UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule
14a-101)
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
____________

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         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))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
§240.14a-12
Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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LOGO

2024

Notice of Annual Meeting

of Stockholders & Proxy Statement



def14aimportantnoticeheader.jpg
August 14, 2017

LOGO

April 29, 2024

Dear Stockholder:

Fellow Stockholders:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I cordiallyam pleased to invite youall of our stockholders to attend the 20172024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., to (the “2024 Annual Meeting” or the “Annual Meeting”). The meeting will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., local Central time at our principal executive officeoffices located at 111 Westwood Place, Brentwood, Tennessee.

Details A notice of the business2024 Annual Meeting and a proxy statement containing information about the matters to be conducted atacted upon are included with this letter.

2023 was a pivotal year for Brookdale’s continued recovery from the Annual Meetingpandemic. As a result of the right plans and initiatives, followed by strong operational performance, Brookdale delivered full-year RevPAR growth of more than 11% and, as of year-end, weighted average occupancy had grown a total of nearly 900 basis points from the start of the pandemic recovery.

The Board is confident in Brookdale’s ability to maintain sustainable forward progress and quality business outcomes, while continuing to support consistent and high-quality resident experience. We are givenfocused on priorities that will foster robust long-term growth and capitalize on positive trends in demand demographics, customer preferences, and lower new supply in the attached Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholdersindustry, while using our unique Brookdale differentiators and proxy statement.

In accordance with rules approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are furnishing proxy materialsscale to our stockholders over the Internet. On or about August 14, 2017, we mailed to our stockholders a notice of Internet availability of proxy materials containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials, including the proxy statement and our 2016 Annual Report, over the Internet, as well as how to vote online. The notice also includes instructions on how you can request, free of charge, a paper copy of our proxy materials and 2016 Annual Report by mail.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. advantage.

Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting,Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. In addition to voting in person, stockholders of record mayAnnual Meeting. Please promptly vote via a toll-freeyour shares by submitting your proxy by telephone number or over the Internet. Stockholders who received a paper copy of the proxy statement and 2016 Annual Report by mail may also voteInternet or by completing, signing, dating, and mailing the enclosedreturning your proxy card promptlyor voting instruction form.

We thank you for your continued investment in Brookdale.

Very truly yours,

LOGO

Guy P. Sansone

Chairman of the return envelope provided.Board of Directors


FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
Daniel A. Decker
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors


Important

Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

April 29, 2024

The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on September 25, 2017: The Notice of 2017(including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the “Annual Meeting” or the “2024 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2016 Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.




BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
111 Westwood Place, Suite 400
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

NOTICE OF 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
To the Stockholders:
The 2017 Annual Meeting of StockholdersMeeting”) of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (“Brookdale” or the “Company”) will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., local Central time at ourthe Company’s principal executive officeoffices located at 111 Westwood Place, Brentwood, Tennessee for the purpose of voting on the following purposes:
proposals:

1.

To elect eight director nominees to elect three Class I directorsthe Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”), each to hold officeserve for a one-yearterm expiring at the 2025 annual meeting of three years and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;stockholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”);

2.to

To approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s named executive officer compensation;

3.

To ratify the Audit Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the 2017 fiscal year;2024;

3.to hold an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation;
4.to hold an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation;
5.to

To approve the Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 20142024 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and

5.
6.to

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Stockholders of record at the

The close of business on August 1, 2017 areApril 22, 2024 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. We are making this Notice of 2024 Annual Meeting including any adjournments and postponements thereof. Our stock transfer books will remain open forproxy statement first available on or about April 29, 2024.

Your vote is important. Unless you attend the transfer of our common stock. A list of all stockholders entitled toAnnual Meeting and vote at the meeting will be available for examination at our principal executive office located at 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027, for the ten days before the meeting between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., local time, and at the placein person, please vote as soon as possible by one of the meeting duringmethods shown below. Be sure to have your proxy card, voting instruction form, or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in hand and follow the meeting for any purpose germanebelow instructions:

By Phone - You can vote your shares by calling (844) 326-5741 toll free through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 17, 2024

By Internet - You can vote your shares online at www.proxypush.com/BKD through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 17, 2024

By Mail - You can complete, sign, date, and return your proxy card or voting instruction form in the postage-paid envelope provided

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 18, 2024: This proxy statement and our 2023 Annual Report to Stockholders (the “2023 Annual Report”) are available at www.proxydocs.com/BKD.

By Order of the meeting.Board of Directors

LOGO

Chad C. White

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary


Table of Contents

Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

2024 Proxy Statement

Proxy Statement Summaryiii
By Order of the Board of Directors
Chad C. White
Secretary
Brentwood, Tennessee
August 14, 2017
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AND VOTED AT THE MEETING. IN ADDITION TO VOTING IN PERSON, STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD MAY VOTE VIA A TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER OR OVER THE INTERNET. STOCKHOLDERS WHO RECEIVED A PAPER COPY OF THE PROXY STATEMENT AND 2016 ANNUAL REPORT BY MAIL MAY ALSO VOTE BY COMPLETING, SIGNING AND MAILING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE RETURN ENVELOPE PROVIDED. NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF THE PROXY CARD IS MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE VOTE BY ONE OF THESE THREE METHODS.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1
Matters to be Considered at the Annual MeetingProposal 1: Election of Directors5

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy MaterialsBoard Composition

5

5

6

6

7

7

7
8
Corporate Governance13

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

13

Director Independence

13

Board Leadership Structure

13

Risk Oversight

13

Social and Environmental Responsibility

14

Meetings of the Board

14

Communications from Stockholders

  
14

15
Agreement with Respect to Marcus E. BromleyDirector Compensation17

Legal Proceedings Involving Directors, Officers or AffiliatesNon-Employee Director Compensation Program

17

18

18

19
20
Executive Compensation  
22

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

22

44

45

47

49

50

50

50

51





Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this proxy statement and accompanying Chairman’s letter constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding the Company’s intent, belief, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “plan,” “target,” or other similar words or expressions, and include statements regarding the Company’s expected financial and operational results. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations, and the Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although the Company believes that expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its assumptions or expectations will be attained and actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and future prospects or which could cause events or circumstances to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in such SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s views as of the date of this proxy statement. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and, except as required by law, it expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this proxy statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.

ii  

LOGO


Proxy Statement Summary 

Information about the Annual Meeting

Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, we strongly encourage you to vote as soon as possible to ensure your shares are represented and voted at the meeting. See page 4 for more details about attending the Annual Meeting.

Date and Time

Location

Record Date

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
10:00 a.m. Central Time
Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
111 Westwood Place
Brentwood, Tennessee
April 22, 2024

2024 Proposals

The Board recommends that you vote as follows. If you properly submit your proxy and do not specify how your shares are to be voted, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.

Proposals

Unanimous
Recommendation of the
Board

Page Reference 

(for more detail) 

1.  Election of eight director nominees to the Board, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting

FOR
each nominee

5

2. Advisory approval of our named executive officer compensation

FOR66

3. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for 2024

FOR67

4.  Approval of the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

FOR70

How to Vote

You can submit your proxy vote by any of the following methods:

LOGO

You can vote your shares
online at
www.proxypush.com/BKD

through 11:59 p.m. Eastern
time on June 17, 2024

LOGO

You can vote your shares
by calling
(844) 326-5741 toll free

through 11:59 p.m. Eastern
time on June 17, 2024

LOGO

You can complete, sign,
date, and return your
proxy card or voting
instruction form in the
postage-paid envelope
provided

LOGO

You can vote your shares
by attending the 2024
Annual Meeting and
voting in person

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  iii


Proxy Statement Summary

Director Nominees

Our Board is currently composed of eight directors. The Board has unanimously nominated six of the eight current directors for election, and Claudia Napal Drayton and Elizabeth Burnham Mace for election as new directors, at the 2024 Annual Meeting, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting. The Board believes that Ms. Drayton’s decades of experience as a Chief Financial Officer in the healthcare industry and public company board experience, and Ms. Mace’s extensive knowledge of the senior housing industry through her prior role with the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) will enhance the Board’s collective skill and experience. For more information regarding Mses. Drayton and Mace, and the Board’s and the Nominating and Corporate Governance (NCG) Committee’s process for identifying and selecting these nominees, see “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” beginning on page 5 of this proxy statement. The new nominees elected at the 2024 Annual Meeting will succeed Non-Executive Chairman, Guy P. Sansone, and current director, Marcus E. Bromley, who have given notice that they will not be standing for reelection at the Company’s 2024 Annual Meeting and will retire from the Board upon the expiration of their terms at the Annual Meeting.

Board Composition

The Board seeks composition of its members that reflects an appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity in order to support our business strategy. The following tables reflect the experience and core competencies, and the diversity, of the director nominees and continuing directors.

Experience and Core
Competencies
AsherBaierBumsteadDraytonFreedMaceWarrenWielansky

Current or Former CEO

Current or Former CFO

  

Senior Housing

  

Healthcare (Operations & Strategy)

  

Healthcare (Clinical)

  

Hospitality

  

Sales & Marketing

Real Estate

Finance / Economics

Mergers & Acquisitions

Risk Management

Other Public Board Service



iv  

LOGO



Commitment to Governance Practices

Table of Contents

Board Demographic Matrix

Commitment to Board Diversity

Total Number of Directors

8The Board is committed to having a slate of nominees who represent various fields of experience, knowledge, and thought, as well as personal backgrounds. Assuming election of the full slate of nominees, the Board would include 62% women, 12% people of color, and 25% U.S. veteran representation. Ms. Baier also serves on the NYSE Board Advisory Council, which identifies and connects diverse board candidates to NYSE-listed companies seeking new directors.

Independent Directors

7 (88%)

Average Tenure

6 years

Average Age

66

Female

Male

Gender Identity

5 (62%)

3 (38%)

Hispanic or Latino/a

1 (12%)

– 

White

4 (50%)

3 (38%)

U.S. Veteran

– 

2 (25%)

Commitment to Governance Practices

Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board with robust authority, including to approve Board agendas and call and preside over meetings of the independent directors

Declassified Board such that all directors stand for election for annual terms

Bylaws contain majority voting standard for uncontested director elections

Bylaws contain proxy access procedures

Corporate Governance Guidelines limit service on other public company boards (no more than three for independent directors and no more than one for the CEO)

Annual evaluations of the Board and its committees

Meaningful director stock ownership guidelines (5x annual retainer)

Insider trading policy prohibits directors and executive officers from pledging or hedging Brookdale stock

No stockholder rights plan (poison pill) or similar plan

New director orientation program overseen by Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  v



BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
111 Westwood Place, Suite 400
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
General Information

General Information about the Annual Meeting 

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the "Board"“Board of Directors” or the “Board”) of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Brookdale," (“Brookdale” or the "Company," "we," "us" or "our"“Company”), for use to be voted at the 20172024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Monday, September 25, 2017, includingTuesday, June 18, 2024, and at any adjournments and postponements thereof (the "Annual Meeting").

Date, Time and Placeadjournment or postponement of the meeting (the “Annual Meeting” or the “2024 Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., local time, atMeeting”).

Distribution of Proxy Materials

On or about April 29, 2024, we expect to start mailing to holders of our principal executive office located at 111 Westwood Place, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027. Our main telephone number is (615) 221-2250.

Matters to be Considered at the Annual Meeting
The itemscommon stock (other than those who previously requested electronic or paper delivery of business scheduled to be considered and voted on at the Annual Meeting are:
1.the election of three Class I directors to hold office forproxy materials) a term of three years and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
2.the ratification of the Audit Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the 2017 fiscal year;
3.an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation;
4.an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation; and
5.the approval of the Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
We may also consider such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Important Notice Regarding theof Internet Availability of Proxy Materials
In accordance with rules approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" (“Notice”), we are furnishingwhich explains how to access the proxy materials online and to our stockholders overmake the Internet instead of mailingmaterials available on www.proxydocs.com/BKD. If you receive a Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials. On or about August 14, 2017, we mailed to our stockholders a notice of Internet availability of proxy materials containing instructions onin the mail. Instead, the Notice tells you how to access ourand review the proxy materials including the proxy statement and our 2016 Annual Report, over the Internet, as well asonline. The Notice also tells you how to vote online.submit your proxy via the Internet. If you received a noticeNotice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, and 2016 Annual Report, free of charge, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the notice. The Notice explaining how to request printed materials on a one-time or ongoing basis. Our proxy materials include the notice of 2017the Annual Meeting, this proxy statement, and our 20162023 Annual ReportReport. Copies of these documents also are also available on our website at www.brookdale.com/brookdale.com/proxy.

Except to the extent specifically incorporated herein, information contained or referenced on our website is not incorporated by reference into, and does not form a part of, this proxy statement.

Stockholders Entitled to Vote

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2024, the record date for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to receive notice of, attend, and vote at the Annual Meeting. As of August 1, 2017,the record date, there were outstanding and entitled to vote 186,278,661193,012,561 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (excludes unvestedexcluding restricted shares with respect tostock units (“RSUs”) for which the holders have no voting rights).rights. Each share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote. Stockholders of record at the close of business on August 1, 2017 are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, including any adjournments and postponements thereof. A list of all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for examination at our principal executive office located at 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027,offices for the ten days before the Annual Meeting between 9:00 A.M.a.m. and 5:00 P.M., localp.m. Central time and at the Annual Meeting for any purpose germane to the meeting.

Voting Choices and Recommendations of the Board

With respect to Proposal 1 (Election of Directors), you will have the choice to vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” with respect to each nominee. With respect to all other proposals, you will have the choice to vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.” The Board recommends a vote:

1.

“FOR” the election of each of the eight director nominees to the Board, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”);

2.

“FOR” advisory approval of our named executive officer compensation;

3.

“FOR” ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) as independent registered public accounting firm for 2024.

4.

“FOR” approval of the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  1


General Information about the Annual Meeting

Stockholders of Record and Beneficial Holders

If your shares of common stock are owned directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (f/k/a American Stock Transfer & Trust Company), you are considered a registered holder of those shares. If you are the beneficial owner of shares of common stock held by a broker or other custodian, you hold those shares in “street name” and are not a registered stockholder. If you hold your shares in “street name,” your broker or other custodian will vote your shares as you direct. However, if you do not give specific voting instructions to your broker, generally your broker will have discretion to vote your shares on routine matters but will not have discretion to vote your shares on non-routine matters. When the broker exercises its discretion to vote on routine matters in the absence of voting instructions from you, a broker non-vote occurs with respect to the non-routine matters since the broker will not have discretion to vote on such non-routine matters. The election of directors (Proposal 1), the advisory approval of our named executive officer compensation (Proposal 2) and the approval of the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Proposal 4) will be considered non-routine matters. The ratification of the appointment of EY (Proposal 3) will be considered a routine matter. Therefore, if you hold your shares in “street name” and do not submit voting instructions to your broker or other custodian, they will only be authorized to vote your shares on Proposal 3.

Quorum

Requirement

The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on August 1, 2017the record date will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

We will count abstentions and shares held in "street name" by brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have discretionary authority to vote the shares as to a particular matter ("broker non-votes")non-votes for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.quorum. If a quorum is not present, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned by the chairman of the meeting or by the vote of a majority of the shares represented at the Annual Meeting until a quorum has been obtained.

Voting Instructions and Information

 Voting Instructions

Required Vote
For the election of director nominees, the affirmative

You may vote of a plurality of all the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directorsor in person at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, is sufficientyou are encouraged to elect the nominee if a quorum is present,vote as provided in our Amendedsoon as possible to ensure that your shares are represented and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, each as amended to date. However, the Board has adopted a majority voting policy applicable to uncontested elections of directors, which is set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. As required by the policy, each of the director nominees has submitted an irrevocable resignation, which will be effective contingent upon such nominee's not receiving a majority of the votes cast in the election of directors and acceptance of the resignation by the Board. If any such director nominee fails to receive more votes cast "for" than "against" such nominee in the election (with "abstentions" and "broker non-votes" not counted as a vote cast either "for" or "against" such director's election), the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. See "Proposal 1––Election of Directors––Majority Voting for Directors" in this proxy statement for more information about the majority voting policy.

For each of Proposal 2 (ratification of the Audit Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the 2017 fiscal year), Proposal 3 (advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation), Proposal 4 (advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation), Proposal 5 (approval of the Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan) and any other business properly presentedvoted at the Annual Meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter is required for approval of the matter. Notwithstanding this vote standard, please be advised that Proposal 3 and Proposal 4 are advisory only and results of voting are not binding on the Company. With respect to Proposal 4, if no frequency option receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the matter, the Board will consider the option receiving the highest number of votes as the preferred option of our stockholders. The Board will consider the outcome of the vote on these non-binding matters in considering what action, if any, should be taken in response to the advisory votes by stockholders.

If you properly sign and return your proxy card or complete your proxy via the telephone or Internet, your shares will be voted as you direct. If you sign and return your proxy but do not specify how you want your shares voted, the shares of common stock represented by the proxy will be voted as follows:
FOR the election of the director nominees named herein;
FOR the ratification of the Audit Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the 2017 fiscal year;
FOR the approval of the compensation paid to the named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables);
For the frequency of ONE YEAR on the advisory vote regarding the frequency of future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation;
FOR the approval of the Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and
in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders as to any other matters that may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting, including any adjournments and postponements thereof.
In the election of directors, abstentions will be disregarded and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. For each of Proposal 2, Proposal 3, Proposal 4 and Proposal 5, abstentions from voting will have the same effect as voting against such matter.
Meeting. If you hold your shares as a record holder, you may vote your shares by proxy via the phone or the Internet by following the instructions provided on your Notice or proxy card or, if you received a printed set of proxy materials by mail, by completing, signing, dating, and returning your proxy card in street namethe postage-paid envelope provided. If you hold your shares through a brokerage account, you should have received access to this proxy material from your bank, broker or other holder of record withcustodian, please follow the instructions on how to instructyou received from the holder of record to vote your shares. If you do not submit voting instructions

 Revoking or Changing Your Vote

Stockholders of record may revoke their proxy or change their vote at any time prior to your broker, your broker will not be authorized to vote your shares on anyexercise of the mattersproxy at the Annual Meeting other than Proposal 2. If your broker exercises its discretion to vote on Proposal 2, your shares will be counted as present for the purpose of determining the presence ofby:

Delivering a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will be voted on Proposal 2, but your shares will constitute "broker non-votes" on each of the other proposals at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of such other proposals.

Voting
You may vote on the Internet, by telephone, by mail, or in person at the Annual Meeting. To vote by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions there. You will need the 16 digit number included on your proxy card, voter instruction form or notice. To vote by telephone, registered stockholders should dial (800) 690-6903 and follow the instructions. Beneficial holders should dial the phone number listed on your voter instruction form. You will need the 16 digit number included on your proxy card, voter instruction form or notice.
If you received awritten notice and wish to vote by traditional proxy card, you can receive a full set of materials at no charge through one of the following methods:
by Internet: www.proxyvote.com
by phone: (800) 579-1639
by email: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com (your email should contain the 16 digit number in the subject line).

The deadline for voting by telephone or electronically is 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on September 24, 2017. If you are a registered stockholder and attend the meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card in person. "Street name" stockholders who wish to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds their shares. Submitting your vote by mail or via the Internet or telephone will not affect your right to vote in person should you decide to attend the Annual Meeting. For directions to the Annual Meeting, please contact our Investor Relations Department at (615) 221-2250.
Revocability of Proxy
Any stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised. You may revoke the proxy by filing an instrument of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date (including by means of a telephone or Internet vote) withto our Secretary at 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027. You may also revoke37027;

Submitting another properly completed proxy card with a later date;

Submitting another timely proxy by attendingvia the phone or the Internet through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 17, 2024; or

Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. If not revoked, we

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Voting Instructions and Information

Stockholders holding shares beneficially in street name should contact their broker or other custodian for instructions on how to revoke or change their voting instructions. For all methods of voting, the last vote properly cast will vote the proxysupersede all previous votes. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically make that request or vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

 Voting of Proxies

If you properly submit your signed proxy card or voting instruction form, or complete your proxy by telephone or the Internet, your shares will be voted as you direct or will be voted as specified in the above Board recommendations if you do not direct a particular vote. With respect to director elections, should any nominee be unable to serve, the persons designated as proxies reserve full discretion to vote for another person. The Board currently has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve if elected.

The Board does not intend to bring any other business before the Annual Meeting, and it does not know of any other matters that may come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented at the meeting, proxies will be voted in accordance with your instructions.

Persons Making the Solicitation
This proxy statement is sent on behalfjudgment of the persons designated as proxies.

Vote Required to Approve Proposals

The following table summarizes the votes required for passage of each proposal and the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes.

Proposal

Vote required for approvalEffect of
Abstentions

Effect of
Broker Non-

Votes

1.  Election of directors

Majority of votes cast with respect to each director

No effect

No effect

2.  Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation (say-on-pay)

Majority of shares present and entitled to vote on the matter

Against

No effect

3.  Ratification of appointment of independent registered public accounting firm for 2024

Majority of shares present and entitled to vote on the matter

Against

N/A

4.  Approval of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Majority of shares present and entitled to vote on the matter

Against

No effect

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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General Information about the Annual Meeting

Attending the Annual Meeting

Only stockholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, and invited guests of the Company may attend the Annual Meeting. Admission to the Annual Meeting will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. Central time. In order to be admitted, you should:

bring current, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, and proof of ownership of common stock on the record date. If you are being soliciteda holder of record, your identity will be checked against a list of registered holders at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares in street name, a recent brokerage statement or a letter from your bank, broker, trustee, or other nominee are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares held in street name in person, you must obtain a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, trustee, or other nominee that holds your shares of common stock;

leave your camera at home because cameras, transmission, broadcasting, and other recording devices will not be permitted in the meeting room;

be prepared to comply with security requirements, which may include, among other security measures, security guards searching all bags and attendees passing through a metal detector; and

arrive shortly after 9:30 a.m. Central time to ensure that you are seated by the Board. We will bear all costsstart of the solicitationAnnual Meeting.

Any holder of proxies. In addition to solicitations by mail, our directors, officersa proxy from a stockholder must present a properly executed legal proxy and regular employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxiesa copy of the proof of ownership. If you do not provide photo identification and comply with the other procedures outlined above for attending the Annual Meeting in person, or by telephone, email or other electronic means. Weyou will request brokers, banks, custodians and other fiduciaries to forward proxy soliciting materialnot be admitted to the beneficial ownersAnnual Meeting.

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors 

The Board is currently composed of stock they holdeight directors, and each of record. Wetheir terms will reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection withexpire at the distribution2024 Annual Meeting. The Board has unanimously nominated six of the proxy materials.

Recommendations ofeight current directors for election at the Board
The Board recommends a vote:
FOR the election of the director nominees named herein;
FOR the ratification of the Audit Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the 2017 fiscal year;
FOR the approval of the compensation paid to the named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables);
For the frequency of ONE YEAR on the advisory vote regarding the frequency of future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation; and
FOR the approval of the Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan.


PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The first proposal is to elect three Class I directors2024 Annual Meeting, each to hold office for a one-yearterm of three years and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting. The Board is divided into three classes of directors. The current terms of the Class I, Class IIhas also unanimously nominated Claudia Napal Drayton and Class IIIElizabeth Burnham Mace to serve as new directors will expirefor a one-year term expiring at the annual meetings of stockholders to be held in 2017, 20192025 Annual Meeting, and 2018, respectively. The current Class I directors are Frank M. Bumstead, Daniel A. Decker and T. Andrew Smith, and the Board has proposed each of them has agreed to serve if elected. The Board believes that Ms. Drayton’s decades of experience as a Chief Financial Officer in the healthcare industry and public company board experience, and Ms. Mace’s extensive knowledge of the senior housing industry through her prior role with NIC will enhance the Board’s collective skill and experience. Each of the nominees was identified through the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s search process. As a part of its process, the Committee focused its efforts on identifying leaders with a strong financial background and was committed to ensuring it included diverse representation. Ms. Drayton was referred to the Committee through Women Corporate Directors. Ms. Mace was recommended to the Board by Ms. Baier, based on her knowledge of Ms. Mace and professional qualifications, including through her prior role with NIC. Other members of the Board were also familiar with Ms. Mace through her prior role with NIC. We did not employ a search firm or pay fees to any third-parties in connection with seeking or evaluating Board nominee for re-election as a Class I director. If elected at the Annual Meeting, each of Messrs. Bumstead, Decker and Smith will hold office until the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to earlier retirement, resignation or removal. candidates.

If any of the nominees becomes unavailable or unwilling to serve, an event that the Board does not presently expect, wethe named proxies will vote the shares represented by proxies for the election of directors for the election of such other person(s) as the Board may recommend.

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, If elected, Mses. Drayton and Mace will succeed Non-Executive Chairman, Guy P. Sansone, and current director, Marcus E. Bromley, who have given notice that they will not be standing for reelection at the general policy2024 Annual Meeting and will retire from the Board upon the expiration of their terms at the Annual Meeting.

The Company’s Bylaws provide that the election of director nominees at the 2024 Annual Meeting will be by the vote of the Board is that nomajority of the votes cast with respect to each director’s election. Accordingly, each director who is 75 or oldernominee will be elected if he or she receives more votes “FOR” his or her election than “AGAINST” his or her election. Shares that are not voted in the election of directors, including abstentions and broker non-votes, have no direct effect in the election of directors. Those shares, however, are taken into account in determining whether a sufficient number of shares are present to establish a quorum.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each of the eight director nominees nominated by the Board, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise instructed, the named proxies will vote all proxies we receive “FOR” the election of the Board’s nominees.

Board Composition

The process for re-election to theevaluating our Board which policy may be waived in individual cases. In light of Mr. Bumstead's valuable contributions to the Board, his significant experiencecomposition and his knowledge of the senior housing industry,identifying and evaluating director candidates is outlined below. Through this process, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended, andhas approached refreshment of the Board approved,by focusing on its collective skills and experience with new directors who have decades of finance, operations, sales and marketing, analytical, and clinical experience in the senior housing, hospitality, and healthcare industries. Following the Annual Meeting, the average tenure of the Board will be equal to approximately six years.

 Annual Evaluation of Board Composition

At least annually the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks input from each director regarding the composition of the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses these results to assess with the Board whether the Board’s composition reflects an exceptionappropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity in order to this policysupport our business strategy. From time to time, the Nominating and Corporate

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Governance Committee may also seek and receive input from certain stockholders regarding the skills, experience, and other characteristics that stockholders believe would be beneficial to our Board composition. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also reviews the size of the Board and, if deemed appropriate, will recommend to the Board any changes to its size.

 Identifying Director Candidates

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may engage an independent search firm to conduct targeted searches to identify well-qualified candidates who meet the needs of the Board. When an independent search firm is used, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee retains the firm and approves payment of its fees. Potential director candidates may also be identified by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by asking current directors and executive officers to notify the committee if they become aware of candidates who possess skills, experience, or other characteristics needed for Mr. Bumstead.

the Board.

The Board recommends that you vote FORNominating and Corporate Governance Committee also will consider candidates recommended by stockholders, and its process for evaluating stockholder-recommended candidates is no different than its process for evaluating candidates suggested by search firms, directors, or executive officers. To make a formal nomination of a director candidate, a stockholder must comply with either the electionproxy access or advance notice provisions of Messrs. Bumstead, Deckerour Bylaws. Proxy access permits a stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning at least three percent of our outstanding common stock continuously for at least three years, to nominate and Smith to serve as Class I directors until the 2020include in our annual meeting proxy materials director nominees constituting up to the greater of two director nominees or 20% of the number of directors in office (rounded down to the nearest whole number), provided that the stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Unless otherwise instructed, we will vote all proxies we receive FORnominees satisfy the election of Messrs. Bumstead, Decker and Smith.

Information Concerning Directors and Director Nominees
Set forth below is certain biographical informationrequirements specified in our Bylaws. See “Stockholder Proposals for our directors. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"2025 Annual Meeting” in this proxy statement for a description of securities beneficially owned by our directors.
NameAgePosition with BrookdaleClass
Daniel A. Decker64Executive Chairman of the BoardClass I
T. Andrew Smith57President, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorClass I
Marcus E. Bromley68DirectorClass III
Frank M. Bumstead75DirectorClass I
Jackie M. Clegg55DirectorClass II
Jeffrey R. Leeds71DirectorClass III
William G. Petty, Jr.71DirectorClass II
James R. Seward64DirectorClass II
Lee S. Wielansky66DirectorClass III
Daniel A. Decker has been investing infurther information regarding the senior living industryprocess for more than 25 years. He joined the Board in October 2015 as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, and was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board effective November 1, 2016. Mr. Decker is the President and owner of CoastWood Senior Housing Partners, LLC, an investment firm specializing in seniors housing and related services, which he founded in 2006. In January 2013, CoastWood joined with KKR and Beecken Petty O'Keefe & Companystockholders to acquire the operations of Sunrise Senior Living, one of the leading operators of assisted living properties in the United States. The group sold its interest in Sunrise in 2014. Prior to forming CoastWood, Mr. Decker was a partner from 1990 to 2006 at The Hampstead Group, LLC, a private equity firm with a focus on real estate related, operating intensive businesses such as lodging

and seniors housing. Mr. Decker was an attorney at the law firm of Decker, Hardt, Kopf, Harr, Munsch & Dinan (now known as Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.) from 1985 to 1990, which he co-founded in 1985, and was an attorney at Winstead PC from 1980 to 1985. Mr. Decker served on the Boards of Directors of Sentio Healthcare Properties, Inc. (a public, non-listed REIT) from March 2013 until September 2015, during which time he served as a member of the Investment Committee, and Health Care REIT, Inc. from October 2011 until August 2012, during which time he served as a member of the Audit, Investment, Nominating/Corporate Governance and Planning Committees. Mr. Decker also has served on the boards of directors of several other public companies, including Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (where he served as Executive Chairman and then as Chairman of the Board), Bristol Hotel Company, Wyndham Hotel Companyformally nominate director candidates and the Forum Group. Mr. Decker earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mr. Decker’s significant experience in the senior living and real estate industries, as well as his extensive strategic, investment and transactional experience, leddeadlines for making such nominations. Stockholders who wish to the conclusion that he should serve assubmit a member of the Board.
T. Andrew Smith has over 25 years of experience in seniors housing, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and capital markets transactions, corporate finance and healthcare. Mr. Smith has served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 2013, as our President since March 2016, and as a member of the Board since June 2014. From October 2006nomination are encouraged to February 2013, Mr. Smith served as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. In addition to his role in managing our legal affairs, Mr. Smith was responsible for the management and oversight of our corporate development functions (including acquisitions and expansion and development activity); corporate finance (including capital structure, debt and lease transactions and lender/lessor relations); strategic planning; and risk management. Prior to joining Brookdale, Mr. Smith served as a member of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC's corporate and securities group and as chair of the firm's healthcare group. During his tenure at Bass, Berry & Sims (1985 to 2006), Mr. Smith represented American Retirement Corporation as outside General Counsel. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Nashville Health Care Council, Argentum and the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) and as a member of the executive board of the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA). Mr. Smith’s knowledge of the senior housing industry and his experience as our President and Chief Executive Officer, and previously as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
Marcus E. Bromley joined Brookdale’s Board in July 2017 as anseek independent director and brings more than 35 years of real estate industry leadership experience. He served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Gables Residential Trust from 1993 until 2000, and then as a member of its board until the company was acquired in 2005. Prior to joining Gables Residential Trust, Mr. Bromley was a division partner for the Southeast operation of Trammell Crow Residential Company. Mr. Bromley has served as a member of the board of Cole Credit Property Trust V, Inc., a non-listed real estate investment trust, since March 2015 and as its non-executive chairman since June 2015. Mr. Bromley also currently serves as a member of the advisory board of Nancy Creek Capital Management, LLC, a private mezzanine debt and equity investment firm. Previously, Mr. Bromley served as a member of the boards of Cole Corporate Income Trust, Inc. from January 2011 until January 2015, of Cole Credit Property Trust II, Inc. from 2005 until July 2013, and of Cole Credit Property Trust III, Inc. from 2008 until 2012, each of which was a non-listed real estate investment trust. Mr. Bromley holds a B.S. in Economics from Washington & Lee University and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina. Mr. Bromley's significant executive, leadership and advisory experience in the real estate industry led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
Frank M. Bumstead has over 40 years’ experience in the field of business and investment management and financial and investment advisory services. He also has represented buyers and sellers in a number of merger and acquisition transactions, including the sale of CMT (now a nationwide cable network) from its previous owners to Gaylord Entertainment, Inc. Mr. Bumstead is the chairman and a principal shareholder of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc., a business management firm that represents artists, songwriters and producers in the music industry as well as athletes and other high net worth clients. He has been with the firm since 1989. From 1993 to December 1998, Mr. Bumstead served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FBMS Financial, Inc., an investment advisor registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Mr. Bumstead joined the Board in August 2006 and is an independent director. Prior to our acquisition of ARC, Mr. Bumstead served as the Lead Director of

ARC, where he had served as a member of the board of directors for 11 years. He served in 2015 as Chairman of the board of directors of the Country Music Association and is also Vice Chairman of the board of directors and Chairman of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Memorial Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation. He also currently serves on the board of directors of Nashville Wire Products, Inc. Mr. Bumstead has also served as a director and as a member of the Audit Committee of Syntroleum Corporation. He also has previously served on the boards of the Dede Wallace Center, The American Red Cross, ECA, Inc., American Constructors, Inc., American Fine Wire, Inc., Junior Achievement of Nashville, and Watkins Institute. In addition, he previously served as a member of the board of advisors of United Supermarkets of Texas, LLC and was Chairman of its Finance and Audit Committee. Mr. Bumstead received a B.B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University and a Masters of Business Management from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management. Mr. Bumstead’s experience in business management and as a director of several public companies, along with his knowledge of the senior housing industry (through his prior service as a director of ARC), led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
The Honorable Jackie M. Clegg brings robust transactional and financial experience, along with expertise in corporate governance and public policy, through her work as a strategic consultant, in government service and as a director of a number of public companies. Ms. Clegg joined the Board in November 2005 as an independent director. Ms. Clegg founded the strategic consulting firm Clegg International Consultants, LLC, and has served as its Managing Partner since 2001. Ms. Clegg was nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and First Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the official export credit institution of the United States of America, serving from June 1997 through July 2001, and served as Chief Operating Officer from January 1999 to September 2000. In her role with the Export-Import Bank, Ms. Clegg had direct supervisory responsibilities for the financial operations of the Export-Import Bank and was responsible for financing more than $50 billion in U.S. exports and a portfolio of $65 billion, budgeting decisions for the Export-Import Bank’s operational and program budgets and opening Export-Import Bank programs in several countries. Ms. Clegg also served as chair of the Loan and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors and as chair of the Budget Task Force and the Technology and Pricing Committees of the Export-Import Bank. Ms. Clegg had previously served as the Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank from April 1993 through June 1997. Prior to her Export-Import Bank service, Ms. Clegg worked in the U.S. Senate, focusing on international finance and monetary policy, national security and foreign affairs. She was the principal staff member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on International Finance & Monetary Policy. She was responsible for developing strategy and for drafting legislation, including changes to the Export Administration Act, the Credit Reform Act, the Defense Production Act and Fair Trade in Financial Services legislation, among others. She also served as an associate staff member for the Senate Appropriations Committee for approximately ten years. Ms. Clegg also draws on her significant experience in service on the boards of directors of public companies and private organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors and chairs the Audit Committee of the Public Welfare Foundation. She has previously served as a director of IPC Holdings, Ltd., a company that provided property casualty catastrophe insurance coverage, and Blockbuster, Inc., which had over 6,500 retail locations. Additionally, she served as a director of CME Group Inc. (the parent company of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange), the Chicago Board of Trade, Cardiome Pharma Corp. and Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She previously chaired the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of Blockbuster, Inc., IPC Holdings, Ltd. and Cardiome Pharma Corp. and the Audit Committees of the IPC Holdings, Ltd., Chicago Board of Trade, Cardiome Pharma Corp. and Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She has also chaired and served on numerous special committees overseeing mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions and has helped companies through the IPO process. Based on her current and former positions and directorships, Ms. Clegg has gained significant financial, corporate governance, public policy, infrastructure, and real estate experience. Ms. Clegg’s extensive transactional and financial experience, as well as her experience in the public sector and as a director of numerous public companies (including her service as chairman of the foregoing standing and special committees) led to the conclusion that she should serve as a member of the Board.
Jeffrey R. Leeds is a financial services industry veteran with extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, capital markets and public company management. Mr. Leeds retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GreenPoint Financial Corporation and GreenPoint Bank in October 2004, having served since January 1999. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President, Finance and Senior Vice President and Treasurer of GreenPoint. Prior to GreenPoint, Mr. Leeds was with Chemical Bank for 14 years, having held positions as Head

of Asset and Liability Management, Proprietary Trading and Chief Money Market Economist. Mr. Leeds has been an independent member of the Board since November 2005 and served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from June 2012 through September 2015. He previously served as a director and chair of the Audit Committee of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC and as a director and Audit Committee member of United Western Bancorp. Mr. Leeds received a B.A. in economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA and M.Ph. from Columbia University. Mr. Leeds’ experience as an executive and principal financial officer, along with his extensive financial industry and transactional expertise, led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
William G. Petty, Jr. brings to Brookdale nearly 30 years of experience in the healthcare services industry, as well as extensive operational, investment and transactional experience in the senior living industry, and a robust background in finance. He joined the Board in December 2014 and is an independent director. Mr. Petty is a partner of Beecken Petty O'Keefe & Company, a private equity management firm he co-founded in 1996, which currently has approximately $1.3 billion under management. Mr. Petty’s prior leadership experience includes service as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sunrise Senior Living, Inc. from January 2013 to April 2014; as Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Living Services, Inc./Alterra Healthcare Corporation from 1993 to 1996 and as its Chairman from 1993 to 2000; as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Healthcare, Inc. and as a director of that company’s publicly-traded successors (GranCare, Inc. and Mariner Health Care Inc.); and as a director and member of the executive committee of Forum Group, Inc. In 1985, he co-founded Omega Capital Ltd., a private investment fund focused on the healthcare industry, which formed Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., a healthcare REIT, during his tenure as managing director. In addition, he has served on the boards of directors of several Beecken Petty portfolio companies. Mr. Petty received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois. Mr. Petty’s significant executive experience in the senior living and healthcare services industries, as well as his extensive operational, investment and transactional experience, led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
James R. Seward has extensive experience in senior management and oversight in the investment sector, including significant experience in mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. Mr. Seward is a Chartered Financial Analyst and, since 2000, has been a private investor. Previously, Mr. Seward was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and director of Seafield Capital Corporation, a publicly-traded investment holding company. In that capacity, Mr. Seward also served as a director and as a member of the executive committee of LabOne, a provider of health screening and risk assessment services to life insurance companies and clinical diagnostic testing services to healthcare providers, until LabOne was sold to Quest Diagnostics in 2005. Mr. Seward also previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President of SLH Corporation, a spin-off of Seafield Capital Corporation. Mr. Seward joined the Board in November 2008 and is an independent director. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Audit Committee of RBC Funds, a registered investment company. He previously served as a director of ARC and has also served as a member of the board of directors and Audit Committee of Syntroleum Corporation. Mr. Seward received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baker University, a Masters in Public Administration, City Management from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Business Administration, Finance from the University of Kansas. Mr. Seward’s experience and credentials in investing and finance, along with his knowledge of both the senior housing industry (through his prior service as a director of ARC) and the health care industry (through his prior service as a director of LabOne), led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
Lee S. Wielansky has more than 40 years of commercial real estate investment, management and development experience. Mr. Wielansky currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Midland Development Group, Inc., which was re-started in 2003 and focuses on the development of retail properties in the mid-west and southeast, and as Chairman and CEO of Opportunistic Equities, which specializes in low income housing. Mr. Wielansky was previously President and CEO of JDN Development Company, Inc., which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of JDN Realty Corporation, a publicly-traded REIT with more than $1 billion in assets that was acquired by Developers Diversified Realty Corporation. Before joining JDN, he served as Managing Director – Investments of Regency Centers Corporation, a publicly-traded REIT and a leading owner, operator and developer of shopping centers in the United States, which in 1998 acquired Midland Development Group, a retail properties development company co-founded by Mr. Wielansky in 1983. Mr. Wielansky joined the Board in April 2015 and is an independent director. He also serves as Lead Trustee of Acadia Realty Trust, a publicly-traded REIT focused on the ownership,

acquisition, redevelopment and management of commercial retail properties in the United States, is a director of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., and served as a director of Pulaski Financial Corp. from 2005 to 2016. He also serves on the Foundation board of Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJC). Mr. Wielansky received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a major in Real Estate and Finance, from the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he is currently a member of the Strategic Development Board of the college of business. Mr. Wielansky’s real estate investment, management and development experience, as well as his service as a director of several public companies, led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.
Agreement with Respect to Marcus E. Bromley
On July 25, 2017, we entered into an agreement (the “Standstill Agreement”) with Land & Buildings Investment Management, LLC and certain affiliates thereof (collectively, “Land & Buildings”). On such date, Land & Buildings beneficially owned approximately 1.1% of our outstanding common stock. Pursuant to the Standstill Agreement, we agreed to cause the Board to appoint, and the Board did appoint, Mr. Bromley to the Board as a Class III director on July 25, 2017 to serve until the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders. Under the Standstill Agreement, if prior to the deadline for submission of stockholder nominations for the Annual Meeting we had received notice of a stockholder nomination of candidate(s) for election as director(s) at the Annual Meeting and the director candidate(s) proposed in such nomination was either (i) elected by stockholders at the Annual Meeting or (ii) appointed to the Board pursuant to a settlement agreement between us and the nominating stockholder, Mr. Bromley agreed to resign immediately from the Board and applicable committees thereof. We also agreed that effective upon Mr. Bromley's appointment to the Board, we would cause the Board to appoint, and the Board did appoint, Mr. Bromley to each of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee of the Board. We also agreed to ensure that during the Standstill Period (as defined below), any new committee of the Board that may be established includes Mr. Bromley. Additionally, if, during the Standstill Period, Mr. Bromley is unable to serve as a director for any reason, resigns as a director or is removed as a director and at such time Land & Buildings beneficially owns at least 1% of our then outstanding common stock, then the Board and Land & Buildings will work together in good faith to identify and select a replacement director in accordance with the terms of the Standstill Agreement.
Under the terms of the Standstill Agreement, the Company also agreed to cause the Board and all applicable committees thereof to review and consult with Land & Buildings regarding the composition of the Board prior to the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders and to consider, if appropriate after such review and consultation with Land & Buildings, changing such Board composition, including by appointing or nominating a new member of the Board who meets the requisite qualifications and skill set needs of the Board.
Pursuant to the Standstill Agreement, Land & Buildings agreed that it will not, directly or indirectly, (i) nominate or recommend for nomination any person for election as a director at the Annual Meeting, (ii) submit any proposal for consideration at, or bring any other business before, the Annual Meeting, (iii) initiate, encourage or participate in any “withhold” or similar campaign with respect to the Annual Meeting or (iv) publicly or privately encourage or support any other current or future stockholder to take any of the actions set forth in the preceding clauses (i) through (iii).
Under the terms of the Standstill Agreement, during the period from July 25, 2017 until the earlier of (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the deadline for the submission of stockholder nominations for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to our Amended and Restated Bylaws or (y) June 30, 2018 (the “Standstill Period”), Land & Buildings agreed, among other things, not to (i) engage in any solicitation of proxies or consents with respect to securities of the Company, (ii) seek representation on the Board or (iii) make any proposal, affirmatively solicit or publicly or privately encourage a third party to make or support an offer or proposal, engage in discussions with any person in connection with an offer or proposal or comment on any proposal (prior to such proposal becoming public) regarding any merger, acquisition, recapitalization, restructuring, reorganization, disposition or other business combination involving, or relating to, the Company, its business, operations or structure. In addition, at each annual or special meeting of stockholders held during the Standstill Period, Land & Buildings agreed to vote all of its shares of our common stock (i) in favor of the election of the slate of directors nominated by the Board, (ii) against the removal of any member of the Board and (iii) in accordance with the

Board’s recommendation with respect to any other proposal presented at such annual or special meeting of the Company’s stockholders; provided, however, that if Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) issues a recommendation with respect to any matter (other than a proposal relating to the election or removal of directors) that is different from the recommendation of the Board, Land & Buildings will have the right to vote in accordance with such ISS recommendation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Land & Buildings may vote as it wishes on any proposed transaction that would result in a change of control or liquidation of the Company to the extent that the Board submits any such proposed transaction to our stockholders for approval. Each of the parties to the Standstill Agreement also agreed to mutual non-disparagement obligations.
Legal Proceedings Involving Directors, Officers or Affiliates
There are no legal proceedings ongoing as to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of any class of voting securities of the Company, or any associate of any such director, officer, affiliate of the Company, or security holder is a party adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or any of our affiliates.
Director Independence
The Board has affirmatively determined that Ms. Clegg and Messrs. Bromley, Bumstead, Leeds, Petty, Seward and Wielansky are “independent” under Section 303A.02 of the listing standards of the NYSE, and that Mark J. Parrell was independent prior to his resignation from the Board effective on July 24, 2017. In each case, the Board affirmatively determined that none of such individuals had a material relationship with the Company. In making these determinations, the Board considered all relevant facts and circumstances, as required by applicable NYSE listing standards.
There were no transactions, relationships or arrangements not disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K that were considered by the Board in making the required independence determinations. None of the directors that were deemed independent had any relationship with us (other than as a director or stockholder).
Compensation of Directors
The director compensation program for 2016 and currently in effect for 2017 available to each director who is not an employee or consultant of ours (other than Mr. Decker, whose compensation arrangements are described separately below) consists of (i) an annual cash retainer; (ii) an additional cash retainer for serving as Chair of the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance or Investment Committees; (iii) an annual award of immediately vested common stock; and (iv) cash meeting fees. In addition, under this program each new independent director joining the Board is awarded shares of time-based restricted stock. Details regarding our non-

employee director compensation program and the compensation arrangements available to Mr. Decker for his service as a Class I director and as Chairman of the Board are described below.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Program
During 2016, the Compensation Committee conducted its annual review of the non-employee director compensation program applicable to each non-employee director (other than Mr. Decker, whose compensation arrangements are described separately below), including receiving a report from F.W. Cook & Co, Inc. ("F.W. Cook") of the practices of the peer group utilized by the Committee when reviewing our executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee determined not to make any changes to the non-employee director compensation program. Our non-employee director compensation program consists of the following elements:
Non-Employee Director Compensation Program for 2016
Cash Fees
Annual Retainer$100,000
Annual Committee Chair Retainers:
Audit$20,000
Compensation/Nominating and Corporate Governance$15,000
Investment$10,000
Meeting Fees
Per Board Meeting Attended$3,000
Per Committee Meeting Attended$2,000
Equity Awards
Annual Grant of Immediately Vested Stock$100,000
Initial Grant of Restricted Stock (for new directors)$100,000
Cash Fees. All of the cash amounts are payable quarterly in arrears. Applicable cash retainers are pro-rated to reflect a partial year’s service for directors who serve on the Board or as Chair of a standing committee for less than the full year. Cash meeting fees are paid to a director or committee member for attendance in person or telephonically. Each director has the opportunity to elect to receive either immediately vested shares or restricted stock units in lieu of up to 50% of their quarterly cash compensation. The number of shares or restricted stock units to be issued is based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance, or if such date is not a trading date, on the previous trading day’s closing price. Each restricted stock unit will be payable in the form of one share of our common stock following the director’s termination of service as a member of the Board. Immediately vested shares issued pursuant any such election are issued under the Director Stock Purchase Plan, and restricted stock units issued pursuant to any such election are issuedcounsel about requirements under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Bylaws.

