over a medium to longer term horizon theamortization (Adjusted EBITDA).

Equity Awards. The Company has used equity grants and awards linked to accelerated vesting goals to reinforce the alignment of interest of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders, as the value of the awards granted thereunder is linked to the value of our Common Stock, which, in turn, is indirectly attributable to the performance of our executive officers.:

Restricted Stock Equity Awards (RSA). The following summarizes RSA vesting activity RSAs that were awarded:

·In January 2017, Mr. Nyweide was appointed CEO and awarded 300,000 shares of restricted common stock subject to vesting conditions. In June 2017, Mr. Nyweide was immediately vested in 150,000 of his 300,000 RSA award upon acceptance of his resignation from the Company and the remaining RSAs were terminated.

·In January 2018, we awarded Mr. Kang, Mr. Holloway and Mr. Mussa 100,000 shares, 50,000 shares and 50,000 shares of restricted common stock, respectively, subject to performance vesting conditions, including the achievement of certain financial targets of cash flows, revenue and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA).

 

22

Stock Option Equity Awards. The following summarizes stock option awards during 2016, 2017 and 2018 to our NEOs:

·In January 2017, Mr. Nyweide was appointed CEO and awarded 600,000 options to purchase common stock vesting pro-rata over a three year period (subject to acceleration if certain performance goals were met). The options were forfeited in connection with Mr. Nyweide’s resignation.

·In connection with his appointment as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kang was awarded 750,000 stock options in September 2017 that vest 100% in September 2021 (subject to continued employment with the Company) provided that the options may vest earlier as followings:

o250,000 stock options may vest upon achievement of three consecutive quarters of positive EBITDA;
o250,000 stock options may vest upon achievement of 30% revenue growth in 2018 (excluding certain pass-through carrier services revenue sources) from 2017; and
o250,000 stock options may vest upon realizing positive cash flow during any 12 consecutive months.

·In September 2017, Mr. Mussa had 25,000 stock options repriced at $0.55 per share.

Acceleration of Equity Awards. The acceleration of equity awards are tied generally to company specific performance measures including but not limited to revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and other triggers that are deemed to have a significant impact on the financial performance goals of the Company.

We believe these cash and equity-based award opportunities reinforce the alignment of interests of our NEOs with those of our stockholders as they indirectly influence the performance of the Company’s common stock. We believe the compensation model described above for our NEOs motivates our NEOs to expand their expertise and expand the effectiveness of the Company’s staff allowing for greater organization efficiencies while improving Company performance, which drives short-term, medium-term, and long-term organizational improvement and ultimately value for the stockholders in the form of better financial and common stock performance.

Retirement and Other Benefits.We are strongly committed to encouraging all employees to save for retirement. To provide employees with the opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis, we sponsor a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan. We also provide health, dental, vision, and short term disability insurance and basic life insurance to our NEOs on the same basis offered to all of our employees.

 

 1923

Severance Arrangements with Former Executive Officers.

Jeffrey O. Nyweide. On January 6, 2017, we appointed Jeffrey O. Nyweide as our Chief Executive Officer and President to replace Steve Komar due to his retirement. In consideration of Mr. Nyweide’s appointment, he entered into a three year employment agreement providing the following: (i) an annual base salary of $300,000 (increasing $25,000 annually); (ii) an annual bonus opportunity equal to 50% of the base salary based on our achieving performance goals determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (payable one-half in cash and one-half in common stock); (iii) a stock option grant covering 600,000 shares of common stock vesting pro-rata over a three year period (subject to acceleration if certain performance goals are met); (iv) a restricted stock grant of 300,000 shares of common stock vesting only if certain performance goals are met, (v) participation in the Company’s employee benefit plans and (vi) four (4) weeks of vacation. Mr. Nyweide’s compensation was determined by our Compensation Committee through negotiations with Mr. Nyweide and through considering our financial condition and the compensation arrangements of similarly situated executives. On June 30, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company accepted Mr. Nyweide’s resignation. In connection with his resignation, Mr. Nyweide received a severance payment of $187,500, the automatic vesting of 150,000 shares of restricted stock, COBRA coverage for twelve months and forfeited the remainder of his restricted stock and stock options.

James T. McCubbin. On October 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company accepted the resignation of James T. McCubbin as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with Mr. McCubbin’s resignation from the Company being effective October 31, 2017. In connection with his resignation, Mr. McCubbin received a severance consisting of the continued payment of his annual base salary of $265,000 for one year, the automatic vesting of 125,000 shares of restricted stock and COBRA coverage for twelve months.