Annual Grant of Immediately Vested Stock. Each non-employee director receives an award of immediately vested common stock with a grant date fair value of approximately $100,000 for the year just served, anticipated to be granted in February each year. Directors joining the Board during the year are eligible to receive a pro-rated award to reflect a partial year’s service. Directors are given the opportunity to elect to receive restricted stock units in lieu of immediately vested common stock under which the shares would be received upon their retirement from the Board. Our directors are generally eligible to receive stock grants under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, and the shares of immediately vested common stock or restricted stock units are granted under such plan.
Initial Grant of Restricted Stock. Each new non-employee director joining the Board is granted an award of shares of time-based restricted stock with a value of approximately $100,000 based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The shares will vest, subject to the director’s continued service, on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The shares are granted under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. During 2016, no new directors joined the Board and, therefore, no shares of restricted stock were granted to our non-employee directors during 2016.

Compensation of Chairman of the Board
During 2016, Mr. Decker served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board through October 31, 2016, and effective November 1, 2016, he was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board. Compensation decisions regarding Mr. Decker’s service as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board were made in connection with his appointment as a Class I director and as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board in 2015. For his service through October 31, 2016, Mr. Decker received an annual cash retainer of $100,000 for his service as a non-employee director and cash meeting fees of $3,000 for each meeting of the Board and $2,000 for each meeting of the committees of the Board that he attended in person or by phone in his capacity as a member or Chairman of the Board, subject to a maximum of $75,000 of meeting fees each fiscal year. In addition, for his service as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Decker received an annual cash retainer of $250,000. Mr. Decker was also eligible to receive coverage for himself and his dependents under our group health plan on the terms generally applicable to other participants in such plan.
In connection with Mr. Decker’s appointment as Executive Chairman of the Board, the Compensation Committee reviewed with F.W. Cook the compensation to be paid to Mr. Decker for his service in such additional executive capacity. Upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board approved certain changes to Mr. Decker’s previously existing compensation arrangements effective November 1, 2016. He will continue to receive an annual cash retainer of $100,000 for his service as a director and be entitled to cash meeting fees, subject to a maximum of $75,000 of meeting fees each fiscal year as described above. In addition, his annual cash retainer for service as Chairman of the Board was increased from $250,000 to $500,000 while he is serving as Executive Chairman of the Board. For Mr. Decker's service as Executive Chairman of the Board through 2017, on November 7, 2016, the Committee awarded 26,246 shares of time-based restricted stock and 26,245 shares of performance-based restricted stock under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
The time-based shares will vest ratably in three annual installments, subject to his continued service as a director or employee, beginning on December 31, 2017. The performance-based shares will vest on December 31, 2017, subject to his continued service as a director or employee and dependent upon the level of achievement of performance goals established by the Committee, with any such shares that do not vest to be forfeited. The performance targets for such performance-based shares are based on our Total Shareholder Return, which will compare the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, or $12.78, to the volume weighted average price per share of our common stock for the 15 consecutive trading days ending December 29, 2017, assuming any dividends or distributions paid during such period are reinvested in our common stock. Achievement of the threshold level of performance, or Total Shareholder Return of at least 10% but less than 20%, will result in the vesting of 50% of such shares, and achievement of the targeted level of performance (or above), or Total Shareholder Return of 20% or above, will result in the vesting of 100% of such shares. Vesting will not be interpolated between the threshold and target performance targets. The restricted stock agreements entitle Mr. Decker to receive dividends on unvested restricted shares, to the extent that any such dividends are declared in the future.
The restricted stock agreements for such time- and performance-based awards provide that upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan), any unvested shares will immediately vest. The restricted stock agreement for the time-based award provides that if Mr. Decker’s service as a director and employee is terminated by death or disability (as defined in our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan), then the restricted shares normally subject to vesting at the next vesting date will immediately vest and any remaining unvested restricted shares will be forfeited upon such date. The restricted stock agreement for the performance-based awards provide that if Mr. Decker's service as a director and employee is terminated by death or disability, then any outstanding unvested shares will immediately vest. Both restricted stock agreements provide that if Mr. Decker’s service as a director has been terminated without cause (as defined in our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan) prior to December 31, 2017 and his service as an employee has been terminated by death or disability, by us without cause or by Mr. Decker for good reason (as defined in the restricted stock agreement), prior to December 31, 2017, then any outstanding unvested shares will immediately vest.

Mr. Decker will also continue to be eligible to receive coverage for himself and his dependents under our group health plan on the terms generally applicable to other participants in such plan, and he will not participate in the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Severance Pay Policy, Tier I, as amended, applicable to our other executive officers. In lieu thereof, we entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Decker pursuant to which he will be eligible to continue to receive the cash compensation that would have been payable to him through December 31, 2017 if his service as Executive Chairman of the Board is terminated without cause (as defined in our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan) prior to such date.
The cash retainers described above were prorated during 2016 to reflect Mr. Decker’s appointment as Executive Chairman of the Board effective November 1, 2016. His cash retainers and meeting fees were paid quarterly in arrears during 2016. While he served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Decker had the opportunity to elect to receive either immediately vested shares or restricted stock units in lieu of up to 50% of his quarterly cash compensation on the same terms as offered to the other non-employee directors.
Other

 Evaluating Director Compensation ArrangementsCandidates

Mr. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, does not receive separate compensation for his service on the Board. Information regarding compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Mr. Smith for his service as an executive officer is included in “Compensation of Executive Officers” below.
Director Compensation for 2016
The following table sets forth certain summary information for the year ended December 31, 2016 with respect to the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our directors (other than Mr. Smith). Information regarding compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Mr. Smith for his service as an executive officer is included in "Compensation of Executive Officers" below.
Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash 
Stock Awards(1)(2)
 All Other Compensation Total
Frank M. Bumstead 
$221,000
 
$99,995
(3) 
––
 
$320,995
Jackie M. Clegg 
$240,000
(4) 

$99,995
(3) 
––
 
$339,995
Daniel A. Decker 
$479,167
(5) 

$591,313
(6) 

$11,685
(7) 

$1,082,164
Jeffrey R. Leeds 
$222,000
 
$99,995
(3) 
––
 
$321,995
Mark J. Parrell(8)   
 
$190,000
 
$69,306
(9) 
––
 
$259,306
William G. Petty, Jr. 
$209,000
(10) 

$99,995
(3) 
––
 
$308,995
James R. Seward 
$210,000
 
$99,995
(3) 
––
 
$309,995
Lee S. Wielansky 
$205,000
 
$69,306
(9) 
––
 
$274,306
_________________
(1)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards of immediately vested stock, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units computed in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a summary of the assumptions made in the valuation of these awards.
(2)As of December 31, 2016: (i) none of the directors held any unvested stock awards, except that Mr. Decker held 42,913 shares of time-based restricted stock and 26,245 shares of performance-based restricted stock; and (ii) each of the following directors held the following number of vested restricted stock units: Ms. Clegg—6,850 and Mr. Decker—10,348.
(3)Represents the grant date fair value of 6,901 immediately vested shares awarded on February 26, 2016.
(4)Ms. Clegg elected to receive immediately vested shares in lieu of a portion of her cash compensation for 2016. The reported amount includes: 1,777 immediately vested shares issued on April 1, 2016 for service during the first quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $27,863; 1,501 immediately vested shares issued on July 1, 2016 for service during the second

quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $23,866; 1,482 immediately vested shares issued on October 1, 2016 for service during the third quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $25,861; and 3,411 immediately vested shares issued on January 1, 2017 for service during the fourth quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $42,365.
(5)Mr. Decker elected to receive restricted stock units in lieu of a portion of his cash compensation for 2016. The reported amount includes: 3,651 restricted stock units issued on April 1, 2016 for service during the first quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $57,248; 3,474 restricted stock units issued on July 1, 2016 for service during the second quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $55,237; 3,223 restricted stock units issued on October 1, 2016 for service during the third quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $56,241; and 5,199 restricted stock units issued on January 1, 2017 for service during the fourth quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $64,572.
(6)Represents the grant date fair value of $335,424 with respect to 26,246 shares of time-based restricted stock and of $255,889 with respect to 26,245 shares of performance-based restricted stock, each awarded on November 7, 2016.
(7)Includes $10,243 of premiums paid by the Company in 2016 for continued group health plan coverage for Mr. Decker and his dependents during his service as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board through October 31, 2016, and amounts paid by the Company for Mr. Decker’s commuting to the Company’s Nashville headquarters during his service as Executive Chairman of the Board beginning November 1, 2016.
(8)Mr. Parrell resigned from the Board effective on July 24, 2017.
(9)Represents the grant date fair value of 4,783 immediately vested shares awarded on February 26, 2016.
(10)Mr. Petty elected to receive immediately vested shares in lieu of a portion of his cash compensation for 2016. The reported amount includes: 1,482 immediately vested shares issued on April 1, 2016 for service during the first quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $23,238; 1,525 immediately vested shares issued on July 1, 2016 for service during the second quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $24,248; 1,217 immediately vested shares issued on October 1, 2016 for service during the third quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $21,237; and 2,878 immediately vested shares issued on January 1, 2017 for service during the fourth quarter of 2016 with a grant date fair value of $35,745.
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines that require each of our non-employee directors to maintain ownership of a number of shares of our common stock with a value equal to three times the non-employee director’s annual cash retainer for service on the Board, exclusive of any retainers for service as the Chairman of the Board or of any committee and any cash meeting fees. The Board has determined that Mr. Decker will continue to be subject to the stock ownership guidelines applicable to non-employee directors following his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Board beginning November 1, 2016, rather than the guidelines applicable to our executive officers.
The expected level of ownership may be met through stock purchased by the director or his or her spouse in the market and/or through stock received upon vesting of equity awards. Unvested equity awards do not generally count toward satisfaction of the guidelines unless elected to be received by the director in lieu of cash compensation.
Stock ownership levels are required to be achieved by the later of (i) February 5, 2019 (i.e., five years after their initial adoption) or (ii) the fifth anniversary of the director’s initial appointment or election to the Board. Until the expected ownership level is achieved, each director is expected to retain at least 50% of any shares obtained through our stock incentive plans.
As of August 1, 2017, each of our current independent directors and Mr. Decker held a number of shares in excess of the number required by the guidelines, except for Mr. Bromley, who was appointed to the Board on July 25, 2017. Mr. Bromley will be expected to retain at least 50% of any shares that he obtains through our stock incentive plans until he holds shares in excess of the number required by the guidelines.

Meetings of the Board
The Board met 19 times in 2016. Each of our incumbent directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and all committees of the Board on which he or she served during 2016.
Our "non-management" directors, i.e., those who are not executive officers, meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Any non-management director may request that additional executive sessions be scheduled. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, a non-management director designated by the non-management directors on the Board presides at such executive sessions, or in such director’s absence, another non-management director designated by the lead non-management director presides at such executive sessions. If the Board has elected a director to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, such director will preside at such executive sessions under our Corporate Governance Guidelines.
The Board has not adopted a formal policy that requires directors to attend our annual stockholders' meetings, although they are invited and encouraged to attend. Eight of the then-incumbent members of the Board attended the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.
Committees of the Board
Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board has four separate standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Investment Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Audit Committee
We have a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Audit Committee’s functions include:
reviewing the audit plans and findings of the independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit and risk review staff, as well as the results of regulatory examinations, and tracking management’s corrective action plans where necessary;
reviewing our financial statements (and related regulatory filings), including any significant financial items and/or changes in accounting policies, with our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm;
reviewing our risk and control issues, compliance programs and significant tax and legal matters;
having the sole discretion to appoint annually the independent registered public accounting firm and evaluating its independence and performance, as well as to set clear hiring policies for our hiring of employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm; and
reviewing our risk management processes.
The Audit Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Seward and also consists of Ms. Clegg and Messrs. Bromley and Leeds. All members are “independent” directors as defined under the listing standards of the NYSE and under section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Parrell, a former director who served on the Audit Committee prior to his resignation from the Board effective on July 24, 2017, was "independent" as defined under such standards. The Board has determined that each of the current members of the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC. No member of the Audit Committee simultaneously serves on the audit committees of more than three public companies. In 2016, the Audit Committee held nine meetings. The report of the Audit Committee is included on page 58.

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, and a current copy of this charter is available on our website, located at www.brookdale.com.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee's functions include:
reviewing and approving the restricted stock and other equity-related grants for our directors, officers, key employees and consultants;
reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer's and other executive officers' compensation, evaluating the Chief Executive Officer's and other executive officers' performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determining the Chief Executive Officer's and other executive officers' compensation based on that evaluation;
recommending to the Board the compensation of our non-employee directors; and
overseeing our compensation and employee benefit and incentive compensation plans and administering our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan and Associate Stock Purchase Plan.
The Compensation Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Bumstead and also consists of Ms. Clegg and Messrs. Leeds and Wielansky. All members are "independent" directors as defined under the listing standards of the NYSE. In 2016, the Compensation Committee held 15 meetings. The report of the Compensation Committee is included on page 41.
The Board has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, and a current copy of this charter is available on our website, located at www.brookdale.com.
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee reviews and approves (or recommends that the Board approve, as applicable) certain investments and proposed transactions on behalf of the Board, reviews and evaluates (and makes recommendations to the Board regarding) our capital structure and financial strategies, our material capital allocation plans, and our dividend and share repurchase policies and programs, and performs such other responsibilities as may be delegated to it by the Board from time to time. The Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Petty and also consists of Messrs. Bromley, Decker, Seward and Wielansky. Mr. Parrell served on the Committee until his resignation from the Board effective on July 24, 2017. In 2016, the Investment Committee held 10 meetings.
A current copy of the written charter for the Investment Committee is available on our website, located at www.brookdale.com.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's functions include:
reviewing the performance of the Board and incumbent directors and making recommendations to the Board regarding the selection of candidates, qualification and competency requirements for service on the Board and the suitability of proposed nominees as directors;
advising the Board with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines; and
overseeing the evaluation of the Board and our management.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is currently chaired by Ms. Cleggresponsible for evaluating director candidates and also consists of Messrs. Leeds, Bumstead and Petty. All members are "independent" directors as defined underrecommending nominees to the listing standards of the NYSE. In 2016, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 12 meetings.

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a current copy of this charter is available on our website, located at www.brookdale.com.
Board membership. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee works with the Board to determine the appropriate and necessary characteristics, skills and experience of the Board, both as a whole and with respect to its individual members. The committee evaluates biographical and background information relating to potentialdirector candidates and interviews candidates selected by members of the committee and by the Board in making its decisions aswhether to prospectiverecommend director candidates to the Board. WhileWhen evaluating director candidates, the committee does not specifically set forth any minimum skills thatNominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers whether candidates have demonstrated, by significant accomplishment in their field, an ability to make a candidate must have priormeaningful contribution to consideration, the committeeBoard’s oversight of our business, and the candidates’ reputation for honesty and ethical conduct in their personal and professional activities. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also thoroughly examines a candidate'scandidate’s senior housing, real estate, finance, operations, sales, marketing, healthcare, operations and other relevant experience, understanding of our business, professional and personal ethics, and educational and professional background.background, and contributions to diversity on the Board. In order to ensure that director candidates are able to commit the substantial time required to fulfill their Board responsibilities, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers the number of public company boards and other boards on which the candidate is a member. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines limit the number of outside public company boards on which a director may serve (three for independent directors and one for the CEO). In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers the director’s tenure, past attendance at meetings, participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board, and where applicable, participation in continuing education programs. Although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers directors’ tenure and age as part of its overall evaluation process, the Board does not believe that term limits or a mandatory retirement age are appropriate. The committee evaluates each individualcandidate, including existing directors, in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group thatdirector nominees who can best perpetuate the success of Brookdale'ssupport our business strategy and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its diversityjudgment.

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Majority Voting for Director Elections

 Board Diversity

Diversity is one of experience in these various areas. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election,several characteristics the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers the director's past attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies potential nominees by asking current directors and executive officers to notify the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee if they become aware of suitable candidates. As described below, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider candidates recommended by stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may engage firms that specialize in identifying director candidates.

In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines currently provide that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also may seek to have the Board represent a diversity of backgrounds, experience, gender and race. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not adopted a formal diversity policy with regard to the selection of director nominees, diversity is one of the factors that the committee considers in identifying and evaluating director nominees. To that end,candidates, and the committee's charter currently provides that, among the qualifications consideredBoard is committed to ensuring diverse representation in the selection of candidates, the committee shall look at the following attributes and criteria of candidates: experience, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, business judgment, time availability in light of other commitments, dedication, conflicts of interest and such other relevant factors that the committee considers appropriate in the context of the needs of the Board.its membership. The Board seeks directors who represent a mix ofhave different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, and experiences thatincluding race and gender, which the Board believes will enhance the quality of its deliberations and decisions. The committee considers diversity inBoard’s commitment is demonstrated by its selectionprospective membership, which would include 62% women, 12% people of nominees, utilizing a broad meaningcolor, and 25% U.S. veteran representation. In addition, Ms. Baier serves on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Board Advisory Council, which identifies and connects diverse board candidates to include not only factors such as raceNYSE-listed companies seeking new directors.

 Director Orientation and gender, but also background, experience, skills, accomplishments, financial expertise, professional interests, personal qualities and other traits desirable in achieving an appropriate group of qualified individuals.Continuing Education

While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's charter and our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the committee may, if it deems appropriate, establish procedures to be followed by stockholders in submitting recommendations for director candidates, the

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not, at this time, putoversees our director orientation and continuing education programs. As part of the director orientation program, new directors engage in placeone-on-one introductory meetings with our business and functional leaders regarding our strategic plans, financial statements, and key issues, policies and practices. Chairs of the Board’s committees coordinate orientation for new committee members. Our senior management also meets regularly with our directors regarding specific functional topics of importance. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically highlights for directors available continuing education programs hosted by third parties on a formal policy with regard to such procedures. This is because procedures are set forth in our Amendedvariety of relevant topics, including corporate governance, risk management, compliance, and Restatedexecutive compensation.

Majority Voting for Director Elections

Our Bylaws which permit stockholders to submit recommendations for director candidates. The Board believes that it is appropriate not to adopt a specific policy since stockholders are always free to submit recommendations for director candidates, simply by following the procedures set forth in the Amended and Restated Bylaws, as described below.

A stockholder wishing to make a nominationprovide for a board candidate must give timely noticemajority voting standard in uncontested director elections. Each director will be elected by a vote of the nomination in proper written formmajority of votes cast with respect to our Secretary. In the case of an annualthat director’s election at any meeting to be timely the Secretary of Brookdale must have received proper notice from the stockholder not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. As a result, nominations for the 2018 annual meetingelection of stockholders submitted pursuant todirectors at which a quorum is present. For these provisionspurposes, a majority of our Amended and Restated Bylaws

must be received no earlier than May 28, 2018 and no later thanvotes cast means that the closenumber of business on June 27, 2018. If the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders is calledvotes cast for a datedirector’s election exceeds the number of votes cast against that isdirector’s election, with abstentions and broker non-votes not within 25 days beforecounted as a vote cast either for or after September 25, 2018, the notice mustagainst. An election will be received by Brookdale not earlier than the closeconsidered contested if as of business on the 90th day prior to the annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to the annual meeting or the tenth day followingpreceding the day on which suchdate we first mail our notice of meeting for such meeting to stockholders, the datenumber of nominees exceeds the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosurenumber of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In the case of a special meeting called for the purpose of electing directors to be timelyelected. Since the notice mustnumber of director nominees for election at the 2024 Annual Meeting does not exceed the number of directors to be receivedelected, the director elections at the 2024 Annual Meeting will be subject to the majority voting standard.

In order for any person to be nominated by Brookdale not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever first occurs.

To be in proper form, the notice must set forth, as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominateBoard for election as a director, such nominee must submit an irrevocable resignation, contingent on that nominee not receiving a majority of the person's name, age, businessvotes cast in an election that is not a contested election and residence address, the person's principal occupation or employment, and the class or series and numberacceptance of shares of capital stock of Brookdale that are owned beneficially or of recordresignation by the person. The notice must also set forth the name and record address of the stockholder, the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of Brookdale that the stockholder beneficially owns or owns of record, a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by the stockholder and a representation that the stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in the notice. In addition, the notice must include any other information relating to the stockholder or to the proposed nominee that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors under Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and must also be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. A person must own of record shares of Brookdale stock on the date that he or she sends the notice to Brookdale under the procedures above and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and vote at such meeting. The notice should be mailed or delivered to "Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee c/o Secretary, Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027". If the chairman of the annual meeting determines that a nomination was not madeBoard in accordance with the policies and procedures set forthadopted by the Board for such purpose. In the event a nominee fails to receive a majority of the votes cast in our Amended and Restated Bylaws, the chairman shall declare to the meetingan election that the nomination was defective and such defective nomination shall be disregarded.
Provided that the required biographical and background material described above is provided for candidates recommended by stockholders,not a contested election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate those candidates bymake a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation of such nominee, or whether other action should be taken. The Board will act on the resignation, taking into account the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation, and publicly disclose (by a press release and filing an appropriate disclosure with the SEC) its decision regarding the resignation and, if such resignation is rejected, the rationale behind the decision within ninety (90) days following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as for candidates submitted by memberscertification of the Board or management.
election results. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
The role Committee in making its recommendation and the Board in making its decision each may consider any factors and other information that it considers appropriate and relevant. Any nominee who tenders his or her resignation as described herein will not participate in the deliberations of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or the Board isregarding whether to ensure that Brookdale is managedaccept the resignation. If the Board accepts a nominee’s resignation, then the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will recommend to the Board whether to fill the resulting vacancy or vacancies or to reduce the size of the Board. Each of the nominees for election at the 2024 Annual Meeting has submitted the irrevocable resignation described above.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Director Nominees

Biographical information for the long-term benefittwo new nominees for election at the 2024 Annual Meeting is set forth below.

Claudia Napal Drayton

Independent Director Nominee

Elizabeth Burnham Mace

Independent Director Nominee

LOGO

Age:56

Public Company Directorships:

•   3D Systems Inc. (2021 – current)

LOGO

Age:67

Ms. Drayton brings more than 20 years of operational and financial experience in healthcare and biotech companies. Currently, she serves on the board of 3D Systems Inc. (NYSE: DDD) where she is a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee. Most recently, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Quantum-Si Incorporated, a publicly-traded life-sciences company focused on protein sequencing and genomics for the healthcare industry. She held this role from April 2021 until June 2023, and during her tenure she oversaw the company’s successful transition to a publicly traded company. Prior to that Ms. Drayton served as the Chief Financial Officer of Nuwellis, Inc., a publicly-traded medical device company focusing on commercializing ultrafiltration technology for patients with heart failure. Before joining Nuwellis, she spent 15 years at Medtronic, a global leader in medical devices, where she held leadership positions of increasing responsibility in the finance organization. These included Chief Financial Officer for both the Peripheral Vascular and the Integrated Health Solutions business units. She began her career at Arthur Andersen LLP where she was an audit manager. Ms. Drayton received a B.B.A in Accounting from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Ms. Mace has more than 30 years of experience in research, economics, and market analysis. Most recently, she served as the Chief Economist and Director of Research and Analytics at the NIC from 2014 to June 2023. Prior to serving on NIC’s leadership team, she served on the NIC Board of Directors and chaired its Research Committee. She has also previously served as a director at AEW Capital Management and worked in the AEW Research Group for 17 years. Before AEW, she also spent 10 years at Standard & Poor’s DRI/McGraw-Hill as director of its Regional Information Service. Ms. Mace also worked as a regional economist at Crocker Bank, and for the National Commission on Air Quality, the Brookings Institute, and Boston Edison. She is currently a member of the Institutional Real Estate Americas Editorial Board. In 2020, Ms. Mace was inducted into the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor. In 2014, she was appointed a fellow at the Homer Hoyt Institute and was awarded the title of a “Woman of Influence” in commercial real estate by Real Estate Forum Magazine and Globe Street. Ms. Mace received a bachelor’s degree from the Mount Holyoke College and a Master’s of Science in Applied Economics from the University of California. She also earned a Certified Business Economist designation from the National Association of Business Economists.

Ms. Drayton’s extensive financial background and experience in the healthcare and other industries, along with her public company board experience, led to the conclusion that she should be nominated to serve as a member of the Board.

Ms. Mace’s economic, research and analysis experience, as well as her knowledge of the senior housing industry through her service with NIC, led to the conclusion that she should be nominated to serve as a member of the Board.

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Director Nominees

Biographical information for the current directors nominated for election at the 2024 Annual Meeting is set forth below.

Jordan R. Asher, MD

Independent Director

Lucinda M. Baier

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

LOGO

Director Since:February 2020

Age: 59

Brookdale Board Committees:

•  Investment

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance

LOGO

Director Since: February 2018

Age: 59

Public Company Directorships:

•  The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (2007 – 2016)

Dr. Asher brings more than 20 years of expertise and a history of success in large matrixed, mission-based, national healthcare systems. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Sentara Healthcare, a large integrated delivery health system including a clinically integrated network and insurance company serving Virginia and North Carolina, where he has a wide range of responsibilities, including creating high quality, equitable, and innovative models of care delivery as well as providing national thought leadership directed towards the future of health care. From 2018 to 2023, he served as the Chief Physician Executive and Senior Vice President of Sentara. Prior to Sentara, Dr. Asher served in several executive roles with Ascension since 2006, including Chief Clinical Officer of its Ascension Care Management subsidiary from 2016 to 2018 with responsibility for network development and population and risk management, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer of Ascension’s MissionPoint Health Partners subsidiary from 2015 to 2016, and Chief Medical Officer and Chief Integration Officer of MissionPoint Health Partners from 2011 to 2015. Dr. Asher earned a B.S. in Biology from Emory University, an M.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and an M.S. in Medical Management from the University of Texas at Dallas and Southwestern Medical Center.

Ms. Baier has served as Brookdale’s President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board since February 2018, after having served as Brookdale’s Chief Financial Officer since December 2015. Ms. Baier joined Brookdale from Navigant Consulting, Inc. where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2013. In addition, Ms. Baier has had multi-billion dollar operations responsibility, been the chief executive officer for a publicly-traded retailer, and served as an executive officer of a Fortune 30 company. She has served for more than a decade as a board member of public and private companies and organizations and currently serves on the board of directors of NIC, where she serves as chair of the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee, the Nashville Health Care Council, where she serves as Chair, and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is a member of the NYSE Board Advisory Council, which identifies and connects diverse board candidates to NYSE-listed companies seeking new directors. She also currently serves on Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Board of Directors, including as a member of its Audit and Compliance Committee and Chair of the Quality and Safety Committee. A number of organizations have recognized Ms. Baier, including the CEO Forum Group’s 2021 Top 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America; Nashville Medical News’ Class of 2021 “Women to Watch”; Corporate Citizenship 2020 Award from the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board; one of McKnight’s 2020 “Women of Distinction”; and Nashville Business Journal’s “Most Admired CEO” list for four years. Ms. Baier is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Illinois State University, with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Accounting.

Dr. Asher’s deep experience in the evolving healthcare landscape, including a combination of clinical training and executive leadership experience, particularly in light of the healthcare industry’s transition to more integrated, value-based delivery and payment models, led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.

Ms. Baier’s continued leadership and accomplishments in the areas of our people, portfolio, and operations and strong crisis management as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and her prior leadership roles at other companies, led to the conclusion that she should serve as a member of the Board.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 1: Election of our stockholders. To fulfill thisDirectors

Frank M. Bumstead

Independent Director

Victoria L. Freed

Independent Director

   LOGO

Director Since:August 2006

Age:82

Brookdale Board Committees:

•   Compensation (Chair)

•  Nominating and Corporate Governance

Public Company Directorships:

•   Syntroleum Corporation

(1993 – 2014)

•   American Retirement Corp.

(1997 – 2006)

   LOGO

Director Since:October 2019

Age: 67

Brookdale Board Committees:

•   Compensation

•   Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)

Public Company Directorships:

•   ILG, Inc. (f/k/a Interval Leisure Group, Inc.) (2012 – 2018)

Mr. Bumstead has over 40 years of experience in the field of business and investment management and financial and investment advisory services, including representing buyers and sellers in a number of merger and acquisition transactions. Mr. Bumstead is a principal shareholder of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc., a business management firm that represents artists, songwriters and producers in the music industry as well as athletes and other high net worth clients, and has been with the firm since 1989. From 1993 to December 1998, Mr. Bumstead served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FBMS Financial, Inc., a registered investment advisor. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Memorial Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation, and as a member of the Board of Advisors of United Supermarkets of Texas, LLC and was Chairman of its Finance and Audit Committee. Mr. Bumstead received a B.B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University and a Masters of Business Management from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management.

Ms. Freed brings more than 25 years of executive leadership in the areas of sales, customer service, and marketing, and has earned numerous awards for outstanding achievement in sales and marketing during her career. Ms. Freed is Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean International, having served in that role since 2008, where she oversees the largest sales team in the cruise line industry and also manages the company’s consumer outreach, reservations, group sales, and customer service functions. Prior to her service with Royal Caribbean, Ms. Freed worked for 29 years with Carnival Cruise Lines, where she served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing during the last 15 years of her tenure. She is a trustee of the United Way of Miami-Dade County and serves as a member of the board of Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO). Ms. Freed earned a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Colorado.

Mr. Bumstead’s experience in business management and as a director of several public companies, along with his knowledge of the senior housing industry (through his prior service as a director of American Retirement Corporation), led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.

Ms. Freed’s decades of executive leadership in sales, customer service, and marketing in the hospitality industry led to the conclusion that she should serve as a member of the Board.

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Director Nominees

Denise W. Warren

Independent Director

Lee S. Wielansky

Independent Director

   LOGO

Director Since: October 2018

Age: 62

Brookdale Board Committees:

•  Audit (Chair)

•  Compensation

Public Company Directorships:

•  TruBridge, Inc. (formerly known as Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.) (2017 – current)

   LOGO

Director Since: April 2015

Age: 72

Brookdale Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Investment (Chair)

Public Company Directorships:

•  Acadia Realty Trust

(2000 – current)

•   Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

(2007 – 2017)

•   Pulaski Financial Corp.

(2005 – 2016)

Ms. Warren brings more than 30 years of operational, financial and healthcare experience. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of WakeMed Health & Hospitals from October 2015 through December 2020, where she was responsible for the strategic, financial and operational performance of the organization’s network of facilities in the North Carolina Research Triangle area. Prior to that, from 2005 to September 2015, Ms. Warren served as Chief Financial Officer of Capella Healthcare, Inc., an owner and operator of general acute-care hospitals, as well as its Executive Vice President since January 2014, and as its Senior Vice President prior to that. Before joining Capella, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gaylord Entertainment Company from 2000 to 2001, as Senior Equity Analyst and Research Director for Avondale Partners LLC and as Senior Equity Analyst for Merrill Lynch & Co. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of TruBridge, Inc. (formerly known as Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.), where she serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Newport Healthcare, Straive, and Virtusa, Inc. Ms. Warren is National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship CertifiedTM and received a Corporate Directors Certificate from Harvard Business School. Ms. Warren earned a B.S. degree in Economics from Southern Methodist University and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.

Mr. Wielansky has more than 40 years of commercial real estate investment, management, and development experience. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Opportunistic Equities, which specializes in low income housing. He has also served as Chairman and CEO of Midland Development Group, Inc., which he re-started in 2003 and focused on the development of retail properties in the mid-west and southeast. Prior to Midland, he served as President and CEO of JDN Development Company, Inc. and as a director of JDN Realty Corporation. Before joining JDN, he served as Managing Director – Investments of Regency Centers Corporation, which in 1998 acquired Midland Development Group, a retail properties development company co-founded by Mr. Wielansky in 1983. Mr. Wielansky served as the Company’s Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from February 2018 through December 2019. He also serves as Lead Trustee of Acadia Realty Trust and served as a director of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. from 2007 to 2017 and Pulaski Financial Corp. from 2005 to 2016. He also serves as a member of the Board of Clayco Construction Company. Mr. Wielansky received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a major in Real Estate and Finance, from the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he is currently a member of the Strategic Development Board of the College of Business. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and on the Finance Committee of both the Foundation and the Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Ms. Warren’s extensive executive, financial, and operational experience in the healthcare and other industries led to the conclusion that she should serve as a member of the Board.

Mr. Wielansky’s real estate investment, management, and development experience, as well as his service as a director of several public companies, led to the conclusion that he should serve as a member of the Board.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Retiring Directors

Biographical information for the Board has adopted corporate governance principles designed to assure compliancetwo retiring directors with all applicable corporate governance standards. In addition,terms expiring at the Board2024 Annual Meeting is informed regarding Brookdale’s activitiesset forth below.

Guy P. Sansone

Non-Executive Chairman & Independent Director

Marcus E. Bromley

Independent Director

LOGO

Director Since:October 2019

Age:59

Public Company Directorships:

•   Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.

(2020 – current)

•  Magellan Health, Inc.

(2019 – 2022)

•  Civitas Solutions, Inc.

(2009 – 2019)

•  Rotech Healthcare Inc.

(2004 – 2005)

LOGO

Director Since:July 2017

Age:74

Brookdale Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Investment

Public Company Directorships:

•  CIM Mortgage Finance Trust (2021)

•  Cole Credit Property Trust V, Inc. (2015 – 2020)

•  Cole Corporate Income Trust, Inc. (2011 – 2015)

•  Cole Credit Property Trust II, Inc. (2005 – 2013)

•  Cole Credit Property Trust III, Inc. (2008 – 2012)

•  Gables Residential Trust (1993 – 2005)

Mr. Sansone joined Brookdale’s Board in October 2019 and became Non-Executive Chairman of the Board in January 2020. For more than 25 years, he has led efforts to optimize the performance of healthcare and senior housing companies. Mr. Sansone has served as Chairman and CEO of H2 Health, a leading regional provider of physical rehabilitation services and clinician staffing solutions, since February 2020. Prior to that, he served as a Managing Director of Alvarez & Marsal, a global professional services firm specializing in performance improvement for large, high profile businesses, where he served as Chairman of the firm’s Healthcare Industry Group, which he founded in 2004. Mr. Sansone also served as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, the largest non-profit home and community-based health care organization in the United States, from November 2014 to December 2016 and, prior to that, served in various executive roles at numerous healthcare companies. His prior experience in the senior housing industry includes having served as Chief Restructuring Officer and a member of the Board of Erickson Retirement Communities and as a senior consultant to Sunrise Senior Living. Mr. Sansone has served on the Board of Directors of Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (formerly known as Mednax, Inc.) since July 2020 and the Lead Independent Director since January 2023. He previously served as Chair of the Board of Pediatrix from July 2020 through December 2022. He also serves and has served on the Boards of Directors of numerous investor-owned and not-for-profit companies, primarily in the healthcare industry. Mr. Sansone earned a B.S. in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany.

Mr. Bromley brings more than 45 years of real estate industry leadership experience. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Gables Residential Trust from 1993 until 2000, and then as a member of its Board until the company was acquired in 2005. Prior to joining Gables Residential Trust, Mr. Bromley was a division partner for the Southeast operation of Trammell Crow Residential Company. Mr. Bromley has served as a member of the Board of several non-listed real estate investment trusts, including serving as Non-Executive Chairman of Cole Credit Property Trust V, Inc. from June 2015 to August 2018. Mr. Bromley currently serves as a member of the advisory board of Sealy Industrial Partners, a private partnership specializing in the acquisition and operation of various industrial real estate properties. Mr. Bromley holds a B.S. in Economics from Washington & Lee University and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina.

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Corporate Governance 

Corporate Governance Guidelines and periodically reviews,Code of Business Conduct and advises management with respect to, Brookdale’s annual operating plans and strategic initiatives.

Ethics

The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines.Guidelines setting forth the expectations and standards the Board has with respect to the role, size, and composition of the Board and its committees, the functioning of the Board and its committees, evaluation of the Board and its committees, director compensation, succession planning, and other matters. The Board also has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, directors, and officers, including our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, our principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, as well as a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to our President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurerprincipal accounting officer, and Controller.Treasurer. These guidelines and codes are available on the Investor Relations portion of our website at www.brookdale.com.brookdaleinvestors.com. Any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of such codes of ethics granted to a principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller, or person performing similar functions, or to any executive officer or director, will be posted on our website.


Majority Voting for Directors
In 2015 the Board adopted an amendment to our

Director Independence

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines to provide forand the listing standards of the NYSE require that the Board be comprised of a majority voting policy applicable to uncontested elections of independent directors. The Board has affirmatively determined that seven of our eight current directors, which became effective immediately followingMses. Freed and Warren, Dr. Asher, and Messrs. Sansone, Bromley, Bumstead, and Wielansky, and the conclusiontwo nominees for election as new directors, Mses. Drayton and Mace, are “independent” under Section 303A.02 of the 2015 annual meetinglisting standards of stockholders. The Board believes this policy will better enablethe NYSE. In each case, the Board affirmatively determined that none of such individuals had a material relationship with the Company. In making these determinations, the Board considered all relevant facts and circumstances, as required by applicable NYSE listing standards. There were no transactions, relationships, or arrangements not disclosed pursuant to be responsive to stockholders who vote in the electionsItem 404(a) of directors. 

Under the policy, in order for any person to be nominatedRegulation S-K that were considered by the Board for electionin making the required independence determinations. None of the directors or nominees that were deemed independent had any relationship with us (other than as a director such nominee must submit an irrevocable resignation, which will be effective contingent upon such nominee's not receiving a majorityor stockholder). The Board also determined that each member of the votes cast in an uncontested election of directorsAudit, Compensation, and acceptance of the resignation by the Board. If any such nominee fails to receive more votes cast "for" than "against" such nominee in an uncontested election of directors (with "abstentions" and "broker non-votes" not counted as a vote cast either "for" or "against" such director's election), the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board's decision and, if such resignationCommittees is rejected, the rationale behind the decision will be publicly disclosed within ninety days following certificationindependent, including that each member of the election results. Any nominee whoAudit Committee is an existing Board member and tenders his or her resignation pursuant to the policy will not participate in the committee's or Board's deliberations regarding whether to accept the resignation. An election will be considered a contested electionindependent under the policy if, aslisting standards of the tenth day preceding the date the Company first mails its noticeNYSE and under section 10A(m)(3) of the stockholders meeting to the Company's stockholders, the numberSecurities Exchange Act of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. If there is a contested election, the directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast as provided in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws, each1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Ms. Baier is not independent due to date.
Each of the nominees for electionher employment as a Class I director has submitted the irrevocable resignation described above.
our President and Chief Executive Officer.

Board Leadership Structure

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines do not require the separation of the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and provide that the Board is free to choose its Chairman in any way that it deems best for the Company at any given time. However, since the date of our formation, the Board has separated the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in the belief that this structure improves management'smanagement’s accountability to the Board. Mr. DeckerSansone currently serves as ExecutiveNon-Executive Chairman of the Board, and Mr. SmithMs. Baier serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director.

director. As noted above, Mr. Sansone will retire from the Board and as Non-Executive Chairman at the 2024 Annual Meeting. The Board intends to elect another independent member of the Board to succeed Mr. Sansone as Non-Executive Chairman upon his retirement.

Risk Oversight

The business of the Company is managed with the oversight of the Board. As contemplated by the NYSE listing standards and as reflected in the charter of the Audit Committee, the Board has delegated to the Audit Committee

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Corporate Governance

the responsibility to discuss guidelines and policies governing the process by which our senior management and the relevant departments and functions of the Company (including our Internal Audit Department)internal audit function) assess and manage our exposure to risk. To that end, the Audit Committee regularly reviews our processes for risk assessment and risk management, as well as our major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. In addition,The Audit Committee also reviews our exposure to cyber security risk, the effectiveness of our cyber security, and the knowledge, experience and capabilities of the Audit Committee and management with respect to cyber security and cyber security risk. Annually, the Compensation Committee conducts a risk assessment of our compensation programs. The Board regularly receives reports from management regarding our risk exposures and monitors our risk management activities.

Social and Environmental Responsibility

The Board is responsible for overseeing and ensuring our strategy is informed by the opportunities and risks associated with our human capital resources and environmental changes and looks to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to report on various social and environmental topics. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews management’s work to develop our social and environmental initiatives and reporting. As a business of people taking care of people, we focus on human capital management, including diversity and inclusion, workplace safety, and maximizing employee satisfaction and retention. Please see our 2023 ESG Report posted to our website at brookdale.com/esg for more information about our social and environmental initiatives.

Meetings of the Board

The Board met five times in 2023. Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and committees of the Board on which he or she served during 2023. Our non-management directors, i.e., those who are not executive officers, meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Any non-management director may request that additional executive sessions be scheduled. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Non-Executive Chairman of the Board presides at executive sessions of our non-management directors. The Board has not adopted a formal policy that requires directors to attend our annual stockholders’ meetings, although they are invited and encouraged to attend. Five of the then-incumbent members of the Board attended the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.

Communications from Stockholders

The Board has in place a process for security holders to send communications to the Board. Specifically, the Board will review and give appropriate attention to written communications submitted by stockholders and other interested parties, and will respond if and as appropriate. Absent unusual circumstances or as otherwise contemplated by committee charters, the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will, with the assistance of our General Counsel, (1) be primarily responsible for monitoring communications from stockholders and (2) provide copies or summaries of such communications to the other directors as he or she considers appropriate. Communications will generally be forwarded to all directors if they relate to substantive matters and include suggestions or comments that the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers to be important for the directors to consider.

Stockholders and other interested parties who wish to send communications on any topic to the Board should address such communications to Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o General Counsel, Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027. Stockholders
who wish to contact any non-management director, including the presiding non-management directorNon-Executive Chairman of the Board, or the non-management directors as a group, should address such communications to the non-management director (or group of directors) they wish to contact (or if any, to "Any “Any Non-Management Director" Director”), c/o General Counsel, at such address.