24 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table summarizes the compensation paid by us in each of the last threetwo recently completed fiscal years for our NEOs:

 

Name and Principal Position Year  Base Salary
(1)
  Discretionary
Bonus
  Option
Awards (2)
  Other
Compensation
(3)
  Total
Compensation
 
Steve Komar  2015  $264,517  $-  $-  $7,200  $271,717 
Chief Executive Officer, Director, and  2014  $249,167(4) $-  $-  $7,200  $256,367 
Chairman of the Board  2013  $255,000  $-  $-  $7,200  $262,200 
                         
James McCubbin  2015  $258,480  $-  $-  $7,200  $265,680 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial  2014  $249,167(4) $-  $-  $7,200  $256,367 
Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director  2013  $255,000  $-  $-  $7,200  $262,200 
                         
Jin Kang  2015  $246,225  $-  $19,025(5) $-  $265,250 
Executive Vice President & Chief  2014  $239,583(4) $-  $-  $-  $239,583 
Operations Officer  2013  $250,000  $-  45,730(5) $-  $295,730 
Name and Principal Position Year  Base Salary 
(1)
  Bonuses  Option 
Awards (2)
  Restricted 
Stock Awards 
(2)
  Other 
Compensation
  Total 
Compensation
 
                      
Jin Kang  2017  $259,607  $-  $298,575(3) $-  $-  $558,182 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director  2016  $259,607  $-      $-  $-  $259,607 
                             
Jason Holloway  2017  $207,920  $-      $-  $-  $207,920 
Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing and Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint Cybersecurity Solutions Corporation  2016  $120,125  $-  $202,450(4) $-  $-  $322,575 
                             
Kito Mussa  2017  $180,000  $-  $8,407(5) $-  $-  $188,407 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  2016  $150,000  $-  $40,120(5) $-  $-  $190,120 
                             
Jeff Nyweide  2017  $228,907  $-  $324,660(6) $246,000(7) $193,136(8) $992,703 
Former Chief Executive Officer and Director  2016  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                             
James McCubbin  2017  $265,000  $-  $-  $-  $8,859(9) $273,859 
Former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director  2016  $258,611  $-  $-  $-  $7,200(9) $265,811 

 

(1) Amount represents actual base salary as set forth in an executive employment agreement.

paid to executive.

(2) Amount represents the grant date fair value calculated pursuant to ASC Topic 718. Additional information about the assumptions used when valuing equity awards is set forth in the notes the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

2017.

(3) Monthly combined home office and home phone allowanceDuring fiscal 2017 Mr. Kang was granted an equity award of $600 was paid to Mr. Komar and Mr. McCubbin during fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013.

750,000 options as described above.

(4) For a five month period inDuring fiscal year 2014,2016 Mr. Komar, Mr. McCubbin and Mr. Kang each voluntarily agreed to a 10% reduction in base salary.

Holloway was granted an equity award of 500,000 options on April 22, 2016.

(5) During fiscal 20152017 Mr. KangMussa was granted an equity award of 25,000 options on May 8, 2015 with an estimated fair value of $19,025.September 19, 2017. During fiscal 20132016 Mr. KangMussa was granted an equity award of 170,000100,000 options.

(6) During fiscal year 2017 Mr. Nyweide was granted an equity award of 600,000 options, on March 21, 2013which were forfeited in connection with an estimated fair valuehis resignation.

(7) During fiscal year 2017 Mr. Nyweide was granted a restricted stock award of approximately $45,730.300,000 shares, 150,000 of which were forfeited in connection with his resignation.

(8) In connection with Mr. Nyweide’s severance agreement he was paid a one-time payment of $187,500 and received company paid healthcare benefits totaling $5,636.

(9) During fiscal 2017 Mr. McCubbin was paid a home office and phone allowance of $6,000 and in connection with Mr. McCubbin’s severance agreement he received company paid benefits totaling $2,858. During fiscal 2016, Mr. McCubbin was paid a monthly combined home office and phone allowance of $600.

 

 2025 

 

 

Grant of Plan Based Awards During 2017

 

As described above inDuring the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, weyear ended December 31, 2017, NEOs were granted stock options to certain of our NEOs. The following table sets forth information regarding all such awards:equity awards as summarized below:

 

Option Awards   
Name Grant Date Date of
Committee
Action
 All Other Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
  Exercise Price
of Option
Awards ($/Sh)
  Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
and Option
Awards ($)(1)
 
                 
Jin Kang, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer  5/8/2015 5/8/2015 $25,000  $1.38  $19,025 
Name Grant Date Date of 
Committee 
Action
 

All Other

Stock Awards:

Number of

Shares of

Stock (#)

  All Other
Option Awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Option Awards 
(#)
  Exercise 
Price of 
Option 
Awards 
($/Sh)
  Grant Date Fair 
Value of Stock 
and Option 
Awards ($)(1)
 
                 
Jeff Nyweide, Former President 1/17/2017 1/17/2017     600,000  $0.57  $324,660 
and Chief Executive Officer 1/17/2017 1/17/2017  300,000        $246,000 
                     
Jin Kang, President and Chief Executive Officer 9/7/2017 9/7/2017     750,000  $0.65  $298,575 
                     
Kito Mussa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 9/19/2017 9/19/2017     25,000  $0.55  $8,407 
                     
       300,000   1,375,000      $877,642 

 

(1) Amount represents the grant date fair value calculated pursuant to ASC Topic 718. Additional information about the assumptions used when valuing equity awards is set forth in the notes the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017.

26

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 20152017

 

The following table sets forth information on outstanding equity awards held by NEOs at December 31, 2015:2017:

 

  Option Awards     Stock Awards 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Equity
Incentive Plan
 Awards:
Unearned
Shares or
 other Rights
 that have not
 Vested (#)
  Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned
Shares or
Rights that
have not
Vested ($)
 
                         
Steve L. Komar, Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman of the Board  -   -   -   -   250,000(1) $175,000 
                         
James T. McCubbin, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director  -   -   -   -   250,000(1) $175,000 
                         
Jin Kang, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp.  125,833   44,167
  $0.57
   3/20/2018

(2)

    
   12,500   12,500  $1.38   5/8/2020(3)  -   - 

21

  Option Awards
Name Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#) 
Exercisable
  Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#) 
Unexercisable
  Option 
Exercise 
Price ($)
  Option Grant 
Date
 Option 
Expiration 
Date
              
Jin Kang, Chief Executive Officer  170,000   -  $0.57  3/21/2013 3/20/2020(1)
   25,000   -  $1.38  5/8/2015 5/8/2020(1)
   -   750,000  $0.65  9/7/2017 9/27/2022(2)
                 
Jason Holloway Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing and Chief Executive Officer and President of WidePoint Cybersecurity Solutions Corporation      250,000  $0.46  4/26/2016 4/26/2021(3)
                 
Kito Mussa, Executive Vice President and  50,000   -  $0.46  1/30/2013 1/30/2020(1)
Chief Financial Officer  50,000   50,000  $0.68  4/22/2016 4/22/2021(4)
   8,333   16,667  $0.55  9/19/2017 9/19/2022(5)

 

(1) Mr. Komar and Mr. McCubbin were each awarded 250,000 shares of restricted common stock in 2010. 50% of the award vested in 2016 upon the determination that the Company’s revenue for 2015 exceeded $70 million. The remaining 50% will vest upon the earliest of (i) the seventh anniversary from the date of grant (November 18, 2017) or (ii) upon an acceleration event that is determined by the Compensation Committee.All options are fully vested.

 

(2) All options vest on September 27, 2021 provided that executive is employed by the Company. Options are subject to accelerated vesting of 250,000 options for each financial performance condition met. Acceleration provisions will be considered achieved when executive: i) achieves three consecutive quarters of positive adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; ii) 30 percent revenue growth excluding carrier services; or iii) positive cash flow for 12 successive months.

(3) All options vest on April 27, 2019 provided that executive is employed by the Company. Option acceleration provisions are no longer applicable as the acceleration period has expired without performance measures being achieved.

(4) All options vest on April 22, 2018.

(5) All options vest one-third per year over a term of three years.

 

27

(3) Options vested 50% on December 31, 2015 and the remainder vests on December 31, 2016.

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 20152016

 

None

The following table sets forth information about the exercise of options by our NEOs and the vesting of their restricted stock awards in fiscal 2017.

  Option Awards  Restricted Stock Awards 
  Number of     Number of    
  Shares     Shares    
  Acquired  Value  Acquired  Value 
  on  Realized on  on  Realized on 
  Exercise  Exercise  Vesting  Exercise 
Name (#)  ($)  (#)  ($)(1) 
Jeffrey O. Nyweide  -   -   150,000(2) $69,000 
Former Chief Executive Officer                
                 
James T. McCubbin  -   -   125,000(3) $66,250 
Former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer                

(1)       The amounts in this column have been computed based on the closing price of our NEOs exercised options or hadcommon stock vest duringon the year ended December 31, 2015.vesting date.