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Committees of the Board

Committees of the Board

The Board has four separate standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance (NCG) Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board with respect to committee membership assignments after consultation with the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer. The Board is responsible for appointing committee chairs and members following review of such recommendations. The Board has adopted written charters for the standing committees, copies of which are available on the Investor Relations portion of our website located at brookdaleinvestors.com.

The following table identifies the current members of the Board’s standing committees and the number of meetings held by each committee during 2023. The Non-Executive Chairman is invited to attend, and generally attends, the regularly scheduled meetings of the standing committees.

   Audit Committee   Compensation
Committee
  Investment
Committee
  NCG 
Committee 

Jordan R. Asher

        

  

Marcus E. Bromley

  

     

   

Frank M. Bumstead

     

Chair

     

Victoria L. Freed

     

     

Chair

Denise W. Warren

  

Chair

  

      

Lee S. Wielansky

  

     

Chair

   

Number of Meetings in 2023

  

5

  

5

  

4

  

4

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Corporate Governance

The following table provides information about the key responsibilities and functions of the Board’s standing committees.

Committee

Key Functions and Additional Information

Audit Committee

•  Reviews the audit plans and findings of the independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit and compliance functions, as well as the results of regulatory examinations, and tracks management’s corrective action plans where necessary

•  Reviews our financial statements (and related regulatory filings), including any significant financial items and/or changes in accounting policies, with our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm

•  Reviews our risk and control issues, compliance programs, and significant tax and legal matters

•  Appoints annually, in its sole discretion, the independent registered public accounting firm and evaluates its independence and performance, as well as sets clear hiring policies for our hiring of employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm

•  Reviews our risk management processes

•  Reviews our exposure to cyber security risk, the effectiveness of our cyber security, and the knowledge, experience and capabilities of the Audit Committee and management with respect to cyber security and cyber security risk

•  The Board has determined that each of Ms. Warren and Messrs. Bromley and Wielansky is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC. No member of the Audit Committee simultaneously serves on the audit committees of more than three public companies

Compensation Committee

•  Reviews and approves equity-related grants for our directors, officers, key employees, and consultants

•  Reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ compensation, evaluates the Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determines the Chief Executive Officer’s and other executive officers’ compensation based on that evaluation

•  Recommends to the Board the compensation of our non-employee directors

•  Oversees our compensation and employee benefit and incentive compensation plans, and administers our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (and any future incentive plans)

•  Administers the Clawback and Forfeiture Policy

Investment
Committee

•  Reviews and approves (or recommends that the Board approve, as applicable) certain investments and proposed transactions on behalf of the Board

•  Reviews and evaluates (and makes recommendations to the Board regarding) our capital structure and financial strategies, our material capital allocation plans, and our dividend and share repurchase policies and programs

•  Performs such other responsibilities as may be delegated to it by the Board from time to time

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

•  Reviews the performance of the Board and incumbent directors and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the selection of candidates, qualification, and competency requirements for service on the Board and the suitability of proposed nominees as directors

•  Advises the Board with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines

•  Oversees the annual evaluation of the Board and its committees and our management

•  Reports to the Board on various social, environmental, and governance topics, and reviews management’s work to develop our social and environmental initiatives and reporting

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Director Compensation 

Non-Employee Director Compensation Program

The table below sets forth the elements of the non-employee director compensation program. In 2023, the Compensation Committee reviewed the non-employee director compensation program, including receiving a market compensation study from the Consultant (as defined below) related to the peer group approved by the Committee for 2023 compensation decisions. Following such review, the Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the changes to the program noted below.

Cash Fees

2023

Changes for
2024

Description

Annual Retainer

$  100,000

No change

Cash retainers are payable quarterly in arrears and are pro-rated for service less than the full year. Cash meeting fees are paid only if a director’s attendance exceeds six Board meetings or eight committee meetings per year and are payable quarterly in arrears. For 2023, each director had the opportunity to elect to receive either immediately vested shares in lieu of up to 50%, or RSUs in lieu of up to 100%, of quarterly cash compensation, as described below.

Annual Committee Chair Retainers:

Audit

$   20,000

No change

Compensation, NCG & Investment

$     15,000

No change

Meeting Attendance Fees:

Per Board Meeting

$     3,000No change

Per Committee Meeting (Members Only)

$     2,000

No change

Equity Awards

Annual Grant of Immediately Vested Stock under 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

$   135,000Increased to
$160,000
(applicable
to 2024
awards for
2023
service)
Typically granted in February each year for service in the prior year and pro-rated for service less than the full year. Directors may elect to receive RSUs (as described below) in lieu of the immediately vested shares. If a director retires prior to the annual grant date or concludes his or her service at the expiration of his or her term of office, a pro-rata cash amount will be payable to the director at the time of retirement or expiration in lieu of the annual grant of immediately vested shares, in recognition of the partial year of service.

Initial Grant of Restricted Shares under 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

$  100,000No change

Granted to each new non-employee director upon joining the Board and generally will be eligible to vest on the first anniversary of the director’s appointment to the Board, subject to the director’s continued service.

Each non-employee director has the opportunity to elect to receive either immediately vested shares (issued pursuant to the Director Stock Purchase Plan) in lieu of up to 50% of his or her quarterly cash compensation, and/or restricted stock units (issued under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan) in lieu of up to 100% of his or her quarterly cash compensation and/or in lieu of the annual grant of immediately vested shares. With respect to such elections, the number of shares or RSUs to be issued is based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance, or

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  17


Director Compensation

if such date is not a trading date, on the previous trading day’s closing price. Each RSU will be payable in the form of one share of our common stock following the director’s termination of service as a member of the Board. In addition, beginning with cash compensation earned for 2023 service, each non-employee director will have the opportunity to elect to defer up to 100% of his or her quarterly cash compensation pursuant to the Brookdale Senior Living Inc.Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.which became effective December 12, 2022. Each participant in the plan will generally be entitled to receive payment of any amounts deferred under the plan upon the earliest to occur of the following: (A) thirty (30) days after the director’s separation from service; (B) thirty (30) days after the date of the director’s disability; (C) thirty (30) days after the date of the director’s death; (D) if elected by the director, a fixed date designated in a properly executed election form; or (E) within ten (10) days after the closing date of a change in control. Directors will not receive any earnings on deferred amounts.

Compensation of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

The Board appointed Mr. Sansone as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 2020. In connection with his appointment, the Committee recommended, and the Board approved, Mr. Sansone’s compensation arrangements, which include the compensation applicable generally to non-employee directors described above and an additional annual cash retainer of $100,000 for his service as Non-Executive Chairman. All cash amounts are payable as noted in the table above.

Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Board has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines that require each of our non-employee directors to maintain ownership of our stock with a value of at least 5.0x the non-employee director’s annual cash retainer for service on the Board, exclusive of any retainers for service as chairman of the Board or any of its committees and any cash meeting fees. Unvested equity awards do not generally count toward satisfaction of the guidelines. Stock ownership levels are required to be achieved by the fifth anniversary of the director’s initial appointment or election to the Board. Until the expected ownership level is achieved, each director is expected to retain at least 50% of any shares obtained through our stock incentive plans. As of April 22, 2024, each of our current non-employee directors is in compliance with the guidelines and each owns stock with a value of at least 5.0x the annual cash retainer for service on the Board.

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Director Compensation for 2023

Director Compensation for 2023

The following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our directors for the year ended December 31, 2023, other than Ms. Baier whose compensation information is set forth under “Executive Compensation”. Each of the directors included in the table served for the full-year 2023.

Name

  

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

 

Stock    

Awards (1)(2)

  All Other
Compensation
  Total

Jordan R. Asher

   $100,000   $135,001    

$

  –

   

$

235,001

 

Marcus E. Bromley

   

$

102,000

 

  $135,001    

$

   

$

237,001

 

Frank M. Bumstead

   $117,000(3)   $135,001    

$

   

$

252,001

 

Victoria L. Freed

   

$

117,000

 

  $135,001    

$

   

$

252,001

 

Guy P. Sansone

   

$

 200,000

(4) 

  $135,001    

$

   

$

335,001

 

Denise W. Warren

   

$

122,000

 

  $135,001    

$

   

$

257,001

 

Lee S. Wielansky

   

$

117,000

 

  $135,001    

$

   

$

252,001

 

(1)

Represents the grant date fair value of the annual grant of equity for the previous year served awarded on February 15, 2023, computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”) consisting of: 45,763 immediately vested shares for each director. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2023 Annual Report for a summary of the assumptions made in the valuation of these awards.

(2)

As of December 31, 2023, none of the directors held any unvested stock awards, and the following directors held the number of vested RSUs indicated: Mr. Bromley–65,272; Mr. Bumstead–23,501; Ms. Freed–26,522; and Mr. Sansone–26,522.

(3)

Mr. Bumstead elected to receive vested RSUs in lieu of his cash compensation for service during 2023. The reported amount includes: 9,745 vested RSUs issued on April 1, 2023 for service during the first quarter of 2023 with a grant date fair value of $28,748; 6,812 vested RSUs issued on July 1, 2023 for service during the second quarter of 2023 with a grant date fair value of $28,747; 6,944 vested RSUs issued on October 1, 2023 for service during the third quarter of 2023 with a grant date fair value of $28,748; and 5,283 vested RSUs issued on January 1, 2024 for service during the fourth quarter of 2023 with a grant date fair value of $30,747. Any fractional share amounts were paid in cash.

(4)

Mr. Sansone elected to defer all cash compensation earned for service in 2023 until January 31, 2024 pursuant to the Director Deferred Compensation Plan.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  19


Executive Officers

 Executive Officers

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our executive officers:

officers as of April 29, 2024. See “Director Nominees” above for biographical information for Ms. Baier.

Name

  

Age

  

Position

Daniel A. Decker

 Lucinda M. Baier

  64

59

  Executive Chairman of the Board
T. Andrew Smith57

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Labeed S. Diab

 George T. Hicks

  47

66

  Chief Operating Officer
Lucinda M. Baier52Chief Financial Officer
Bryan D. Richardson58Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Cedric T. Coco49Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer
Mary Sue Patchett54Executive Vice President – Community Operations
H. Todd Kaestner61Executive Vice President – Corporate Development
George T. Hicks59

Executive Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 H. Todd Kaestner

68

Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and President – CCRCs

 Dawn L. Kussow

50

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 Jaclyn C. Pritchett

39

Executive Vice President – Human Resources

 Benjamin J. Ricci

62

Division Vice President – East

Chad C. White

  42

48

  Senior

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Labeed S. Diab joined Brookdale as Chief Operating Officer in November 2015.  Prior to joining Brookdale, Mr. Diab served in operational leadership roles for the Walmart US division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. since 2009, most recently serving as its President of Health and Wellness since 2014, its President of Midwest Division from 2011 to 2014, and its Vice President and General Manager from 2009 to 2011.  Prior to that, Mr. Diab served as Regional Vice President of Aramark's Health Care Division from 2006 to 2009 and as Regional Vice President for Rite Aid Corporation from 2003 to 2006.  Mr. Diab began his career as a Pharmacy Manager with American Stores Company and later in regional roles with CVS Caremark.  Mr. Diab is a Registered Pharmacist.  He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Argentum.
Lucinda M. Baier joined Brookdale as Chief Financial Officer in December 2015.  Ms. Baier has more than fifteen years of executive leadership experience in accounting, taxation, finance and treasury functions, having most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Navigant Consulting, Inc., a specialized global expert services firm, since March 2013 and its Executive Vice President since February 2013.  Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Central Parking System, Inc., a leading firm in parking management and marketing, from August 2011 to October 2012, having previously served as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2010.  Ms. Baier served from July 2008 to February 2010 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Movie Gallery, Inc., and served from 2006 until July 2008 as Chief Financial Officer of World Kitchen, LLC.  In addition, Ms. Baier served as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. from 2007 until 2016.  Ms. Baier is a Certified Public Accountant.
Bryan D. Richardson became our Executive Vice President in July 2006 and our Chief Administrative Officer in January 2008.  Mr. Richardson also served as our Chief Accounting Officer from September 2006 through April 2008. Previously, Mr. Richardson served as Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer of ARC since April 2003 and previously served as its Senior Vice President – Finance since April 2000. Mr. Richardson was formerly with a national graphic arts company from 1984 to 1999 serving in various capacities, including Senior Vice President of Finance of a digital prepress division from May 1994 to October 1999, and Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1994. Mr. Richardson was previously with the national public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Cedric T. Coco joined Brookdale as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer in October 2016 after serving in various human resources roles for Lowe's Companies Inc. since 2008, and most recently as Senior Vice President of

Human Resources, where he led the human resources generalists for Lowe's stores, distribution centers and customer support centers, in addition to leading talent acquisition, employee relations, diversity, and succession planning. Prior to Lowe's, Mr. Coco gained nearly two decades of experience in human resources, learning and development and organization performance at Microsoft Corporation, KLA-Tencor Corporation and General Electric Company, where he held numerous leadership roles in engineering, business development, sales, general management and organizational learning.
Mary Sue Patchett became our Executive Vice President – Community Operations in November 2015 after having served as Division President since February 2013 and as Divisional Vice President since joining Brookdale in September 2011 in connection with our Horizon Bay acquisition.  Ms. Patchett has over 30 years of senior care and housing experience serving in leadership roles. Previously, Ms. Patchett served as Chief Operating Officer of Horizon Bay from January 2011 through August 2011 and as Senior Vice President of Operations from March 2008 through December 2011. Prior to joining Horizon Bay, she was President and owner of Patchett & Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm for senior housing and other healthcare companies, from 2005 until March 2008. Ms. Patchett had previously served as Divisional Vice President for Alterra for over six years and started in senior living with nine years in numerous leadership positions at Sunrise Senior Living. Ms. Patchett has served on numerous industry boards and is serving on the advisory board of Florida Argentum as its past chair.
H. Todd Kaestner became our Executive Vice President – Corporate Development in July 2006. Previously, Mr. Kaestner served as Executive Vice President – Corporate Development of ARC since September 1993. Mr. Kaestner served in various capacities for ARC's predecessors since 1985, including Vice President – Development from 1988 to 1993 and Chief Financial Officer from 1985 to 1988.

George T. Hicks became our Executive Vice President – Finance in July 2006, and our Treasurer in January 2016. Prior to July 2006, Mr. Hicks served as Executive Vice President – Finance and Internal Audit, Secretary and Treasurer of ARCAmerican Retirement Corporation (ARC) since September 1993. Mr. HicksHe had served in various capacities for ARC'sARC’s predecessors since 1985, including Chief Financial Officer from September 1993 to April 2003 and Vice President – Finance and Treasurer from November 1989 to September 1993. Mr. Hicks received a bachelor’s degree with distinction in philosophy from Stanford University in 1979 and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Tennessee in 1982.

H. Todd Kaestner became our Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and President – CCRCs in August 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Kaestner served as our Executive Vice President – Asset Management and Division President – Entry Fee since June 2019 and Executive Vice President – Corporate Development since July 2006. Prior to joining Brookdale, Mr. Kaestner served as Executive Vice President – Corporate Development of American Retirement Corporation since September 1993 and served in various capacities for ARC’s predecessors since 1985, including Vice President – Development from 1988 to 1993 and Chief Financial Officer from 1985 to 1988. Mr. Kaestner is an honors graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he studied economics, and holds an M.B.A. in finance and economics from University of Louisville. Mr. Kaestner also serves on the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Dawn L. Kussow joined Brookdale in March 2007 and has served as Brookdale’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 2023. She also served as Brookdale’s Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 2022 to October 2022. Ms. Kussow previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from January 2016 until January 2023, Vice President and Corporate Controller from February 2014 to January 2016, Senior Director of Financial Reporting from June 2009 until January 2014, and Director of Financial Reporting from March 2007 until May 2009. Ms. Kussow is a Certified Public Accountant.Before joining Brookdale, Ms. Kussow served as Director of Financial Reporting for AON Hewitt from 2005 until 2007 and practiced nine years at Deloitte & Touche, LLP, including an international assignment. She received a B.S. in Accounting from Marquette University. Ms. Kussow also serves as a member of the Finance Committee for the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum.

Jaclyn C. Pritchett joined Brookdale in 2016 and has served as Executive Vice President – Human Resources since March 2022. She previously served as Senior Vice President – Human Resources since January 2021, Senior Vice President – HR Field Operations and Talent Management from October 2020 until January 2021, Vice President of HR Field Operations from March 2019 until October 2020, and in other human resources management roles from 2016 to February 2019. Before joining Brookdale, Ms. Pritchett served as Senior Manager of Leadership Development at Bridgestone Americas. Ms. Pritchett received her B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University, as well as a Master’s

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Executive Officers

degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. She currently serves as Executive Sponsor, Leadership Development for Middle Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management.

Benjamin J. Ricci joined Brookdale in August 2013 and has served as Division Vice President of Operations for the East Division since July 2021. He previously served as our Senior Regional Vice President of Operations from 2013 until 2018. Before joining Brookdale, Mr. Ricci was a Regional Vice President of Operations for the New England Region with Horizon Bay. In 2011, he was part of Brookdale’s acquisition of Horizon Bay and became the Regional Vice President of Operations for the Northeast Region. Mr. Ricci has more than 30 years of experience in the Senior Living industry. Mr. Ricci received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from Providence College. Mr. Ricci has served as the Board Chair of the Rhode Island Assisted Living Association from 2009 to 2011. He has also served on the board of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association since 2016.

Chad C. White joined Brookdale in February 2007 and has served as our SeniorExecutive Vice President since July 2014,January 2018, our General Counsel since March 2017 and our Secretary since March 2013. He previously served as our Senior Vice President and General Counsel from March 2017 until January 2018, our Senior Vice President and Co-General Counsel from July 2014 to March 2017, our Vice President and Co-General Counsel from March 2013 to July 2014, and our Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary prior to that. Before joining Brookdale, Mr. White served in legal roles with Dollar General Corporation and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.

See "—Information Concerning Directors Mr. White received his law degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Law where he was elected to the Order of the Coif, and Director Nominees"a B.S. in Mass Communication and Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University. He currently serves on the board of directors for biographical information for Messrs. Decker and Smith.Argentum.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  21



COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides information aboutexplains the key elements of our executive compensation ofprogram and compensation decisions regarding the following named executive officers:

officers (NEOs) for 2023:

Name

Position
Named Executive Officers
T. Andrew Smith

Lucinda M. Baier

  President and Chief Executive Officer
Labeed S. DiabChief Operating Officer
Lucinda M. BaierChief Financial Officer
Bryan D. Richardson

Dawn L. Kussow

  Executive Vice President and Chief AdministrativeFinancial Officer
Mary Sue Patchett

Chad C. White

  Executive Vice President, Community OperationsGeneral Counsel and Secretary
Mark W. Ohlendorf

H. Todd Kaestner

Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and President – CCRCs

George T. Hicks

Executive Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

Steven E. Swain

  Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kevin W. Bowman

Former Executive Vice President – Community Operations
Mr. Ohlendorf stepped down from his role as President effective March 18, 2016. On such date, Mr. Smith

Each of the named executive officers served in the roles indicated for the full-year 2023, except that, Ms. Kussow was appointed to the additional role of President.serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 24, 2023; Mr. Ohlendorf’s separationSwain’s service as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was considered to be a termination by usterminated without cause pursuanteffective as of such date; and Mr. Bowman’s service as Executive Vice President – Community Operations was terminated without cause effective January 12, 2023.

Table of Contents to the terms of applicable compensatory plansCompensation Discussion and agreements.Analysis

Compensation Practices–Highlights

What We Do

Executive Compensation Program Highlights

   
What We Do Not
23
Pay for Performance – A significant portion of our NEOs’ target direct compensation is awarded in the form of variable, at-risk compensation.

Compensation Philosophy

   
No Above Median Benchmarking – We do not benchmark target compensation above the median of our peer group.
24
Caps on Payouts – We cap payouts under our annual cash incentive plan and long term incentive awards (no additional shares beyond target performance).

Principal Elements of Compensation

   
No Excessive Guaranteed Compensation – Our annual cash incentive plan and our performance-based restricted stock awards do not have minimum guaranteed payout levels, and therefore this compensation is “at risk.”
25
Preserving Tax Deductibility – We structure incentive compensation opportunities with the intent that they will qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent possible.

Process for Determining Executive Compensation

   
No Tax Gross Ups – We do not provide tax gross-ups, except in the limited circumstance of certain re-location expenses.
26
Long-Term Equity – We promote retention of NEOs with 4-year time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock with a 3-year and 4-year performance period.

2023 Compensation Decisions

   
No Excessive Perquisites – We do not provide excessive perquisites or other benefits.
28
Annual Say on Pay – We annually conduct a “say-on-pay” advisory vote (rather than on a less frequent basis) to solicit our stockholders’ views on our executive compensation programs.

2023 Compensation Results

   
No Defined Benefit Plans – We do not offer pensions or supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs).
34
Stock Ownership and Retention Guidelines – We maintain robust stock ownership and retention guidelines (5x base salary for the CEO; 4x base salary for the COO and CFO; 3x base salary/cash retainer for the other NEOs and directors).

Status of Outstanding Performance-Based Awards Granted Prior to 2023

   
No Pledging or Hedging – Our insider trading policy prohibits executive officers and directors from pledging shares or engaging in short-sale, hedging, or other derivative transactions involving our securities.
36

Independent Committee and Consultant – The Committee is comprised solely of independent directors, and it retains F.W. Cook as its independent compensation consultant.

Other Compensation Policies

   
No Stock Options – We have never granted stock options.

40

Employment Agreement and Severance Policies Applicable to Named Executive Officers

42

2024 Compensation Decisions

43

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Overview

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 Executive Compensation Program Highlights

LOGOWhat We Do

Pay for Performance A significant portion of our NEOs’ target direct compensation is awarded in the form of variable, at-risk compensation based on company performance.

Clawback Policy Clawback policy provides for the mandatory recovery of erroneously awarded performance-based compensation paid as a result of any financial restatement consistent with the requirements of the NYSE.

Caps on Annual Incentive Payouts Payouts under our annual cash incentive plan are capped.

Annual Say on Pay “Say-on-pay” advisory vote conducted annually to solicit stockholders’ views on our executive compensation programs.

Robust Stock Ownership Guidelines Ownership guidelines require our CEO, CFO, and other executive officers to hold stock valued at 5x, 4x, and 3x base salary, respectively.

Annual Risk Assessment The Committee conducts a compensation program risk assessment annually.

LOGO  What We Do NOT Do

No Above Median Benchmarking The Committee generally aims to provide target total direct compensation for NEOs that is within or below the market median range identified in the independent compensation consultant’s market study.

No Defined Benefit Plans/SERPs We do not sponsor any defined benefit pension or supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs).

No Tax Gross Ups Tax gross-ups are not provided except in the limited circumstance of certain relocation expenses.

No Excessive Perquisites Minimal perquisites are provided, other than certain relocation expenses.

No Guaranteed Incentive Compensation Our annual incentive plan and performance-based long-term incentive awards do not have minimum guaranteed payout levels–this compensation is “at risk.”

No Pledging or Hedging Our insider trading policy prohibits all our directors and executive officers from pledging or hedging Brookdale stock.

No Stock Options We have never granted stock options.

2023 Target Total Direct Compensation ProcessMix (1)

LOGOLOGO

(1)

Represents elements of 2023 target total direct compensation and, for other NEOs, the average of such other NEOs’ pay mix elements. See “Summary of 2023 Compensation Program” below for more information.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  23


Executive Compensation

 Compensation Philosophy

The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) administersintends to ensure market-competitive executive compensation opportunities through a program designed to:

emphasize pay for performance by linking a significant portion of target total direct compensation to variable, at-risk components measured by our short- and long-term financial performance and other objectives designed to focus executives on key strategic initiatives;

align our executives’ long-term interests with those of our stockholders; and

attract and retain key executives to execute on our strategy.

In determining the appropriate level and mix of compensation for each executive officer, the Committee takes into account the officer’s experience, scope of responsibility, individual performance, and retention risk; the Committee’s independent consultant’s market compensation studies; management input; internal equity; and other information as it deems necessary and appropriate. No pre-determined weighting is assigned to any factor, and the emphasis placed on a specific factor may vary among executive officers, reflecting market practice, business needs, and retention and succession considerations at the time compensation decisions are made.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 Principal Elements of Compensation

Our 2023 executive compensation program generally consisted of the following principal elements:

Element

Form

Description

Link to Stockholder Value

Base Salary

CashAmount intended to reflect the level and scope of responsibility, experience, and skills of an executive, the individual performance of the executive, retention risks, and competitive market practices.Assists us in attracting, and encourages retention of, key executives through an amount of fixed income paid throughout the year.

Annual Incentive Plan

CashOpportunity is at-risk with no guaranteed payout. For 2023, level of payout tied to achievement of financial objectives (revenue per available unit (“RevPAR”) and Adjusted EBITDA) and strategic objectives (key community leadership retention, resident/family satisfaction, and an ESG-related goal focused on our inclusion and diversity initiatives) as approved by the Committee.Focuses executives on taking steps necessary to meet expectations set forth in the annual budget and business plan, including for 2023 continuing to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting, engaging, developing, and retaining the best associates, and driving resident satisfaction, which the Committee believes will in turn drive longer-term performance results.

Long- Term Incentive Awards

50%–Time-Based RSUsEligible to vest ratably in four annual installments beginning approximately one year following the grant date, subject to continued employment.Promotes retention, stock ownership, and alignment of executives’ long-term interests with those of our stockholders.
50%–Performance-Based RSUs (1)Opportunity is at-risk with no guaranteed vesting. 75% of the 2023 award is eligible to vest in February 2026 based on year-over-year same community RevPAR growth for 2023, 2024 and 2025, and 25% of the award is eligible to vest in February 2027 based on our 3-year relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance. RevPAR is a key performance metric that reflects the impact of both occupancy and rate.Encourages executives to focus on initiatives that drive growth, including further recovering lost occupancy while maintaining rate discipline, and increasing the market value of our common stock.

(1)

A portion of Ms. Baier’s performance-based long-term incentive awards was a cash-based award due to limitations in the number of shares available for issuance under the terms of the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. See “2023 Compensation Decisions—Long-Term Incentive Awards” below for further information.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  25


Executive Compensation

Process for Determining Executive Compensation

The Committee’s process for determining executive compensation is outlined below, including overseeingthe roles of the Committee, results of our annual say-on-pay advisory vote, the Committee’s independent consultant, our management, and our compensation peer group.

Role of the Committee

The Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, is responsible for developing, reviewing annually, and administering our compensation program and plans and policies, performing an annual review ofapplicable to our executive compensation plans, and reviewing and approvingofficers. The Committee meets regularly, typically at least four times per year, to approve all decisions regarding the compensation of our executive officers. At the request of the Committee,Compensation decisions regarding our President and Chief Executive Officer are also approved by the independent members of the Board. The Committee reports on its actions to the full Board following each Committee meeting. In fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to executive compensation, the Committee reviews and certainapproves:

Any changes to our executive compensation philosophy;

The base salary, levels of incentive-based compensation, and all other compensation or perquisites of our other executive officers participate in Committee meetings (excluding executive sessionsofficers;

The design and framework of our incentive-based compensation plans and awards, including the Committeeapplicable performance objectives and when their own compensation is determined)targets;

Levels of achievement under such performance objectives and assist the Committee by, for example, providing informationtargets;

Updates to the Committee and making recommendations regarding our compensation programpeer group;

Any employment agreements or severance arrangements with our executive officers;

Clawback policies and levels. Our Chief Executive Officer recommendsany administration thereof; and

Compliance with, and any changes to, our officer stock ownership and retention guidelines.

Role of Say-on-Pay Vote

The Committee considers the Committee the compensationresults of our annual say-on-pay advisory vote and other feedback received from stockholders throughout the year when making executive officers, subject to the Committee’s ultimate authority and responsibility for determining the form and amount of executive compensation.

compensation decisions. At our 20162023 annual meeting of stockholders, 90%approximately 98% of the votes cast on the annualsay-on-pay advisory vote to approve the compensationwere in favor of our named executive officers (referred to as “say-on-pay”) supported our executive compensation program. Theprogram, which the Committee believes this vote provided positive affirmation ofaffirmed our stockholders’ support of our executive compensation approach and provided assurance that the program iswas reasonable and well-alignedaligned with stockholder expectations. The Committee values the opinions expressed by stockholders in the annual say-on-pay vote and considers the outcomestook this level of such votessupport into consideration when making executive compensation decisions.
Executive Officerdecisions in 2024.

Role of Independent Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our executive compensation program is designed to reward performance, align executives’ interests with those of our stockholders, retain key executives responsible for our success and, as needed, attract new executives. To accomplish these objectives, we intend to provide compensation that is competitive externally, fair internally, and tied to performance.
Our executive compensation program consists of these key elements:
Base Salary—To attract and retain our key executives, we provideConsultant

As a base salary that reflectsbest practice, the level and scope of responsibility, experience and skillsCommittee periodically evaluates its selection of an executive, as well as competitive market practices.

Annual Cash Incentive Opportunity—The purpose of the annual cash incentive opportunity is to motivate and reward executives for their contributions to our performance through the opportunity to receive annual cashindependent compensation based on the achievement of company and individual performance objectives for the year. The Committee intends to set targets that are challenging, but generally based on the Company’s business and operating plans so as to avoid encouraging excessive risk-taking.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation—The purpose of long-term incentive compensation is to align executives’ long-term goals with those of our stockholders. The Committee has utilized a mix of time- and performance-based restricted stock as the forms of long-term incentive compensation awarded to our executives. The Committee believes that the use of restricted stock appropriately aligns the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders and encourages employees to remain with the Company.
Market Data Review
Competitive market practices, including those of a self-selected peer group, are one of many factors the Committee considers in making executive compensation decisions. The Committee reviews market data to provide an external frame of reference on range and reasonableness of our compensation levels and practices, but not as a

primary or determinative factor. The Committee’s objective is, over the long-term, to target executive compensation at or slightly below the median of our peer group for comparable positions, with potential upside opportunity if supported by company financial and operating performance.
The Committee engaged F.W. Cook in 2016 to review and, if advisable, recommend updates to, the peer group used by the Committee for reviewing our executive compensation program, and to conduct an independent market analysis using that peer group. The peer group used for 2016consultant. For 2023 executive compensation decisions, remained unchanged from the prior year and included 18 companies in the health care facilities, healthcare services, managed healthcare, healthcare REIT, hospitality and restaurant industries. The companies contained in the peer group were chosenCommittee determined to be reflective of our levels of revenue, market capitalization and enterprise value, and number of employees. The peer group was comprised of the following companies:
2016 Compensation Peer Group
Centene CorporationOmnicare, Inc.
Community Health Systems, Inc.Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Darden Restaurants, Inc.Select Medical Holdings Corporation
HealthSouth CorporationStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Hyatt Hotels CorporationTenet Healthcare Corporation
Kindred Healthcare, Inc.The Ensign Group, Inc.
Laboratory Corporation of America HoldingsUniversal Health Services, Inc.
LifePoint Health, Inc.Welltower Inc.
National HealthCare CorporationWyndham Worldwide Corporation
continue to engage F.W. Cook reported& Co., Inc. (the “Consultant”) as its independent compensation consultant. The Consultant reports directly to the Committee, which has the direct responsibility for appointment, compensation, and did not provide any servicesoversight of the work of the Consultant. From time to time at the Companyrequest of the Committee, the Consultant provides recommendations regarding the design and framework of, and amounts awarded under, our executive compensation programs, recommends updates to our compensation peer group and conducts independent market compensation studies using that peer group and other than servicespublished survey information, attends meetings of the Committee, and communicates with one or more members of the Committee outside of such meetings. For our 2023 compensation programs, the Consultant provided to the Committee.each of these services. The Committee conducted a specific review of its relationship with F.W. Cook,the Consultant and determined that itsthe Consultant’s work for the Committee did not raise any conflicts of interest, consistent with the guidance provided under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 by the SEC and by the NYSE.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Role of Management

When making compensation decisions, the Committee considers input from our President and Chief Executive Officer and certain of our other executive officers. Such input generally includes providing information and analyses for review and advising the Committee concerning compensation decisions (other than when their own compensation is determined) and the design, framework, and performance objectives of our incentive-based compensation plans and awards. Our President and Chief Executive Officer provides compensation recommendations related to our other executive officers for the Committee’s consideration.

Compensation Peer Group

Typically annually, the Committee reviews and approves a compensation peer group comprised of companies recommended by the Consultant. The compensation peer group data is then used by the Consultant when preparing independent market compensation studies for the Committee. The Committee generally uses such peer group data and the Consultant’s studies:

To assess the competitiveness of the target direct compensation and underlying pay mix awarded to our executive officers; and

To evaluate the design, framework, and performance objectives of our incentive-based compensation plans and awards.

The Committee, as advised by the Consultant, generally considered base salary and target annual cash compensation within a range of +/- 15%, and target total direct compensation within a range of +/- 20%, of median as reported in the Consultant’s market compensation studies to be competitive. Median compensation rates are one of many factors the Committee considers when determining target pay opportunities for our executive officers. Other factors include the executive’s qualifications, experience, and scope of responsibilities; recruiting considerations; internal pay parity; and Company and individual performance, among others.

The peer group used to inform 2023 target compensation opportunities included 17 companies in the health care facilities, healthcare services, healthcare REIT, hospitality, and restaurant industries. The Committee believes that inclusion of companies from these industries is reflective of the talent market for our business. The peer group companies chosen from the various industries are intended to be reasonably comparable to Brookdale in terms of their revenue, market capitalization, enterprise value, EBITDA, and/or number of employees. For 2023 compensation decisions, the Consultant recommended no updates to our prior-year compensation peer group, which is set forth below.

2023 Peer Group

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.Encompass Health CorporationQuest Diagnostics Incorporated
Amedisys, Inc.Hyatt Hotels CorporationSelect Medical Holdings Corporation
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.LHC Group, Inc.The Ensign Group, Inc.
Brinker International, Inc.National Healthcare CorporationUniversal Health Services, Inc.
Chemed CorporationPediatrix Medical Group, Inc.Welltower Inc.
Community Health Systems, Inc.Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  27


Executive Compensation

2023 Compensation Decisions

Summary of 2023 Compensation Program

Annual Compensation Decisions

When making annual executive compensation decisions in February 2023, the Committee considered the Consultant’s market compensation study based on the same peer group adopted by the Committee and, for certain roles, other published survey information, our 2023 business plan, performance objectives under our incentive plans, and the responsibilities and individual performance of each continuing named executive officer. Compensation decisions for Ms. Kussow are discussed separately under “Compensation Arrangements with Ms. Kussow” below.

Following conclusion of this review, the Committee found that Ms. Baier’s target total direct compensation approximated the market median range, including the components of base salary and target long-term incentive opportunities, while her target bonus percentage was below median resulting in target total annual cash at the lower end of the market median range. The Committee determined that the target total direct compensation of Mr. White was within the market median range, and that the target total direct compensation of Mr. Hicks was above the high end of market median range, while his base salary was at the lower end of the market median range. Because Mr. Kaestner’s role is somewhat different than any of the executive roles reflected by the market data, no external comparison was considered. In reviewing Mr. Kaestner’s target total direct compensation, the Committee also took into account his scope of responsibilities and internal pay equity.

The Committee determined to increase Ms. Baier’s base salary by approximately 2% and to increase the base salaries for Messrs. White, Kaestner and Hicks by approximately 2%, 3% and 7%, respectively, due to the factors noted above and individual contributions. The Committee determined not to adjust the target annual incentive awards as a percent of base salary for the named executive officers, other than a marginal increase from 135% to 137% for Ms. Baier. After giving effect to the changes noted above and the changes in target long-term incentive award values reflected in the table below, the Committee determined that the target total direct compensation of each such named executive officer was in the market median range, except for Mr. Hicks who was above the market median range.

The table below sets forth the annual compensation decisions with respect to the continuing named executive officers other than Ms. Kussow. The table excludes the amounts reported in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table (generally employer matching on our 401(k) plan and employer-paid premiums on life and disability insurance).

  2023 Base
Salary
  Change v.
2022
 2023 Target
Annual
Incentive
Opportunity
 Change v.
2022
 2023 Grant
Value of
Long-
Term
Incentive
Awards (1)
  Change v.
2022 (1)
 2023 Target
Total Direct
Compensation
  

Change v. 

2022

Ms. Baier

 

 

$ 990,000

 

 

2%

 

137%

 

1%

 

$

5,000,001

 

 

–%

 

$

7,346,301

 

 

1%

Mr. White

 

 

$ 475,000

 

 

2%

 

80%

 

–%

 

$

675,001

 

 

4%

 

$

1,530,001

 

 

3%

Mr. Kaestner

 

 

$ 445,000

 

 

3%

 

80%

 

–%

 

$

459,999

 

 

2%

 

$

1,260,999

 

 

3%

Mr. Hicks

 

 

$ 295,000

 

 

7%

 

70%

 

–%

 

$

300,000

 

 

–%

 

$

  801,500

 

 

4%

(1)

The dollar amount of the long-term incentive awards, and the percentage change versus 2022, is based on the grant value of such awards (i.e., the number of RSUs granted at target performance, multiplied by the stock price on the date of grant). Ms. Baier’s long-term incentive awards included $1,806,667 in a cash-based award (at target performance) with the remainder in time- and performance-based RSUs for a total grant value of $5,000,001. See “2023 Compensation Decisions—Long-Term Incentive Awards” below for further information.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Arrangements with Ms. Kussow

On January 10, 2023, the Board appointed Ms. Kussow Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 24, 2023, at which time the Committee approved the following compensation arrangements for 2023: (i) an annual base salary of $530,000; (ii) eligibility to participate in the Company’s annual cash incentive program generally applicable to members of management, with the target cash bonus reflecting 80% of her base salary paid during the plan year while serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and (iii) beginning in 2023, eligibility to receive annual long-term incentive awards under the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan with an aggregate grant date value of $700,000.

In addition, under the terms of her offer letter, Ms. Kussow is eligible for relocation assistance in accordance with our policy to assist her move to the Nashville, Tennessee area if such relocation is requested by the Company. Ms. Kussow has agreed to reimburse us for the full amount of relocation benefits provided to her if she voluntarily terminates her full-time employment prior to the second anniversary of the date she relocates to the Nashville, Tennessee area at the request of the Company.

Prior to February 24, 2023, Ms. Kussow’s compensation arrangement was as follows: (i) an annual base salary of $349,999 and (ii) eligibility to participate in the Company’s annual incentive program, with the target cash bonus reflecting 50% of her base salary paid prior to her service as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Annual Incentive Plan

The named executive officers were eligible to participate in our 2023 annual incentive plan adopted by the Committee in February 2023. The 2023 annual incentive plan continued to be based on company financial and strategic objectives weighted 70% and 30% of target, respectively, and all amounts earned were to be paid out following the end of 2023 but no later than March 15, 2024. Cash amounts payable under the plan were to be determined by the Committee following conclusion of fiscal 2023 based on our results relative to performance targets approved by the Committee. There were no guaranteed payout levels utilized, and the aggregate threshold and maximum payouts were 32.5% and 190%, respectively, of the target opportunity.

For 2023, the financial objectives are our full-year 2023 consolidated portfolio RevPAR and our full-year Adjusted EBITDA, with the target levels of performance generally reflective of our 2023 budget approved by the Board. The Committee approved Adjusted EBITDA as a financial objective for 2023 instead of Facility Operating Income, which had been used in prior years, because Adjusted EBITDA includes general and administrative expenses and is one of the metrics used by management for budgeting and planning purposes, to review the Company’s historic and prospective core operating performance, and to make day-to-day operating decisions. The strategic objectives include retention of key community leadership at our consolidated comparable community portfolio, improvement in resident and family member satisfaction (as reflected by net promoter score (NPS) improvement), and an ESG-related strategic objective focused on our inclusion and diversity initiatives. Such ESG-related objective measured our progress on offering the Brookdale EXPAND program to all communities and completing the program for a selected cohort of a minimum number of communities. The Brookdale EXPAND program is designed to help develop and prepare a diverse cohort of high potential community leaders who have interest in future roles as executive directors of our communities, and is comprised of a six month program that includes community experiences, department/product line rotation, training sessions, leadership assessment, and a capstone.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  29


Executive Compensation

The table below sets forth the performance objectives, weighting, performance targets, and our actual performance with respect to the 2023 annual incentive plan.

 

Objective

 

 

 

Weighting

 

  

 

Description and Link to Strategy and Business Plan

 

        
     

RevPAR

  40%  RevPAR is a key performance metric that reflects the impact of both occupancy and rate. For purposes of the 2023 annual incentive plan, RevPAR was defined as our resident fee revenue for the consolidated communities portfolio (excluding revenue for private duty services provided to seniors living outside of our communities and entrance fee amortization) for the applicable period, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months for the period. The Board and management use this measure in the budgeting process and when evaluating our results. This measure was intended to focus management on recovering occupancy lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining rate discipline. The target levels of performance generally reflected our 2023 budget approved by the Board at the beginning of 2023. Level  Payout   Target / Actual 
 Maximum  200%  $4,798 
 Target  100%  $4,658 
 Actual  74%  $4,577 
 Threshold  25%  $4,425 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
              
     

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

  30%  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP performance measure that the Company defines as net income (loss) excluding: benefit/ provision for income taxes, non-operating income/expense items, and depreciation and amortization; and further adjusted to exclude income/expense associated with non-cash, non-operational, transactional, cost reduction, or organizational restructuring items that management does not consider as part of the Company’s underlying core operating performance and that management believes impact the comparability of performance between periods. For 2023, such other items include non-cash impairment charges, operating lease expense adjustment, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, gain/loss on sale of communities, and transaction and organizational restructuring costs. Transaction costs include those directly related to acquisition, disposition, financing, and leasing activity, and are primarily comprised of legal, finance, consulting, professional fees, and other third-party costs. Organizational restructuring costs include those related to the Company’s efforts to reduce general and administrative expense and its senior leadership changes, including severance. The Board and management use this measure in the budgeting process and when evaluating our results. The target levels of performance generally reflected our 2023 budget approved by the Board and would require management to grow the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA by 45% over 2022 results. During 2023, the Committee approved an equitable adjustment to the Company’s reported actual Adjusted EBITDA solely as a result of an accounting change that was expected to result from consummation of the lease amendments with Welltower Inc. (“Welltower”). Level  Payout   

Target / Actual

($ in MM)

 

 

 Maximum  200%  $368 
 Actual (2)  127%  $355 
 Target  100%  $350 
 Threshold  25%  $315 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
               
     

Key Community Leader Retention
(FY 2023)

  10%  Brookdale’s culture is based on servant leadership, and we believe engaged associates lead to an enhanced resident experience and lower turnover, leading to improved operations. The key community leader retention objective applied to the three key positions at our consolidated comparable communities (executive directors, sales directors, and health and wellness/nursing directors). The target level performance reflected a 100 basis points improvement from our 2022 performance for the 2023 consolidated comparable communities portfolio. Level  Payout    Target / Actual 
 Maximum  200%   65.1
 Actual  127%   63.3
 Target  100%   62.6
 Threshold  25%   61.6
    
    
    
     

Resident / Family Satisfaction
(FY 2023)

  10%  The Committee believed it was appropriate to tie an element of named executive officer compensation to increasing resident and family member satisfaction as the Company continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure is tied to an increase in the Company’s NPS. Level  Payout    Target / Actual 
 Maximum  200%   38 
 Target  100%   22 
 Actual  25%   14 
  Threshold  25%   12 
         
     

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Objective

Weighting

Description and Link to Strategy and Business Plan

ESG / Diversity-Related Goal

10%

The Committee believed it was appropriate to tie an element of named executive officer compensation to progress on relevant ESG metrics. Given that we are a people-focused organization and one of our key strategies relates to attracting, engaging, developing and retaining the best associates, the Committee believed that a goal focused on our inclusion and diversity initiatives would be the most appropriate measure for 2023. For the 2023 plan, the actual goal was to further deploy the Brookdale EXPAND program (as described above).

The threshold, target and maximum payout level for this goal was 100%, and the achievement of the goal was to be determined by the Committee following completion of the performance period. Following year end, the Committee confirmed that the goal had been achieved and certified payout at target level performance (i.e. 100%).

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for information on how we calculated Adjusted EBITDA for 2023, including a reconciliation to the closest GAAP financial measure. For purposes of determining targets for bonus opportunities and achievement of such targets for 2023, consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was calculated as described in our Form 10-K. Our actual results were $336 million, as further equitably adjusted by the Compensation Committee in its discretion to exclude the impact of changes in lease classifications a result of the Welltower lease amendments in mid-2023. See note (2).

(2)

Actual results of $336 million were equitably adjusted as described above to give effect to the $19.3 million impact of the Welltower transaction as approved by the Committee.

Long-Term Incentive Awards

For the 2023 executive officer compensation program, the Committee continued awarding all long-term incentive awards for named executive officers in the form of time- and performance-based RSUs, except for Ms. Baier’s award as described below, which also included performance-based cash. For the 2023 awards, the Committee used a 50/50 grant value mix of time- and performance-based full value awards.