(2)       Mr. Nyweide received less than 150,000 shares because he elected to have 47,475 of such shares withheld in satisfaction of the corresponding tax liability of approximately $21,800. The Company's payment of this tax liability was recorded as a cash flow from financing activity on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

(3)       Mr. McCubbin received less than 125,000 shares because he elected to have 40,250 of such shares withheld in satisfaction of the corresponding tax liability of approximately $21,300. The Company's payment of this tax liability was recorded as a cash flow from financing activity on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

28

 

Employment Agreements and Compensation Arrangements;

Termination and Change in Control Provisions

 

The following describes the terms of employment agreements between the Company and the named executive officers included in the above Summary Compensation Table and sets forth information regarding potential payments upon termination of employment or a change in control of the Company. Information regarding the severance payments to Jeffrey Nyweide and James McCubbin is set forth above.

Mr. KomarKang. On June 30, 2016,December 20, 2017, we entered into an amendment of an employment agreement with Steve Komar, our Chief Executive Officer and President, dated as of August 13, 2010 and effective as of July 1, 2010. TheMr. Kang for a three year employment agreement, as amended, has a term expiring on December 31, 2016. The agreement provides for (1) aeffective January 1, 2018, providing the following: (i) an annual base salary of $270,000, (2)$300,000 (increasing $25,000 annually); (ii) an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 50% of the base salary (with a home office and phone expense allowancemaximum of $600 per month to cover such expenses incurred in100% of base salary) based on the pursuit of our business; (3) reimbursement for additional actual business expenses consistent with our existing policies that have been incurred for our benefit; (4) paid medical and other benefits consistent with our existing policies with respect to our key executives, as such policies may be amended from time to time in the future; and (5)Company achieving performance incentive bonuses as may be granted annually at the discretion ofgoals determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. ForBoard of Directors (payable one-half in cash and one-half in common stock of the Company); (iii) a five month periodrestricted stock grant of 100,000 shares of common stock effective January 2, 2018 vesting only if certain performance goals are met, (iv) participation in calendar 2014, Mr. Komar voluntarily agreed to a 10% reduction in base salary.

the Company’s employee benefit plans and (v) four (4) weeks of vacation. The employment agreement contains a severance provisionprovisions which providesprovide that upon the termination of his employment without Cause (as described below) or his voluntary resignation for a Good Reason (as described in below), Mr. KomarKang will receive severance compensation payable in a lump-sum of cash equal to the greater of (a) an amount equalsix (6) month’s base salary (increasing to twelve (12) months of his base salary then in effect, or (b) an amount equal to Mr. Komar’s base salary forif terminated after the remainder of the term of the employment agreement as if the employment agreement had not been terminated; provided that if employment terminates by reason of death or disability, then Mr. Komar shall receivefirst year) and a one-time payment equal to the amount of Base Salary owed for the immediate twelve (12) months following the death or disability event, or an amount equal the remainder of the contractual term of the employment agreement whichever is less and all granted but unvested stock options shall be immediately vested and the period of exercise extended for an additional 2 years.

22

pro rata bonus amount. The employment agreement further provides that if within 90 days prior to or two years after a change in control of the Company there occurs any termination of Mr. KomarKang for any reason other than for Cause or a voluntary resignation without a Good Reason, then the Company will be required to pay to Mr. KomarKang a one-time severance payment equal totwelve (12) months base salary and a pro rata bonus.

Mr. Holloway. On December 20, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Holloway. The employment agreement for Mr. Holloway is the greatersame as Mr. Kang’s, except that it provides for: (i) an annual base salary of (a) an amount$265,000; (ii) a restricted stock grant of 50,000 shares of common stock effective January 2, 2018 vesting only if certain performance goals are met and (iii) the severance compensation payable upon termination without Cause or For Good Reason is equal six (6) month’s base salary (increasing to twelve (12) months of his base salary then in effect, or (b) an amount equal to Mr. Komar’s base salary forif terminated after the remainder of the term of the employment agreement. If Mr. Komar’s employment terminates for any reason other than for Cause or a voluntary retirement without Good Reason, Mr. Komar will be eligible to participate, at the Company’s expense, in all executive medical and dental plans provided by the Company for the remainder of the term of the employment agreement. Mr. Komar will receive a payment equal to any excise, income and other taxes resulting from the imposition of parachute penalties of the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state tax law.first year).

 

TerminationMr. Mussa. On December 29, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Mussa. The employment agreement for Mr. Mussa is the same as Mr. Kang’s, except that it provides for: (i) an annual base salary of Mr. Komar’s$200,000 (increasing $15,000 annually); (ii) a restricted stock grant of 50,000 shares of common stock effective January 2, 2018 vesting only if certain performance goals are met, (iv) participation in the Company’s employee benefit plans and (iii) the severance compensation payable upon termination without Cause or For Good Reason is equal six (6) month’s base salary (increasing to twelve (12) months of base salary if terminated after the first year).

29

A termination of an executive’s employment by the Company shall be deemed for “Cause” if, and only if, it is based upon the following: (i) executive's failure, neglect or refusal to perform executive’s material duties (in each instance, other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) executive's failure to comply with any valid, material and legal directive of the Board of Directors; (iii) executive's engagement in dishonesty, illegal or disloyal conduct, or willful or grossly negligent misconduct, which is, in each case, injurious to the interests, reputation or business of the Company or its Affiliates as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors; (iv) executive's embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, whether or not related to the Executive's employment with the Company; (v) executive's conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (vi) any material failure by a federalexecutive to comply with the Company's written policies or state courtrules, as they may be in effect from time to time during the employment term; or (vii) executive's material breach of competent jurisdiction; (ii)any material disloyalty toobligation under the Company such as embezzlementagreement or misappropriation of corporate assets; or (iii) engaging in unethical or illegal behavior which is of a public nature, brings the Company into disrepute,any other written agreement between executive and results in material damage to the Company.

A resignation by Mr. Komarexecutive shall not be deemed to be voluntary and shall be deemed to be a resignation with “Good Reason” if it is based upon (i) a material diminution in Mr. Komar’sexecutive’s title, duties, responsibilities, authority or salary; (ii) a material reduction in bonus target or benefits; (iii) a direction by the Board of Directors that Mr. Komarexecutive report to any person or group other than the Board of Directors, orDirectors; (iv) a geographic relocation ofrequirement that the Company’s primary business operations outside ofexecutive relocate; or (v) the Washington Metropolitan area.

Mr. McCubbin. On April 9, 2015, we entered into an amendment of an employment agreement with James T. McCubbin, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, dated as of August 13, 2010 and effective as of July 1, 2010. The amendment to Mr. McCubbin’s employment agreement has a term expiring on March 31, 2017. The agreement provides for (1) a base salary of $265,000, (2) a home office and phone expense allowance of $600 per month to cover such expenses incurred in the pursuit of our business; (3) reimbursement for additional actual business expenses consistent with our existing policies that have been incurred for our benefit; (4) paid medical and other benefits consistent with our existing policies with respect to our key executives, as such policies may be amended from time to time in the future; and (5) performance incentive bonuses as may be granted annually at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. For a five month period in calendar 2014, Mr. McCubbin voluntarily agreed to a 10% reduction in base salary.

23

The employment agreement contains a severance provision which provides that upon the termination of his employment without Cause (as described below) or his voluntary resignation for a Good Reason (as described below), Mr. McCubbin will receive severance compensation payable in a lump-sum of cash equal to the greater of (a) an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his base salary then in effect, or (b) an amount equal to Mr. McCubbin’s base salary for the remainder of the term of the employment agreement as if the employment agreement had not been terminated; provided that if employment terminates by reason of death or disability, then Mr. McCubbin shall receive a one-time payment equal to the amount of Base Salary owed for the immediate twelve (12) months following the death or disability event, or an amount equal the remainder of the contractual term of the employment agreement whichever is less and all granted but unvested stock options shall be immediately vested and the period of exercise extended for an additional 2 years.

The employment agreement further provides that if within two years after a change in control of the Company there occurs any termination of Mr. McCubbin for any reason other than for Cause or a voluntary resignation without a Good Reason, then the Company will be required to pay to Mr. McCubbin a one-time severance payment equal to the greater of (a) an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his base salary then in effect, or (b) an amount equal to Mr. McCubbin’s base salary for the remainder of the term of the employment agreement. If Mr. McCubbin’s employment terminates for any reason other than for Cause or a voluntary retirement without Good Reason, Mr. McCubbin will be eligible to participate, at the Company’s expense, in all executive medical and dental plans provided by the Company for the remainder of the term of the employment agreement. Mr. McCubbin will receive a payment equal to any excise, income and other taxes resulting from the imposition of parachute penalties of the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state tax law.