The agreements associated with the 2023 long-term incentive awards for the named executive officers contain non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and confidentiality covenants and set forth the treatment of such awards in connection with termination of employment and a change in control (as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”). Consistent with the prior year, “double-trigger” acceleration of vesting applies in connection with a change in control. That is, vesting will only accelerate in connection with a change in control if either the awards are not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award relating to a publicly-traded security of the acquiror (or the Company) on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the outstanding awards immediately prior to the change in control, or the participant experiences a qualifying termination within 12 months after the change in control.

Each RSU is payable in the form of one share of our common stock upon vesting. To the extent we declare cash or stock dividends on our shares of common stock, the RSUs awarded will accrue cash equivalents or shares to be paid only to the extent the underlying RSUs ultimately vest.

Ms. Baier’s 2023 long-term incentive awards consisted of an award of time-based RSUs, an award of performance-based RSUs, and a performance-based cash award that was issued outside of the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The target amount of her cash award of $1,806,667 represented approximately 36.1% of her target long-term incentive compensation awarded for 2023, and the remaining approximately 63.9% was awarded in the form of time-based RSUs and performance-based RSUs under the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan generally consistent with the prior year, such that 50% of her aggregate 2023 long-term incentive compensation awards consisted of time-based RSUs and the remaining 50% of her aggregate 2023 long-term incentive compensation awards consisted of a combination of performance-based RSUs and the performance-based cash award.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  31


Executive Compensation

Awards of Time-Based RSUs. The awards of time-based RSUs granted in February 2023 are eligible to vest ratably in four annual installments beginning February 27, 2024, subject to continued employment.

Awards of Performance-Based RSUs. With respect to the awards of performance-based RSUs granted in February 2023, except with respect to Ms. Baier, 75% of the awards are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 and 25% are eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, in each case subject to continued employment and achievement of performance objectives established by the Committee. Ms. Baier’s performance-based RSUs are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026, subject to continued employment and achievement of performance objectives established by the Committee. With respect to all performance-based RSUs granted in February 2023, the portion of the target award eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 is divided into three equal tranches, each of which are subject to year-over-year same community RevPAR growth for 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. The portion of the target award eligible to vest on February 27, 2027 is subject to TSR relative to the companies in the S&P Midcap 400 Index for the three-year period ending December 31, 2025. Achievement at the threshold, target, and maximum or above performance levels will result in vesting of 50%, 100%, and 150% of the RSUs in each tranche, respectively, with vesting percentages to be interpolated for performance between the levels specified in the table below. The weighting, performance objectives, and performance targets for the performance-based RSUs are outlined below.

Performance-Based Cash Award. With respect to Ms. Baier’s target performance-based cash award, approximately 65.4% is eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 and approximately 34.6% is eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, such that, in the aggregate, 75% of Ms. Baier’s target 2023 performance-based RSU award and performance-based cash award is eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 and 25% is eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, in each case subject to continued employment and achievement of performance objectives established by the Committee. The portion of the target award eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 is divided into three equal tranches, each of which are subject to year-over-year same community RevPAR growth for 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. The portion of the target award eligible to vest on February 27, 2027 is subject to TSR relative to the companies in the S&P Midcap 400 Index for the three-year period ending December 31, 2025. Performance below the threshold level of achievement for a performance objective will result in forfeiture of the target cash amount for the applicable portion of the award, performance at the threshold level of achievement for a performance objective will result in the vesting of 50% of the applicable target cash amount, performance at the targeted level of achievement will result in the vesting of 100% of the applicable target cash amount, and performance at or above the maximum level of achievement will result in vesting of 150% of the applicable target cash amount, with vesting percentages to be interpolated between the levels.

The following table provides the targeted award amounts of the 2023 time- and performance-based awards.

Performance
Objectives

     Time-Based
RSUs
   Performance-Based
RSUs
(at Target)
   Performance-Based
Cash
(at Target)
 

See table below for summary of performance objectives and achievement levels of completed performance periods

  Ms. Baier   847,458    235,028    $1,806,667 
  Ms. Kussow  118,644   118,644   –  
  Mr. White  114,407   114,407   –  
  Mr. Kaestner  77,966   77,966   –  
  Mr. Hicks  50,848   50,847   –  

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Performance Objective

 Weighting (3)  

Description and Link to Strategy

and Business Plan

 Vesting
Date
 Performance Targets

2023 year-over-year growth of same community RevPAR (1)

  25%  The Committee determined to use year-over-year growth in same community RevPAR to incentivize management to deliver long-term top-line growth by recovering occupancy lost due to the pandemic while maintaining rate discipline. RevPAR is a key performance metric utilized by the Board and management that reflects the impact of both occupancy and rate. 2/27/2026 Level % of Target
RSUs / Cash
Vesting
 2023
Growth
   Maximum 150% 16.0%
   Target 100% 13.5%
   Actual 58% 11.4%
   Threshold 50% 11.0%
   

 

  

 

 

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

2024 year-over-year growth of same community RevPAR (1)

  25%  2/27/2026 Level % of Target
RSUs / Cash
Vesting
 2024
Growth
   Maximum 150% 12.5%
   Target 100% 10.0%
   Threshold 50% 7.5%
    

 

  

 

 

 

      

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

2025 year-over-year growth of same community RevPAR (1)

  25%   2/27/2026 Level % of Target
RSUs / Cash
Vesting
 2025
Growth
    Maximum 150% 9.5%
    Target 100% 7.0%
    Threshold 50% 4.5%
           

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

3-Year Relative TSR Compared to S&P Midcap 400 Index Companies (2)

  25%  

The relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) objective aligns our management’s priorities with those of our stockholders to establish and achieve long-term goals designed to increase the market value of our common stock relative to the constituent companies of a broad-based comparable index of companies.

 

 2/27/2027 Level % of Target
RSUs / Cash
Vesting
 Relative
TSR Rank
   Maximum 150% 75th %ile
   Target 100% 50th %ile
        Threshold 50% 25th %ile

(1)

For purposes of these awards, same community RevPAR means the average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per available unit of the same community portfolio as reported in our SEC filings for the applicable performance period. Same community RevPAR is calculated as resident fee revenues, excluding revenue for private duty services provided to seniors living outside our communities and entrance fee amortization, of the same community portfolio for the applicable fiscal year, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the same community portfolio for the applicable fiscal year, divided by twelve.

(2)

3-Year Relative TSR compares our compound annual TSR to the constituent companies of the S&P Midcap 400 index for the period beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025, assuming reinvestment of dividends or distributions. The award agreements provide that no additional RSUs (or cash with respect to Ms. Baier) beyond the target amount will vest and be issued (or paid) on such tranche if our compound annual TSR is negative for the performance period.

(3)

Ms. Baier’s performance-based RSUs are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026, with three tranches weighted one-third each for each of the RevPAR performance objectives, and her performance-based cash award is eligible to vest as follows: $1,181,667 on February 27, 2026 based on actual achievement of each of the three tranches weighted one-third for each of the RevPAR performance objectives and $625,000 on February 27, 2027 based on actual achievement of the TSR performance objective. In the aggregate, 75% of Ms. Baier’s target 2023 performance-based RSU award and performance-based cash award is eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 and 25% is eligible to vest on February 27, 2027.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  33


Executive Compensation

2023 Tranche Performance

In February 2024, the Committee determined that our 2023 year-over-year growth in same community RevPAR was 11.4%, corresponding to an achievement level of 58% of target for the 2023 tranche of the performance-based long-term incentive awards granted to the named executive officers in 2023. As a result, the named executive officers forfeited the following number of RSUs: Ms. Baier–32,903; Ms. Kussow–12,458; Mr. White–12,012; Mr. Kaestner–8,186; and Mr. Hicks–5,339. Ms. Baier also forfeited $165,434 from her cash award. Earned amounts for the 2023 performance period will vest on February 27, 2026, subject to the executives’ continued employment.

2023 Compensation Results

Summary of Compensation Results

The table below sets forth the amount of compensation earned for 2023 by our named executive officers. The value of restricted shares and RSUs that vested is based on the closing price per share of our stock on the applicable vesting dates. The table excludes the amounts reported in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table (generally certain severance payments for Mr. Swain and Mr. Bowman, employer matching on our 401(k) plan, and employer-paid premiums on life and disability insurance). See “Summary Compensation Table” and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Swain’s Termination” and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Bowman’s Termination” below for a summary of payments made in connection with their respective terminations on February 24, 2023 and January 12, 2023.

  2023
Base Salary Earned
  Annual Incentive
Earned for 2023(1)
  Value of Long
Term Incentive
Awards that
Vested in 2023(2)(3)
  Total
Compensation
Earned
 

Ms. Baier

  $990,000   $1,258,419   $1,367,794   $3,616,213 

Ms. Kussow

  $516,461   $  364,997   $   80,154   $  961,612 

Mr. White

  $475,000   $  352,581   $  157,817   $  985,398 

Mr. Kaestner

  $445,000   $  330,313   $   112,611   $  887,924 

Mr. Hicks

  $295,000   $  191,600   $  108,471   $  595,071 

Mr. Swain

  $ 90,769   $   67,376   $  455,583   $  613,728 

Mr. Bowman

  $ 16,442   $   12,205   $  105,880   $  134,527 

(1)

For Mr. Swain and Mr. Bowman, the amount earned was prorated based on the number of days employed during 2023.

(2)

Includes for Ms. Kussow and Mr. Bowman $10,680 and $10,938, respectively, associated with the vesting of the 2023 tranche of time-based cash long-term incentive awards granted to them in February 2021.

(3)

Includes for Mr. Swain and Mr. Bowman 138,475 and 32,626, respectively, outstanding time-based restricted shares and restricted stock units that immediately vested upon their respective terminations.

Annual Incentive Plan Results

As described above, based on our actual results for the year, the Committee determined that we achieved between threshold and target-level performance for the RevPAR-based financial objective under our annual incentive plan and that we achieved between the target-level and maximum performance for the Adjusted EBITDA-based financial objective.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

For the strategic objectives under our annual incentive plan, the Committee determined that we achieved between the target-level and maximum performance for the key community leader retention performance measure, that we achieved at the threshold level of performance for the NPS measure, and that we achieved the target level of performance for the ESG/diversity-related performance measure. 

A summary of the achievement and payments to our named executive officers under the 2023 annual incentive plan is provided below. See “2023 Compensation Decisions–Annual Incentive Plan” above for the performance objectives and targets, and our actual performance, for each of the financial and strategic objectives.

   Financial Objectives
(70% Weighting)
       Strategic Objectives
(30% Weighting)
       Total 
   Achieved  Payout       Achieved  Payout       Achieved  Payout 

Ms. Baier

  96.5%  $916,497   

 

 

 

  84.0%  $341,922   

 

 

 

  92.8%  $1,258,419 

Ms. Kussow

  $265,826   

 

 

 

  $99,171   

 

 

 

  $364,997 

Mr. White

  $256,784   

 

 

 

  $95,797   

 

 

 

  $352,581 

Mr. Kaestner

  $240,566   

 

 

 

  $89,747   

 

 

 

  $330,313 

Mr. Hicks

  $139,542   

 

 

 

  $52,058   

 

 

 

  $191,600 

Mr. Swain

  $49,070   

 

 

 

  $18,306   

 

 

 

  $67,376 

Mr. Bowman

  $8,889    

 

 

 

 

 

  $3,316    

 

 

 

 

 

  $12,205 

Long-Term Incentive Awards Results

Summary of Vesting

During 2023, the named executive officers realized the compensation shown in the table below with respect to vesting of restricted shares, RSUs and cash long-term incentive awards granted prior to 2023. The value of shares or RSUs that vested is based on the closing price per share of our stock on the vesting date. No outstanding performance-based long-term incentive awards previously granted to the named executive officers vested or were eligible to vest in 2023.

   Vesting of Time-Based
Restricted Shares and
RSUs
Granted in 2019–2022
   Vesting of Time-Based
Cash Awards Granted in
2021
       Total Vesting of Restricted
Shares, RSUs and Cash
Awards in 2023
 
   No. of Shares
/ RSUs
   Value   Value      No. of Shares
/ RSUs
   Value 

Ms. Baier

   411,986   $1,367,764    –           411,986   $1,367,764 

Ms. Kussow

   20,926   $69,474    $10,680           20,926   $80,154 

Mr. White

   47,535   $157,817    –           47,535   $157,817 

Mr. Kaestner

   33,919   $ 112,611    –           33,919   $112,611 

Mr. Hicks

   32,672   $ 108,471             32,672   $108,471 

Mr. Swain

   138,475   $ 455,583    –           138,475   $455,583 

Mr. Bowman

   32,626   $94,942    $10,938           32,626   $105,880 

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Executive Compensation

Status of Outstanding Performance-Based Awards Granted Prior to 2023

As of December 31, 2023, the named executive officers held the number of performance-based RSUs and performance-based cash awards granted prior to 2023 as outlined below. Vesting of the performance-based awards is subject to continued employment (except with respect to Messrs. Swain and Bowman) and achievement of performance objectives established by the Committee. Performance below the threshold level of achievement has resulted or will result in forfeiture of the applicable tranche, and vesting percentages will be interpolated between the steps shown in the tables below.

2021 Performance-Based Cash Awards

In February 2021, the Committee awarded performance-based cash long-term incentive awards to the named executive officers, with the targeted award amounts listed below.

Performance
Objectives

  Cash at Target 

See table below for summary of performance objectives and achievement levels of completed performance periods

  Ms. Baier  $2,765,000 
  Ms. Kussow  $42,720 
  Mr. White  $322,500 
  Mr. Kaestner  $242,500 
  Mr. Hicks  $150,000 
  Mr. Swain  $962,500 
  Mr. Bowman  $43,750 

Mr. Bowman also received a similar performance-based cash long-term incentive award in October 2021, with a target award amount of $72,466. Such award was subject to the same performance measures listed below (other than the relative TSR goal) and was eligible to vest on November 19, 2024.

Based on our actual levels of achievement of the resident and associate vaccine acceptance rate goals in 2021 and our actual level of achievement of the year-over-year RevPAR growth goal for 2022 and 2023, the Committee has certified that 62.5% of the targeted cash amount from the 2021 tranche, 150% of the targeted cash amount from the 2022 tranche and 150% of the targeted cash amount from the 2023 tranche was eligible to vest on February 27, 2024 (or will be eligible to vest on November 19, 2024, in the case of Mr. Bowman’s October 2021 award). Based on our actual levels of achievement of the 3-year relative TSR tranche, the Committee certified that 114.8% of the targeted cash amount will be eligible to vest on February 27, 2025. See “Payments in Connection with Mr. Swain’s Termination” and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Bowman’s Termination” below for a summary of the treatment of these awards upon their respective terminations on February 24, 2023 and January 12, 2023.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Performance Objective

 Weighting(1)  Vesting
Date
 Performance Targets 

2021 resident COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate
(50% sub-weighting)

  25%  2/27/2024 Level % of Target
Cash
Vesting
  


2021
Resident
Vaccine
Rate

 
 
 
   Maximum 150%  95% 
   Actual 125%  93% 
   Target 100%  90% 
   Threshold 25%  75% 
     

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021 associate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate (50% sub-weighting)

  2/27/2024 Level % of Target
Cash
Vesting
  


2021
Associate
Vaccine
Rate

 
 
 
   Maximum 150%  85% 
   Target 100%  75% 
   Threshold 25%  60% 
   Actual 0%  57% 
         

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

2022 year-over-year improvement to same community RevPAR(2)

  25%  2/27/2024 Level % of Target
Cash
Vesting
  
2022
Growth

 
   Actual 150%  10.2% 
   Maximum 150%  3.5% 
   Target 100%  2.5% 
   Threshold 50%  1.5% 
     

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 year-over-year improvement to same community RevPAR(2)

  25%  2/27/2024 Level % of Target
Cash
Vesting
  
2023
Growth

 
   Actual 150%  11.4% 
   Maximum 150%  3.5% 
   Target 100%  2.5% 
   Threshold 50%  1.5% 
         

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3-Year Relative TSR Compared to S&P Midcap 400 Index Companies(3)

  25%  2/27/2025 Level % of Target
Cash
Vesting
  
Relative
TSR Rank

 
   Maximum 150%  75th %ile 
   Actual 114.8%  57.4th %ile 
   Target 100%  50th %ile 
        Threshold 50%  25th %ile 

(1)

Mr. Bowman’s October 2021 award was weighted 33 1/3% between the 2021 vaccine acceptance rate goals, the 2022 RevPAR growth goal and the 2023 RevPAR growth goal and was eligible to vest on November 19, 2024. See “Payments in Connection with Mr. Bowman’s Termination” below for a summary of the treatment of his awards upon his termination on January 12, 2023.

(2)

For purposes of the 2021 awards, same community RevPAR means the average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per available unit of the same community portfolio as reported in our SEC filings for the applicable performance period. Same community RevPAR is calculated as resident fee revenues, excluding revenue from our former Health Care Services segment, revenue for private duty services provided to seniors living outside our communities, and entrance fee amortization, of the same community portfolio for the applicable fiscal year, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the same community portfolio for the applicable fiscal year, divided by twelve.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Executive Compensation

(3)

3-Year Relative TSR compares our compound annual TSR to the constituent companies of the S&P Midcap 400 index for the period beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2023, assuming reinvestment of dividends or distributions. The award agreements provide that no additional cash beyond the target amount will be paid on such tranche if our compound annual TSR is negative for the performance period.

Based on our actual levels of achievement, the following amounts were paid to the named executive officers in February 2024 and are expected to be paid in February 2025 subject to continued employment (except with respect to Messrs. Swain and Bowman).

   Payout
February 2024
      Payout
February 2025
       Total Payout 

Ms. Baier

  $2,505,781   

 

 

 

 

 

  $793,555    

 

 

 

 

 

  $3,299,336 

Ms. Kussow

  $38,715   

 

 

 

 

 

  $12,261    

 

 

 

 

 

  $50,976 

Mr. White

  $292,267   

 

 

 

 

 

  $92,558    

 

 

 

 

 

  $384,825 

Mr. Kaestner

  $219,767   

 

 

 

 

 

  $69,598    

 

 

 

 

 

  $289,365 

Mr. Hicks

  $135,937   

 

 

 

 

 

  $43,050    

 

 

 

 

 

  $178,987 

Mr. Swain

  $511,329   

 

 

 

 

 

  $138,119    

 

 

 

 

 

  $649,448 

Mr. Bowman

  $74,572(1)   

 

 

 

 

 

  $6,278    

 

 

 

 

 

  $80,850 

(1)

$23,242 paid out in February 2024 and $51,330 to be paid in November 2024.

2022 Performance-Based RSU Awards

In February 2022, the Committee awarded performance-based RSU long-term incentive awards to the named executive officers, with the targeted award amounts listed below.

Performance
Objectives

RSUs at Target

See table below for summary of performance objectives and achievement levels of completed performance periods

Ms. Baier454,546
Ms. Kussow7,768
Mr. White59,091
Mr. Kaestner40,910
Mr. Hicks27,273
Mr. Swain161,364
Mr. Bowman77,273

Based on our actual level of achievement of the year-over-year RevPAR growth goal for 2022 and 2023, the Committee has certified that 105% of the targeted amount from the 2022 tranche and 150% of the targeted amount from the 2023 tranche will be eligible to vest on February 27, 2025. The actual levels of achievement of the 2024 RevPAR tranche and the 3-year relative TSR tranche will be determined following the completion of the performance period ending December 31, 2024. See “Payments in Connection with Mr. Swain’s Termination” and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Bowman’s Termination” below for a summary of the treatment of these awards upon their respective terminations on February 24, 2023 and January 12, 2023.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Performance Objective

 Weighting(1)  Vesting
Date
 Performance Targets 

2022 year-over-year improvement to same community RevPAR(1)

  25%  2/27/2025 Level % of Target
RSUs
Vesting
  
2022
Growth

 
   Maximum 150%  12% 
   Actual 105%  10.2% 
   Target 100%  10% 
    

 

 50%  8% 
   Threshold 25%  7% 
     

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 year-over-year improvement to same community RevPAR(1)

  25%  2/27/2025 Level % of Target
RSUs
Vesting
  
2023
Growth

 
   Actual 150%  11.4% 
   Maximum 150%  7.5% 
   Target 100%  5% 
    

 

 50%  2.5% 
   Threshold 25%  1.25% 
     

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024 year-over-year improvement to same community RevPAR(1)

  25%  2/27/2025 Level % of Target
RSUs
Vesting
  
2024
Growth

 
   Maximum 150%  6% 
   Target 100%  4% 
    

 

 50%  2% 
   Threshold 25%  1% 
         

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3-Year Relative TSR Compared to S&P Midcap 400 Index Companies(2)

  25%  2/27/2026 Level % of Target
RSUs
Vesting
  

Relative
TSR
Rank

 
 
   Maximum 150%  75th %ile 
   Target 100%  50th %ile 
        Threshold 50%  25th %ile 

(1)

For purposes of the 2022 awards, same community RevPAR means the average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per available unit of the same community portfolio as reported in our SEC filings for the applicable performance period. Same community RevPAR is calculated as resident fee revenues, excluding revenue from our former Health Care Services segment, revenue for private duty services provided to seniors living outside our communities, and entrance fee amortization, of the same community portfolio for the applicable fiscal year, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the same community portfolio for the applicable fiscal year, divided by twelve.

(2)

3-Year Relative TSR compares our compound annual TSR to the constituent companies of the S&P Midcap 400 index for the period beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2024, assuming reinvestment of dividends or distributions. The award agreements provide that no additional RSUs beyond the target amount will be paid on such tranche if our compound annual TSR is negative for the performance period.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  39


Executive Compensation

Based on our actual levels of achievement, the following RSUs are expected to vest with respect to the 2022 and 2023 tranches in February 2025 subject to continued employment (except with respect to Messrs. Swain and Bowman).

RSUs
February 2025

Ms. Baier

289,774

Ms. Kussow

4,952

Mr. White

37,671

Mr. Kaestner

26,080

Mr. Hicks

17,388

Mr. Swain

42,358

Mr. Bowman

20,284

Other Compensation Policies

Annual Risk Assessment

In accordance with its charter, the Committee conducts an assessment annually of the relationship between our risk management policies and practices, corporate strategy, and our compensation arrangements. As part of this assessment, the Committee evaluates whether any incentive and other forms of pay encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking. For our 20162023 executive compensation program, the Committee concluded that the program, including the performance goalsobjectives and targets used for incentive compensation, is appropriately structured not to encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking.

2016 Named Executive Officer Compensation Decisions
When considering our 2016 executive compensation program, the Committee indicated that it would continue to target executive compensation at or slightly below the median of our peer group for comparable positions, with potential upside opportunity if supported by company financial and operating performance. F.W. Cook completed a market analysis and reported that the increases to base salary and long-term incentive awards made in 2015 had brought the target total direct compensation for our named executive officers closer to the median of our peer group for similarly titled roles, though Mr. Smith’s and Mr. Richardson’s target total direct compensation was lower than the median of the peer group for comparable positions, primarily due to considerably lower target long-term incentive compensation. F.W. Cook also indicated that the design of our short-term incentive plan, including the performance criteria and amounts, and relative weighting thereof, were generally consistent with peer practices. Further, F.W. Cook advised on long-term incentive performance measures that are used in practice, including relative total shareholder return, which was not used by the peer companies for purposes of long-term incentive compensation.

When evaluating base salaries and target short term incentive opportunities of the named executive officers, the Committee reviewed comparative market data presented by F.W. Cook. Mr. Smith requested that his base salary not be increased for 2016, and the Committee noted that Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier were hired in the fourth quarter of 2015,taking, and that Ms. Patchett’s base salary had been increased in connection with her promotion inany risks arising from the fourth quarter of 2015. Asprogram are not reasonably likely to have a result, the Committee determined not to increase the base salary of the named executive officers, with the exception of Mr. Richardson, whose base salary was increased by 2.5% for 2016. The Committee further determined that the target annual cash incentive opportunity for 2016 would remain at 125% of base salary for Mr. Smithmaterial adverse effect on us.

Stock Ownership and 100% of each of the other named executive officers. The Committee also determined under the annual cash incentive plan to continue to use the relative weighting of company and individual performance measures, and to begin using resident fee revenue as a performance measure in lieu of year-over-year same community senior housing net operating income growth used in prior years. When evaluating the individual objectives component of the annual cash incentive plan, the Committee determined to use a more rigorous process in setting goals, identifying achievement criteria and scoring goal achievement to improve the pay-for-performance nature of the individual objectives and to differentiate results among executives and their objectives.

The Committee reviewed comparative market data provided by F.W. Cook when setting target amounts of long-term incentive compensation, noting that Mr. Diab and Mses. Baier and Patchett were hired or promoted during the fourth quarter of 2015. In light of F.W. Cook’s report showing that Mr. Smith’s and Mr. Richardson’s target total direct compensation amounts were below the median amounts of the peer group, primarily due to their target long-term incentive compensation being considerably lower than the peer group, the Committee determined to increase the grant date fair value of long-term incentive awards for Messrs. Smith and Richardson by 10%, or approximately $475,000 and $80,000, respectively. The Committee did not grant long-term incentive awards to Mr. Ohlendorf due to the timing of his termination without cause effective March 18, 2016.
The table below sets forth the target total direct compensation approved by the Committee for each of Messrs. Smith, Diab and Richardson and Mses. Baier and Patchett for 2016. Mr. Ohlendorf is not included due to his termination of employment effective March 18, 2016. Performance-based opportunities are presented at target and long-term incentive awards are presented at grant date fair value. The table below excludes amounts reported in the “All Other Compensation” column in the Summary Compensation Table for 2016, which generally include employer matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan, premiums on Company-provided life and disability insurance, and the incremental cost of relocation benefits for Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier.
2016 Target Total Direct Compensation
  Base Salary Annual Cash Incentive Performance-Based Long-Term Equity Time-Based Long-Term Equity Target Total Direct Compensation
T. Andrew Smith $950,000 $1,187,500 $2,612,503 $2,612,503 $7,362,507
Labeed S. Diab $585,000 $585,000 $750,002 $750,002 $2,670,005
Lucinda M. Baier $550,000 $550,000 $750,002 $750,002 $2,600,005
Bryan D. Richardson $430,500 $430,500 $440,003 $440,003 $1,741,007
Mary Sue Patchett $425,000 $425,000 $352,498 $352,513 $1,555,011
Consistent with our compensation philosophy, the 2016 pay mix for our named executive officers is heavily weighted towards performance-based, at risk, compensation, as illustrated by the charts below that reflect target total direct compensation for Mr. Smith and the average for our other named executive officers as a group (other than Mr. Ohlendorf).

Retention Guidelines

2016 Target Total Direct Compensation Mix
(%Our stock ownership and retention guidelines are applicable to certain of Total)
image0.jpg
image11.jpg
2016 Realized Compensation and Summary of Compensation Results
So that our stockholders may better understand the results of our 2016 executive compensation program, the following table sets forth the amount of compensation actually realized byour officers, including our named executive officers, who served the full year 2016. The amount of realized compensation includes the actual salary earned, actual payments under our 2016 annual cash incentive plan, the value of restricted stock awards that vested during 2016 and the amount of all other compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for 2016 (other than $299,180 and $211,774 for relocation assistance for Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier, respectively, during 2016). The amounts realized are significantly lower than the target total direct compensation for 2016 as shown above, and also significantly lower than the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for 2016 below, as calculated in accordance with SEC rules. For comparison purposes, the following table also sets forth the amount of compensation actually realized by our named executive officers for 2014 and 2015 who served a full year and were named executive officers during such years.
Realized Compensation
  Year Salary Annual Cash Incentive Earned Value upon Vesting of Long-Term Incentive Awards All Other Compensation (excluding relocation assistance) Total Compensation Realized
T. Andrew Smith 2016 $953,654 $418,594 $1,258,572 $11,339 $2,642,159
  2015 $953,654 $276,094 $2,022,015 $8,929 $3,260,691
  2014 $841,216 $714,580 $1,622,198 $11,025 $3,189,019
Labeed S. Diab 2016 $587,250 $219,375 $371,177 $5,504 $1,183,307
Lucinda M. Baier 2016 $552,115 $222,750 $136,988 $5,723 $917,576
Bryan D. Richardson 2016 $432,115 $159,500 $384,391 $9,829 $985,836
  2015 $421,616 $124,110 $916,815 $8,534 $1,471,074
  2014 $367,631 $274,996 $981,541 $10,239 $1,634,407
Mary Sue Patchett 2016 $426,635 $145,350 $174,037 $7,811 $753,833
With respect to the annual cash incentive opportunity, during 2016 we failed to achieve the threshold level of performance of the Adjusted Cash From Facility Operations (“Adjusted CFFO”) per share performance measure, and we achieved 105% of the target level of performance of the resident fee revenue performance measure. Mr. Smith achieved 78% of his individual performance goals, and the other named executive officers shown in the table

achieved between 79% and 100% of their individual performance goals. As a result, Mr. Smith earned 35.3% and the other named executive officers shown in the table earned between 34.2% and 40.5% of their target annual cash incentive opportunity.
In addition, shares of performance-based restricted stock granted to the named executive officers in 2013 were eligible to vest on February 27, 2016, dependent on the level of achievement of performance targets based on our three-year compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of Cash From Facility Operations (“CFFO”) per share measured based on our CFFO per share in 2015 versus a 2012 base year. We failed to achieve the threshold performance for this measure, and as a result the shares eligible to vest on such date were forfeited (Mr. Smith––48,828 shares; Mr. Richardson––9,837 shares; and Ms. Patchett––5,026).
During 2016, the named executive officers realized the amounts shown in the table above upon the vesting of time-based restricted stock granted in 2012 through 2015 (Mr. Smith––53,829 shares; Mr. Diab—32,588 shares; Ms. Baier—12,027 shares; Mr. Richardson––21,906 shares; and Ms. Patchett––12,173 shares), and performance-based restricted stock. Shares of performance-based restricted stock granted in 2012 were eligible to vest on February 27, 2016 dependent upon the level of achievement of performance targets based on our 2015 return on investment (“ROI”) on all Program Max projects approved in 2012 and completed prior to the end of 2013. Our actual ROI exceeded the target performance level and, therefore, each of the named executive officers vested with respect to 100% of the shares eligible to vest on such date (Mr. Smith––6,158 shares; Mr. Richardson––4,622 shares; and Ms. Patchett––677 shares). In addition, Mr. Smith’s 26,871 shares of performance-based restricted stock granted during 2015 and eligible to vest on February 27, 2016 vested on such date upon the Committee’s determination that the performance goals established by the Committee based on integration initiatives related to our acquisition of Emeritus had been met.
We believe the amount of compensation realized by our named executive officers demonstrates the pay-for-performance nature of our executive compensation program, as our actual level of performance for 2016 resulted in our paying significantly less to our named executive officers than the amounts targeted by the Committee and amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for 2016.
2016 Base Salaries
As described above, the Committee approved a base salary increase only for Mr. Richardson for 2016. The 2015 and 2016 base salaries were as follows:
Annual Base Salary
  2015 2016 Percent Change
T. Andrew Smith $950,000 $950,000 
Labeed S. Diab $585,000 $585,000 
Lucinda M. Baier $550,000 $550,000 
Bryan D. Richardson $420,000 $430,500 2.5%
Mary Sue Patchett $425,000 $425,000 
Mark W. Ohlendorf $540,000 $540,000 

2016 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation
During 2016, each of the named executive officers participated in the annual cash incentive plan applicable to members of our senior management executive committee. Under this program, each of the named executive officers was eligible to receive cash incentive compensation based on company and individual performance during 2016. The cash incentive opportunities based on company and individual objectives were denominated as separate cash-settled performance awards under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which was approved by our stockholders, so that amounts paid based on such objectives to individuals who are subject to the deduction limitation under Section

162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code could qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). As approved by our stockholders, the aggregate maximum payout to an individual for the 2016 annual cash incentive plan was $2,000,000. The annual cash incentive opportunity and results under the annual cash incentive plan are described below.
2016 Annual Cash Incentive Opportunity
The 2016 target total cash incentive opportunity for each of our named executive officers, calculated as a percentage of 2016 base salary, was as follows:
2016 Target Total Annual Cash Incentive Opportunity
  Percentage of 2016 Base Salary Amount
T. Andrew Smith 125% $1,187,500
Labeed S. Diab 100% $585,000
Lucinda M. Baier 100% $550,000
Bryan D. Richardson 100% $430,500
Mary Sue Patchett 100% $425,000
Mark W. Ohlendorf 100% $540,000

As a percentage of base salary, the 2016 target total cash incentive opportunity was the same for each of Messrs. Smith, Richardson, and Ohlendorf as the 2015 opportunity. Pursuant to their offer letters in connection with their hiring in the fourth quarter of 2015, each of Mr. Diab’s and Ms. Baier’s target total cash incentive opportunity was set at 100% of base salary. Ms. Patchett’s target total cash incentive opportunity was increased from 80% in 2015 to 100% in 2016 as a percentage of her base salary, reflecting her membership on our senior management executive committee beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The company performance components of the cash incentive opportunity were to be paid following the end of the fiscal year, dependent on our 2016 Adjusted CFFO per share and resident fee revenue. The company performance objectives applicable to our named executive officers were developed by management and approved by the Committee. The Committee determined to use Adjusted CFFO per share (which represents CFFO per share as adjusted for integration, transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs) as the primary company performance objective for 2016 because the metric was used by management and the Board in its budgeting process, in the Company’s forward-looking earnings guidance provided to the investment community, and in its evaluation of our financial and operating performance. The Committee determined to use 2016 resident fee revenue (which represents resident fee revenue less entry fee amortization) as an objective for the same reasons and because it provides a top-line measurement of the performance of our senior housing and ancillary services businesses.
The individual performance components of the annual cash incentive opportunity were to be paid following the end of the fiscal year, dependent on the level of achievement of certain objectives established for each individual for 2016. The individual performance objectives for each named executive officer other than Mr. Smith were recommended by Mr. Smith and approved by the Committee. Mr. Smith’s individual performance objectives were approved by the Committee and reviewed with the Board.
The target annual cash incentive opportunities for the company and individual performance objectives weighted as a percentage of the target total annual cash incentive opportunity were as follows:

2016 Target Annual Cash Incentive Weighting by Objective
  Adjusted CFFO
per Share
 Resident Fee Revenue Individual
Objectives
T. Andrew Smith 60% 15% 25%
Other NEOs 60% 10% 30%

Adjusted CFFO per Share. The targeted level of Adjusted CFFO per share for 2016 under the annual cash incentive plan was $2.59, which was consistent with our initial 2016 budget and business plan approved by the Board in January 2016 and significantly higher than our actual 2015 Adjusted CFFO per share results. Payouts as a percentage of target based on our 2016 Adjusted CFFO per share performance are shown below. Payout percentages were to be interpolated between the steps shown below.
2016 Adjusted CFFO per Share
Targets and Payout Percentages
Adjusted CFFO
per Share Targets
 Percentage Payout of
Target Opportunity
$2.74 or more 200%
$2.72 190%
$2.70 180%
$2.68 170%
$2.66 160%
$2.64 150%
$2.63 140%
$2.62 130%
$2.61 120%
$2.60 110%
$2.59 100%
$2.49 90%
$2.48 80%
$2.46 60%
$2.44 40%
$2.42 20%
Below $2.42 0%

Resident Fee Revenue. For purposes of the cash incentive plan, resident fee revenue was to be based on our resident fee revenue less entrance fee amortization. The targeted level of resident fee revenue under the cash incentive plan represented year-over-year growth of 1.5% for 2016. The target level of resident fee revenue could be adjusted by the Committee to account for acquisitions and dispositions. Payouts as a percentage of target based on our resident fee revenue are shown below. Payout percentages were to be interpolated between the steps shown below.
2016 Resident Fee Revenue
Targets and Payout Percentages
Resident Fee Revenue Targetsare intended to further align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders. Our named executive officers are expected to hold a number of shares with a minimum market value expressed as a 
Percentage Payout of
Target Opportunity
$4,365,546,696 or more  200%

$4,352,489,228 190%
$4,339,470,816 180%
$4,326,491,342 170%
$4,313,550,690 160%
$4,300,648,743 150%
$4,287,785,387 140%
$4,274,960,506 130%
$4,262,173,984 120%
$4,249,425,707 110%
$4,236,715,560 100%
$4,226,123,771 90%
$4,215,558,462 80%
$4,205,019,566 60%
$4,194,507,017 40%
$4,184,020,749 20%
Below $4,184,020,749 0%

Individual Objectives. The individual objectives for 2016 were intended to focus executives on key strategic initiatives supporting our business plan, based on their roles in achieving such initiatives. The objectives were designed to be reasonably achievable, but because they would require significant additional efforts on behalf of each of the executives, the cash incentive opportunity linked to individual performance was at risk. The level of achievement of the individual objectives for each named executive officer other than Mr. Smith was to be determined by the Committee following the end of the fiscal year upon the recommendation of Mr. Smith. The level of achievement of Mr. Smith’s individual objectives was to be determined by the Committee and reviewed with the Board. Achievement of the targeted level of performance would have resulted in 100% of this component of the opportunity of the being paid, which represented the maximum amount payable to an executive with respect to the individual performance objectives of the 2016 cash incentive opportunity.
2016 Individual Objectives
Mr. Smith
•    Refine analysis of our portfolio and develop and execute on disposition plan by the end of 2016 and fully explore the range of possible alternatives for our ancillary services business to maximize intermediate and long-term shareholder value
•    Develop, gain the Board’s consensus regarding, and deliver to the Board, a long-term strategic plan
•    Realize targeted merger-related cost synergies
•    Solidify our sales performance management system and performance by driving consistent and effective use of our sales playbooks, implementing improved, simplified and consistent sales management reporting and accountability processes, and ensuring full adoption of newly developed lead scoring tool
•    Strengthen our community teams through the reduction of turnover of key community-level leadership positions
•    Focus the company on the importance of net promoter score and improve net promoter scores across our consolidated communities

Mr. Diab
•    Implement our Brookdale Excellence Standards Tool (BEST) as a management tool, launch an audit format to standardize quality expectations and simplify the day-to-day community management and operations
•    Refocus our use of community quality system to have one system to document and follow-up on actions plans for BEST, site visits, and other program implementation tools
•    Solidify our sales performance management system and performance by driving consistent and effective use of our sales playbooks, implementing improved, simplified and consistent sales management reporting and accountability processes, and ensuring full adoption of newly developed lead scoring tool
•    Develop a plan for a new streamlined organizational structure, implement a quarterly talent management review and develop a mentorship program
•    Strengthen our community teams through the reduction of turnover of key community-level leadership positions
•    Focus the company on the importance of net promoter score and improve net promoter scores across our consolidated communities
Ms. Baier
•    Benchmark best practices for finance processes with peer companies and identify and develop plan to capitalize on priorities, and implement plan for budgeted general and administrative expense savings in 2017
•    Restructure our finance organization and create pricing team and complete pricing pilot
•    Create, and obtain Board approval of, our capital allocation strategy and articulate that strategy to the market
•    Maintain appropriate controls with no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses
•    Provide support for improving operations, including through driving cost reduction initiatives where appropriate, creating and delivering standardized management reports, and providing models to improve the effectiveness of our sales team
Mr. Richardson
•    Realize targeted merger-related cost synergies
•    Benchmark capital expenditures with peer companies, reduce 2016 capital expenditures versus budget at a specified amount, and develop a multi-year capital expenditure plan to normalize per-unit capital expenditures
•    Implement customer relationship management and website project, develop and implement a process to solicit and compile cost savings and best practices from the organization, and develop projects for 2017 to generate cost savings at a specified amount
•    Restructure our information technology group, with success measured based on improvements to customer satisfaction, technology simplification and cost savings, improved security, completion of integration activity and increased allocation of resources to support strategic initiatives and innovation
Ms. Patchett
•    Implement BEST as a management tool, launch an audit format to standardize quality expectations and simplify the day-to-day community management and operations
•    Refocus our use of community quality system to have one system to document and follow-up on actions plans for BEST, site visits, and other program implementation tools
•    Strengthen our community teams through the reduction of turnover of key community-level leadership positions
•    Focus the company on the importance of net promoter score and improve net promoter scores across our consolidated communities
•    Re-establish brand recognition for our Clare Bridge programming and ensure implementation of Clare Bridge standards in all programs, measured by the increase in average occupancy for memory care units
•    Restructure operations oversight in select communities

Mr. Ohlendorf
•    Develop, gain the Board’s consensus regarding, and deliver to the Board, a long-term strategic plan

2016 Annual Cash Incentive Results
The results and payouts under the company and individual objectives for the 2016 annual cash incentive plan are described below. The total payment to each of our named executive officers under the 2016 annual cash incentive plan was as follows:
Actual 2016 Total Payment under 2016 Annual Cash Incentive Plan
  Actual Payment Target Opportunity Actual Payment as a Percentage of
Target Opportunity
T. Andrew Smith $418,594 $1,187,500 35.3%
Labeed S. Diab $219,375 $585,000 37.5%
Lucinda M. Baier $222,750 $550,000 40.5%
Bryan D. Richardson $159,500 $430,500 37.0%
Mary Sue Patchett $145,350 $425,000 34.2%
Mark W. Ohlendorf $47,206 $116,557 40.5%

As a result of his termination without cause during 2016, Mr. Ohlendorf was eligible to receive payment under the 2016 annual cash incentive plan (to the extent earned), pro-rated based on the number of days he was employed. The amounts of Mr. Ohlendorf's actual payment and target opportunity reflect his service through the effective date of his termination, or March 18, 2016.
Adjusted CFFO per Share. We achieved Adjusted CFFO per share of $2.33 for 2016, which was below the threshold performance of $2.42 per share. Accordingly, the Committee determined that no portion of the opportunity based on Adjusted CFFO per share performance would be paid, as shown below. Mr. Ohlendorf's target amount reflects his service through March 18, 2016.
Actual CFFO per Share Objective Payment
  Target Amount Achievement Payment
T. Andrew Smith $712,500 0% 
Labeed S. Diab $351,000 0% 
Lucinda M. Baier $330,000 0% 
Bryan D. Richardson $258,300 0% 
Mary Sue Patchett $255,000 0% 
Mark W. Ohlendorf $69,934 0% 
Adjusted CFFO per share is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation from, as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, cash flows provided by or used in operations, or other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. During 2016, we ceased presenting Adjusted CFFO per share in our earnings releases, documents filed with the SEC and other investor relations materials, and we ceased to include within our definition of CFFO our proportionate share of CFFO of our unconsolidated ventures. The following reconciliation shows how we calculated Adjusted CFFO per share for 2016, and it reflects the aggregate of our reported 2016 Adjusted CFFO and our proportionate share of CFFO of unconsolidated ventures, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.

 Year Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)December 31, 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities$365,732
Changes in operating assets and liabilities 76,252
Proceeds from refundable entrance fees 3,083
Refunds of entrance fees (3,984)
Lease financing debt amortization with fair market value or no purchase options (57,502)
Loss on facility lease termination 11,113
Distribution from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings (23,544)
Recurring capital expenditures, net (58,583)
Integration, transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs 62,131
Adjusted CFFO$374,698
   
Brookdale's proportionate share of CFFO of unconsolidated ventures 58,000
Adjusted CFFO$432,698
   
Weighted average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share 185,653
   
Adjusted CFFO per share$2.33
Resident Fee Revenue. We achieved resident fee revenue, excluding entrance fee amortization, of $4,164 million for 2016, which was below the threshold level of performance for this component of the annual cash incentive plan. However, due to the impact of dispositions and contributions of communities to unconsolidated ventures of 85 communities completed prior to the end of fiscal 2016, including those associated with our portfolio optimization initiative, the Committee exercised its discretion under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan to equitably adjust the targets to exclude $197.3 million of 2015 resident fee revenue attributable to such communities. The Committee further equitably adjusted the payout based on our 2016 resident fee revenue to reflect our actual 2016 results excluding $124.1 million of 2016 resident fee revenue attributable to such communities. As a result, our 2015 resident fee revenue as adjusted for dispositions (and excluding entrance fee amortization) was $3,977 million, and the adjusted target level of 2016 resident fee revenue was $4,036 million, which represented 1.5% growth over the 2015 adjusted amount, and the other performance targets were likewise adjusted. For 2016 we achieved resident fee revenue as adjusted for dispositions (and excluding entrance fee amortization) of $4,042 million, representing year-over-year growth of 1.65%. This level of performance corresponded to the 105% level of performance compared to the adjusted targets. Accordingly, the Committee determined to pay 105% of the target opportunity based on such performance, as shown below. The target and payment amounts for Mr. Ohlendorf reflect his service through March 18, 2016.
Actual Resident Fee Revenue Objective Payment
  Target Amount Achievement Payment
T. Andrew Smith $178,125 105% $187,031
Labeed S. Diab $58,500 105% $61,425
Lucinda M. Baier $55,000 105% $57,750
Bryan D. Richardson $43,050 105% $45,203
Mary Sue Patchett $42,500 105% $44,625
Mark W. Ohlendorf $11,656 105% $12,239

Individual Objectives. Following the conclusion of the 2016 fiscal year, the Committee determined that Mr. Smith had achieved 78% of his individual performance objectives. In addition, based upon Mr. Smith’s

recommendation and the Committee’s own evaluation of each named executive officer’s performance against the individual performance objectives that had been previously established, the Committee determined the level of achievement of the other named executive officers. The level of achievement of the named executive officers’ individual performance objectives and associated payouts are shown below. The target and payment amounts for Mr. Ohlendorf reflect his service through March 18, 2016.
Actual Individual Objectives Bonus Payment
  Target Amount Achievement Payment
T. Andrew Smith $296,875 78.0% $231,563
Labeed S. Diab $175,500 90.0% $157,950
Lucinda M. Baier $165,000 100.0% $165,000
Bryan D. Richardson $129,150 88.5% $114,298
Mary Sue Patchett $127,500 79.0% $100,725
Mark W. Ohlendorf $34,967 100.0% $34,967

2016 Long-Term Incentive Awards
The grant date fair value (calculated in accordance with ASC 718) of the long-term incentive awards granted to our named executive officers in 2016 were as follows (other than Mr. Ohlendorf, who did not receive long-term incentive awards due to the timing of his termination without cause effective March 18, 2016). The number of shares of restricted stock granted to each named executive officer was based on $14.49, the closing price of our common stock on February 26, 2016, the date of grant.
2016 Long-Term Incentive Awards
  Annual Grant of
Time-Based Restricted Stock
 Annual Grant of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Total
T. Andrew Smith $2,612,503 $2,612,503 $5,225,007
Labeed S. Diab $750,002 $750,002 $1,500,005
Lucinda M. Baier $750,002 $750,002 $1,500,005
Bryan D. Richardson $440,003 $440,003 $880,007
Mary Sue Patchett $352,513 $352,498 $705,011

The restricted share agreements associated with such long-term incentive awards contain non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants. With respect to any termination of a named executive officer’s employment, treatment of the restricted stock awards will be as provided in the applicable award agreement governing such awards, as described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” Each of the named executive officers will also be entitled to receive dividends on unvested shares, to the extent that any such dividends are declared in the future.
Annual Awards of Time-Based Restricted Stock. The annual awards of time-based restricted stock vested or will vest ratably in four annual installments beginning on February 27, 2017, subject to continued employment.
Annual Awards of Performance-Based Restricted Stock. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the annual awards of performance-based restricted stock are scheduled to vest on February 27, 2019 and twenty-five percent (25%) are scheduled to vest on February 27, 2020, in each case subject to continued employment and dependent upon the level of achievement of performance goals established for each tranche by the Committee. Any performance-based shares which do not vest in either tranche will be forfeited. Management viewed the performance targets to be challenging.

The performance targets for the shares eligible to vest in 2019 are based on our three-year CAGR of Adjusted CFFO per share, with results to be measured based on our Adjusted CFFO per share in 2018 compared to our Adjusted CFFO per share in 2015. For purposes of the calculation, Adjusted CFFO per share will exclude federal income taxes to the extent that we become a federal income taxpayer in future periods. Achievement of the threshold level of performance will result in the vesting of 20% of the shares eligible to vest in 2019, and achievement of the targeted level of performance (or above) will result in the vesting of 100% of such shares, which is the maximum that may be earned.
The performance targets for the shares eligible to vest in 2020 are based on our calendar year 2019 ROI on all Program Max projects either (i) approved in 2016 and completed prior to the end of 2017 or (ii) approved prior to 2016 and completed during 2017. Our Program Max initiative is a capital expenditure program through which we expand, renovate, redevelop and reposition certain of our existing communities where economically advantageous. Achievement of the threshold level of performance will result in the vesting of 20% of the shares eligible to vest in 2020, and achievement of the targeted level of performance (or above) will result in the vesting of 100% of such shares, which is the maximum that may be earned.
Results of 2013 Performance-Based Long-Term Incentive Awards
During 2013, the Committee granted performance-based restricted stock awards to each of the named executive officers, other than Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier who joined the Company in 2015. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the shares were eligible to vest on February 27, 2016 and twenty-five percent (25%) were eligible to vest on February 27, 2017, in each case subject to continued employment and dependent upon the level of achievement of performance goals established for each tranche by the Committee. With respect to each tranche of awards, achievement of the threshold level of performance would result in the vesting of 40% of the shares in that tranche. Achievement of the targeted level of performance (or above) would result in the vesting of 100% of the shares in that tranche. Any shares which do not vest in either tranche would be forfeited.
As previously disclosed, vesting of the shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2016 was dependent on the level of achievement of performance targets based on our three-year CAGR of CFFO per share, which measured our CFFO per share for 2015 versus a 2012 base year, and all of the shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2016 were forfeited based on our actual results.
The vesting of the shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 was dependent upon the level of achievement of performance targets based on our 2016 ROI on all Program Max projects approved in 2013 and completed prior to the end of 2014. The table below shows the percentage of such tranche that would vest based on our actual 2016 ROI on such Program Max projects. Vesting percentages were to be interpolated between the steps shown below.
2013 Performance-Based Restricted Stock –
2016 Program Max ROI Targets
ROI Target Percentage of Tranche that Would Vest
14% or above 100%
12% 75%
11% 55%
10% 40%
Below 10% No vesting

Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ohlendorf’s restricted share agreement, as a result of his termination without cause on March 18, 2016, all of his shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2017, or 4,369 shares, remained outstanding and eligible to vest based on (and subject to) our 2016 ROI on such Program Max projects.

Based on our actual ROI on such Program Max projects of 15.9% for 2016, all of the shares vested on February 27, 2017. The number of shares that vested on February 27, 2017 for each of our named executive officers is as follows:
Vesting of 2013 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards
  Shares Vested on February 27, 2017
T. Andrew Smith16,276
Bryan D. Richardson3,279
Mary Sue Patchett1,677
Mark W. Ohlendorf4,369

Results of 2014 Performance-Based Long-Term Incentive Awards
During 2014, the Committee granted annual awards of performance-based restricted stock to each of the named executive officers, other than Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier who joined the Company in 2015. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the shares were eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 and twenty-five percent (25%) are eligible to vest on February 27, 2018, in each case subject to continued employment and dependent upon the level of achievement of performance goals established for each tranche by the Committee. With respect to each tranche of awards, achievement of the threshold level of performance would result in the vesting of 20% of the shares in that tranche. Achievement of the targeted level of performance (or above) would result in the vesting of 100% of the shares in that tranche. Any shares which do not vest in either tranche would be forfeited.
The performance targets for the shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 were based on our three year CAGR of CFFO per share, which measured our CFFO per share for 2016 versus a 2013 base year. For purposes of the calculation, CFFO per share excluded acquisition, integration and other transaction costs and federal income taxes to the extent that we became a federal income taxpayer during the performance period. The table below shows the percentage of such shares that would vest based on our actual CFFO per share in 2016. Vesting percentages were to be interpolated between the steps shown below.
2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock –
2016 CFFO per Share Targets
CAGR of CFFO
(2013 Base Year)
 2016 CFFO per Share Percentage of Tranche
that Would Vest
10% or above $3.33 or above 100%
8% $3.15 80%
6% $2.99 60%
5% $2.89 40%
4% $2.81 20%
Below 4% Below $2.81 No vesting

Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ohlendorf’s restricted share agreement, as a result of his termination without cause on March 18, 2016, all of his shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2017, or 13,041 shares, remained outstanding and eligible to vest based on (and subject to) our 2016 CFFO per share performance.
We failed to achieve the threshold level of CFFO per share for 2016, and, as a result, all of the shares of our named executive officers eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 were forfeited. The number of shares that were eligible to vest in February 2017 and were forfeited by each of our named executive officers was as follows:

Forfeitures

Multiple of 2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock AwardsBase Salary  

 Shares Forfeited on February 27, 2017
T. Andrew Smith

Chief Executive Officer

  45,122
Bryan D. Richardson9,789
Mary Sue Patchett4,998
Mark W. Ohlendorf13,041

The performance targets for the shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2018 are based on our 2017 ROI on all Program Max projects approved in 2014 and completed prior to the end of 2015. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ohlendorf’s restricted share agreement, upon his termination without cause on March 18, 2016, the shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2018, or 4,348 shares, were forfeited.
Results of Mr. Smith’s 2015 Additional Performance-Based Long-Term Incentive Award
During 2015, the Committee granted an award of 53,742 shares of performance-based restricted stock to Mr. Smith in addition to his annual grant of restricted stock. Such shares vested in equal installments on February 27, 2016 and February 27, 2017, in each case subject to continued employment and dependent on the level of achievement of performance goals established for each tranche by the Committee. As previously disclosed, the performance goals established by the Committee for the 26,871 shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2016 were based on integration initiatives related to our acquisition of Emeritus, and the shares vested on such date upon the Committee’s determination that the performance criteria had been met. The performance goals set by the Committee for the 26,871 shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 were based on substantial completion by December 31, 2016 of the integration of purchasing systems and processes related to the Emeritus integration to enable realization of cost synergies in the merged company through combined purchasing. Substantial completion was measured by migration of at least 85% of the post-merger combined communities to a common accounts payable, eProcurement, and purchasing card system by December 31, 2016; and migration of at least 85% of the post-merger combined communities to a purchasing program utilizing a common approved vendor pool for national procurement contracts by December 31, 2016. In February 2017, the Committee determined that the foregoing performance criteria had been met and approved the vesting of all such shares eligible to vest on February 27, 2017.
Section 162(m) Limits on Deductibility
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation that a company may deduct in any one year with respect to its chief executive officer and each of its next three most highly paid executive officers other than the chief financial officer. To maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals, the Committee has not adopted a policy that all compensation must be deductible, although (as noted below) we structure our annual cash incentive plan and performance-based restricted stock awards to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
Certain performance-based compensation approved by stockholders is not subject to the compensation deduction limit. For the 2016 annual cash incentive plan, the cash incentive opportunities were denominated as separate cash-settled performance awards under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which was approved by our stockholders, so that amounts paid based on such objectives to individuals who are subject to the deduction limitation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code could qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). In addition, performance-based restricted stock we have issued under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan can qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
Stock Ownership and Retention Guidelines
Since 2007, we have maintained stock ownership and retention guidelines applicable to certain of our officers, including our named executive officers, to further align the interests of our executives with the interests of our stockholders. Our named executive officers are expected to hold a number of shares with a minimum market value

expressed as a multiple of the named executive officer’s base salary. The expected levels of ownership of our named executive officers under our guidelines are as follows:
Stock Ownership and Retention Guidelines—
Expected Level of Ownership

5.0x

 Multiple of
Base Salary

Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer

  5.0x

4.0x

Chief Financial or Chief Operating Officer

Executive Vice Presidents            

  4.0x

3.0x

Chief Administrative Officer  3.0x
Executive Vice President3.0x

The expected level

multiple of ownership may be met through stock purchased by the officer or his or her spousetheir base salary as shown in the market and/or through stock received upon vesting of equity awards.table. Unvested equity awards do not count toward the expected level of ownership, except that under the guidelines the estimated number of after-tax time-based restricted shares that areequity awards scheduled to vest within 90 days will countmay be counted towards the expected level of ownership.

compliance. The expected level of ownership must be achieved by the later of (i) May 9, 2012 (i.e., five years after the initial adoption of the guidelines) or (ii) the fifth anniversary of such officer’s becoming subject to the guidelines as a result of being hired or promoted into a position covered by the guidelines. UntilWe encourage our executives to retain shares obtained through our equity compensation programs, and until the expected ownership level is achieved the guidelines require each officer is expected to retain at least 50% of after-tax shares obtained through our equity compensation plans, and an officer will be deemed to bethose plans. This retention requirement also applies in compliance with the guidelines if he or she has retained at least 50% of such after-tax shares. In addition, ifsituations where an officer has achieved the expected stock ownership level and subsequentbut changes in the market price of our stock or the amount of such officer’s base salary result in such officer’s failure to maintain the expected stock ownership level, such officerlevel. All of our current named executive officers are in compliance with our stock ownership and retention guidelines and will be expected to retain at least 50% of after-tax shares obtained through our equity compensation plans until the expected stock ownership level is again achieved.
As of August 1, 2017, each of our named executive officers was in compliance with our stock ownership and retention guidelines. Each of Messrs. Smith and Richardson held shares with a market value in excess of such named executive officer’s applicable multiple of base salary. Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier, who joined the Company in 2015, and Ms. Patchett, who was promoted to the Executive Vice President position in 2015, are expected to retain at least 50% of their after-tax shares obtained through our equity compensation plans until they meet suchtheir applicable multiple of base salary.required holdings.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Policy on Derivatives, Hedging and Pledging

Our insider trading policy provides that no one subject to the policy, which includes all our directors, officers, employees and their immediate family members and controlled entities, may engage in short sales, puts, calls, or other derivative transactions, or in any hedging or monetization transactions (i.e., prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds), involving our securities. It furtheralso provides that none of our directors or executiveand officers may engage in hedging or monetization transactions involving our securities,not pledge our securities as collateral for a loan, or hold our securities in a margin account.

Clawback Policy

We have notPolicies

The Committee has adopted a separate executiveClawback and Forfeiture Policy, which applies to our current and former officers as defined in Rule 16a-1 of the Exchange Act, which was amended and restated in 2023 to comply with the new NYSE rules. The policy provides that in the event of any financial restatement of our reported consolidated financial statements, the Committee is required, subject to limited exceptions, to recoup any erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation clawback policy. However,paid during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding such restatement. To the extent the Committee determines that any such amount should be recouped, the Committee may seek recovery by, among other things, requiring reimbursement of performance-based compensation previously paid, canceling or rescinding outstanding equity awards, adjusting or withholding unpaid compensation, or setting off against future grants of equity-based awards. The new amended and restated policy became effective October 2, 2023 and applies to incentive-based compensation received on or after that date. This policy was included as an exhibit to our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition, the original version of our Clawback and Forfeiture Policy applied to all short-term and long-term cash or equity-based incentive compensation paid, earned, vested, or otherwise awarded based on performance objectives, beginning with the 2020 annual incentive plan and performance-based long-term incentive awards. The original version of the policy provided that in the event of any material financial restatement of our reported consolidated financial statements, or that the Committee otherwise determines that a financial metric used to determine the vesting or payment of any such performance-based compensation was calculated incorrectly in any material respect, the Committee, in its discretion, may require reimbursement of an amount equal to all or a portion of such performance-based compensation previously vested or paid for any performance periods which include any of the three full fiscal years immediately preceding the announcement of any financial restatement or the determination of any inaccuracy regarding calculation of a financial metric. The amount of the recoupment will be determined by the Committee in its discretion, up to the amount of such performance-based compensation previously paid or vested with respect to such officer that is in excess of the performance-based compensation that would have been received based on the correct financial metric or restated results. To the extent the Committee determines that any such amount should be recouped, the Committee may seek recovery by, among other things, requiring reimbursement of performance-based compensation previously paid, canceling or rescinding outstanding equity awards, adjusting or withholding unpaid compensation, or setting off against future grants of equity-based awards.

Our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides that any award thereunder that is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement willshall be subject to such deductionsforfeiture, reduction, or recoupment to the extent provided in our Clawback and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulationForfeiture Policy or stock exchange listing requirementany other future recoupment or as may be required pursuant to anyclawback policy adopted by us.

The long-term incentive award agreements for awards made in 2020 and after to the Company pursuantnamed executive officers provide that in the event of a breach by the named executive officer of the non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, or confidentiality covenants contained in the agreements, we will have the authority to cancel all such outstanding awards, cancel all shares of stock beneficially owned by the named executive officer that were issued in settlement of RSUs within 12 months on or prior to, or at any time after, the termination of the named executive officer’s employment, and recoup from the named executive officer any proceeds from such officer’s sale, transfer, or other disposition of any such cancellable shares or amounts paid under the award during such period.

To the extent the named executive officers are eligible to receive severance pay and benefits under Ms. Baier’s employment agreement and the Severance Policy (as defined below), as applicable, such agreement and policy

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Executive Compensation

provide that any breach of a restrictive covenant applicable to the named executive officer will result in the immediate and permanent cessation of payment of severance pay and benefits, the obligation of the named executive officer to repay to us upon our demand 90% of the amount or cost of such severance pay and benefits, and the obligation of the named executive officer to pay our costs and expenses to enforce such obligation.

Tax Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) places a limit of $1 million on the amount that a company may deduct in any one year with respect to compensation paid to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement.

“covered employee.” The Committee believes that the interests of our stockholders are best served if it maintains flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals even though some compensation awards may result in non-deductible compensation expense. In making decisions about executive compensation, the Committee also considers the impact of other tax laws, including Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code regarding non-qualified deferred compensation and Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code regarding compensation in connection with a change in control.


Employment Agreement and Severance Policies Applicable to Named Executive Officers

We are party to an amended and restated employment agreement dated November 3, 2021 with Mr. Smith dated February 11, 2013, as amended on April 23, 2015. We entered into the employment agreement with Mr. Smith in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in February 2013, and the agreement superseded and replaced the severance pay policy letter agreement, dated as of August 6, 2010, between us and Mr. Smith.Ms. Baier. The employment agreement has a threefive year term, subject to automatic extensions for additional one year periods, unless either we or Mr. Smith giveMs. Baier gives written notice to the other party no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the term that the term will not be so extended. Mr. Smith’sThe employment agreement provides an initial base salary was $480,000of $938,000 per year (Ms. Baier’s then current annual base salary), which wasshall be reviewed annually and may be increased from time to $825,000 per year as oftime at the date that his service as Chief Executive Officer began. In addition, Mr. Smith is eligible to receiveBoard’s sole discretion. Ms. Baier’s base salary may not be reduced without Ms. Baier’s approval. Ms. Baier will have an annual cash incentive opportunity targeted at 125%target of 135% of cumulative base salary paid during the calendar year (Ms. Baier’s then current annual cash incentive opportunity target), subject to the terms of our annual incentive compensation plan for senior executive officers. Mr. Smith is eligibleAt least annually, Ms. Baier will be considered for an award of long-term incentive awards at a level commensurate with her position and in a form and on terms no less favorable than as provided to participate in various benefit plans that we make available to our other senior executive officers. In addition, weAny reduction to such long-term incentive awards will be subject to the definition of good reason. We will provide Mr. SmithMs. Baier with basic term life insurance benefits of at least 100% of hisher base salary at no cost to Mr. Smith. Under hisMs. Baier. Termination of Ms. Baier’s employment within 30 days of the end of the initial term or any renewal term of the Employment Agreement following the provision of written notice of non-renewal by the Company will be treated as a termination of Ms. Baier’s employment without cause for purposes of the employment agreement Mr. Smithand her then outstanding long-term incentive awards. Under her employment agreement, Ms. Baier is entitled to severance payments if hisher employment is terminated by us without cause or if he terminates employmentby her for good reason. Such severanceSeverance payments in connection with a change in control are “double trigger,” which requirerequires the occurrence of a change in control followed by termination of employment within 1218 months of the change in control by us without cause or by Mr. SmithMs. Baier for good reason. Under Mr. Smith’s employment agreement, anyAny payments that are not deductible by us under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code will be cut back only to the extent that the cutback results in a better after taxafter-tax position for Mr. Smith.

Ms. Baier. The employment agreement contains non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and mutual non-disparagement covenants. The non-competition restrictions will continue in effect during Ms. Baier’s employment and for one year following termination of employment. The non-solicitation restrictions will continue in effect during her employment and for two years following her termination of employment. The confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement obligations will apply during her employment and thereafter.

Our other continuing named executive officers do not have employment agreements, but are eligible to participate in the Brookdale Senior Living Inc.Amended and Restated Tier I Severance Pay Policy Tier I, as amendeddated February 10, 2022 (the “Severance Policy”), which provides. Under the Severance Policy, the participating named executive officers are entitled to severance benefitspayments if their employment is terminated by the Company without cause or, following a change in control, by the executive for terminations of employment. In addition, each of Mr. Richardson and Ms. Patchett is, and Mr. Ohlendorf was, a party to a letter agreement with us that provides for additional severance benefits in certain circumstances.good reason. The severance payments under the Severance Policy and these letter agreements applicable in connection with a change in control are “double

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

trigger,” which require the occurrence of a change in control followed by termination of employment by us without cause or by the named executive officer for good reason. In January 2017, after consultation with F.W. Cook, the Committee amended the Severance Policy to extend the time period during which such named executive officers would be eligible to receive payments resulting from a termination by us without cause or by the named executive officer for good reason following the occurrence of a change in control from a time period of within 12 months following the change of control to a time period of within 18 months following a change in control, and to provide that in the event of such a termination by an “Other Eligible Employee” (which includes Ms. Patchett) in such circumstance, the Other Eligible Employee will receive an annual bonus for the year of separation from service (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days such Other Eligible Employee was employed and payable when such bonus would otherwise be due. The Severance Policy had been amended in 2015 to provide such pro-rata bonus to “Designated Officers” (which include Messrs. Diab and Richardson and Ms. Baier and included Mr. Ohlendorf). If payments pursuant to the Severance Policy and other arrangements are not deductible by us under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, such payments shall be reduced (or repaid) in order to ensure our deduction of payments in connection with a change in control.

Mr. Kaestner and Mr. Hicks are each party to a separate letter agreement with us dated effective as of August 6, 2010, which provides for certain modifications of the Severance Policy as it applies to Mr. Kaestner and Mr. Hicks, described further below.

A detailed description of potential severance payments pursuant to Mr. Smith’sthe foregoing employment agreement and the Severance Policy, and such other letter agreements, as well as the effect of certain terminations and/orand a change in control pursuant to our restricted shareoutstanding long-term incentive award agreements, is set forth under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

2024 Compensation Decisions

Relocation Benefits
In connection

When making annual compensation decisions for 2024, the Committee reviewed the compensation peer group used for 2023 decisions with hiring Mr. Diabthe Consultant and Ms. Baier in the fourth quarterdetermined to remove LHC Group, Inc. due to merger and acquisition activity and add Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. and Surgery Partners, Inc. The Consultant completed a market compensation study using this peer group. Following its review of 2015,our executive compensation program, the Committee approved certain relocation assistance for eachthe principal elements of the executives to move to the Nashville area, including moving costs, brokerage commissions and closing costs for the sale of each of the executive’s home and purchase of a home in the Nashville area, and temporary housing in the Nashville area for up to 12 months. We further agreed to reimburse Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier for their reasonable costs associated with traveling to and from Nashville during temporary living and


during the move of household goods. In April 2016, based on our business needs, we entered into an addendum to each of Mr. Diab’s and Ms. Baier’s initial offer letter pursuant to which we agreed to enhance the available relocation benefits to include the provision of home sale assistance to facilitate an accelerated move to the Nashville area. Pursuant to the home sale assistance benefit, we would engage a third-party provider of relocation services to assist with the sale of such executive’s primary residence. The home sale assistance program included marketing support and, if elected by the executive, facilitation of the purchase of the executive’s primary residence on our behalf by the third-party provider at a price determined by averaging multiple independent current fair market value appraisals, with the third-party provider subsequently marketing and reselling the property on our behalf. Consistent with their initial offer letters, if Mr. Diab or Ms. Baier were to voluntarily terminate employment or withdraw from full-time status prior to 18 months or 12 months, respectively, of the executive’s start date, the executive would be required to reimburse us for all costs and expenses incurred by us in connection with the relocation benefits and assistance provided to such executive. A portion of these relocation expenses were incurred in 2015 and 2016 and are reported in the Summary Compensation Table for such years.
2017 Compensation Decisions
Base Salary and Annual Cash Incentive Opportunity. The base salaries and target annual cash incentive opportunitycompensation of our currentcontinuing named executive officers for 2017 remained2024 as summarized in the sametable below. Percentage changes from 2023 are based on the compensation arrangements in place as 2016. of December 31, 2023.

  2024 Base
Salary
  Change v.
2023
  2024 Target
Annual
Incentive
Opportunity
  Change v.
2023
  2024 Grant
Value of
Long-
Term
Incentive
Awards (1)
  Change v.
2023 (1)
  2024 Target
Total Direct
Compensation
  Change v.
2023
 

Ms. Baier

  $1,020,000   3%   137%   –%   $5,000,003   –%   $7,417,403   1% 

Ms. Kussow

  $600,000   13%   90%   13%   $1,000,003   43%   $2,140,003   29% 

Mr. White

  $485,000   2%   80%   –%   $700,002   4%   $1,573,002   3% 

Mr. Kaestner

  $460,000   3%   80%   –%   $485,003   5%   $1,313,003   4% 

Mr. Hicks

  $300,000   2%   70%   –%   $300,002   –%   $810,002   1% 

(1)

The dollar amount of the long-term incentive awards, and the percentage change versus 2023, is based on the grant value of such awards (i.e., the number of RSUs granted at target performance, multiplied by the stock price on the date of grant).

The 20172024 annual cash incentive opportunity will continueplan, as approved by the Committee, continues to be based on company financial and individual performance objectives. The companystrategic objectives weighted 70% and individual performance objectives,30% of target, respectively, and their relative weight as a percentagewill be measured on an annual basis. All amounts earned will be paid out following the end of the year. For 2024, the financial objectives are our full-year 2024 consolidated portfolio RevPAR and our full-year Adjusted EBITDA, with the target total annual cash incentive opportunity, are as follows:

2017 Target Annual Cash Incentive Weighting by Objective
  Combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow Resident Fee Revenue Senior Housing and Ancillary Services Operating Income Individual
Objectives
T. Andrew Smith 40% 15% 20% 25%
Other Current NEOs 40% 10% 20% 30%

For purposeslevels of the annual cash incentive plan, combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow is defined as the sumperformance generally reflective of our Adjusted Free Cash Flow2024 budget approved by the Board. The strategic objectives include retention of key community leadership at our consolidated comparable community portfolio, improvement in resident and family member satisfaction (as reflected by NPS improvement), and (for Ms. Baier) an ESG-related strategic objective focused on our inclusion and diversity initiatives. Such objective will measure our progress on offering the Brookdale EXPAND program to all communities and completing the program for 2017 and our proportionate sharea selected cohort of Adjusted Free Cash Flowa minimum number of our unconsolidated venturescommunities.

For the 2024 program, all long-term incentive awards to the named executive officers were issued in the form of time-and performance-based RSUs. A 50/50 grant value mix of time-and performance-based RSUs was used for 2017, in each case as reported and defined in our public releases and/or filings, and will exclude transaction, transaction-related and severance costs in a mannerthe

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Executive Compensation

named executive officers, consistent with the methodology used2023 program, except that the Committee approved that all long-term incentive awards for the named executive officers would vest over three years instead of four. The performance objectives for the performance-based RSUs include year-over-year same community RevPAR growth for fiscal 2024, 2025, and 2026, weighted 75%, and TSR relative to the companies in our public releases and/or filings. Resident fee revenue is defined as our 2017 consolidated resident fee revenue, and senior housing and ancillary services operating income is defined as our 2017 consolidated resident fee revenue less facility operating expense. At the discretionS&P Midcap 400 Index for the three-year period ending December 31, 2026, weighted 25%. Any performance-based RSUs earned from achievement of the Committee, the combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow performance criteria may be equitably adjustedRevPAR growth and relative TSR objectives are eligible to reflect capital expenditures associated with catastrophic casualty losses andvest on February 27, 2027, subject to reflect changes in business plans and budgets imposed by our joint venture partners, and each of the company level performance criteria may be equitably adjusted to reflect transaction activity (including acquisitions, dispositions, lease restructurings, lease terminations, and venture transactions). Achievement ofcontinued employment. Performance at the threshold or target level of each companyachievement for a performance objective will result in 20% or 100%, respectively,vesting of 50% for each of the component ofRevPAR growth and relative TSR objectives. Performance at the opportunity being paid. Achievement in excess of the targetedtarget and maximum level of performanceachievement will result in a payout up to a maximum of 200% of the component of the opportunity being paid, subject to a maximum aggregate payout to a named executive officer under the 2017 annual cash incentive plan of $2,000,000 (as required by our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan). Achievement of the targeted level of performance for the individual goals will result in 100% of this component being paid, which represents the maximum amount payable to an executive with respect to the individual performance objectives.

Long-Term Incentive Awards. Each of the current named executive officers received long-term incentive awards on February 13, 2017 with grant date fair values consistent with the awards made in 2016, with the exception

of Mr. Smith. The Committee was prepared to make annual grants of time- and performance-based restricted stock to Mr. Smith consistent with the grant date fair values of his 2016 awards. However, Mr. Smith unilaterally requested that the Committee not consider him for the 2017 awards. The Committee accepted Mr. Smith’s request, and Mr. Smith waived any rights to such awards and any rights resulting from the Committee’s failure to make such awards and confirmed that failure to receive such awards would not entitle him to terminate his employment agreement for “good reason.”
One-half of the long-term incentive awards are shares of time-based restricted stock that generally vest ratably in four annual installments beginning on February 27, 2018, subject to continued employment. The other one-half of such awards are shares of performance-based restricted stock, 75% of which will generally vest on February 27, 2020 and 25% of which will generally vest on February 27, 2021, in each case subject to continued employment and dependent upon the level of achievement of performance goals established for each tranche by the Committee. Achievement of the target or higher level of performance for a performance-based tranche will result in the vesting of 100% ofand 150%, respectively, for such objectives. Vesting percentages will be interpolated for performance between the shares in such tranche, and achievement oflevels. No additional RSUs beyond the threshold level oftarget RSUs will be issued on the relative TSR performance for a performance-based tranche will result in the vesting of 20% of the shares in such tranche.
The performance targetsobjective if our compound annual TSR is negative for the performance-based shares vesting in 2020 are based on our three-year CAGR of Combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow, with results to be measured based on our Combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow in 2019 compared to our Combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow for 2016. For purposes of the calculation, Combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow means the sum of our Adjusted Free Cash Flow for such year and our proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures for such year, in each case as reported and defined in our public releases and/or filings, and such measure will exclude transaction, transaction-related and severance costs and federal income taxes to the extent that we become a federal income taxpayer in future periods. The performance targets for the performance-based shares vesting in 2021 are based on our 2020 ROI on all Program Max projects either (i) approved in 2017 and completed prior to the end of 2018 or (ii) approved prior to 2017 and completed during 2018.
period.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the disclosure set forth above under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management and, based on the review and discussions, it has recommended to the Board that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included herein.

Respectfully submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board,

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Frank M. Bumstead, Chairman
Jackie M. Clegg
Jeffrey R. Leeds
Lee S. WielanskyChair

Victoria L. Freed

Denise W. Warren

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Summary Compensation Table for 2016

2023

Summary Compensation Table for 2023

The following summary compensation table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned by, awarded to, or paid to our named executive officers for the periods indicated.

Name and Principal Position Year Salary
($)
 
Bonus
($)
(1)
 
Stock Awards
($)
(2)
 
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
(3)
 
All Other Compensation
($)
(4)
 Total
($)
T. Andrew Smith, 2016 953,654 
 5,225,007
 418,594
 11,339 6,608,593
President and 2015 953,654 
 7,536,779
 276,094
 8,929 8,775,455
Chief Executive Officer(5)
 2014 841,216 
 3,412,525
 714,580
 11,025 4,979,346
               
Labeed S. Diab, 2016 587,250 
 1,500,005
 219,375
 304,685 2,611,314
Chief Operating Officer(5) 
 2015 76,500 1,000,000
 2,100,014
 
 17,833 3,194,347
               
Lucinda M. Baier, 2016 552,115 
 1,500,005
 222,750
 217,497 2,492,367
Chief Financial Officer(5)
 2015 48,654 1,000,000
 775,020
 
 11,982 1,835,656
               
Bryan D. Richardson, 2016 432,115 
 880,007
 159,500
 9,829 1,481,452
Executive Vice President and 2015 421,616 
 1,580,298
 124,110
 8,534 2,134,558
Chief Administrative Officer 2014 367,631 
 740,399
 274,996
 10,239 1,393,265
               
Mary Sue Patchett, 2016 426,635 
 705,011
 145,350
 7,811 1,284,807
Executive Vice President,              
Community Operations              
               
Mark W. Ohlendorf, 2016 116,308 
 
 
 1,307,402 1,423,709
Former President and 2015 542,077 
 2,168,853
 158,436
 8,898 2,878,263
Chief Financial Officer(5)
 2014 499,538 
 986,351
 364,820
 10,731 1,861,440
________________

Name and Principal Position (1)

 Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($) (2)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (3)
  All Other
Compensation
($) (4)
  

Total

($)

 

Lucinda M. Baier

President and

Chief Executive Officer

  2023   990,000   –    3,193,334   1,258,419   9,254   5,451,007 
  2022   975,000   –    5,117,052   545,739   8,098   6,645,889 
  2021   938,000   100,000   2,765,005   1,488,391   8,852   5,300,248 

Dawn L. Kussow

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  2023   516,461   –    714,533   375,677   6,660   1,613,331 
  2022   344,432   36,957   172,891   81,962   6,289   642,531 

Chad C. White

Executive Vice President,

General Counsel and
Secretary

  2023   475,000   –    689,016   352,581   8,826   1,525,423 
  2022   465,000   –    665,217   154,237   6,761   1,291,215 
  2021   425,000   73,000   322,502   349,677   7,143   1,177,322 

H. Todd Kaestner

Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and President – CCRCs

  2023   445,000   –    469,550   330,313   8,798   1,253,661 
  2022   430,000   –    460,545   142,628   7,267   1,040,440 
  2021   390,000   75,000   242,503   320,880   7,596   1,035,979 

George T. Hicks

Executive Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

  2023   295,000   –    306,229   191,600   6,152   798,981 

Steven E. Swain

Former Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

  2023   90,769   –    –    67,376   1,196,323   1,354,468 
  2022   590,000   –    1,816,555   244,624   7,858   2,659,037 
  2021   575,000   –    962,504   675,847   8,193   2,221,544 

Kevin W. Bowman

Former Executive Vice President – Community Operations

  2023   16,442   –    –    23,143   968,893   1,008,478 
  2022   475,000   –    869,901   207,880   73,929   1,626,710 
  2021   339,844   –    159,968   253,921   16,847   770,580 

(1)Represents

The named executive officers served in the positions noted in the table at all times during the years presented, except that: Mr. Bowman served as Division Vice President – Operations (West Division) before being appointed to serve as Executive Vice President – Community Operations effective October 1, 2021; Mr. Kaestner served as Executive Vice President – Asset Management and Division President – Entry Fee during 2020 and to July 31, 2021; and Ms. Kussow served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for the full year of 2022 and as Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 17, 2022 until October 3, 2022 in connection with a cash sign-on bonus.temporary medical leave of absence taken by Mr. Swain during that period. Ms. Kussow was appointed to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 24, 2023. Mr. Swain’s service as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was terminated without cause effective as of such date, and Mr. Bowman’s service as Executive Vice President – Community Operations was terminated without cause effective January 12, 2023. Mr. Hicks was not an NEO in 2022 and 2021 and Ms. Kussow was not an NEO in 2021.

(2)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of time-basedtime- and/or performance-based RSUs awarded in 2023 and performance-based restricted stock awardsprior years, in each case computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718. See Note 132 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a summary of the assumptions made in the valuation of these awards. See footnotes 2 and 6 to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for the grant values of the performance-based RSUs awarded in 2023 assuming maximum levels of performance.

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Executive Compensation

(3)

Represents the payout of each named executive officer’s annual cash incentive opportunity with respect to performance in 2014, 2015the applicable year. The 2022 amounts for Ms. Kussow and 2016, as applicable. Mr. Ohlendorf's pro-rata portionBowman include $10,680 and $10,937, respectively, associated with the vesting of his 2016 annualthe 2022 tranche of time-based cash long-term incentive opportunityawards granted to them in February 2021. The 2023 amounts for his service through March 18, 2016 is includedMs. Kussow and Mr. Bowman include $10,680 and $10,938, respectively, associated with the vesting of the 2023 tranche of time-based cash long-term incentive awards granted to them in All Other Compensation.February 2021.

(4)

For each of the named executive officers, the 20162023 amount includes the employer matching contribution to our 401(k) Plan and premiums on Company-provided life and disability insurance. For Mr. Diab,Swain and Mr. Bowman, the 20162023 amount also includes the incremental cost to the Company of $299,180payments following their respective terminations without cause. See “Payments in Connection with Mr. Swain’s Termination” and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Bowman’s Termination” below for relocation assistance provided to Mr. Diab, including moving and storage costs, home sale assistance (including brokerage commissions and closing costs for the sale of his former home), temporary housing in the Nashville area, reimbursement for travel to and from Nashville during temporary living, and associated tax gross ups of $62,769. For Ms. Baier, the 2016 amount also includes the incremental cost to the Company of $211,774 for relocation assistance provided to Ms. Baier, including moving and storage costs, brokerage commissions and closing costs for Ms. Baier’s purchase of a home in the Nashville area, temporary housing in the Nashville area, acquisition costs related to the purchase by a third party on our behalf of Ms. Baier’s former home at the average of multiple independent fair market value appraisals, holding costs associated with our marketing of Ms. Baier’s former home, reimbursement for travel to and from Nashville during temporary living, and associated tax gross ups of $32,220. For Mr. Ohlendorf, the 2016 amount also includes $1,207,895 of severance pay, $47,206 representing a pro-rata portion of his 2016 annual cash incentive opportunity for his service through March 18, 2016, $41,538 representing the payout of his accrued paid time off and $9,638 representing the employer portion of continuation of health coverage.further information.

(5)

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Mr. Smith served as Chief Executive Officer at all times presented and additionally became our President on March 18, 2016. Mr. Diab and Ms. Baier joined Brookdale on November 16, 2015 and December 1, 2015, respectively. Mr. Ohlendorf served as Chief Financial Officer until December 1, 2015, and as President until March 18, 2016.

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2016

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table summarizes grants of plan-based awards made to our named executive officers in 2016. All of our named executive officers are eligible to receive dividends on unvested shares of stock that have been granted to them (to2023. To the extent thatwe declare cash or stock dividends are declared on our shares of common stock).

Name Grant Date Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 
Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards
(1)
 
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units
(#)
(2)
 Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards
($)
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
T. Andrew Smith  142,500
(3) 
712,500
(3) 
1,425,000
(3) 

 
 
 
 
   35,625
(4) 
178,125
(4) 
356,250
(4) 

 
 
 
 
   
(5) 
296,875
(5) 
296,875
(5) 

 
 
 
 
  2/26/2016  
 
 36,060
 180,297
 180,297
 
 2,612,504
  2/26/2016  
 
 
 
 
 180,297
 2,612,504
                   
Labeed S. Diab  70,200
(3) 
351,000
(3) 
702,000
(3) 

 
 
 
 
   11,700
(4) 
58,500
(4) 
117,000
(4) 

 
 
 
 
   
(5) 
175,500
(5) 
175,500
(5) 

 
 
 
 
  2/26/2016  
 
 10,352
 51,760
 51,760
 
 750,002
  2/26/2016  
 
 
 
 
 51,760
 750,002
                   
Lucinda M. Baier  66,000
(3) 
330,000
(3) 
660,000
(3) 

 
 
 
 
   11,000
(4) 
55,000
(4) 
110,000
(4) 

 
 
 
 
   
(5) 
165,000
(5) 
165,000
(5) 

 
 
 
 
  2/26/2016  
 
 10,352
 51,760
 51,760
 
 750,002
  2/26/2016  
 
 
 
 
 51,760
 750,002
                   
Bryan D. Richardson  51,660
(3) 
258,300
(3) 
516,600
(3) 

 
 
 
 
   8,610
(4) 
43,050
(4) 
86,100
(4) 

 
 
 
 
   
(5) 
129,150
(5) 
129,150
(5) 

 
 
 
 
  2/26/2016  
 
 6,074
 30,366
 30,366
 
 440,003
  2/26/2016  
 
 
 
 
 30,366
 440,003
                   
Mary Sue Patchett  51,000
(3) 
255,000
(3) 
510,000
(3) 

 
 
 
 
   8,500
(4) 
42,500
(4) 
85,000
(4) 

 
 
 
 
   
(5) 
127,500
(5) 
127,500
(5) 

 
 
 
 
  2/26/2016  
 
 4,866
 24,327
 24,327
 
 352,498
  2/26/2016  
 
 
 
 
 24,328
 352,513
                   
Mark W. Ohlendorf  64,800
(3) 
324,000
(3) 
648,000
(3) 

 
 
 
 
   10,800
(4) 
54,000
(4) 
108,000
(4) 

 
 
 
 
   
(5) 
162,000
(5) 
162,000
(5) 

 
 
 
 
________________
stock, the RSUs awarded will accrue cash equivalents or shares to be paid only to the extent the underlying RSUs ultimately vest. Due to their respective terminations, long-term incentive awards were not made to Mr. Swain and Mr. Bowman.

Name

 Grant Date  

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

     

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

  All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of Shares
of Stock or Units
(#)
  

Grant Date

Fair Value of

Stock Awards

($)

 
 

Threshold

($)

  

Target

($)

  

Maximum

($)

     

Threshold

(#)

  

Target

(#)

  

Maximum

(#)

 

Ms. Baier

  – (1)   440,798   1,356,300   2,576,970       
  2/15/2023 (2)       117,514   235,028   352,542    693,333 
  2/15/2023 (3)   590,834   1,181,667   1,772,501       
  2/15/2023 (4)   312,500   625,000   937,500       
  

 

2/15/2023 (5)

 

 

 

                              

 

847,458

 

 

 

  

 

2,500,001

 

 

 

Ms. Kussow

  – (1)   127,849   393,380   747,423       
  2/15/2023 (2)       44,492   88,983   133,475    262,500 
  2/15/2023 (6)       14,831   29,661   44,492    102,034 
  

 

2/15/2023 (5)

 

 

 

                              

 

118,644

 

 

 

  

 

350,000

 

 

 

Mr. White

  – (1)   123,500   380,000   722,000       
  2/15/2023 (2)       42,903   85,805   128,708    253,125 
  2/15/2023 (6)       14,301   28,602   42,903    98,391 
  

 

2/15/2023 (5)

 

 

 

                              

 

114,407

 

 

 

  

 

337,501

 

 

 

Mr. Kaestner

  – (1)   115,700   356,000   676,400       
  2/15/2023 (2)       29,237   58,474   87,711    172,498 
  2/15/2023 (6)       9,746   19,492   29,238    67,052 
  

 

2/15/2023 (5)

 

 

 

                              

 

77,966

 

 

 

  

 

230,000

 

 

 

Mr. Hicks

  – (1)   67,113   206,500   392,350       
  2/15/2023 (2)       19,068   38,135   57,203    112,498 
  2/15/2023 (6)       6,356   12,712   19,068    43,729 
  

 

2/15/2023 (5)

 

 

 

                              

 

50,848

 

 

 

  

 

150,002

 

 

 

Mr. Swain

  

 

– (1)

 

 

 

  

 

23,600

 

 

 

  

 

72,615

 

 

 

  

 

137,969

 

 

 

                        

Mr. Bowman

  

 

– (1)

 

 

 

  

 

4,275

 

 

 

  

 

13,154

 

 

 

  

 

24,992

 

 

 

                        

(1)

Amounts represent the threshold, target, and maximum payout levels under our 2023 annual incentive plan applicable to each named executive officer, as described above. The actual payouts are reported in the Summary Compensation Table as Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation for 2023 in the following amounts: Ms. Baier–$1,258,419; Ms. Kussow–$364,997; Mr. White–$352,581; Mr. Kaestner–$330,313; Mr. Hicks–$191,600; Mr. Swain–$67,376; and Mr. Bowman–$12,205.

(2)

Represents shares of performance-based restricted stockRSUs granted under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. As described above, seventy-five percent (75%) of the shares willPlan, which are eligible to vest on February 27, 2019 and twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares will vest on February 27, 2020, in each case2026, subject to continued employment and dependent upon the level of achievement of performance goals established for each tranche by the Committee. Theyear-over-year same-community RevPAR growth performance targets for years 2023, 2024 and 2025. Each RSU is payable in the firstform of one share of our common stock upon vesting. The values of the RSUs reported in the table represent the grant date fair values computed in accordance with ASC 718, which are equivalent to the grant values (i.e., number of RSUs granted at target performance level, multiplied by the closing price on the date of grant). Achievement at the threshold, target, and maximum or above performance

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  47


Executive Compensation

levels will result in vesting of 50%, 100%, and 150% of the target number of RSUs, respectively, and vesting percentages will be interpolated for performance between the levels set forth in the award agreements (as described previously). Failure to achieve the threshold performance level for any tranche will result in forfeiture of shares are basedall such RSUs in that tranche. The grant values of the awards (i.e., number of RSUs granted multiplied by the closing price on our three-year CAGRthe date of Adjusted CFFO per share, with resultsgrant) assuming achievement at or above the maximum performance level were: Ms. Baier–$1,039,999; Ms. Kussow–$393,750; Mr. White–$379,687; Mr. Kaestner–$258,747; and Mr. Hicks–$168,747.