Termination of Mr. McCubbin’s employment by the Company shall be deemed for “Cause” if, and only if, it is based upon (i) conviction of a felony by a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction; (ii) material disloyalty to the Company such as embezzlement or misappropriation of corporate assets; or (iii) engaging in unethical or illegal behavior which is of a public nature, brings the Company into disrepute, and results in material damage to the Company. A resignation by Mr. McCubbin shall not be deemed to be voluntary and shall be deemed to be a resignation with “Good Reason” if it is based upon (i) a diminution in Mr. McCubbin’s title, duties, or salary; (ii) a material reduction in benefits; (iii) a direction by the Board of Directors that Mr. McCubbin report to any person or group other than the Board of Directors, or (iv) a geographic relocation of the Company’s primary business operations outside of the Washington Metropolitan area.

Mr. Kang. On April 9, 2015, we entered into an employment agreement with Jin Kang, our Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of WidePoint Integrated Solutions Corp. and Chief Operations Officer, which replaced Mr. Kang’s prior employment agreement, dated November 27, 2012. The agreement is for a term ending on December 31, 2016 and provides for (1) a base salary of $265,000 per year, (2) reimbursement for business expenses, (3) paid medical and other benefits consistent with our existing policies with respect to our key executives, as such policies may be amended from time to time in the future, and (4) bonus compensation in the reasonable discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For a five month period in calendar 2014, Mr. Kang voluntarily agreed to a 10% reduction in base salary.

24

Mr. Kang’s employment period will continue from the date of his agreement until December 31, 2016 unless he is terminated earlier due to (a) Mr. Kang’s death or permanent disability which renders Mr. Kang unable to perform his duties hereunder (as determined by the Company in its good faith judgment), (b) Mr. Kang’s resignation, upon prior written notice to the Company of one hundred eighty (180) days, (c) termination by the Company for Cause or (d) termination by the Company without Cause upon prior written notice of one-hundred eighty (180) days. “Cause” is defined in the agreements as: (i) the repeated failure or refusal of Mr. Kang to follow the lawful directives of the Company, or its designee (except due to sickness, injury or disabilities), after prior notice to Mr. Kang and a reasonable opportunity to cure by Mr. Kang for up to thirty (30) days, (ii) gross inattention to duty or any other willful, reckless or grossly negligent act (or omission to act) by Mr. Kang, which, in the good faith judgment of the Company, materially injures the Company, including the repeated failure to follow the policies and procedures of the Company, after prior written notice to Employee and a reasonable opportunity to cure by Mr. Kang of up to thirty (30) days, (iii) a material breach of this Agreement by Mr. Kang, after prior written notice to Mr. Kang and a reasonable opportunity to cure by Mr. Kang of up to thirty (30) days, (iv) the commission by Mr. Kang of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude or the commission by Mr. Kang of an act of financial dishonesty against the Company or, (v) a proper business purpose of the Company, which shall be limited to the elimination of the position filled by Mr. Kang as a result of a material decrease in revenues and/or profits of the Company, but with other cost cutting measures and the termination of other employees being first considered and instituted as determined in the sole judgment of the Company prior to the termination of Mr. Kang; provided, however, that in the event the Company terminates Mr. Kang under (v) above, then (I) the scope of the non-compete shall be limited to the products and services offered by the Company as of the termination of Mr. Kang and (II) the Company shall pay to Mr. Kang a continuation of base salary and benefits each month for the six (6) month period immediately following such termination. In the event Mr. Kang is terminated without Cause, then the Company shall pay to Mr. Kang a continuation of base salary and benefits each month for the six (6) month period immediately following such termination and the non-compete provisions in the agreement shall not apply.agreement.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

During the last fiscal year, no member of the Compensation Committee had a relationship with us that required disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. During the past fiscal year, none of our executive officers served as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who served as members of our Board of Directors or our Compensation Committee. None of the members of our Compensation Committee is an officer or employee of our Company, nor have they ever been an officer or employee of our CompanyCompany.

25

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” contained herein with management. Based on our Compensation Committee’s review and discussions with management, our Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included herein.

 

James M. Ritter (Chair)Otto J. Guenther
Morton S. TaubmanAlan Howe
George W. NorwoodPhilip Richter

Morton S. Taubman

30

George W. Norwood

Otto J. Guenther

Certain Related Person Transactions

 

A related person transaction is a consummated or currently proposed transaction in which the Company has been, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which a related person (i.e., any director or executive officer or nominee for director, or any member of the immediate family of such person) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

 

The Company was not a participant in any related person transactions in the past two fiscal years and no such transactions are currently proposed.