(3)

Represents a performance-based cash award to be measured basedMs. Baier, which is eligible to vest on our Adjusted CFFO per share in 2018 comparedFebruary 27, 2026, subject to our Adjusted CFFO per share for 2015. Thecontinued employment and the achievement of year-over-year same-community RevPAR growth performance targets for years 2023, 2024 and 2025. Achievement at the second tranchethreshold, target, and maximum or above performance levels will result in vesting of shares are based on our calendar year 2019 ROI on all Program Max projects either (i) approved in 201650%, 100%, and completed prior to the end of 2017 or (ii) approved prior to 2016 and completed during 2017. Achievement150% of the target cash amount, respectively, and vesting percentages will be interpolated for performance between the levels set forth in the award agreement (as described previously). Failure to achieve the threshold or targetperformance level of performance for eachany tranche wouldwill result in forfeiture of the applicable portion of such cash award.

(4)

Represents a performance-based cash award to Ms. Baier, which is eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, subject to continued employment and the achievement of 3-year relative TSR performance targets. Achievement at the threshold, target, and maximum or above performance levels will result in vesting of 20% or50%, 100%, respectively,and 150% of the shares in such tranche. Any shares which do not vest in either tranchetarget cash amount, respectively (provided that no additional target cash amount will be forfeited.issued if our compound annual TSR is negative for the performance period), and vesting percentages will be interpolated for performance between those levels. Failure to achieve the threshold performance level will result in forfeiture of the entire cash amount.

(5)
(2)

Represents shares of time-based restricted stockRSUs granted under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The shares vested or willPlan which are eligible to vest ratably in four annual installments beginning on February 27, 2017,2024, subject to continued employment.


(3)Represents the amounts which would have been Each RSU is payable in cashthe form of one share of our common stock upon vesting.

(6)

Represents performance-based RSUs granted under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which are eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, subject to continued employment and the achievement of 3-year relative TSR performance targets. Each RSU is payable in the form of one share of our common stock upon vesting. The values reported in the table represent the grant date fair values computed in accordance with ASC 718, which were 16.6% more than the grant values (i.e., number of RSUs granted at target performance level, multiplied by the closing price on the date of grant). Achievement at the threshold, target, and maximum under the Adjusted CFFO per share objectiveor above performance levels will result in vesting of the 2016 annual cash incentive plan, the terms of which are summarized above. Achievement in excess of the targeted level of performance would have resulted in a payout in excess of50%, 100%, and 150% of the target bonus opportunity, limitednumber of RSUs, respectively (provided that no additional shares beyond the target number of RSUs will be issued if our compound annual TSR is negative for the performance period), and vesting percentages will be interpolated for performance between those levels. Failure to up to 200% (and subject toachieve the aggregate maximum payoutthreshold performance level will result in forfeiture of $2,000,000 to an individual under the annual cash incentive plan). Pursuant to the Severance Policy, as a result of Mr. Ohlendorf’s termination without cause on March 18, 2016, he was eligible to receive payment underall such portionRSUs. The grant values of the 2016 annual cash incentive plan (toawards (i.e., number of RSUs granted multiplied by the extent earned), pro-rated basedclosing price on the numberdate of days he was employed. The named executive officers actually earned no amounts with respect to 2016grant) assuming achievement at or above the maximum performance under this portion of the annual cash incentive plan, which is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.

(4)Represents the amounts which would have been payable in cash at threshold, target and maximum under the 2016 revenue objective of the 2016 annual cash incentive plan, the terms of which are summarized above. Achievement in excess of the targeted level of performance would have resulted in a payout in excess of 100% of the target bonus opportunity, limited to up to 200% (subject to the aggregate maximum payout of $2,000,000 to an individual under the annual cash incentive plan). Pursuant to the Severance Policy, as a result ofwere: Ms. Kussow–$131,250; Mr. Ohlendorf’s termination without cause on March 18, 2016, he was eligible to receive payment under such portion of the 2016 annual cash incentive plan (to the extent earned), pro-rated based on the number of days he was employed. As reported in the Summary Compensation Table, the named executive officers actually earned the following cash amounts with respect to 2016 performance under this portion of the annual cash incentive plan:White–$126,564; Mr. Smith—Kaestner–$187,031; Mr. Diab—$61,425; Ms. Baier—$57,750; Mr. Richardson—$45,203; Ms. Patchett—$44,625;86,252; and Mr. Ohlendorf—Hicks–$12,239 (reflecting his pro-rata amount).56,251.

(5)

48  

Represents the amounts which would have been payable in cash at target and maximum under the individual objectives portion of the 2016 annual cash incentive plan for the named executive officers, the terms of which are summarized above. The individual objectives portion of the annual cash incentive plan did not specify a minimum threshold level of performance. As a result of Mr. Ohlendorf’s termination without cause on March 18, 2016, he was eligible to receive payment under such portion of the 2016 annual cash incentive plan (to the extent earned), pro-rated based on the number of days he was employed. As reported in the Summary Compensation Table, the named executive officers actually earned the following cash amounts with respect to 2016 performance under this portion of the annual cash incentive plan: Mr. Smith—$231,563; Mr. Diab—$157,950; Ms. Baier—$165,000; Mr. Richardson—$114,298; Ms. Patchett—$100,725; and Mr. Ohlendorf—$34,967 (reflecting his pro-rata amount).

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for 2016

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2016. The2023, with market values of such awards are based on $12.42$5.82 per share, the closing market price of our stock on December 30, 2016.

    Stock Awards
Name Grant Date Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
(#)
 Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
($)
 Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
(#)
 Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
($)
T. Andrew Smith 2/11/2013 13,951
(1) 
173,271
 16,276
(2) 
202,148
  2/5/2014 33,090
(1) 
410,978
 24,066
(3) 
298,900
  2/5/2015 51,527
(1) 
639,965
 37,786
(4) 
469,302
  2/5/2015 26,870
(5) 
333,725
 26,871
(6) 
333,738
  2/26/2016 180,297
(1) 
2,239,289
 72,119
(7) 
895,718
Total   305,735
 3,797,229
 177,118
 2,199,806
           
Labeed S. Diab 12/3/2015 65,178
(1) 
809,511
 ––
 ––
  2/26/2016 51,760
(1) 
642,859
 20,704
(7) 
257,144
Total   116,938
 1,452,370
 20,704
 257,144
           
Lucinda M. Baier 12/3/2015 24,054
(1) 
298,751
 ––
 ––
  2/26/2016 51,760
(1) 
642,859
 20,704
(7) 
257,144
Total   75,814
 941,610
 20,704
 257,144
           
Bryan D. Richardson 2/11/2013 3,280
(1) 
40,738
 3,279
(2) 
40,725
  2/5/2014 7,180
(1) 
89,176
 5,221
(3) 
64,845
  2/5/2015 8,679
(1) 
107,793
 6,365
(4) 
79,053
  2/5/2015 15,048
(8) 
186,896
 ––
 ––
  2/26/2016 30,366
(1) 
377,146
 12,147
(7) 
150,866
Total   64,553
 801,748
 27,012
 335,489
           
Mary Sue Patchett 2/11/2013 1,633
(1) 
20,282
 1,633
(2) 
20,282
  6/13/2013 43
(1) 
534
 44
(2) 
546
  2/5/2014 3,666
(1) 
45,532
 2,666
(3) 
33,112
  2/5/2015 3,906
(1) 
48,513
 2,864
(4) 
35,571
  10/22/2015 10,667
(1) 
132,484
 
 
  2/26/2016 24,328
(1) 
302,154
 9,731
(7) 
120,859
Total   44,243
 549,498
 16,938
 210,370
           
Mark W. Ohlendorf 2/11/2013 
 
 4,369
(2) 
54,263
  2/5/2014 
 
 2,609
(9) 
32,404
  2/5/2015 
 
 4,340
(9) 
53,903
Total   
 
 11,318
 140,570
________________
29, 2023.

       Stock Awards 

Name

  Grant Date   Number of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
   Market Value of
Shares or Units of
Stock That Have
Not Vested ($)
   Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That Have
Not Vested (#)
  Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares, Units
or Other Rights That
Have Not Vested ($)
 

Ms. Baier

   2/12/2020 (1)    87,003    506,357    –    –  
   2/22/2021 (1)    271,612    1,580,782    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (1)    340,910    1,984,096    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (2)    289,774    1,686,485    227,274 (4)   1,322,735 
   2/15/2023 (1)    847,458    4,932,206    –    –  
   2/15/2023 (3)    45,438    264,449    78,344 (5)   455,962 

Ms. Kussow

   2/12/2020 (1)    4,552    26,493    –    –  
   2/22/2021 (1)    8,393    48,847    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (1)    17,478    101,722    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (2)    4,952    28,821    3,884 (4)   22,605 
   2/15/2023 (1)    118,644    690,508    –    –  
   2/15/2023 (3)    17,203    100,121    74,154 (5)   431,576 

Mr. White

   2/12/2020 (1)    9,766    56,838    –    –  
   2/22/2021 (1)    31,680    184,378    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (1)    44,319    257,937    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (2)    37,671    219,245    29,547 (4)   171,964 
   2/15/2023 (1)    114,407    665,849    –    –  
   2/15/2023 (3)    16,589    96,548    71,505 (5)   416,159 

Mr. Kaestner

   2/12/2020 (1)    6,215    36,171    –    –  
   2/22/2021 (1)    23,822    138,644    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (1)    30,683    178,575    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (2)    26,080    151,786    20,456 (4)   119,054 
   2/15/2023 (1)    77,966    453,762    –    –  
   2/15/2023 (3)    11,305    65,795    48,730 (5)   283,609 

Mr. Hicks

   2/12/2020 (1)    5,327    31,003    –    –  
   2/22/2021 (1)    14,735    85,758    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (1)    20,455    119,048    –    –  
   2/10/2022 (2)    17,388    101,198    13,636 (4)   79,362 
   2/15/2023 (1)    50,848    295,935    –    –  
   2/15/2023 (3)    7,372    42,905    31,780 (5)   184,960 

Mr. Swain

   2/10/2022 (2)    42,358    246,524    15,219 (4)   88,051 

Mr. Bowman

   2/10/2022 (2)    20,284    118,053    7,245 (4)   42,166 

(1)

Represents shares of time-based restricted stock,RSUs, the vesting of which is subject to continued employment. The shares granted during February and Juneawards have vested or willare eligible to vest ratably in four annual installments beginning on February 27 in the year following the year of grant. The shares granted during October and December have vested or will vest ratably in three annual installments beginning on November 27 and December 3, respectively, in the year following the year of grant.


(2)

Represents shares of performance-based restricted stock, the vesting ofRSUs which would occur on February 27, 2017, subject to continued employment and the achievement of specified performance targets. The number of shares reported represents the target level of performance. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ohlendorf’s restricted share agreement, as a result of his termination without cause on March 18, 2016, such shares remained outstanding and were eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 dependent upon the achievement of the performance targets. As described above, the target-level of performance was exceeded and, therefore, all of such shares vested on such date for each named executive officer.

(3)Represents shares of performance-based restricted stock, the vesting of which is subject to continued employment and the achievement of specified performance targets. Seventy-five percent (75%) of such shares were eligible to vest on February 27, 2017, and twenty-five percent (25%) of such shares are eligible to vest on February 27, 2018. The number of shares reported represents2025 subject to continued employment (except with respect to Messrs. Swain and Bowman) for which the thresholdCommittee has certified the actual level of performanceachievement of 105% of the targeted amount from the 2022 tranche and 150% of the targeted amount from the 2023 tranche for the firstyear-over-year RevPAR growth goal for 2022 and 2023.

(3)

Represents performance-based RSUs which are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 subject to continued employment for which the Committee has certified the actual level of achievement of 58% of the targeted amount from the 2023 tranche andfor the year-over-year RevPAR growth goal for

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  49


Executive Compensation

2023. Upon the Committee’s determination that the target level of performance for the second tranche. As described above, the threshold level of performance for the shares scheduled to vest on February 27, 2017 washad not achieved; therefore,been achieved, the named executive officers forfeited the following number of sharesRSUs on February 27, 2017:15, 2024: Ms. Baier–32,903; Ms. Kussow–12,458; Mr. Smith—45,122 shares;White–12,012; Mr. Richardson—9,789 shares;Kaestner–8,186; and Ms. Patchett—4,998 shares.Mr. Hicks–5,339, which are not reflected in the table above.

(4)

Represents sharesperformance-based RSUs with the terms described under “Status of performance-based restricted stock, the vesting of which is subjectOutstanding Performance-Based Awards Granted Prior to continued employment and the achievement of specified performance targets. Seventy-five percent (75%) of such shares are eligible to vest on February 27, 2018, and twenty-five percent (25%) of such shares are eligible to vest on February 27, 2019.2023—2022 Performance-Based RSU Awards”. The number of sharesRSUs reported represents the threshold level of performance for the first tranche and the target level of performance for the second tranche.

(5)Represents shares of time-based restricted stock which will vest on February 27, 2018, subjectwith respect to continued employment.
(6)Represents shares of performance-based restricted stock, the vesting of which is subject to continued employment and the achievement of specified performance goals. Such shares were eligible to vest, and did vest, on February 27, 2017. The number of shares reported represents the target level of performance.
(7)Represents shares of performance-based restricted stock, the vesting of which is subject to continued employment and the achievement of specified performance targets. Seventy-five percent (75%) of such shares areRSUs eligible to vest on February 27, 2019,2025 subject to continued employment (except with respect to Messrs. Swain and twenty-five percent (25%)Bowman) for the 2024 tranche for the year-over-year RevPAR growth goal, and the maximum level of such shares areperformance with respect to the RSUs eligible to vest on February 27, 2020.2026 (subject to continued employment) based on our 3-year relative TSR for the period of January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The number of sharesRSUs reported for the 3-year relative TSR represents the maximum level of performance due to the fact that for the period of January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 performance has exceeded the target level of achievement. The final number of RSUs earned will be determined by the Committee following completion of the full three-year performance period.

(5)

Represents performance-based RSUs with the terms described in footnotes 2 and 3 to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table. The number of RSUs reported represents the threshold level of performance for the first tranche and the target level of performance for the second tranche.

(8)Represents shares of time-based restricted stock which have vested or will vest ratably in three annual installments beginning on February 27, 2016, subject to continued employment.
(9)Represents shares of performance-based restricted stock, the vesting of which would occur on February 27, 2017, subject to continued employment and the achievement of specified performance targets. The number of shares reported represents the threshold level of performance. Pursuantwith respect to the terms of Mr. Ohlendorf’s restricted share agreement, as a result of his termination without cause on March 18, 2016, such shares remained outstanding and wereRSUs eligible to vest on February 27, 2017 dependent upon2026 (subject to continued employment) for the achievement2024 and 2025 tranches for the year-over-year RevPAR growth goals, and (for all continuing named executive officers other than Ms. Baier) the maximum level of the performance targets. The threshold-level of performance for such shares was not achieved; therefore, Mr. Ohlendorf forfeited 13,041 shares with respect to the award grantedRSUs eligible to vest on February 5, 2014 and forfeited 10,848 shares with respect27, 2027 (subject to continued employment) based on our 3-year relative TSR performance for the period of January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025. The number of RSUs reported represents the maximum level of performance due to the award granted on February 5, 2015.fact that for the period of January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 performance has exceeded the maximum level of achievement. The final number of RSUs earned will be determined by the Committee following completion of the full respective performance periods.

Stock Vested for 2016

2023

The following table summarizes the vesting of time-based restricted shares of time-based and performance-based restricted stockRSUs and the value realized by our named executive officers as a result of such vesting during 2016.

  Stock Awards
Name Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) 
Value Realized on Vesting ($)(1)
T. Andrew Smith 86,858 1,258,572
Labeed S. Diab 32,588 371,177
Lucinda M. Baier 12,027 136,988
Bryan D. Richardson 26,528 384,391
Mary Sue Patchett 12,850 174,037
Mark W. Ohlendorf 54,363 816,733
________________
2023.

   Stock Awards 
   Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)   Value Realized on Vesting ($) (1) 
 Ms. Baier   411,986    1,367,794 
 Ms. Kussow   20,926    69,474 
 Mr. White   47,535    157,817 
 Mr. Kaestner   33,919    112,611 
 Mr. Hicks   32,672    108,471 
 Mr. Swain   138,475    455,583 
 Mr. Bowman   32,626    94,942 

(1)

The value realized is based on the closing market price of the underlying stock on the date the shares vested (or the most recent trading day if such date was not a trading day): February 27, 2016 (Mr. Smith—86,8582023 (Ms. Baier–411,986 shares; Ms. Kussow–20,926 shares; Mr. Richardson—26,528White–47,535 shares; Ms. Patchett––7,517Mr. Kaestner–33,919 shares; and Mr. Ohlendorf––33,339 shares)Hicks–32,672); November 19, 2016 (Ms. Patchett––5,333 shares)February 24, 2023 (Mr. Swain–138,475); and December 3, 2016January 12, 2023 (Mr. Diab––32,588Bowman–32,626 shares).


shares; and Ms. Baier––12,027 shares). The number of shares and value realized on vesting for Mr. Ohlendorf includes 21,024 shares, or $333,651, of time-based restricted stock that accelerated and vested upon his termination without cause on March 18, 2016.

Pension Benefits

None of our named executive officers participates in or has account balances in qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans sponsored by us. The Committee may elect to adopt qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans in the future if it determines that doing so is in our best interests.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

None of our named executive officers participates in or has an accrued benefit in non-qualified defined contribution plans or other non-qualified deferred compensation plans maintained by us. The Committee may elect to adopt non-qualified defined contribution plans or other non-qualified deferred compensation plans in the future if the Committeeit determines that doing so is in our best interests.

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The following table and summary setsets forth potential amounts payable upon termination of employment or a change in control to our named executive officers, other than Mr. Ohlendorf. The Committee may in its discretion revise, amend or add to the benefits if it deems advisable. The table below reflects amounts payable to ourcontinuing named executive officers assuming termination of employment on December 31, 2016,2023, with equity-basedlong-term equity incentive amounts based on $12.42$5.82 per share, the closing market price of our stock on December 30, 2016. The actual amounts payable to Mr. Ohlendorf in connection with termination of his employment without cause on March 18, 2016 are provided separately below.

Name/Benefit Voluntary Resignation by Executive
($)
 Termination by us for Cause
($)
 Termination by us without Cause
($)
 Termination by us without Cause following a Change in Control
($)
 Termination by Executive for Good Reason
($)
 Disability
($)
 Death
($)
T. Andrew Smith              
Salary 
 
 2,375,000 2,850,000 2,375,000
 
 
Pro-Rata Bonus(1)   
 
 
 –– –– ––
 ––
 ––
Severance Bonus 
 
 2,968,750 3,562,500 2,968,750
 
 
PTO 73,077
 73,077
 73,077 73,077 73,077
 73,077
 73,077
COBRA 
 
 18,530 18,530 18,530
 
 
Market Value of Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock(2)   
 
 
 1,799,037 8,172,894 1,799,037
 1,799,037
 1,799,037
Total   
 73,077
 73,077
 7,234,393 14,677,000 7,234,393
 1,872,114
 1,872,114
               
Labeed S. Diab              
Salary 
 
 1,462,500 1,755,000 ––
 
 
Pro-Rata Bonus(3)   
 
 
 219,375 219,375 ––
 ––
 ––
Severance Bonus 
 
 1,462,500 1,755,000 ––
 ––
 ––
PTO 45,000
 45,000
 45,000 45,000 45,000
 45,000
 45,000
COBRA 
 
 18,530 18,530 ––
 
 
Market Value of Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock(2)   
 
 
 565,470 2,095,229 
 565,470
 565,470
Total   
 45,000
 45,000
 3,773,375 5,888,134 45,000
 610,470
 610,470
               

Lucinda M. Baier              
Salary 
 
 1,375,000 1,650,000 
 
 
Pro-Rata Bonus(3)   
 
 
 222,750 222,750 ––
 ––
 ––
Severance Bonus 
 
 1,375,000 1,650,000 ––
 ––
 ––
PTO 41,712
 41,712
 41,712 41,712 41,712
 41,712
 41,712
COBRA 
 
 13,605 13,605 
 
 
Market Value of Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock(2)   
 
 
 310,090 1,584,469 
 310,090
 310,090
Total   
 41,712
 41,712
 3,338,157 5,162,536 41,712
 351,802
 351,802
               
Bryan D. Richardson              
Salary 
 
 1,076,250 1,291,500 1,076,250
 
 
Pro-Rata Bonus(3)   
 
 
 159,500 159,500 159,500
 ––
 ––
Severance Bonus 
 
 1,076,250 1,291,500 1,076,250
 
 
PTO 33,115
 33,115
 33,115 33,115 33,115
 33,115
 33,115
COBRA 
 
 13,605 13,605 13,605
 
 
Market Value of Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock(2)   
 
 
 349,710 1,525,449 
 349,710
 349,710
Total   
 33,115
 33,115
 2,708,430 4,314,669 2,358,720
 382,825
 382,825
               
Mary Sue Patchett              
Salary 
 
 850,000 850,000 ––
 
 
Severance Bonus 
 
 318,750 425,000 ––
 
 
PTO 32,693
 32,693
 32,693 32,693 32,693
 32,693
 32,693
COBRA 
 
 9,070 9,070 ––
 
 
Market Value of Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock(2)   
 
 
 222,355 1,019,906 
 222,355
 222,355
Total   
 32,693
 32,693
 1,432,868 2,336,668 32,693
 255,048
 255,048
________________

29, 2023.

Name/Benefit

 Voluntary
Resignation by
Executive
($)
  Termination
by us for
Cause
($)
  Termination
by us without
Cause
($)
  Termination
by us without
Cause
following a
Change in
Control
($)
  Termination
by Executive
for Good
Reason
($)
  Disability
($)
  Death
($)
 

Ms. Baier

       

Salary

        1,485,000   1,980,000   1,485,000       

Pro-Rata Bonus (1)

        1,258,419   1,258,419   1,258,419   1,258,419   1,258,419 

Severance Bonus

        2,034,450   2,712,600   2,034,450       

PTO

  44,816   44,816   44,816   44,816   44,816   44,816   44,816 

COBRA

        30,495   30,495   30,495       

Accelerated Vesting of Long-Term Incentive Awards (2)

        8,471,501   18,129,592   8,471,501   8,471,501   8,471,501 

Total

  44,816   44,816   13,324,681   24,155,922   13,324,681   9,774,736   9,774,736 

Ms. Kussow

       

Salary

        530,000   795,000          

Pro-Rata Bonus (1)

        364,997   364,997      364,997   364,997 

Severance Bonus

        393,380   590,071          

PTO

  23,993   23,993   23,993   23,993   23,993   23,993   23,993 

COBRA

                     

Accelerated Vesting of Long-Term Incentive Awards (2)

        444,980   1,609,333      444,980   444,980 

Total

  23,993   23,993   1,757,350   3,383,394   23,993   833,970   833,970 

Mr. White

       

Salary

        475,000   712,500          

Pro-Rata Bonus (1)

        352,581   352,581      352,581   352,581 

Severance Bonus

        380,000   570,000          

PTO

  21,311   21,311   21,311   21,311   21,311   21,311   21,311 

COBRA

                     

Accelerated Vesting of Long-Term Incentive Awards (2)

        1,078,943   2,535,968      1,078,943   1,078,943 

Total

  21,311   21,311   2,307,835   4,193,360   21,311   1,452,835   1,452,835 

Mr. Kaestner

       

Salary

        445,000   667,500   445,000       

Pro-Rata Bonus (1)

        330,313   330,313      330,313   330,313 

Severance Bonus

        356,000   534,000   267,000       

PTO

  20,408   20,408   20,408   20,408   20,408   20,408   20,408 

COBRA

        17,860   26,789   17,860       

Accelerated Vesting of Long-Term Incentive Awards (2)

        768,005   1,773,472      768,005   768,005 

Total

  20,408   20,408   1,937,586   3,352,482   750,268   1,118,726   1,118,726 

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  51


Executive Compensation

Name/Benefit

 Voluntary
Resignation by
Executive
($)
  Termination
by us for
Cause
($)
  Termination
by us without
Cause
($)
  Termination
by us without
Cause
following a
Change in
Control
($)
  Termination
by Executive
for Good
Reason
($)
  Disability
($)
  Death
($)
 

Mr. Hicks

       

Salary

        295,000   442,500   295,000       

Pro-Rata Bonus (1)

        191,600   191,600      191,600   191,600 

Severance Bonus

        206,500   309,750   154,875       

PTO

  13,529   13,529   13,529   13,529   13,529   13,529   13,529 

COBRA

        27,107   40,660   27,107       

Accelerated Vesting of Long-Term Incentive Awards (2)

        499,872   1,156,148      499,872   499,872 

Total

  13,529   13,529   1,233,608   2,154,187   490,511   705,001   705,001 

(1)In accordance with the terms of Mr. Smith's employment agreement, any bonus payments would have been payable in full, to the extent earned, as of December 31, 2016. Since no additional amount would become payable as a result of any termination of employment on December 31, 2016, no amount has been included in the table in respect of such bonus payments. To the extent a termination event occurred on a date during 2016 other than December 31, Mr. Smith would be entitled to an amount payable under the annual cash incentive plan for the year of termination (to the extent earned under the terms of the annual cash incentive plan), pro-rated based on the number of days he was employed.
(2)A portion of the amounts listed in the applicable columns relate to the potential vesting of performance-based restricted shares following a termination of the executive’s employment by us without cause (other than in connection with a change in control), as a result of the executive’s death or disability and with respect to grants made to Mr. Smith, upon his termination of employment with good reason (other than in connection with a change in control). As described in more detail below, upon each of these events, all or a portion of the performance-based restricted shares eligible to vest on the next vesting date would remain outstanding until February 27, 2017 and would vest only if and to the extent the relevant performance targets for such tranche were achieved. The amounts in the applicable columns in respect of the potential vesting of these performance-based restricted shares are based on our actual 2016 performance relative to the applicable performance targets and consist of $535,886 for Mr. Smith; $40,725 for Mr. Richardson; and $20,828 for Ms. Patchett. The remainder of the applicable amounts consists of the accelerated vesting of time-based restricted shares, and in the column under the heading "Termination by us without Cause following Change in Control," additional vesting of performance-based restricted shares, each as described in more detail below.
(3)

The amounts listed in the applicable columns represent the amount payable to the named executive officer under the applicable2023 annual cash incentive plan based on our actual performance in 2016. 2023.

(2)

The amounts reflectin the applicable columns include accelerated vesting of long-term incentive awards pursuant to the severance terms of the applicable award agreements described below. With respect to the amounts set forth for “Termination by us without Cause”, terminations due to “Disability” and “Death” and, for Ms. Baier, “Termination by Executive for Good Reason,” the reported amounts: (i) include the future vesting amount of the first, second, and third tranches, and 75% of the fourth tranche of the performance-based cash awards granted in 2021 after giving effect to our actual performance for the performance periods ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023; (ii) include the future vesting amount of the first and second tranches of the performance-based RSUs granted in 2022 after giving effect to our actual performance for the performance periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2023; (iii) include the future vesting amount of the first tranche of the performance-based RSUs (and for Ms. Baier, the performance-based cash award) granted in 2023 after giving effect to our actual performance for the performance period ended December 31, 2023; (iv) exclude the potential future vesting of 25% of the fourth tranche (relative TSR objective) of the outstanding 2021 performance-based cash awards, which vests subsequent to December 31, 2023; (v) exclude the potential future vesting of 50% of the fourth tranche (relative TSR objective) of the outstanding 2022 performance-based RSUs, which has a full yearperformance period ending subsequent to December 31, 2023; and (vi) exclude the potential future vesting of service.25% of the fourth tranche (relative TSR objective) of the outstanding 2023 performance-based RSUs (and for Ms. Baier, the 2023 performance-based cash award), which has a performance period ending subsequent to December 31, 2023. See below for a description of the treatment of certain terminations of employment under the outstanding long-term incentive awards. Assuming threshold level performance for the fourth tranche of the 2022 performance-based cash awards and the fourth tranche of the 2023 performance-based RSUs (and for Ms. Baier, the 2023 performance-based cash award) referenced in (v) and (vi) above, the named executive officers would have been entitled to the following additional amounts for “Termination by us without Cause”, terminations due to “Disability” and “Death” and, for Ms. Baier, “Termination by Executive for Good Reason”: Ms. Baier–$243,465; Ms. Kussow–$24,403; Mr. White–$42,306; Mr. Kaestner–$29,065; and Mr. Hicks–$19,171. Assuming target level performance for the fourth tranche of the 2022 performance-based RSUs and the fourth tranche of the 2023 performance-based RSUs (and for Ms. Baier, the 2023 performance-based cash award) referenced in (v) and (vi) above, the named executive officers would have been entitled to the following additional amounts for “Termination by us without Cause”, terminations due to “Disability” and “Death” and, for Ms. Baier, “Termination by Executive for Good Reason”: Ms. Baier–$486,937; Ms. Kussow–$48,807; Mr. White–$84,605; Mr. Kaestner–$58,124; and Mr. Hicks–$38,336. Assuming maximum level performance for the fourth tranche of the 2022 performance-based RSUs and the fourth tranche of the 2023 performance-based RSUs (and for Ms. Baier, the 2023 performance-based cash award) referenced in (v) and (vi) above, the named executive officers would have been entitled to the following additional amounts for “Termination by us without Cause”, terminations due to “Disability” and “Death” and, for Ms. Baier, “Termination by Executive for Good Reason”: Ms. Baier–$730,402; Ms. Kussow–$73,210; Mr. White–$126,911; Mr. Kaestner–$87,189; and Mr. Hicks–$57,507.

Payments in Connection with Termination of Mr. Ohlendorf

Following the termination of Swain’s Termination

Mr. Ohlendorf'sSwain’s employment was terminated by us without cause on March 18, 2016, he deliveredeffective February 24, 2023. Upon his delivery of an executed waiver and release acknowledging that all restrictive covenants to which he is a party will remain in force for the periods specified, therein.he became eligible to receive severance pay and benefits under the Severance Policy, including the COBRA benefits described below under “Severance Arrangements”. A breach of such covenants will result in the cessation of severance pay and


benefits and may result in his being required to repay certain severance pay and benefits already provided as well as certain costs and expenses. The following table sets forthPursuant to the amounts paid or payableSeverance Policy, Mr. Swain was entitled to Mr. Ohlendorf in connection with terminationreceive $1,180,000, which represents the sum of his employment without cause.
Salary
$1,350,000
Pro-Rata Bonus
$47,206
Severance Bonus
$1,350,000
PTO
$41,538
COBRA
$18,903
Market Value of Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock
$397,569
Total

$3,205,217

The2023 annual salary and severance bonus amounts, which reflect 2.5 times Mr. Ohlendorf’s base salaryof $590,000 and his 20162023 target annual bonus are beingopportunity of $590,000, which was paid in equal periodic installments on our regular payroll dates, spanning 18 months, and commenced on the 60th day following his date of termination. The pro-rata bonus12 months. He was paid in February 2017, which represents the annual cashalso eligible to receive a pro-rata bonus for 2016 (to2023 to the extent earned under the terms of theour 2023 annual cash incentive plan), pro-ratedplan based on the number of days of his service during 2023, which was paid on the regular

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

payment date in the amount of $67,376 (as described above). In addition, Mr. Swain was paid the amount he earned for 2022 performance under the 2022 Management Incentive Plan ($244,624) and he received a payout of $15,465, representing his paid time off (PTO) balance. Mr. Swain was employed. A portionalso eligible to receive outplacement services generally consistent with the outplacement benefits provided to other management-level corporate associates who were impacted by an organizational restructuring in early 2023.

Upon his termination, a total of 138,475 outstanding time-based restricted shares and restricted stock units immediately vested, with all remaining time-based restricted stock units being immediately forfeited. With respect to Mr. Swain’s outstanding 2022 performance-based restricted stock unit awards, 52,444 RSUs remained outstanding following his termination and will be eligible for vesting in the future based on (and subject to) the Company’s performance relative to the performance targets for such award, and 110,937 RSUs were immediately forfeited on the date of his termination. Mr. Swain earned 42,358 RSUs (including 2,017 additional RSUs based on performance above the target level), which will vest in 2025 and has 15,129 RSUs eligible for vesting in the future based on (and subject to) the Company’s performance. With respect to his outstanding 2021 performance-based cash award, a total of $631,640 of the amounts listed under market value of accelerated vesting of restricted stock relatesaward remained outstanding following his termination and was eligible to vest based on (and subject to) the Company’s performance relative to the vestingperformance targets for such awards. Based on our actual levels of performance-based restricted shares following Mr. Ohlendorf's termination. Upon such termination, all or a portionachievement of the 2021 and 2022 tranches of the 2021 performance-based restricted sharescash award, $511,329 vested on February 27, 2024. Based on our actual levels of achievement of the 3-year relative TSR tranche, $138,119 will be eligible to vest on the next vesting date remained outstanding until February 27, 20172025. A total of $360,937 of the 2021 award was immediately forfeited on the date of his termination. The number of performance-based RSUs and would vest only ifthe amount of the performance-based cash award that remain outstanding and eligible for future vesting is based on actual performance for completed performance periods and assumes the target level of performance for performance periods that have not yet been completed.

Payments in Connection with Mr. Bowman’s Termination

Mr. Bowman’s employment was terminated by us without cause effective January 12, 2023. Upon his delivery of an executed waiver and release acknowledging that all restrictive covenants to which he is a party will remain in force for the periods specified, he became eligible to receive severance pay and benefits under the Severance Policy, including the COBRA benefits described below under “Severance Arrangements”. A breach of such covenants will result in the cessation of severance pay and benefits and may result in his being required to repay certain severance pay and benefits already provided as well as certain costs and expenses. Pursuant to the Severance Policy, Mr. Bowman was entitled to receive $950,000, which represents the sum of his 2023 annual salary of $475,000 and his 2023 target annual bonus opportunity of $475,000, which was paid in equal periodic installments on our regular payroll dates, spanning 12 months. He was also eligible to receive a pro-rata bonus for 2023 to the extent earned under our 2023 annual incentive plan based on the relevantnumber of days of his service during 2023, which was paid on the regular payment date in the amount of $12,205 (as described above). In addition, Mr. Bowman was paid the amount he earned for 2022 performance under the 2022 Management Incentive Plan ($196,943) and he received a payout of $18,269, representing his paid time off (PTO) balance. Mr. Bowman was also eligible to receive outplacement services generally consistent with the outplacement benefits provided to other management-level corporate associates who were impacted by an organizational restructuring in early 2023.

Upon his termination, a total of 32,626 outstanding time-based restricted shares and restricted stock units immediately vested, with all remaining time-based restricted stock units being immediately forfeited. In addition, $10,938 of his outstanding time-based cash award immediately vested and $21,875 of such award was immediately forfeited. With respect to Mr. Bowman’s outstanding 2022 performance-based restricted stock unit awards, 25,114 RSUs remained outstanding following his termination and will be eligible for vesting in the future based on (and subject to) the Company’s performance relative to the performance targets for such trancheaward, and 53,125 RSUs were achieved. The market valueimmediately forfeited on the date of accelerated vesting of these performance-based restricted shares ishis termination. Mr. Bowman earned 20,284 (including 966 additional RSUs based on our actual 2016performance above the target level), which will vest in 2025, and he has 7,245 RSUs eligible for vesting in the future based on (and subject to) the Company’s performance. With respect to his outstanding 2021 performance-based cash awards, a total of $80,040 of the awards remained outstanding following his termination and eligible for

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  53


Executive Compensation

vesting based on (and subject to) the Company’s performance relative to the applicable performance targets and consistsfor such awards. Based on our actual levels of $63,918. The remainderachievement of the market value of accelerated vesting of restricted stock consists2021 and 2022 tranches of the accelerated2021 performance-based cash awards, $23,242 vested on February 27, 2024 and $51,330 will be eligible to vest on November 19, 2024. An additional $6,278 will be eligible to vest on February 27, 2025 based on actual levels of achievement of the 3-year relative TSR tranche. A total of $40,562 of the 2021 awards was immediately forfeited on the date of his termination. The number of performance-based RSUs and the amount of the performance-based cash awards that remain outstanding and eligible for future vesting is based on actual performance for completed performance periods and assumes the target level of time-based restricted sharesperformance for performance periods that occurred upon Mr. Ohlendorf's termination.

have not yet been completed.

Severance Policies and Severance Terms Contained in Restricted Share AgreementsArrangements

We are party to an

Our employment agreement with Mr. Smith, which we entered into in connectionMs. Baier and the Severance Policy provide for severance payments and benefits for certain terminations of employment of our named executive officers. In addition, long-term incentive award agreements with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in February 2013 and which was amended on April 23, 2015. Our otherthe named executive officers participateprovide for the treatment of outstanding long-term incentive awards upon certain terminations of employment. Summaries of such arrangements are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, “cause,” “good reason” and “change in control” are defined in the employment agreement or Severance Policy, initially adopted byas applicable, or with respect to the Committee on August 6, 2010 and amended during 2015 and in January 2017, which is described below.outstanding long-term incentive award agreements, our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan or such long-term incentive award agreements as applicable. In addition to the severance pay and benefits described below, upon any termination of a named executive officer’s employment, the executive will be entitled to receive a payout of up to 16080 hours of the executive’s paid time off (PTO) balance.

Upon termination of a named executive officer’s employment due to death or disability, our annual incentive plan and Ms. Baier’s employment agreement provide that the annual bonus will be paid to the extend earned, pro-rated based on the number of days employed during the year.

Employment Agreement with T. Andrew Smith

In

Under Ms. Baier’s employment agreement, in the event Mr. Smith’sher employment is terminated by us without “cause”cause or he resignsby Ms. Baier for “good reason” (each as defined in the employment agreement)good reason, in each case other than within 1218 months following a “changechange in control” (as defined in the employment agreement)), upon signing a release of claims in a form adopted by us and continuing to comply with all applicable restrictive covenants, hecontrol, she will be entitled to receive the following severance payments and benefits:to: (i) 250%150% of hisher base salary paid in installments over 18 months, (ii) 250% of hisand target annual bonus opportunity for the year of his termination, paid in installmentspayable over 18 months, (iii)months; (ii) an annual bonus for the year of termination (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days heshe was employed, and (iv)(iii) if then eligible for, and heshe elects continuation of health coverage under COBRA, we will pay the employer portion of Mr. Smith’sher COBRA premium payments for 18 months as if heshe were still an active employee (the “Severance“COBRA Benefits”).

In the event Ms. Baier’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Ms. Baier for good reason, in each case within 18 months following a change in control, she will be entitled to: (i) 200% of her base salary and her target bonus for the year of termination payable in a lump sum upon such termination, (ii) her target annual bonus for the year of termination, pro-rated based on the number of days she was employed, payable in a lump sum upon such termination, and (iii) the COBRA Benefits for 18 months

If Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment is terminated by reason of hisher death or “disability” (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Smithshe (or hisher beneficiary or estate, as applicable) will be entitled to receive an annual bonus for the year of termination (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days


he she was employed, subject, inemployed.

Payments of such severance pay and benefits under the event of termination by reason of disability, to Mr. Smith signing aemployment agreement are conditioned on Ms. Baier having signed and returned an effective waiver and release of claims in a form adopted bysatisfactory to us and continuing to comply with all applicable restrictive covenants.

In the event Mr. Smith’s employment is terminated by us without cause or he resigns for good reason, She must acknowledge in each case within 12 months following a change in control, upon signing asuch release of claims in a form adopted by us and continuing to comply withthat all applicable restrictive covenants heto which she is a party will be entitled to receive the following severance payments and benefits: (i) 300% of his base salary paidremain in installments over 18 months, (ii) 300% of his target bonus incentive opportunityforce for the yearperiod specified in such covenants. A breach of his termination paidsuch covenants will result in a lump sum on the 60th day following such termination; (iii) an annual bonus for the yearcessation of termination (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days he was employed,severance pay and (iv) the Severance Benefits.benefits and may result in her being required to repay certain severance pay and benefits already provided as well as certain costs and expenses.

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Termination of Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment within 30 days of the end of the initial term or any renewal term of the employment agreement following the provision of written notice of non-renewal by us will be treated as a termination of Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment without cause for purposes of the employment agreement and for purposes of any equity awards previously granted to Mr. Smith or granted to him during the term of the employment agreement.

outstanding long-term incentive awards.

With respect to any termination of Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment, treatment of restricted stockoutstanding equity awards will be as provided in the applicable award agreement governing such awards, as described below.

Any payments that are not deductible by us under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code will be cut back only to the extent that the cutback results in a better after taxafter-tax position for Mr. Smith.
Ms. Baier.

The employment agreement contains customary non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and mutual non-disparagement covenants. The non-competition restrictions will continue in effect during Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment and for one year following his termination of employment; the employment. The non-solicitation restrictions will continue in effect during hisher employment and for two years following hisher termination of employment. The confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement obligations will apply during hisher employment and atthereafter. Ms. Baier’s long-term incentive awards also contain non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and mutual non-disparagement covenants.

Severance Policy

Each of the continuing named executive officers, other than Ms. Baier, participates in the Severance Policy. Messrs. Kaestner and Hicks are party to separate letter agreements with us dated effective as of August 6, 2010, which provide for certain modifications of the Severance Policy as it applies to each of them, described further below. The table below sets forth the severance pay and benefits available under the Severance Policy, as it was amended and restated effective February 10, 2022, for the participating named executive officers assuming a “separation from service” (as defined in the Severance Policy) without cause or, within 18 months following a change in control, without cause or for good reason.

Separation without Cause Not
within 18 Months Following
Change in Control

Separation without Cause or for
Good Reason within 18 Months
Following Change in Control

•  100% of base salary and target annual bonus payable over 12 months following separation

•  Pro-rated annual bonus for the year of termination to the extent earned, payable when such bonus would otherwise be due

•  COBRA Benefits for 12 months

•  150% of base salary and target annual bonus payable in a lump sum upon separation

•  Pro-rated target annual bonus for the year of separation payable in a lump sum upon such separation

•  COBRA Benefits for 18 months

Pursuant to Mr. Kaestner and Mr. Hicks’ 2010 respective letter agreements, if either of them separates from service for good reason otherwise than within 18 months following a change in control, each will be eligible to receive 100% of his annual salary and 75% of his target annual bonus payable over 12 months following separation.

Payments of the foregoing severance pay and benefits under the Severance Policy are conditioned upon the executive having signed and returned an effective waiver and release of claims in a form satisfactory to us, the executive having executed and delivered an enforceable non-competition covenant acceptable to the Company with a duration of 12 months following termination of employment, and the executive continuing to comply with all times thereafter.applicable restrictive covenants. The executive must acknowledge in the waiver and release that all restrictive covenants, including the foregoing non-competition covenant and covenants contained in long-term incentive award agreements to which he or she is a party will remain in force for the period specified in such covenants. A breach of such covenants will result in the cessation of severance pay and benefits and may result in Mr. Smith’ssuch executive’s being

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required to repay certain severance pay and benefits already provided as well as certain costs and expenses.

The non-competition provisions provide that Mr. Smith shall not directly or indirectly, either as a principal, agent, employee, employer, consultant, partner, shareholder of a closely held corporation or shareholder in excess of five percent (5%) of a publicly traded corporation, corporate officer or director, or in any other individual or representative capacity, engage or otherwise participate in any manner or fashion in any business that is a Competing Business in the Area (each as defined below). For purposes of this provision: “Area” means a fifteen (15) mile radius of any senior living facility owned, managed or operated by us (or our successor) at the time Mr. Smith’s employment is terminated; and “Competing Business” means the business of owning, operating or managing senior living facilities having gross annualized revenues of at least $35 million or owning, operating or managing, in the aggregate, at least 1,000 units/beds provided that at least 750 units/beds owned, operated or managed by such business are located within the Area.
Severance Pay Policy, Tier I
On August 6, 2010, the Committee adopted the Severance Policy, which applies to each of the named executive officers other than Mr. Smith, and was amended during 2015 and in January 2017. Messrs. Diab and Richardson and Ms. Baier participate, and Mr. Ohlendorf participated, in the Severance Policy as a “Designated Officer”, and Ms. Patchett participates in the Severance Policy as an “Other Eligible Employee”, which provides less severance pay than the severance pay to which Designated Officers are entitled. The amendment approved by the Committee in January 2017 extended the time period during which a participant would be eligible to receive payments resulting from a separation from service by us without cause or by the named executive officer for good reason following the occurrence of a change in control from a time period of within 12 months following the change in control to a time period of within 18 months following a change in control, and provides that in the event of such a separation from

service by an Other Eligible Employee in such circumstance, the Other Eligible Employee will receive an annual bonus for the year of separation from service (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days such Other Eligible Employee was employed and payable when such bonus would otherwise be due. The Severance Policy had been amended in 2015 to provide such pro-rata bonus to Designated Officers.
Additionally, each of Mr. Richardson and Ms. Patchett is a party to a letter agreement with us that provides for additional severance benefits in certain circumstances. The letter agreement with Mr. Richardson provides for severance pay in the event of his separation from service for good reason (other than within 18 months following a change in control) and states that the Severance Policy will not be amended in a manner that is disadvantageous to him without his prior written consent. The letter agreement with Mr. Richardson became effective as of August 6, 2010 and terminated his then-existing employment agreement in consideration of our adoption of the Severance Policy. The letter agreement with Ms. Patchett provides that if Ms. Patchett is entitled to severance pay as an Other Eligible Employee due to her separation from service that occurs on or after January 1, 2017 and on or before December 31, 2017, then she will be entitled to receive additional severance payments of 12 months’ salary at her then current salary in effect. The letter agreement with Ms. Patchett was entered into on December 20, 2016, and superseded a prior letter agreement dated November 16, 2015 providing for substantially similar additional severance pay.
With respect to Designated Officers, pursuant to the Severance Policy (as amended) and Mr. Richardson’s letter agreement, following a “separation from service” (as defined in the Severance Policy) by us without “cause” (as defined in the Severance Policy) or, by Mr. Richardson with “good reason” (as defined in the Severance Policy) (in each case other than within 18 months following a “change in control” (as defined in the Severance Policy)), the named executive officer is entitled to: (i) 250% of such officer’s annual salary at the current rate of base salary in effect at the separation from service (or, if greater, before the occurrence of circumstances giving rise to good reason); (ii) 250% of such officer’s target bonus opportunity for the year of separation from service; (iii) an annual bonus for the year of separation from service (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days such officer was employed and payable when such bonus would otherwise be due; and (iv) if then eligible for, and the officer elects continuation of health coverage under COBRA, we will pay the employer portion of the officer’s COBRA premium payments for 18 months as if he or she were still an active employee (or until a breach of the Severance Policy or such officer becomes eligible for other medical coverage, if earlier). With respect to Ms. Patchett, pursuant to the Severance Policy (as amended) and her letter agreement, following a “separation from service” by us without “cause” (other than within 18 months following a “change in control”), Ms. Patchett is entitled to: (i) 200% of her annual salary at the current rate of base salary in effect at the separation from service; (ii) 75% of her target bonus opportunity for the year of separation from service; and (iii) if then eligible for, and she elects continuation of health coverage under COBRA, we will pay the employer portion of Ms. Patchett’s COBRA premium payments for 12 months as if she were still an active employee (or until a breach of the Severance Policy or she becomes eligible for other medical coverage, if earlier).
With respect to Designated Officers, pursuant to the Severance Policy (as amended) and Mr. Richardson’s letter agreement, following a separation from service by us without cause or by a named executive officer with good reason within 18 months following a “change in control”, the named executive officer is entitled to: (i)  300% of such officer’s annual salary at the current rate of base salary in effect at the separation from service (or, if greater, before the occurrence of circumstances giving rise to good reason); (ii) 300% of such officer’s target bonus incentive opportunity for the year of separation from service paid in a lump sum on the 60th day following such termination; (iii) an annual bonus for the year of separation from service (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days such officer was employed and payable when such bonus would otherwise be due; and (iv) if then eligible for, and the officer elects continuation of health coverage under COBRA, we will pay the employer portion of the officer’s COBRA premium payments for 18 months as if he or she were still an active employee (or until a breach of the Severance Policy or such officer becomes eligible for other medical coverage, if earlier). With respect to Ms. Patchett, pursuant to the Severance Policy (as amended) and her letter agreement, following a separation from service by us without cause or by Ms. Patchett with good reason within 18 months following a “change in control”, Ms. Patchett is entitled to: (i) 200% of her annual salary at the current rate of base salary in effect at the separation from service (or, if greater, before the occurrence of circumstances giving rise to

good reason); (ii) 100% of her target bonus incentive opportunity for the year of separation from service; (iii) an annual bonus for the year of separation from service (to the extent earned under the terms of the bonus plan), pro-rated based on the number of days she was employed and payable when such bonus would otherwise be due; and (iv) if then eligible for, and the officer elects continuation of health coverage under COBRA, we will pay the employer portion of Ms. Patchett’s COBRA premium payments for 12 months as if she were still an active employee (or until a breach of the Severance Policy or she becomes eligible for other medical coverage, if earlier). If payments pursuant to the Severance Policy and other arrangements are not deductible by us under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, such payments shall be reduced (or repaid) in order to ensure our deduction of payments in connection with a change in control.
Except as otherwise noted above, severance pay will be paid

Outstanding Long-Term Incentive Award Agreements

Time-Based Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2021 to the named executive officers in equal periodic installments on our regular payroll dates, spanning 18 months (or 12 months in the case of Ms. Patchett), and commencing on the 60th day following an executive’s “qualifying separation from service” (as defined in the Severance Policy and modified, in the case of Mr. Richardson, by his letter agreement) so long as such executive has signed and returned a waiver and release and the seven day revocation period for the signed release has expired. A named executive officer must acknowledge in such release that all restrictive covenants2024

With respect to which he or she is a party will remain in force for the period specified in such covenants and the severance pay such executive is entitled to as additional consideration for such restrictive covenants. A breach of such covenants will result in the cessation of severance pay and benefits and may result in such executive’s being required to repay certain severance pay and benefits already provided as well as certain costs and expenses.

Outstanding Restricted Share Agreements
Under the terms of outstanding awards of time-based restricted stock held by our named executive officers (other than Mr. Smith’s outstanding award of time-based restricted stockRSUs granted in 2015 and eligible2021 to vest on February 27, 2018),2024: (i) if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability (or with respect to Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s awards, if he terminates his employmentby her for good reason)reason as defined in her employment agreement), the next tranche of unvested sharesRSUs will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days, and the remaining outstanding RSUs will immediately vest. All other time-based shares would be forfeitedforfeited; provided that such acceleration upon termination due to disability will not apply unless the executive provided services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the vesting date of such event. Uponnext tranche; (ii) upon the occurrence of a change in control in which the next trancheoutstanding RSUs are not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award relating to a publicly-traded security of unvested time-based shares will immediately vest. All other shares would remain outstanding and would vestthe acquiror (or the Company) on the previously established vesting dates, subjectsame terms and conditions that were applicable to continued employment. In addition,the outstanding RSUs immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding RSUs will vest and be settled upon consummation of the change in control; and (iii) in the event an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by us, or the executive terminates employment for good reason (as defined in Ms. Baier’s employment agreement or the Severance Policy, as applicable) within 12 months following sucha change in control in which such outstanding RSUs were assumed, continued, or substituted, all RSUs outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. Ms. Kussow’s and Mr. Bowman’s time-based cash awards granted in 2021 included the same general treatment for applicable terminations of employment. In addition, with respect to time-based RSUs granted beginning in 2024 to the continuing NEOs, if an executive who is age 60 years or older and has five (5) years of service with the Company provides no less than six (6) months written notice to the Company of their anticipated retirement, any unvested RSUs outstanding on the date of retirement will continue to vest (without the requirement of continued employment) as follows: (i) for a retirement date prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant, unvested RSUs will continue to vest on each annual vesting date in a pro rata amount equal to the percentage of full months employed since the grant date divided by 12 (with the remaining unvested time-based sharesRSUs immediately forfeited on the retirement date) and (ii) for a retirement date that occurs on or after the first anniversary of the date of grant, 100% of the unvested RSUs will immediately vest.
continue to vest on each annual vesting date.

Performance-Based Cash Awards Granted in 2021

With respect to Mr. Smith’s time-based restricted stock awardperformance-based cash awards granted in 2015 and2021 for which the first three tranches were eligible to vest on February 27, 2018, if Mr. Smith’s employment2024 and the fourth tranche is terminated by us without cause, he terminates his employment for good reason, his employment is terminated by reason of death or disability, or a change in control occurs, one-third of such shares wouldeligible to vest if such termination or change in control occurred on or prior to February 27, 2016, two-thirds of such shares would vest if the termination or change in control occurred after such date and on or prior to February 27, 2017, and the full award would vest if the termination or change in control occurred after February 27, 2017. All time-based shares that do not vest in connection with termination of employment would be forfeited, and all time-base shares that do not vest upon a change in control would remain outstanding and would vest on the previously established vesting dates, subject to continued employment. In addition, in the event Mr. Smith’s employment is terminated without cause by us, or Mr. Smith terminates employment for good reason, within 12 months following such change in control, all remaining unvested time-based shares will immediately vest.

Under the terms of outstanding awards of performance-based restricted stock held by our named executive officers,2025, if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability (or with respect to Mr. Smith’s awards, he terminates his employmentMs. Baier’s award, by her for good reason)reason as defined in her employment agreement), all sharesthe following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such termination of employment shall remain outstanding following such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional cash amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: 100% of the first tranche and 25% of the fourth tranche for such termination that had occurred on or prior to February 27, 2022; 100% of the first tranche and second tranche, and 50% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurred after February 27, 2022 and on or prior to February 27, 2023; 100% of the first tranche, second tranche, and third tranche, and 75% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurred after February 27, 2023 and on or prior to February 27, 2024; and 100% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2024. However, with respect to termination of employment due to disability, if the executive did not provide services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date of the applicable clause above, then the treatment of the outstanding tranches will be as set forth in the earlier clause for which the executive provided services at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date set forth in such clause. Mr. Bowman’s performance-based cash award granted on October 28, 2021 was eligible to vest on November 19, 2024 and did not include the next vestingfourth tranche.

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Pursuant to his award, if his employment was terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability (subject to the provisions noted above regarding disability), the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date wouldof such termination of employment shall remain outstanding until the next vesting date (with all other sharesfollowing such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional cash amounts resulting from the performance-based grant being immediately forfeited) and would vest only if andour performance) subject to the extent thatachievement of the relevantapplicable performance targetscriteria: 100% of the first tranche for such tranche are achieved. However, with respect to such outstanding awards, if the termination occursthat had occurred on or prior to the second anniversary or first anniversary prior to the vesting date forNovember 19, 2022; 100% of the first tranche of shares, the officer would only be ableand second tranche for such termination that occurred after November 19, 2022 and on or prior to achieve vesting of up to 25% or 50%, respectively,November 19, 2023; and 100% of the performance shares basedfirst tranche, second tranche, and third tranche for such termination that occurred after November 19, 2023 and on our one-year or


two-year CAGR of CFFO per share, Adjusted CFFO per share or Combined Adjusted Free Cash Flow, as applicable, respectively.
prior to November 19, 2024.

Under the terms of such outstanding awards, of performance-based restricted stock held by our named executive officers, upon the occurrence of a change in control all ofin which the shares would automatically convertoutstanding awards are not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to time-based vesting. In addition,the outstanding awards immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding awards will vest and be settled upon the dateconsummation of the change in control,control. If such outstanding awards are so assumed, continued, or substituted, the next trancheamount of these shares would immediately vest. However, withthen outstanding awards will continue to vest conditioned only upon continued employment. With respect to outstandingsuch assumed, continued, or substituted awards, of annual grants of performance-based restricted stock, if the termination occurs on or prior to the second anniversary or first anniversary prior to the vesting date for the first tranche of shares, only 25% or 50%, respectively, of such shares would vest. All other shares would remain outstanding and would vest on the previously established vesting dates, subject to continued employment. Inin the event an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by us, or the executive terminates employment for good reason (as defined in Ms. Baier’s employment agreement or the Severance Policy, as applicable) within 12 months following a change in control, all awards outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. The amount of outstanding cash with respect to each tranche of the award for which the performance period has concluded at the time of such change in control will be such amount as determined after application of the applicable performance objective (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance for a completed performance period), and will be deemed to be the target amount if such performance period has not concluded at the time of such change in control.

Performance-Based RSUs Granted in 2022

With respect to performance-based RSUs granted in 2022, for which the first three tranches are eligible to vest on February 27, 2025 and the fourth tranche is eligible to vest on February 27, 2026, if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability (or with respect to Ms. Baier’s award, by her for good reason as defined in her employment agreement), the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such termination of employment shall remain outstanding following such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: 100% of the first tranche and 25% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurred on or prior to February 27, 2023; 100% of the first tranche and second tranche, and 50% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurred after February 27, 2023 and on or prior to February 27, 2024; 100% of the first tranche, second tranche, and third tranche, and 75% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2024 and on or prior to February 27, 2025; and 100% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2025. However, with respect to termination of employment due to disability, if the executive did not provide services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date of the applicable clause above, then the treatment of the outstanding tranches will be as set forth in the earlier clause for which the executive provided services at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date set forth in such clause.

Under the terms of such outstanding awards, upon the occurrence of a change in control in which the outstanding awards are not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award relating to a publicly-traded security of the acquiror (or the Company) on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the outstanding awards immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding awards will vest and be settled upon consummation of the change in control. If such outstanding awards are so assumed, continued, or substituted, the amount of then outstanding awards will continue to vest conditioned only upon continued employment. With respect to such assumed, continued, or substituted awards, in the event an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason (as defined in Ms. Baier’s employment agreement or the Severance Policy,

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as applicable) within 12 months following a change in control, all awards outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. The number of outstanding RSUs with respect to each tranche of the award for which the performance period has concluded at the time of such change in control will be such amount as determined after application of the applicable performance objective (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance for a completed performance period), and will be deemed to be the target amount if such performance period has not concluded at the time of such change in control.

Performance-Based RSUs Granted to Ms. Baier in 2023

With respect to performance-based RSUs granted in 2023 to Ms. Baier, for which all three tranches are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026, if Ms. Baier’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability or by her for good reason (as defined in her employment agreement), the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such termination of employment shall remain outstanding following such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: 100% of the first tranche for such termination that occurred on or prior to February 27, 2024; 100% of the first tranche and second tranche for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2024 and on or prior to February 27, 2025; and 100% of the first tranche, second tranche, and third tranche for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2025 and on or prior to February 27, 2026. However, with respect to termination of employment due to disability, if Ms. Baier did not provide services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date of the applicable clause above, then the treatment of the outstanding tranches will be as set forth in the earlier clause for which Ms. Baier provided services at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date set forth in such clause.

Under the terms of such outstanding award, upon the occurrence of a change in control in which the outstanding award is not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award relating to a publicly-traded security of the acquiror (or the Company) on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the outstanding award immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding award will vest and be settled upon consummation of the change in control. If such outstanding award is so assumed, continued, or substituted, the amount of then outstanding award will continue to vest conditioned only upon continued employment. With respect to such assumed, continued, or substituted award, in the event Ms. Baier’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by her for good reason (as defined in her employment agreement) within 12 months following a change in control, the award outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. The number of outstanding RSUs with respect to each tranche of the award for which the performance period has concluded at the time of such change in control will be such amount as determined after application of the applicable performance objective (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance for a completed performance period), and will be deemed to be the target amount if such performance period has not concluded at the time of such change in control.

Performance-Based Cash Award Granted to Ms. Baier in 2023

With respect to the performance-based cash award granted to Ms. Baier in 2023 for which the first three tranches are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 and the fourth tranche is eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, if Ms. Baier’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability or by her for good reason (as defined in her employment agreement), the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such termination of employment shall remain outstanding following such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional cash amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: 100% of the first tranche and 25% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurred on or prior to February 27, 2024; 100% of the first tranche and second tranche, and 50% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2024 and on or prior to February 27, 2025; 100% of the first tranche, second tranche, and third tranche, and 75% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2025 and on or prior to February 27, 2026; and 100% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2026. However, with respect to termination of employment due to disability, if Ms. Baier did

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not provide services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date of the applicable clause above, then the treatment of the outstanding tranches will be as set forth in the earlier clause for which Ms. Baier provided services at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date set forth in such clause.

Under the terms of such outstanding award, upon the occurrence of a change in control in which the outstanding award is not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the outstanding award immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding award will vest and be settled upon consummation of the change in control. If such outstanding award is so assumed, continued, or substituted, the amount of then outstanding award will continue to vest conditioned only upon continued employment. With respect to such assumed, continued, or substituted award, in the event Ms. Baier’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by her for good reason (as defined in her employment agreement) within 12 months following a change in control, the award outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. The amount of outstanding cash with respect to each tranche of the award for which the performance period has concluded at the time of such change in control will be such amount as determined after application of the applicable performance objective (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance for a completed performance period), and will be deemed to be the target amount if such performance period has not concluded at the time of such change in control.

Performance-Based RSUs Granted to Named Executive Officers (other than Ms. Baier) in 2023

With respect to performance-based RSUs granted in 2023 to the continuing named executive officers (other than Ms. Baier), for which the first three tranches are eligible to vest on February 27, 2026 and the fourth tranche is eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability, the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such termination of employment shall remain outstanding following such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: 100% of the first tranche and 25% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurred on or prior to February 27, 2024; 100% of the first tranche and second tranche, and 50% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2024 and on or prior to February 27, 2025; 100% of the first tranche, second tranche, and third tranche, and 75% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2025 and on or prior to February 27, 2026; and 100% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2026. However, with respect to termination of employment due to disability, if the executive did not provide services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date of the applicable clause above, then the treatment of the outstanding tranches will be as set forth in the earlier clause for which the executive provided services at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date set forth in such clause.

Under the terms of such outstanding awards, upon the occurrence of a change in control in which the outstanding awards are not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award relating to a publicly-traded security of the acquiror (or the Company) on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the outstanding awards immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding awards will vest and be settled upon consummation of the change in control. If such outstanding awards are so assumed, continued, or substituted, the amount of then outstanding awards will continue to vest conditioned only upon continued employment. With respect to such assumed, continued, or substituted awards, in the event an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason (as defined in the Severance Policy) within 12 months following a change in control, all awards outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. The number of outstanding RSUs with respect to each tranche of the award for which the performance period has concluded at the time of such change in control will be such amount as determined after application of the applicable performance objective (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance for a completed performance period), and will be deemed to be the target amount if such performance period has not concluded at the time of such change in control.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Executive Compensation

Performance-Based RSUs Granted to Named Executive Officers in 2024

With respect to performance-based RSUs granted in 2024 to the continuing named executive officers, for which all four tranches are eligible to vest on February 27, 2027, if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability (or with respect to Ms. Baier’s award, by her for good reason as defined in her employment agreement), the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such termination of employment shall remain outstanding following such termination and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: 100% of the first tranche and 33.33% of the fourth tranche for such termination that occurs on or prior to February 27, 2025; 100% of the first tranche and second tranche, and 66.67% of the fourth tranche, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2025 and on or prior to February 27, 2026; and 100% of all of the tranches, for such termination that occurs after February 27, 2026. However, with respect to termination of employment due to disability, if the executive did not provide services on at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date of the applicable clause above, then the treatment of the outstanding tranches will be as set forth in the earlier clause for which the executive provided services at least one day in the one-year period immediately preceding the later date set forth in such clause.

Under the terms of such outstanding awards, upon the occurrence of a change in control in which the outstanding awards are not assumed, continued, or substituted with an award relating to a publicly-traded security of the acquiror (or the Company) on the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the outstanding awards immediately prior to the change in control, such outstanding awards will vest and be settled upon consummation of the change in control. If such outstanding awards are so assumed, continued, or substituted, the amount of then outstanding awards will continue to vest conditioned only upon continued employment. With respect to such assumed, continued, or substituted awards, in the event an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason (as defined in Ms. Baier’s employment agreement or the Severance Policy) within 12 months following a change in control, all awards outstanding at the time of such termination will vest upon such termination and be settled within 30 days. The number of outstanding RSUs with respect to each tranche of the award for which the performance period has concluded at the time of such change in control will be such amount as determined after application of the applicable performance objective (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance for a completed performance period), and will be deemed to be the target amount if such performance period has not concluded at the time of such change in control.

In addition, with respect to performance-based RSUs granted beginning in 2024 to the continuing named executive officers, if an executive who is age 60 years or older and has five (5) years of service with the Company provides no less than six (6) months written notice to the Company of their anticipated retirement, the following percentages of the applicable tranches that are outstanding effective on the date of such retirement shall remain outstanding following such retirement and shall be eligible to vest (including any additional award amounts resulting from our performance) subject to the achievement of the applicable performance criteria: for a retirement that occurs prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant, a percentage equal to the number of full months worked since the grant date divided by 12 (with the remaining unvested shares will immediately vest.

percentage of the tranches to be forfeited upon retirement) and for a retirement that occurs on or after the first anniversary of the date of grant, 100% of the tranches.

Definitions of Change in Control, Cause and Good Reason

Under Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment agreement, the Severance Policy, applicable to the other named executive officers, our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan and our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, a “change in control” shall be deemed to have occurred if (a) any person (other than, for purposes of the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, certain affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC) becomes the beneficial owner of securities representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of our outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from us or any of our affiliates); (b) if the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving on the Board: individuals who were directors on June 5, 2014 and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on June 5, 2014 or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; (c) we or any of our subsidiaries merge or consolidate with any other corporation, except when the individuals who comprise ourthe Board of Directors immediately prior to the transaction constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the surviving entity (or its ultimate parent); or (c)(d) our stockholders approve a plan of liquidation or dissolution or we complete the sale of all or substantially all of our assets (other than a sale to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the securities of which are owned by our stockholders after the transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of us prior to the transaction, or other than a sale immediately following which the individuals who comprise the our Board of Directors immediately prior to the transaction constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the entity to which the assets are sold (or its ultimate parent)). In addition, for purposes of our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, a "change in control" shall be deemed to have occurred if the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving on the Board of Directors: individuals who were directors on June 5, 2014 and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors) whose appointment or election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on June 5, 2014 or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended. In any event, a “change of control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction (or series of integrated transactions) immediately following which our stockholders prior to the transaction(s) continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in any entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the us immediately following such transaction(s).

Under Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment agreement and the Severance Policy, “cause” means (a) conviction of, guilty plea concerning or confession of any felony; (b) any act of fraud, theft or embezzlement committed by the executive in connection with our or our subsidiaries’ business,business; (c) any material breach of any reasonable and lawful rule or directive of us;directive; (d) the gross or willful neglect of duties or gross misconduct by the executive; or (e) the habitual use of drugs or habitual, excessive use of alcohol to the extent that any of such uses in the Board’s good faith determination materially interferes with the performance of the executive’s duties. For purposes of Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment agreement, “cause” is also defined to include any material breach by Mr. SmithMs. Baier of the agreement, after notice and opportunity to cure.

Under Mr. Smith’sthe 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement applicable to the executive, “cause” means the continued failure of the executive to substantially perform his or her duties and obligations, the executive’s fraud or material dishonesty against us, or the executive’s conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere for the commission of a felony or a crime involving material dishonesty.

Under Ms. Baier’s employment agreement and the Severance Policy, applicable to the other named executive officers, “good reason” means the occurrence, without the executive’s written consent, of any of the following


circumstances, unless such circumstances are fully corrected by us within thirty (30) days following written notice by the executive that he or she intends to terminate employment for one of the reasons set forth below: (i) the failure by us to pay to the executive any portion of his or her base salary or bonus within thirty (30) days of the date such compensation is due; (ii) the relocation of the executive’s principal office to a location outside a fifty (50) mile radius from the executive’s present principal office location at the time of entering into the employment agreement or severance letter (as applicable);location; or (iii) the executive is assigned duties, compensation or responsibilities that are materially and significantly reduced with respect to the scope or nature of thehis or her duties, compensation and/or responsibilities associated with the executive’s position.responsibilities. For purposes of Mr. Smith’sMs. Baier’s employment agreement, “good reason” is also defined to include any material breach by us of the agreement.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2016, the Compensation Committee was composed of2023, Mses. Freed and Warren and Mr. Bumstead Ms. Clegg, Mr. Leeds and Mr. Wielansky.served on the Committee. None of these persons has at any time been an officer or employee of us or any of our subsidiaries. In addition, there are no relationships among our executive officers, members of the Compensation Committee or entities whose executives serve on the Board or the Compensation Committee that require disclosure under applicable SEC regulations.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Executive Compensation

Pay Ratio

For 2023, the ratio of the total annual compensation of Ms. Baier as reported in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table ($5,451,007) to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our other employees was 185:1. The following table sets forth,median of the annual total compensation of our employees, other than Ms. Baier, including part-time employees, was $29,399 for 2023. We identified the median employee using our employee population of approximately 36,000 employees as of August 1, 2017,December 31, 2023, approximately 30% of whom were part-time. In accordance with SEC rules for calculating the total number of sharesratio, we did not make any full-time equivalent adjustments to compensation of our common stock beneficially owned,part-time employees or any adjustments to Ms. Baier’s compensation to reflect amounts actually earned, or not earned, for 2023 performance.

Consistent with the prior year, to identify the median employee, we used amounts reported in box 5 of wage statements on Form W-2 as our consistently applied compensation measure. We then calculated the annual total compensation for the identified employee in accordance with the requirements of the Summary Compensation Table (including matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan and premiums on Company-provided life and disability insurance). For the percent so owned,2023 pay ratio calculations, as allowed by (1) each person known by usSEC rules, we use the same methodology used for 2022 to own more than 5%make annualized adjustments to compensation for full-time and part-time employees who only served a partial year as a result of joining the Company during 2023.

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Pay Versus Performance Disclosure
Pay Versus Performance Disclosure
In accordance with SEC rules, we prepared the analysis set forth below of the relationship between the compensation actually paid to our common stock, (2) each of our directorsCEO and other named executive officers, and certain financial performance measures over the last four fiscal years.
Pay versus Performance Disclosure Table
Year
 
Summary
Compensation
Table
Total for
CEO
(1)
  
Compensation
Actually
Paid to CEO
(2)
  
Average
Summary
Compensation
Table
Total for
Non-CEO
NEOs
(1)
  
Average
Compensation
Actually
Paid to
Non-CEO
NEOs
(2)
  

Value of Initial Fixed $100
Investment Based On:
     
RevPAR
 
 
Total
Shareholder
Return
(3)
  
Peer Group
Total
Shareholder
Return
(3)
  
Net Income
(Loss)
(in ‘000s)
 
2023 $5,451,007  $12,772,899  $1,259,057  $1,636,071  $80.06  $143.18  $(189,070)  $4,577 
2022 $6,645,889  $3,002,581  $1,451,986  $902,745  $37.55  $140.29  $(238,340)  $4,113 
2021 $5,300,248  $5,953,982  $1,249,993  $1,123,296  $70.98  $143.09  $(99,364)  $3,734 
2020 $7,087,470  $721  $2,009,592  $820,165  $60.93  $113.44  $81,945  $3,917 
(1)The CEO for each year reported was Ms. Baier. The other named executive officers, or NEOs, for each year reported are as follows:
2023: Ms. Kussow and Messrs. White, Kaestner, Hicks, Swain and Bowman
2022: Ms. Kussow and Messrs. White, Kaestner, Swain and Bowman
2021: Messrs. Swain, Bowman, White and Kaestner and Cindy R. Kent
2020: Messrs. Swain and White, Ms. Kent and Mary Sue Patchett
(2)SEC rules require certain adjustments be made to the Summary Compensation Table totals to determine compensation actually paid as reported in the Pay versus Performance Disclosure Table above. The following table details the applicable adjustments that were made to determine compensation actually paid (all amounts are averages for the NEOs other than the CEO):
Year
   
Deduct Amount of
“Stock Awards”
from Summary
Compensation
Table
  
Increase for
Fair Value at
Year-End
of
Unvested
Awards
Granted During
the Year
  
Change in
Fair Value at
Year-End

from Prior
Year-End
of
Unvested
Awards
Granted in
Prior Years
  
Change in Fair
Value as of Vesting
Date from Prior
Year-End of Awards

Granted in Prior
Years that Vested
During the Year
  
Decrease for
Prior Year-End

Fair Value of
Awards
Granted in Prior
Years that
Forfeited
During the Year
  
Total
Adjustments
 
2023 CEO $(3,193,334 $6,053,858  $4,218,296  $243,072  $-  $7,321,892 
 Other NEOs $(363,221 $687,502  $256,567  $27,183  $(231,017 $377,014 
2022 CEO $(5,117,052 $2,602,447  $(1,844,384)  $715,681  $-  $(3,643,308) 
 Other NEOs $(797,022 $405,143  $(226,194)  $68,832  $-  $(549,241) 
2021 CEO $(2,765,005 $2,803,031  $174,856  $440,852  $-  $653,734 
 Other NEOs $(462,496 $338,623  $19,200  $50,293  $(72,317 $(126,697) 
2020 CEO $(4,939,153 $1,848,813  $(3,833,352)  $(163,057)  $-  $(7,086,749) 
 Other NEOs $(1,083,293 $415,058  $(491,102)  $(30,090)  $-  $(1,189,427) 
2024 PROXY STATEMENT
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Executive Compensation
(3)TSR is determined based on the market value on December 31 of the year reported of an initial fixed investment of $100 on December 31, 2019. The peer group TSR represents the TSR of the S&P Health Care index.
As described above in “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” the Company utilizes several performance measures to align executive compensation with Company performance, not all directorsof which are presented in this pay versus performance disclosure. The graphs below show the relationship of “compensation actually paid” to our CEO and other named executive officers as a group, based on 191,627,184 shares of our common stock (including restricted shares) outstanding as of that date. Unless otherwise indicated,to (i) the Company’s TSR and its Peer’s TSR, (ii) the Company’s net income (loss) and (iii) the Company’s RevPAR for each of the beneficial ownerscovered years.
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Pay Versus Performance Disclosure
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Most Important Performance Measures
For 2023, our Compensation Committee identified the performance measures listed has,below as the most important performance measures used by us to link compensation actually paid to our knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to the indicated shares of common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the table is c/o Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.
  Nature and Amount of Beneficial Ownership
Name of Beneficial Owner 
Shares Owned(1)
 Percentage
Executive Officers and Directors    
T. Andrew Smith 904,939 *
Labeed S. Diab 293,165 *
Lucinda M. Baier 237,736 *
Bryan D. Richardson 271,584 *
Mary Sue Patchett 143,045 *
Daniel A. Decker(2)   
 184,441 *
Marcus E. Bromley 9,300 *
Frank M. Bumstead 127,967 *
Jackie M. Clegg(2)   
 62,498 *
Jeffrey R. Leeds 70,690 *
William G. Petty, Jr.(3)   
 47,014 *
James R. Seward 72,121 *
Lee S. Wielansky 24,289 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (17 persons) 2,907,427 1.5%
     
5% Stockholders    
Glenview Capital Management, LLC(4)   
 16,630,415 8.7%
The Vanguard Group(5)   
 14,723,435 7.7%
BlackRock, Inc.(6)   
 14,452,850 7.5%
Senator Investment Group LP(7)   
 13,700,000 7.1%
Invesco Ltd(8)   
 13,429,352 7.0%
Brookfield Asset Management, Inc.(9)   
 11,551,213 6.0%
________________
*Less than 1%
(1)Consists of shares held, including all shares of restricted stock held (whether or not such restricted shares have transfer and/or voting restrictions).
(2)Includes the following number of vested restricted stock units held by the director, which were issued at the director’s election in lieu of a portion of his or her quarterly cash compensation as a director: Mr. Decker—15,547 units; and Ms. Clegg—6,850 units.

(3)Includes 400 shares held indirectly by a trust in which Mr. Petty’s daughter is the beneficiary and 4,000 shares held by a trust in which Mr. Petty is the beneficiary.
(4)Information regarding Glenview Capital Management, LLC ("Glenview") is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2017 by Glenview and Larry Robbins. Glenview reported that it has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 16,630,415 shares. The address of the principal business office of Glenview is 767 Fifth Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10153.
(5)Information regarding The Vanguard Group ("Vanguard") is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2017 by Vanguard. Vanguard reported that it has sole voting power with respect to 110,432 shares, shared voting power with respect to 20,527 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 14,602,292 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 121,143 shares. The address of the principal business office of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.
(6)Information regarding BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock") is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 30, 2017 by BlackRock. BlackRock reported that it has sole voting power with respect to 13,766,960 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 14,452,850 shares. The address of the principal business office of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.
(7)Information regarding Senator Investment Group LP ("Senator") is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2017 by Senator, Alexander Klabin and Douglas Silverman. Senator reported that it has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 13,700,000 shares. The address of the principal business office of Senator is 510 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(8)Information regarding Invesco Ltd. ("Invesco") is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017 by Invesco. Invesco reported that it has sole voting power with respect to 12,644,701 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 13,429,352 shares. The address of the principal business office of Invesco is 1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta GA 30309.
(9)Information regarding Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. ("Brookfield") is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2017 by Brookfield, Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and Partners Limited. Brookfield reported that it has shared voting power with respect to 9,498,312 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 11,551,213 shares. The address of the principal business office of Brookfield is 181 Bay Street, Suite 330, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J2T3.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. Such officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. We reviewed copies of the forms received by us or written representations from certain reporting persons that they were not required to file these forms. Based solely on that review, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, our officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions
The Board has adopted a written Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Person Transactions, which we refer to as our Related Person Policy. Pursuant to the terms of the Related Person Policy, we will enter into or ratify related person transactions only when the Audit Committee determines that the transaction in question is in, or is not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.
Related person transactions that are identified as such prior to the consummation thereof or amendment thereto may be consummated or amended only if the transaction has been reviewed and approved in advance by the Audit Committee (or in those instances where the General Counsel determines that it is not practicable or desirable for the Company to wait until the next Audit Committee meeting, by the chair of the Audit Committee). All Related Persons (defined below) and all business unit leaders responsible for a proposed transaction are required to report to our legal department any potential related person transaction prior to entering into the transaction. The legal department will determine whether the transaction is a related person transaction and, therefore, should be submitted to the Audit Committee for consideration. In the event our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel becomes aware of a pending or ongoing related person transaction that has not been previously approved or ratified, the transaction will promptly be submitted to the Audit Committee or its chair, which will evaluate all available options, including ratification, amendment or termination of the transaction. In the event any of such persons become aware of a completed related person transaction that has not been previously approved or ratified, the Audit Committee or its chair shall evaluate the transaction to determine if rescission of the transaction and/or any disciplinary action is appropriate.
At the Audit Committee’s first meeting of each fiscal year, the committee will review any previously approved or ratified related person transactions that remain ongoing and have a remaining term of more than six months or remaining amounts payable to or receivable from the Company of more than $120,000 and, taking into consideration the Company’s contractual obligations, will determine whether to continue, modify or terminate each such transaction.
Our Related Person Policy covers all transactions, arrangements or relationships (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which the Company (including any of its subsidiaries) was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
A “Related Person”, as defined in our Related Person Policy, means any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year was, a director or executive officer of the Company or a nominee to become a director of the Company; any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities; any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner; and any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Our Related Person Policy also requires Audit Committee pre-approval of proposed charitable contributions, or pledges of charitable contributions, by the Company to a charitable or non-profit organization for which a Related Person is actively involved in fundraising or otherwise serves as a director, trustee or in a similar capacity.
Since December 31, 2015, there have not been any related person transactions that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed Brookdale's audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 and discussed these financial statements with Brookdale's management, including a discussion of the quality and the acceptability of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and estimates, and the clarity and completeness of disclosures in the financial statements. Brookdale's independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, is responsible for performing an independent audit of Brookdale's financial statements in2023 to company performance.
Performance Measures
Consolidated Portfolio Revenue per
Available Unit (“RevPAR”)
Adjusted EBITDA
Same-Community RevPAR
Relative TSR
Key 3 Retention
Net Promoter Score
2024 PROXY STATEMENT
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 Proposal 2: Advisory Approval of Named

 Executive Officer Compensation

In accordance with the standardsrequirements of Section 14A of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)Exchange Act, we are providing our stockholders with the opportunity to vote on a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s executive compensation disclosure rules and set forth in this proxy statement. This disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables.

As described in greater detail elsewhere in this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee’s philosophy is to ensure market-competitive executive compensation opportunities through a program designed to emphasize pay for issuing a reportperformance, align our executives’ long-term interests with those of our stockholders, and attract and retain key executives to execute on their auditour strategy. At our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, approximately 98% of the financial statements. The Audit Committee's responsibilityvotes cast on the say-on-pay advisory vote were in favor of our executive compensation program, which the Compensation Committee believes affirmed our stockholders’ support of our executive compensation approach and provided assurance the program is to monitorreasonable and review these processes. The Audit Committee has also reviewedaligned with stockholder expectations.

We made further progress in our continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, with Adjusted EBITDA exceeding budgeted expectations and discussedRevPAR between the threshold and targeted amounts for the 2023 performance awards. As a result, consistent with Ernst & Young LLPour pay-for-performance philosophy, our named executive officers’ realized compensation at the audited financial statements, the matters required to be discussed under applicable auditing standards (including Auditing Standard No. 16, "Communications with Audit Committees" issuedrespective levels, as had been set by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board),Compensation Committee in advance and other mattersas reported in the Committee deemed appropriate.

The Audit Committee has receivedSummary Compensation Table for 2023. As a result of our performance, our named executive officers earned 92.8% of the written disclosurestarget annual incentive opportunity. In addition, as described throughout this proxy statement, the named executive officers achieved satisfactory results (at threshold or above) for several tranches of performance-based long-term incentive awards, subject to continued employment. We believe the results under our 2023 executive compensation program underscore the pay-for-performance nature of the program.

At the 2024 Annual Meeting, the Board will request your advisory vote on the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC’s executive compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP requirednarrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables), is hereby approved.

This vote is advisory, which means it is not binding on us and will not be construed as overruling a decision by applicable requirementsus, the Board or the Compensation Committee or creating or implying any additional fiduciary duty for any of them. In addition, the vote is not intended to address any specific element of compensation, but rather relates to the overall compensation of our named executive officers, as described in this proxy statement. Although the vote is non-binding, the Compensation Committee values the opinions expressed by stockholders and will consider the outcome of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young LLP's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP such firm's independence. The Audit Committee also considered whether the independent auditors' provision of other, non-audit related services to Brookdale is compatible with maintaining such auditors' independence.

Based on the review and discussions with management and Ernst & Young LLP described above, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and Ernst & Young LLP, the Audit Committee recommended to Brookdale's Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Brookdale's Annual Report on Form 10-Kvote when making future compensation decisions for the year ended December 31, 2016 for filing with the SEC.
Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors,
named executive officers.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the resolution. Unless otherwise instructed, the named proxies will vote all proxies we receive “FOR” the proposal.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE
 
James R. Seward, Chairman
Jackie M. Clegg
Jeffrey R. Leeds

Proposal 3: Ratification of Appointment of  Independent Registered Public Accounting 

Firm for 2024 


PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Proposed Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee has selected the firm of Ernst & Young LLP independent accountants ("E&Y"(“EY”), to be Brookdale'sBrookdale’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year 20172024 and has further directed that the Audit Committee'sCommittee’s appointment of E&YEY be submitted for ratification by our stockholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting. If the stockholders do not ratify this appointment, ourthe Audit Committee will re-evaluate the its appointment of E&Y.

E&YEY.

EY was also Brookdale'sBrookdale’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.2023 and has been Brookdale’s independent registered public accounting firm since 1993. Before selecting E&Y,EY, the Audit Committee carefully considered E&Y'sEY’s qualifications as independent auditors for Brookdale. This included a review of its performance in prior years, as well as its reputation for integrity, and competence in the fields of accounting and auditing.auditing, and the potential impact of changing independent auditors. The Audit Committee has expressed its satisfaction with E&YEY in all of these respects. The Audit Committee'sCommittee’s review included inquiry concerning any litigation involving E&YEY and any proceedings by the SEC against the firm. In this respect, the Audit Committee has concluded that the ability of E&YEY to perform services for Brookdale is in no way adversely affected by any such investigation or litigation.

The Audit Committee’s review also included an assessment of whether the provision of any non-audit services is compatible with auditor independence. For 2023 and 2022, EY did not provide any such non-audit services.

The Audit Committee also oversees the work of E&Y,EY, and E&YEY reports directly to the Audit Committee in this regard. The Audit Committee is directly involved in the selection of any new lead engagement partner in connection with the mandated rotation of the lead engagement partner. The Audit Committee also reviews and approves E&Y'sEY’s annual engagement letter, including the proposed fees, and determines or sets the policy regarding all audit, and all permitted non-audit, engagements and relationships between Brookdale and E&Y.EY. The Audit Committee also reviews and discusses with E&Y theirEY its annual audit plan, including the timing and scope of audit activities, and monitors the progress and results of the plan during the year.

A representative of E&YEY will be present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by teleconference, will have an opportunity to make a statement, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

The Board recommends a vote FOR

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of EY as Brookdale’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2024. Unless otherwise instructed, the named proxies will vote all proxies we receive “FOR” the proposal.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 3: Ratification of the Audit Committee's appointmentAppointment of E&Y as Brookdale's independent registered public accounting firmIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm for fiscal year 2017.  Unless otherwise instructed, we will vote all proxies we receive FOR the proposal.

2024

Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees

In connection with

The following table shows information about the audit of the 2016 financial statements, the Company entered into an engagement agreement with E&Y which sets forth the terms by which E&Y has performed audit services for the Company. That agreement is subject to alternative dispute resolution procedures. The Audit Committee specifically considered such procedures and determined that they were appropriate and consistent with the Company’s use of alternative dispute resolution generally in other circumstances.

Set forth below are the aggregaterespective fees billed by E&YEY during 2016 and 2015 for all audit, auditor related tax and other services provided by E&Y to the Company.
  2016 2015
Audit Fees $2,175,000
 $2,340,000
Audit-Related Fees 1,995
 1,995
Tax Fees 
 24,651
All Other Fees 
 
Total $2,176,995
 $2,366,646


fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

   2023   2022 

Audit Fees

  $2,160,000   $2,329,000 

Audit-Related Fees

  $ –   $ – 

Tax Fees

  $ –   $ – 

All Other Fees

  $ –   $ – 

Total

  $ 2,160,000   $ 2,329,000 

“Audit Fees” include fees for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, and review of condensed consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports (Forms 10-Q), and fees for the audit of internal control over financial reporting.

“Audit-Related Fees” include For 2022, this category also includes fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performanceaudit of the audit orannual consolidated financial statements of our captive insurance company and review of the Company’s financial statementsoffering documents and that are traditionally performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.
“Tax Fees” include fees for professional services rendered by E&Y for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. These corporate tax services include technical tax advice on tax matters, assistanceissuance of comfort letters associated with preparing tax returns, value added tax, government sales tax and equivalent tax matters in local jurisdictions, assistance with local tax authority documentation and reporting requirements for tax compliance purposes, assistance with tax audit defense matters, and tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions.
“All Other Fees” include fees paid by the Company to E&Y that are not included in the three paragraphs above. There were no services in that category in 2016 or 2015.
our offering of tangible equity units.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee has policies and procedures that require the pre-approval by the Audit Committee or one of its members of all fees paid to, and all services performed by, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In the early part of each year, the Audit Committee approves the proposed services, including the nature, type, and scope of services contemplated and the related fees, to be rendered by any such firm during the year. In addition, pre-approval by the Audit Committee or one of its members is also required for those engagements that may arise during the course of the year that are outside the scope of the initial services and fees pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the fees and services provided as noted in the table above were authorized and approved in compliance with the Audit Committee pre-approval policies and procedures described herein.