 

Under the Company’s corporate governance principles (the “Corporate Governance Principles”), a majority of the Company’s Board will consist of independent directors. An “independent” director is a director who meets the NYSE MKTAmerican definition of independence and other applicable independence standards under SEC guidelines, as determined by the Board. The Company’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee conduct an annual review of the independence of the members of the Board and its Committees and report its findings to the full Board of Directors. Based on the report and recommendation of the Corporate and Nominating Governance Committee, the Board has determined that each of the Company’s non-employee directors—Messrs. Taubman, Ritter, Guenther, Howe, Richter and Norwood—satisfies the independence criteria (including the enhanced criteria with respect to members of the Audit Committee) set forth in the applicable NYSE MKTAmerican listing standards and SEC rules. Each standing Board Committee consists entirely of independent, non-employee directors.

 

Non-management members of the Board of Directors conduct at least two regularly-scheduled meetings per year without members of management being present. Mr. Ritter serves as the presiding director of such meetings. Following an executive session of non-employee directors, the presiding director may act as a liaison between the non-employee directors and the Chairman, provide the Chairman with input regarding agenda items for Board of Directors and Committee meetings, and coordinate with the Chairman regarding information to be provided to the non-employee directors in performing their duties.

 

 2631 

 

 

Proposal Two – ADVISORY RESOLUTION ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

We are asking stockholders to approve an advisory resolution on the Company's 2015 executive compensation as reported in this proxy statement.

We urge stockholders to read the "Executive Compensation" section beginning on page 17 of this proxy statement, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narrative included therein, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers.

In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and as a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking stockholders to approve the following advisory resolution:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Widepoint Corporation (the "Company") approve, on an advisory basis, the 2015 compensation of the Company's named executive officers disclosed in the Executive Compensation section of the Company’s proxy statement.

This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay" resolution, is non-binding on the Board of Directors. Although non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program.

Proposal THREE – Independent Accountants

 

The Audit Committee is recommending that stockholders ratify its appointment of Moss Adams LLP as independent accountants for WidePoint to audit its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016,2018, to perform audit-related services, including review of our quarterly interim financial information, periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and consultation in connection with various accounting and financial reporting matters. The stockholder vote is not binding on the Audit Committee. If the appointment of Moss Adams LLP is not ratified by stockholders, the Audit Committee will evaluate the basis for the stockholders' vote when determining whether to continue the firm's engagement, but may ultimately determine to continue the engagement of the firm or another audit firm without re-submitting the matter to stockholders. Even if the appointment of Moss Adams LLP is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its sole discretion terminate the engagement of the firm and direct the appointment of another independent auditor at any time during the year if it determines that such an appointment would be in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders.

 

27

Moss Adams LLP provided audit and other services in 2016 for the Company’s audit of its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. Moss Adams LLP also provided audit and other services in 2015 for the Company’s audit of its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

A resolution will be presented at the Annual Meeting to ratify the appointment of Moss Adams LLP to serve as the Company’s independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.2018. A representative of Moss Adams LLP will be available either via phone or in person at the Annual Meeting to answer appropriate questions concerning the Company’s financial statements and to make a statement if desired.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE RATIFICATION OF THE COMPANY’S AUDITORS.

 

32

Audit Committee Report

 

The Audit Committee has: (a) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with the management of the Company; (b) discussed with the Company’s independent auditors, Moss Adams LLP, the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 16 and the American Institute of Certificated Public Accountants’ Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61;114; (c) received from the Company’s independent auditors the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and discussed with the Company’s independent auditors their independence; and (d) based on the review and discussions referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above, recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2015.2017.

 

The foregoing report is submitted by the members of the Audit Committee:

 

 Morton S. Taubman (Chair)
 James M. Ritter
 George W. Norwood
 Otto J. Guenther

 28Alan Howe
 Philip Richter

 

Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services

 

The following table sets forth fees paid to our principal accountants in connection with audit and audit-related, tax and other non-audit fees for the years ended December 31:

 

Service Type 2015  2014  2017  2016 
             
Audit and Quarterly Review Fees (1) $192,500  $174,864  $152,400  $196,400 
        
Audit-Related Fees (2)  9,000   38,415   -   2,700 
Tax Fees  -   - 
All Other Fees  -   - 
        
Total $201,500  $213,279  $152,400  $199,100 

 

(1) Audit and quarterly review fees for the annual audit and review of financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly filings, including reimbursable expenses.

 

(2) Audit-Related fees for other required regulatory filings including Form S-3registration consents included in the Company’s filings, including reimbursable expenses.

 

Audit Committee Policies and Procedures For Pre-Approval of Independent Auditor Services

33

 

The following describes the Audit Committee’s policies and procedures regarding pre-approval of the engagement of the Company’s independent auditor to perform audit as well as permissible non-audit services for the Company.

 

For audit services and audit-related fees, the independent auditor will provide the Audit Committee with an engagement letter during the March-May quarter of each year outlining the scope of the audit services proposed to be performed in connection with the audit of the current fiscal year. If agreed to by the Audit Committee, the engagement letter will be formally accepted by the Audit Committee at an Audit Committee meeting held as soon as practicable following receipt of the engagement letter. The independent auditor will submit to the Audit Committee for approval an audit services fee proposal after acceptance of the engagement letter.

 

For non-audit services and other fees, Company management may submit to the Audit Committee for approval (during May through September of each fiscal year) the list of non-audit services that it recommends the Audit Committee engage the independent auditor to provide for the fiscal year. The list of services must be detailed as to the particular service and may not call for broad categorical approvals. Company management and the independent auditor will each confirm to the Audit Committee that each non-audit service on the list is permissible under all applicable legal requirements. In addition to the list of planned non-audit services, a budget estimating non-audit service spending for the fiscal year may be provided. The Audit Committee will consider for approval both the list of permissible non-audit services and the budget for such services. The Audit Committee will be informed routinely as to the non-audit services actually provided by the independent auditor pursuant to this pre-approval process.

29

 

To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, the Audit Committee delegates to its Chairman the authority to amend or modify the list of approved permissible non-audit services and fees. The Chairman will report any action taken pursuant to this delegation to the Audit Committee at its next meeting.

 

All audit and non-audit services provided to the Company are required to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Chief Financial Officer of the Company will be responsible for tracking all independent auditor fees against the budget for such services and report at least annually to the Audit Committee.

34

 

Other Information

 

We maintain an internet website athttp://www.widepoint.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendment to those reports, are available free of charge on our website immediately after they are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. WidePoint’s Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Principles and Charters of the Committees of the Board of Directors are also available free of charge on our website or by writing to WidePoint Corporation, 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520, McLean, Virginia 22102, c/o Corporate Secretary. WidePoint’s Code of Business Conduct applies to all directors, officers (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and employees. Amendments to or waivers of the Code of Conduct granted to any of the Company’s directors or executive officers will be published on our website within five business days of such amendment or waiver.

 

Stockholder Proposals for 20172019 Annual Meeting

 

ProposalsWe expect to hold our 2019 Annual Meeting on or about Thursday, May 30, 2019. Accordingly, based on our anticipated meeting date, proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 20172019 Annual Meeting must be received by the Secretary of the Company, 7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 520, McLean, Virginia, no later than July 4, 2017December 17, 2018 in order for them to be considered for inclusion in the 20162019 Proxy Statement. Any such proposal must comply with Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A of the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. ABased on our anticipated meeting date, a stockholder desiring to submit a proposal to be voted on at next year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not desiring to have such proposal included in next year’s proxy statement relating to that meeting, should submit such proposal to the Companyno later than July 4, 2017December 17, 2018. Failure to comply with that advance notice requirement will result in the proposal not being placed on the agenda at the meeting.

 

Other Matters

 

Management is not aware of any other matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed Proxy will vote said Proxy in accordance with their discretion.

 

 35 

 

 

WIDEPOINT CORPORATION

7926 JONES BRANCH DRIVE

SUITE 520

MCLEAN, VA 22102

ATTEN: Kito Mussa

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. 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.

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 until 11:59

P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. 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:

 THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR

the following:

For Withhold For All

All All Except

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

1.Election of DirectorsNominees01 Otto Guenther

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: For Against Abstain

2.To ratify the selection of Moss Adams LLP as the Company's independent accountants; and

NOTE:To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting

Yes No

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

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Form 10-K is/are available at www.proxyvote.com

WIDEPOINT CORPORATION Annual Meeting of Stockholders September 18, 2018 at 10:00 AM

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

The undersigned hereby appoints Jin Kang and Kito Mussa, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint a substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of WIDEPOINT CORPORATION that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:00 AM, EST on September 18, 2018, at the offices of Foley & Lardner LLP, located at 3000 K Street N.W, Sixth Floor, Washington D.C. 20007, and any adjournment

or postponement 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