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PROPOSAL 3
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
In accordance

Audit Committee Report

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee has reviewed Brookdale’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 and discussed these financial statements with the requirements of Section 14ABrookdale’s management, including a discussion of the Exchange Actquality and the related rulesacceptability of the SEC, we are providing our stockholders withaccounting principles, the opportunity to cast a non-binding, advisory vote to approvereasonableness of significant judgments and estimates, and the compensationclarity and completeness of our named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules and set forth in this proxy statement (includingdisclosures in the compensation tables and narratives accompanying those tables as well as in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis).

financial statements. As described in greater detail elsewhere in this proxy statement, our executive compensation programBrookdale’s independent registered public accounting firm, EY is structured to reward performance and to align the interestsresponsible for performing an independent audit of our executives with those of our stockholders. To that end, each of our executives' total annual cash compensation varies based on company and individual performance measured againstBrookdale’s financial and non-financial objectives. In addition, to further align our executives' interests with those of our stockholders, our long-term incentive compensation consists of time- and performance-based restricted stock. The value that may be realized if and when these restricted stock awards vest will depend upon our long-term performance.
At the Annual Meeting, the Board will request your advisory vote on the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables), is hereby approved.
This vote is advisory, which means that the vote on executive compensation is not binding on us, the Board or the Compensation Committee, and will not be construed as overruling a decision by us, the Board or the Compensation Committee or creating or implying any additional fiduciary duty for any of them. In addition, the vote on this proposal is not intended to address any specific element of compensation, but rather relates to the overall compensation of our named executive officers, as described in this proxy statementstatements in accordance with the compensation disclosure rulesstandards of the SEC. Although the vote is non-binding, the Compensation Committee, which is responsiblePublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and for designing and administering our executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by stockholders inissuing a report on their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcomeaudit of the vote when making future compensation decisions for named executive officers. Our current policyfinancial statements. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to conductmonitor and review these processes. The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed with EY the advisory voteaudited financial statements, the matters required to approve named executive officer compensation annually at our annual meetings of stockholders.be discussed under applicable auditing standards (including Auditing Standard No. 1301, “Communications with Audit Committees” issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board), and other matters the Committee deemed appropriate. The next advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation is expected to occur at our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.
The Board recommends that you vote FORAudit Committee has received the approvalwritten disclosures and the letter from EY required by applicable requirements of the compensation paidPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding EY’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with EY such firm’s independence. The Audit Committee also considered whether the independent auditors’ provision of other, non-audit related services to Brookdale is compatible with maintaining such auditors’ independence.

Based on the named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussionreview and Analysis, the compensation tablesdiscussions with management and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables). Unless otherwise instructed, we will vote all proxies we receive FOR the proposal.


PROPOSAL 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
Section 14AEY described above, and its review of the Exchange Act enables stockholdersrepresentations and information provided by management and EY, the Audit Committee recommended to vote at least once every six years,Brookdale’s Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Brookdale’s Annual Report on an advisory non-binding basis, on how frequently they would like to cast an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation. ConsistentForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the viewsSEC.

Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee of our stockholders expressed in 2011 when we previously held this vote, we have held an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation annually since 2011. Under this Proposal 4, stockholders may vote their preference to hold the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation every year, every two years or every three years or abstain from voting.  

After careful consideration, the Board believes that providing the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation every year is the most appropriate alternative because it will allow our stockholders to express their views on our executive compensation program on a more timely and consistent basis than the biennial and triennial alternatives. The Compensation Committee, which administers our executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by stockholders in these votes to approve named executive officer compensation and will consider the outcome of these votes in making its decisions on executive compensation. Directors,

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Denise W. Warren, Chair

Marcus E. Bromley

Lee S. Wielansky

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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The outcome of voting on this Proposal 4 is advisory only and will not be binding on us, the Board or the Compensation Committee. Although non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee will carefully review the voting results when making decisions regarding the frequency of future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation. Notwithstanding the Board’s recommendation and the outcome of the stockholder vote, the Board may in the future decide to conduct advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation on a more or less frequent basis and may vary its practice based on factors such as discussions with stockholders and the adoption of material changes to Brookdale’s executive compensation program. 
The Board recommends that you vote to hold future advisory votes to approve named executive officer compensation every ONE YEAR (as opposed to every two years or every three years). Unless otherwise instructed, we will vote all proxies we receive for ONE YEAR on this proposal.

PROPOSAL 5
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
2014 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 Proposal 4: Approval of Brookdale Senior

 Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

On August 3, 2017,April 25, 2024, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board adopted an amendment and restatement of the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 20142024 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Amended and Restated 2014 Plan"“2024 Plan”), which will become effective upon, and subject to, receipt of the approval of our stockholders at the Annual Meeting.Meeting (the date of any such approval, the “Effective Date”). The original2024 Plan will replace the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the "Existing 2014 Plan"“2014 Plan”) was approved by stockholders at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. The Amended and Restated 2014 Plan will replenish the number of shares of common stock available to be granted under the plan by 8,000,000 and provide for certain other amendments described below. Stockholder approval of the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan will also constitute stockholder re-approval of the performance criteria set forth in the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

.

Grants of equity-based awards to our employees, directors, and consultants are an important part of our long-term incentive compensation program, which we use in order to strengthen the commitment of such individuals to the Company, motivate them to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities, and attract and retain competent and dedicated individuals whose efforts will result inare intended to facilitate our long-term growth and profitability.success. Grants of equity-based awards to our employees, directors and consultants are also designed to encourage stock ownership by such individuals, which serves to align their interest with the interests of our stockholders. The proposed 8,000,000 additionalAs of March 1, 2024, approximately 3,305,059 shares which represents approximately 4.3% of our outstanding common stock remained available for future issuances under the 2014 Plan, and there were 7,523,806 awards outstanding as of August 1, 2017,that date. If the 2024 Plan is expected to allow us to make grantsapproved by our stockholders, no awards will be granted under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan for approximately four yearsafter the Effective Date, provided that awards that are outstanding under our current equity compensation practices.

Overviewthe 2014 Plan as of Changesthe date of such stockholder approval will remain outstanding and will continue to be subject to the Existing 2014 Plan
The following table highlights certain provisionsterms and conditions of the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan and the differences withapplicable award agreements.

The 2024 Plan, if approved by our stockholders, would increase the Existing 2014 Plan. This overview is qualified in its entiretynumber of shares of common stock available for awards by reference9,100,000. Prior to giving effect to any potential adoption of the Amended and Restated2024 Plan, 3,305,059 shares of common stock were available for grant under the 2014 Plan itself, a copyas of which is attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated by reference herein.

Amended and Restated 2014 PlanChange to Existing 2014 Plan
Authorized SharesApproximately 9,904,802 shares will be available for awards, plus any additional shares that become available for reuse under the terms of our former Omnibus Incentive Plan due to forfeitures or cancellations of any of the approximately 180,529 awards outstanding thereunder as of August 1, 2017.Represents an increase of 8,000,000 shares from the Existing 2014 Plan.
Limitation on Non-Employee Director CompensationAnnual non-employee director cash and equity compensation, whether awarded under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan or outside the plan will be limited to no more than $600,000. The Board may make exceptions to increase the applicable limit up to $1,000,000 for individual non-employee directors in extraordinary circumstances, such as for service as non-executive chairman of the Board or on a special litigation or transactions committee.The Existing 2014 Plan limited non-employee director awards under the plan (but not compensation outside of the plan) to awards of no more than 50,000 shares and awards denominated in cash to no more than $300,000 during any fiscal year.

Limitations on Awards to Covered OfficersNo individual will be granted options or SARs for more than 750,000 shares during any fiscal year. No individual who is likely to be a “covered employee” will be granted either restricted shares, RSUs, unrestricted shares, performance awards or other stock-based awards for more than 600,000 shares during any fiscal year, or an award denominated in cash in excess of $3,000,000 during any fiscal year.Represents an increase from the 500,000 share limitation for options or SARs, an increase from the 500,000 share limitation for restricted shares, RSUs, performance awards or other stock-based awards, and an increase from the $2,000,000 limitation for an award denominated in cash.

Shares Available For Issuance UnderMarch 1, 2024. Accordingly, if our stockholders vote to approve the Plan
The Existing 20142024 Plan, reservedsubject to adjustments for issuance 7,400,425changes in capitalization 12,405,059 shares of our common stock plus(which includes the number of3,305,059 shares of our common stock that become available for reuse under our former Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the "Former Plan") due to forfeitures or cancellations of any of the awards outstanding thereunder. As of August 1, 2017, approximately 1,904,802 shares of our common stock remainedremain available for issuance under the Existing 2014 Plan. It is unlikely that such number of shares will be sufficient to complete our annual equity compensation awards for 2018 in accordance with our current equity compensation practices. We therefore are requesting that our stockholders vote to approve the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan which will reserve for issuance anas of March 1, 2024 plus 9,100,000 additional 8,000,000shares), less any shares of our common stock. If stockholders approvesubject to awards granted under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan approximately 9,904,802 shares of our common stockafter March 1, 2024 and prior to the Effective Date, will be available for the grant of equity awards plus any additional shares that become available for reuse under the terms of2024 Plan.

If the Former Plan due to forfeitures or cancellations of any of the approximately 180,529 awards outstanding thereunder as of August 1, 2017. The proposed 8,000,000 additional shares, which represents approximately 4.3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of August 1, 2017, is expected to allow us to make grants under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan for approximately four years under our current equity compensation practices. If ourCompany’s stockholders do not approve the Amended and Restated2024 Plan, compensatory grants may only continue to be made under the 2014 Plan to the Existingextent that shares of common stock remain available for grant under the 2014 Plan (the 2014 Plan is the only plan under which we are currently authorized to make equity awards to employees). If the 2024 Plan is not approved by our stockholders, we will remainbe significantly limited in effect.our ability to offer competitive equity packages on a going forward basis to attract and retain key employees, executive officers, and non-employee directors, which may prevent us from successfully attracting and retaining the highly-skilled talent we need to grow and expand our business.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Unless otherwise instructed, the named proxies will vote all proxies we receive “FOR” the proposal.

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Key Metrics Related to the 2014 Plan

Key Metrics Related to the 2014 Plan

While equity-based awards are an important part of our long-term incentive compensation program, the Board and the Compensation Committee are mindful of our responsibility to stockholders to exercise judgment in granting equity-based awards to minimize stockholder dilution. The Board and the Compensation Committee believe that stockholder approval of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan will enable us to continue to effectively incentivize our employees, directors, and consultants while maintaining reasonable overhang and burn rates. In determining the number of shares of our common stock to be reserved for issuance under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of F.W. Cook (the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant), conducted an evaluation of the number of shares of our common stock remaining available for issuance under the Existing 2014 Plan, our historic burn rate and the overhang associated with the plan,2014 Plan (as well as the overhang if the 2024 Plan is approved by our stockholders), which are described below. Based on this review, the Compensation Committee and the Board unanimously determined that it was advisable and in the best interest of our stockholders to adopt the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, with the number of shares of our common stock to be reserved for issuance thereunder as described above, to ensure that we can continue to provide a proper level of compensation to our employees, directors, and consultants.

In determining to adopt the 2024 Plan and to recommend the 2024 Plan to our stockholders, the Board and the Compensation Committee also considered various other factors, including the provisions included in the 2024 Plan, our anticipated future grant practices, the current and future accounting expense associated with our equity award practices, and the influence and the guidelines of certain proxy advisory firms.

Burn Rate. Burn

We recognize that equity compensation programs dilute stockholder equity and need to be used judiciously. Our burn rate measures the historic dilutive impact of our equity compensation program. Our burn rate is equal to our total equity awards granted during the year (or with respect to performance-based awards, awards granted in prior years which were earned during the year based on the level of performance achievement and any service-based requirement satisfied), divided by the number of weighted average shares used in computing our basicof common stock outstanding. Burn rate does not take into account award cancellations and diluted net loss per share.other shares returned to the share reserve under the 2014 Plan. The annual burn raterates of awards granted under the Existing 2014 Plan and the Former Plan for the last three fiscal years were as follows (share numbers in thousands):

   2023   2022   2021   3-Year 
Average 
 

Total Time-Based Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Shares Granted

   3,184    1,993    1,998      

Total Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Shares Earned(1)

   0    0    40      

Total Time-Based Shares Granted and Performance-Based Shares Earned

   3,184    1,993    2,038      

Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding(2)

   188,023    186,574    184,975      

Burn Rate

   1.7%    1.1%    1.1%    1.3% 

(1)

No performance-based restricted shares or RSUs were earned/vested in 2023 and 2022. The following number of performance-based restricted shares and RSUs were granted in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively: 797,439, 928,270, and 0 shares. These figures represent the maximum number of shares that can be earned pursuant to such awards. Excludes 11,417 RSUs eligible to vest on February 27, 2025, subject to continued employment, for which the Compensation Committee has certified the actual level of achievement of 105% of the targeted amount from the 2022 tranche for the year-over-year RevPAR growth goal for 2022.

(2)

Excludes potentially dilutive common stock equivalents for the Company (i.e., convertible senior notes, warrants, unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units, and prepaid stock purchase contracts).

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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  2016 2015 2014 3-Year Average
Total Shares Granted During Fiscal Year 3,141
 1,698
 1,662
 2,167
Weighted Average Shares Used in Computing Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share 185,653
 184,333
 148,185
 172,724
Burn Rate 1.7% 0.9% 1.1% 1.3%

The foregoing burn rates exclude 10,348 restricted stock units granted in 2016 to a director at his election in lieu

Proposal 4: Approval of a portion of his quarterly cash compensation under our director compensation program.


Overhang. Overhang measures potential stockholder dilution and is equal to the number of shares subject to outstanding equity awards, plus the number of shares available to be granted, divided by the total number of shares outstanding (excluding unvested restricted stock). As of August 1, 2017, we had approximately 5,370,920 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding awards under the Existing 2014Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Former Plan, and approximately 1,904,802 shares of our common stock were available for future awards under the Existing 2014 Plan, which resulted in an overhang percentage of approximately 3.9%. The 8,000,000 additional shares of our common stock proposed to be included in the share reserve under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan would increase the overhang percentage to 8.2%.

All equity-based awards granted to date under the Existing 2014 Plan and the Former Plan have been full value awards (primarily restricted stock)shares and RSUs). We have never awarded options or stock appreciation rights.

rights (SARs).

Stockholder Approval

Overhang as of Performance CriteriaMarch 1, 2024

The adoptionfollowing table sets forth certain information as of March 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted, with respect to the Amended and RestatedCompany’s 2014 Plan, and its approval by our stockholders is intended to permit the grant of awards that qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which generally limits the annual deduction that we may take for compensation of our covered officers, which consist of our Chief Executive Officer and our three other most highly compensated executive officers (other than our Chief Financial Officer) who are serving at the end of the year. Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, certain compensation, including compensation based on the attainment of performance goals, will not be subject to this limitation if certain requirements are met. Among these requirements is a requirement that the material termsonly stockholder approved equity plan pursuant to which the performance-based compensation is to be paid be disclosed toCompany can currently grant equity awards or under which equity awards are outstanding. On March 1, 2024, the closing price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE was $5.57 per share.

Stock Options/SARs Outstanding

0

Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Stock Options/SARs

N/A

Weighted-Average Remaining Term of Outstanding Stock Options/SARs

N/A

Total Stock-Settled Full-Value Awards Outstanding (1)

7,523,806

Number of Shares Available for Future Grants (2)

3,305,059

Shares of Common Stock Outstanding as of April 22, 2024

193,012,561

(1)

Performance-based awards included are assumed at maximum level of achievement.

(2)

This figure excludes 35,936 shares remaining available for future issuance from the Director Stock Purchase Plan.

 Dilution and approved by our stockholders. Accordingly, ifExpected Duration

The Board recognizes the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan is approved byeffect of dilution on our stockholders and has evaluated the other conditionsproposed share reserve under the 2024 Plan carefully in the context of Section 162(m)our need to attract and retain talented employees, executives and directors and to motivate and reward key personnel for achieving our business objectives and strategic priorities. Based on the amounts reflected in the table above, the total fully diluted overhang (calculated as described below) as of March 1, 2024 would be 5.3%. If the 2024 Plan were approved, our approximate fully diluted overhang as of that date would increase to 9.4% and then would be expected to decline over time. In this context, fully diluted overhang is calculated as the sum of grants outstanding and shares available for future awards (numerator) divided by the sum of the Internal Revenue Code relatingnumerator and shares of common stock outstanding. The Board believes that the proposed share reserve represents a reasonable amount of potential equity dilution to performance-based compensation are satisfied, qualified performance-based compensation paid toaccommodate our covered officers pursuantlong-term strategic priorities.

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Key Metrics Related to the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan

We expect that the proposed share reserve under the 2024 Plan will not failprovide an adequate number of shares of common stock to fund our equity compensation needs for approximately five years. Expectations regarding future share usage could be deductible dueaffected by a number of factors such as hiring and promotion, particularly at the executive level, the rate at which shares are returned to the operation2024 Plan under permitted add backs, the future performance of Section 162(m)our stock price, our future grant practices, and other factors. While we believe that the assumptions we used are reasonable, future share usage may differ from current expectations. If our stockholders do not approve the adoption of the Internal Revenue Code.

2024 Plan, our future ability to issue equity-based compensation would be materially limited, which we believe would place us at a significant competitive disadvantage.

Description of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan itself, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated by reference herein.

Plan Highlights

Types

Highlights of Awards;the 2024 Plan are as follows:

Available Shares. 12,405,059 shares of our Common Stock would be available for issuance (which includes 3,305,059 shares available under the 2014 Plan as of March 1, 2024, plus an additional 9,100,000 shares), less any shares granted under the 2014 Plan after March 1, 2024 and prior to the Effective Date.

2014 Plan to be Retired. No new awards will be granted under the 2014 Plan following the Annual Meeting if the 2024 Plan is approved by our stockholders.

No Evergreen Provision. No annual “evergreen” provision to automatically increase the number of shares available for issuance each year.

Administration. The 2024 Plan would be administered by our Compensation Committee, which is composed entirely of “independent directors” within the meaning of NYSE listing standards, and “non-employee directors” as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

Share Counting. Each share subject to an award (whether or not a full-value award) under the 2024 Plan would reduce the share reserve by one share.

Expiration Date. The 2024 Plan would provide that no new awards may be made on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.

Exercise Price. Neither the exercise price of an option nor the grant price of a SAR may be less than the fair market value of our stock on the grant date (except in connection with any changes in the Company’s capitalization, and for substitute awards granted or assumed in connection with the acquisition of another company).

No Repricing. No repricing of “underwater” stock options and SARs (including any such action that would be treated as a repricing under NYSE rules) without stockholder approval.

Dividends/Dividend Equivalent Rights. No dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid on awards to the extent that such awards do not ultimately vest.

Share Recycling. The following shares will not again become available for awards under the 2024 Plan: (1) shares exchanged or withheld in payment of the exercise price of an option or SAR; (2) shares tendered or withheld to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to any option or SAR; (3) shares repurchased by the Company with proceeds received from the exercise of an option; and (4) shares subject to a SAR that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of that SAR upon its exercise. In addition, any shares tendered or withheld to satisfy any tax withholding obligations with respect to any award other than an option or SAR will again be available for awards under the 2024 Plan.

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Change in Control. No “liberal change in control” definitions, such as permitting acceleration of equity awards prior to consummation of a change in control transaction (e.g., mere announcement or commencement of a tender or exchange offer).

Recoupment/Clawback Provisions. Awards will be subject to recoupment under certain circumstances, including to the extent set forth in the Company’s Clawback and Forfeiture Policy.

Transferability. Limited transferability of awards, and no transfer of an award for value is permitted.

Limits on Non-Employee Director Compensation. Limit on the aggregate amount of compensation (including both cash and equity) that may be paid to any non-management director in any calendar year.

 Eligibility

Any employee, director or consultant of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is eligible to receive awards under the 2024 Plan, in each case as selected from time to time by the Compensation Committee. The Amendedterm “consultant” includes consultants or advisors who are natural persons who provide bona fide services to the Company and Restated 2014its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee, as delegated by the Board, has the sole and complete authority (subject to restrictions on the authority delegated to it by the Board) to determine who will be granted an award under the 2024 Plan provides forand takes into account, among other factors, the issuance of stock options (including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unrestricted shares, performance awards (which may include cash awards) and other stock-based awardsneed to ourincentivize selected employees, directors and consultants. consultants of the Company and any of its subsidiaries whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company’s business.

As of the record dateApril 22, 2024, (i) approximately 36,000 employees of the Annual Meeting, approximately 1,000 employees, directorsCompany and consultantsits subsidiaries were eligible to receive awards under the 2014 Plan and will be eligible to receive awards under the Amended2024 Plan, of whom approximately 150 have been selected by the Compensation Committee for participation in and Restated 2014 Plan under our current compensation programs. Actualhold awards under the Amended and Restated2014 Plan; (ii) eight current directors were eligible to receive awards under the 2014 Plan, all of whom have been selected by the Compensation Committee for participation in and have received awards under the 2014 Plan, and our directors will be made only ateligible to receive awards under the discretion of2024 Plan; and (iii) no consultants have been selected by the Compensation Committee.

Committee for participation in or hold awards under the 2014 Plan.


Shares Available; Certain Limitations

The number of

If our stockholders vote to approve the 2024 Plan, subject to adjustments for changes in capitalization and the 2024 Plan’s share counting provisions, approximately 12,405,059 shares of our common stock reserved and available for issuance under(which includes the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan will be equal to the sum of (i) 6,000,000 shares of our common stock, (ii) the 1,391,474 shares of our common stock reserved but unissued under the Former Plan as of June 5, 2014 (the date on which the Board adopted the Existing 2014 Plan); (iii) the number of3,305,059 shares of our common stock that becomeremain available for reuseissuance under the terms2014 Plan as of March 1, 2024 plus 9,100,000 additional shares), less one share for every one share subject to an award granted under the Former Plan;2014 Plan after March 1, 2024 and (iv) 8,000,000 sharesprior to the Effective Date, will be available for the grant of equity awards under the 2024 Plan. The 2024 Plan provides that, if the 2024 Plan is approved by our common stock.stockholders, no further awards will be made pursuant to the 2014 Plan following such approval. All shares of our common stock that are available for the grant of awards under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan may be granted as incentive stock options.

Under

Shares that are subject to awards that expire or for any reason are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged, or surrendered or if any award otherwise terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to the Amended and Restatedparticipant under the 2024 Plan (or, after March 1, 2024, awards previously granted under the 2014 Plan) will again be (or newly be, as applicable) available for subsequent awards under the 2024 Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company as full or partial payment in connection with the exercise of any option or SAR under the 2024 Plan (i) no individual(or, after March 1, 2024, option or SAR previously granted under the 2014 Plan) or the payment of any purchase price with respect to any other award (or, after March 1, 2024, award previously granted under the 2014 Plan) under the 2024 Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any option or SAR under the 2024 Plan (or, after March 1, 2024, option or SAR previously granted under the 2014 Plan), will not be granted options or SARsavailable for more than 750,000 shares of our common stock during any fiscal year and (ii) no individual who is likely to be a “covered employee” for purposes of Section 162(m)subsequent awards

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Description of the Internal Revenue Code2024 Plan

under the 2024 Plan, and notwithstanding that a SAR (or, after March 1, 2024, SAR previously granted under the 2014 Plan) is settled by the delivery of a net number of shares, the full number of shares underlying such SAR (or, after March 1, 2024, SAR previously granted under the 2014 Plan) will not be available for subsequent awards under the 2024 Plan, and shares reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of options (or, after March 1, 2024, options previously granted either (A) restrictedunder the 2014 Plan) will not be available for subsequent awards under the 2024 Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, shares RSUs, unrestricted shares, performance awardsexchanged by a participant or other stock-based awards for more than 600,000 shares of our common stock during any fiscal year or (B)withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an award denominatedother than an option or SAR (or, after March 1, 2024, award other than option or SAR previously granted under the 2014 Plan) will again be (or will newly be, as applicable) available for awards under the 2024 Plan. 

In addition, awards may be assumed or granted in cash in excessconnection with or following a merger or acquisition involving the Company or any of $3,000,000 duringits subsidiaries to the extent permitted by Section 303A.08 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual (or any fiscal year.

successor provision thereof) (any such awards, “Substitute Awards”), and such Substitute Awards will not reduce the number of shares available under the 2024 Plan.

Non-employee directors are eligible to receive awards under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate value of all compensation paid or granted, as applicable, to any individual for service as a non-employee director with respect to any calendar year, including equity awards granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such non-employee director shall not exceed $600,000. The Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan permits the Boardplan administrator to make exceptions to increase the applicable limit up to $1,000,000 for individual non-employee directors in extraordinary circumstances, such as where any such individual serves as non-executive chairman of the Board or on a special litigation or transactions committee; provided that the interested director does not take part in the decision.decision to make such exception. For purposes of the foregoing limitation, equity awards will be valued at the grant date fair value for accounting purposes.

In addition, the 2024 Plan provides that any dividends or dividend equivalents credited with respect to any award granted under the 2024 Plan will be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as the underlying awards, and that no dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid on awards to the extent that such awards do not ultimately vest. Moreover, the 2024 Plan provides that dividend and dividend equivalent rights will not be granted in connection with stock options or SARs.

Administration; No Repricing

The Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee (sometimes referred to as the “plan administrator”). The plan administrator may interpret the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan and may prescribe, amend and rescind rules and make all other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. The Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan permits the plan administrator to select the employees, directors and consultants who will receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of those awards, including but not limited to the exercise price, the number of shares subject to awards, the term of the awards and the vesting schedule applicable to awards, and to amend the terms and conditions of outstanding awards, including but not limited to extending the exercise period of such awards and accelerating the vesting schedule of such awards. The plan administrator may also delegate its authority under the 2024 Plan (other than its authority to grant awards to any participant who is subject to reporting under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) to one or more officers of the Company, subject to the requirements of applicable law or any stock exchange on which the shares are traded.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the plan administrator may not repricetake any of the following actions without first obtaining stockholder approval: amend the terms of any previously granted stock option or SAR to reduce the exercise price, cancel and regrant any stock option or if applicable, any other award atSAR in exchange for the grant of a new option of SAR with a lower exercise price, or purchase price, or cancel any award with an exercise, baseunderwater stock option or purchase priceSAR in exchange for cash, property or another award (other than in connection with a change in control (as defined below)), or take any other action with respect to a stock option or SAR that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and other award, without first obtaining stockholder approval.regulations of the NYSE.

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 Term of the 2024 Plan

The Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan will terminate on June 5, 2024.the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Awards granted before such time will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.terms, and the plan administrator’s authority to amend, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate any such award or to waive any conditions or rights under any such award shall continue after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.

 Types of Awards

The 2024 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options (including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options), SARs, restricted shares, RSUs, performance awards (which may include cash awards) and other stock-based awards to our employees, directors and consultants.

Restricted Shares and RSUs

Restricted shares and RSUs may be granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. The plan administrator will determine theany purchase price, vesting schedule and performance objectives, if any, with respect to the grant of restricted shares and RSUs; provided, however, that time-based restricted shares must generally have a vesting schedule of not less than three years from the date of grant and performance-based restricted shares must generally have a vesting schedule of not less than one year from the date of grant. Any time-based restricted share award


granted with a three-year vesting schedule may provide for no more favorable ratable vesting than one-third per year.RSUs. If the restrictions, performance objectives or other conditions determined by the plan administrator are not satisfied, the restricted shares and RSUs will be forfeited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, restricted shares and RSUs granted to non-employee directors will not be subject to the vesting limitations described in this paragraph.

Subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan and applicable award document, the plan administrator may provide for the lapse of restrictions on restricted shares and RSUs in installments or the acceleration or waiver of restrictions (in whole or part) under certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance objectives, a participant’s termination of employment or service or a participant’s death or disability. The rights of restricted share and RSU holders upon a termination of employment or service will be set forth in individual award documents.

Except

The 2024 Plan provides that, except as otherwise provided in an award document, a participant granted restricted shares will generally not have dividend or voting rights on restricted shares during the right to receive dividends or voterestricted period with respect to such restricted shares until such restricted sharesshares. In addition, the 2024 Plan provides that, except as otherwise provided in an award agreement, a participant granted RSUs will not have vested. With respect to RSUs,dividend equivalent rights during the restricted period with respect to such RSUs. In addition, any dividends or dividend equivalent rights credited with respect to restricted shares or RSUs will be paid upon, and subject to, the termsvesting and conditions imposed bysettlement of the plan administrator in the award documents, theunderlying restricted shares or RSUs, and no dividends or dividend equivalents may be credited with dividend equivalent rights.

paid on awards to the extent that such awards do not ultimately vest.

Performance Awards

Performance awards may be granted by the plan administrator under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. A performance award consists of a right that is (i) denominated in cash or shares of our common stock, (ii) valued, as determined by the plan administrator, in accordance with, or subject to, the achievement of such performance objectives during such performance periods as the plan administrator shall establish, and (iii) payable at such time and in such form as the plan administrator shall determine. The 2024 Plan provides that, subject to the terms of the 2024 Plan and any applicable award agreement, the administrator shall determine the performance objectives with respect to any performance award, the length of any performance period, and the amount of any performance award and the amount and kind of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any performance award. The Administrator may amend or waive specific provisions of the Performance Award; provided that, subject to certain equitable adjustments as described below under “Performance Goals,” the 2024 Plan provides that such amendment or waiver may not adversely affect existing performance awards made within a performance period commencing prior to implementation of the amendment. Performance awards may be paid in a lump sum or in installments following the close of the performance period or on a deferred basis. Termination of a participant’s employment or service prior to

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Description of the 2024 Plan

the end of any performance period will result in the forfeiture of the performance award for that period, and no payments will be made with respect to that period, except thatsubject to the terms and conditions set forth in any award document or as otherwise determined by the plan administrator at or after grant may provide that certaingrant. Any dividends or dividend equivalent rights credited with respect to performance awards will be paid upon, and subject to, the vesting and settlement of the underlying awards, and no dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid upon certain terminations ofon such awards to the participant’s employment or service with the Company.

extent that such awards do not ultimately vest.

Stock Options

Stock options, including incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, may be granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. The incentive stock options (“ISOs”) granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and may only be granted to our employees or any employee of any of our subsidiaries. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan will be determined by the plan administrator, provided that no option will be granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan with an exercise price that is less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant.grant (other than in the case of Substitute Awards). Further, the exercise price of ISOs granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of our voting stock will not be granted at a price less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of all stock options granted under the 2024 Plan will be determined by the plan administrator, but may not exceed 10 years (5 years for ISOs granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of our voting stock). To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (as of the date the options were granted) of shares of our common stock subject to ISOs granted to an optionee that first become exercisable in any calendar year exceedexceeds $100,000, the excess options will be treated as nonqualified stock options. Each stock option will be exercisable (including in the event of the optionee’s termination of employment or service) at such time and pursuant to such terms and conditions as determined by the plan administrator in the applicable stock option agreement.

Stock Appreciation Rights

SARs may be granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan either alone or in conjunction with all or part of any stock option granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. A free-standing SAR granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan entitles its holder to receive, at the time of exercise, an amount per share equal to


the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of our common stock over a specified price fixed by the plan administrator (which mustshall be no less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant)grant, other than in the case of Substitute Awards). A SAR granted in conjunction with all or part of a stock option under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan entitles its holder to receive, at the time of exercise of the SAR and the surrender of the related option, an amount per share equal to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of our common stock over the exercise price of the related stock option. The maximum term of all SARs granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan will be determined by the plan administrator, but may not exceed 10 years. The plan administrator may determine to settle the exercise of a SAR in shares of our common stock, cash, or any combination thereof.

Each free-standing SAR will vest and become exercisable (including in the event of the SAR holder’s termination of employment or service) at such time and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the plan administrator in the applicable individual free-standing SAR agreement. SARs granted in conjunction with all or part of an option will be exercisable at such times and subject to all of the terms and conditions applicable to the related option.

Other Stock Based Awards; Unrestricted Shares

Awards

The plan administrator is also authorized to grant other stock-based awards to participants, which may include dividend equivalents, or performance units, or unrestricted shares of common stock, each of which may be subject to the attainment of performance goals or a period of continued employment or other terms or conditions as permitted by the Amended2024 Plan; provided that any dividend equivalent rights will be paid upon, and Restated 2014 Plan. In addition, fully vested sharessubject to, the vesting and settlement of our common stockthe underlying awards, and no dividends or dividend equivalents may be granted underpaid on awards to the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan.extent that such awards do not ultimately vest.

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Proposal 4: Approval of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Performance Goals

The vesting and/or payment of performance-based awards granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code will be based on criteria selected by the plan administrator, which may include one or more of the following criteria: (i) earnings including operating income, earnings before or after taxes, earnings before or after interest, depreciation, amortization, or extraordinary or special items or book value per share (which may exclude nonrecurring items); (ii) pre-tax income or after-tax income; (iii) earnings per share (basic or diluted); (iv) operating profit; (v) revenue, revenue growth or rate of revenue growth;growth, including revenue per occupied unit (”RevPOR”) and revenue per available unit (“RevPAR”); costs, cost growth or cost rate of growth; (vi) return on assets (gross or net), return on investment, return on capital, or return on equity; (vii) returns on sales or revenues; (viii) operating expenses; (ix) stock price appreciation; (x) cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on investment (discounted or otherwise), net cash provided by operations, or cash flow in excess of cost of capital; (xi) implementation or completion of critical projects or processes; (xii) economic value created; (xiii) cumulative earnings per share growth; (xiv) operating margin or profit margin; (xv) common stock price or absolute or relative total stockholder return; (xvi) cost targets, reductions and savings, productivity and efficiencies; (xvii) strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified market penetration, geographic business expansion, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, human resources management, employee retention or turnover, supervision of litigation or information technology goals, or goals relating to acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and similar transactions, and budget comparisons; (xviii) personal professional objectives, including any of the foregoing performance goals, the implementation of policies, processes and plans, the negotiation of transactions, the development of long term business goals, formation of joint ventures, research or development collaborations, and the completion of other corporate transactions; (xix) Cash From Facility Operations (“CFFO”) or CFFO per share; adjusted CFFO or adjusted CFFO per share; CFFO, adjusted CFFO, CFFO per share or adjusted CFFO per share growth; Adjusted Free Cash Flow;Flow or other operating cash flow measures; (xx) Facility Operating Income (“FOI”) or FOI per share; (xxi) Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA per share; (xxii) net operating income (“NOI”) or NOI per share; (xxiii) any other objective or subjective goals as determined by the plan administrator; and (xxiii)(xxiv) any combination of, or a specified increase in, any of the foregoing.

The business criteria may be expressed in terms of attaining a specified level of the particular criteria or the attainment of a percentage increase or decrease in the particular criteria, and may be applied to us or any of our affiliates (including our proportionate share of such items attributable to any joint venture in which we have an interest but that is not controlled by us or in which we share control), or one of our or our affiliates'affiliates’ divisions, segments, same-community or strategic business units, or may be applied to our performance relative to a market index, a group of


other companies or a combination thereof, all as determined by the plan administrator. The business criteria may also be subject to a threshold level of performance below which no payment will be made or no vesting shall occur, levels of performance at which specified payments will be made or specified vesting shall occur, and a maximum level of performance above which no additional payment will be made or at which full vesting shall occur. Except as otherwise noted,To the businessextent applicable, criteria may be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and achievement of the criteria will require certification(GAAP) or on a non-GAAP basis, as provided by the plan administrator. To the extent permitted by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the

The plan administrator will have the authority to make equitable adjustments to the business criteria as determined by the plan administrator, including, but not limited to, in recognition of unusual or non-recurring events affecting us or any of our affiliates or our financial statements or the financial statements of any of our affiliates, in response to changes in applicable laws or regulations, or to account for items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a business or related to a change in accounting principles.

Any awards granted to “covered employees”principles, or for purposesforce majeure events such as Acts of Section 162(m)God, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics.

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Description of the Internal Revenue Code that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” must be based solely upon one or more of these business criteria. No later than 90 days following the commencement of a performance period (or such other time as may be required or permitted under Section 162 (m) of the Internal Revenue Code), the Compensation Committee must, in writing (i) select the performance goal or goals applicable to the performance period, (ii) establish the various targets and bonus amounts which may be earned for such performance period, and (iii) specify the relationship between performance goals and targets and the amounts to be earned by each participant for the performance period.

2024 Plan

Merger, Consolidation and Other Changes in Corporate Structure

In the event of aany merger, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase or other reorganization recapitalization,or corporate transaction or event, stock dividendsplit or reverse stock split, combination or exchange of shares, other change in corporate structure, or declaration of a special or extraordinary dividend or other distribution, which the plan administrator maydetermines affects the common stock, the plan administrator shall make an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment in (1) the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, (2) the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards granted to any participant in any fiscal year, (3) the kind, number and exercise price of shares subject to outstanding stock options and SARs granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, (3) the performance objectives applicable to outstanding awards, and (4) the kind, number and purchase price of shares, or the amount of cash or amount or type of other property, subject to outstanding awards granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan. In addition, in connection with any such change in capitalization event, the plan administrator, in its discretion, may terminate all awards in exchange for the payment of cash or in-kind consideration.

consideration having an aggregate fair market value equal to the fair market value of the shares, cash or other property covered by such award, reduced by the aggregate exercise price of such award (if any); provided that if the exercise price of any option or SAR is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares, cash or other property covered by such award, the Board may cancel such award without the payment of any consideration to the participant.

Change in Control

Unless otherwise determinedprovided by the plan administrator andor the Board or evidenced in an award document, in the event that (i) a “change in control” (as defined below) occurs and (ii) either (x) any outstanding award is not assumed, continued, or substituted in connection with the change in control or (y) any outstanding award is assumed, continued, or substituted in connection with the change in control and a participant’s employment or service is terminated by us or any of our successors or affiliates without cause within 12 months following the change in control, then, in any such event, (a) any unvested or unexercisable portion of any award carrying a right to exercise will become fully vested and exercisable, and (b) the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any award will lapse and such unvested awards will be deemed fully vested, and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards that are performance-based will be deemed to be fully achieved.

achieved at target performance levels. In addition, the Board and/or plan administrator may, in its discretion, provide for cancellation of any outstanding awards not assumed, continued, or substituted at the time of a change in control in exchange for cash, property, or a combination thereof as determined by the Board and/or plan administrator, provided that such consideration shall be at least equal to the value of any consideration that would be received in such change in control by the holders of the Company’s equity securities relating to such awards over the exercise price or purchase price (if any) for such awards. In addition, the 2024 Plan provides that, in connection with a change in control, the Board and/or the plan administrator may cancel stock options and SARs with an exercise price that is equal to or in excess of the fair market value of a common share in such change in control without any consideration being paid.

Definition of Change in Control

For purposes of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, the term “change in control” generally means the occurrence of any of the following, in summary: (1) any person is or entity becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of ourequity securities of the Company (not including in the equity securities beneficially owned by such Person any equity securities acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates) representing 50%fifty percent (50%) or more of ourthe combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting power;equity securities; or (2) an unapproved change in the majority membership of the Board, which means that directors who meet one of the following criteriaindividuals cease for any reason to compriseconstitute a majority of the number of directors then serving on the Board: (i) directorsindividuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to,

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a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors or (ii) directorsof the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was not approved or recommended by a vote of at least 2/3two-thirds (2/3) of the directors who werethen still in office as of June 5, 2014who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or (3) the consummation of aany cash tender or exchange offer, reorganization, merger, of usconsolidation, or any of our subsidiaries with any other corporation, other than a merger


immediately followingbusiness combination transaction, pursuant to which the individuals who comprisebeneficial owners of the BoardCompany’s equity securities immediately prior to the merger constitute at leastsuch transaction do not (either directly or indirectly) own a majority of the boardoutstanding equity securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the company surviving the mergerresulting or if the surviving company is a subsidiary, thesuccessor entity (or its ultimate parent, thereof;if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction; or (4) our stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than (a) a sale of such assets to an entity, at least 50% of the voting power of which is held by our stockholders following the transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of us immediately prior to the transaction or (b) a sale of such assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise our Board immediately prior to such sale constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which the assets are sold or, if that entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a change in control will not be deemed to have occurred as a resultconsummation of any transaction(a) sale, transfer, exchange or seriesother disposition of integrated transactions following which stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto hold the same proportionate equity interest in the entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company pursuant to which the beneficial owners of the Company’s outstanding equity securities immediately thereafter.prior to such transaction do not (either directly or indirectly) own a majority of the outstanding equity securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the resulting or successor entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction; or (b) liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Transferability

The 2024 Plan provides that, except as otherwise provided in any award agreement, or by the Compensation Committee at or after grant, no award shall be assigned, pledged, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a participant, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. In addition, the 2024 Plan provides that no transfer of an award for value shall be permitted under the Plan.

Amendment, Alteration and Termination

The terms of the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan provide that the Board may amend, alter or terminate the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, but no such action may adversely impair the rights of any participant with respect to outstanding awards without the participant’s consent.consent, and provided that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent required by the rules and regulations of the NYSE or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded, or the Internal Revenue Code, as determined by the Board. The plan administrator, however, reserves the right to amend, modify or supplement an award to either bring it into compliance with, or to cause the award to not be subject to, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

In addition, the 2024 Plan provides that the administrator may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of or suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively (and in accordance with Section 409A of the Code with regard to awards subject thereto), but, except for any modifications made in connection with any change in capitalization of the Company, no such waiver, amendment, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or to causetermination shall adversely impair the award not torights of any participant without such participant’s consent.

 Clawback

Awards under the 2024 Plan shall be subject to forfeiture, reduction and/or recoupment by the Company: (i) to the extent provided in the Company’s Clawback and Forfeiture Policy, as it may be amended from time to time, (ii) to the extent that any participant becomes subject to any other recoupment or clawback policy hereafter adopted by the Company, including any such Section.policy (or amended version of the Clawback and Forfeiture Policy) adopted by the Company to comply with the requirements of any applicable laws, rules, regulations, or stock exchange listing requirements, (iii) to the extent provided in any award agreement, and (iv) to the extent provided under applicable legal requirements which impose recoupment, under circumstances set forth in such applicable legal requirements.

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Additional Information

Additional Information

New Plan Benefits

As noted above, participants in

The terms and number of awards to be granted under the Amended2024 Plan, and Restated 2014 Planthe recipients of such awards among our employees, directors and consultants, will generally be selecteddetermined in the discretion of the Compensation Committee from among our employees, directors and consultants.Committee. Thus, the benefits orand amounts that will be received by or allocated to any individual or group generally under the 2024 Plan are not determinable at this time. As of the close of business on the record date, the closing price of a share of our common stock traded on the NYSE was $12.97.

Registration with SEC

We intend to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 covering the shares of our common stock issuable under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan that have not already been so registered.

2024 Plan.

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax aspects of awards that may be granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan based upon the U.S. federal income tax laws in effect on the date hereof. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, and the exact tax consequences to any participant will depend upon his or her particular circumstances and other factors. Plan participants must consult their tax advisors with respect to any state, local and foreign tax considerations or particular federal tax implications of awards granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan.

Restricted Shares

A participant receiving restricted shares generally recognizes ordinary income in the amount of the fair market value of the restricted shares at the time the shares are no longer subject to forfeiture,vest or become transferrable, less the consideration paid for the shares. The Company is generally entitled to a deduction of an amount equal to suchthe ordinary income recognized by the participant. With respectGains or losses recognized by a participant upon disposition of restricted shares generally will be treated as capital gains and losses, with the basis in such shares equal to the salefair market value of the shares afterat the forfeiture period has expired, the tax basis for determining gain or loss when such shares are sold is the amount included in ordinary incometime of vesting plus any purchase price paid for the shares, and the holding period to determine whether the participant has long-term or short term capital gain or loss generally begins when the restriction period expires.


shares.

However, under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, a participant may elect, within 30 days of the grant of the stock,restricted shares, to recognize taxable ordinary income on the date of grant equal to the excess of the fair market value of the restricted shares (determined without regard to the restrictions) over the purchase price of the restricted shares. The Company is entitled to a deduction equal to the amount that is taxable as ordinary income to the participant in the year that such income is taxable. If the shares appreciate in value between the time of the 83(b) election and the date the shares are no longer subject to forfeiture, the tax on the appreciation will be deferred until such time as the shares are sold. When such appreciated shares are sold, the tax basis for determining gain or loss is equal to the taxable ordinary income recognized on the date of grant plus any purchase price paid for the shares, and the holding period commences on the date of grant.

If, after making an 83(b) election, the shares are forfeited, the participant will be entitled to claim a tax loss in an amount equal to the purchase price paid for the forfeited shares, if any, less any amount realized on the forfeiture. However, a tax loss may not be claimed for the amount recognized as ordinary income as a result of the election.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 4: Approval of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Restricted Stock Units

In general, the grant

A participant who has been granted an award of RSUs will not result inrealize taxable income forat the participant or intime of grant and the Company will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction for us.at that time. Upon the settlement of such an award in cash or shares, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the aggregate value of the payment received, and wethe Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

Performance Awards

A participant who receives a performance award generally recognizes ordinary income in an amount equal to any cash received and the fair market value of any shares received on the date of payment or delivery. WeThe Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

Incentive Stock Options

No taxable income is recognized by the participant upon the grant or exercise of an ISO. If shares of our common stock are issued to a participant pursuant to the exercise of an ISO, and if no disqualifying disposition of the shares is made by the participant within two years of the date of grant or within one year after the transfer of the shares to the participant, then: (i) upon the sale of the shares, any amount realized in excess of the exercise price is taxed to the participant as long-term capital gain, and any loss sustained will be a capital loss; and (ii) no deduction is allowed to the Company for federal income tax purposes. The exercise of an ISO gives rise to an item of tax preference that may result in an alternative minimum tax liability for the participant unless the participant makes a disqualifying disposition of the shares received upon exercise.

If shares of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO are disposed of prior to the expiration of the holding periods described above, then generally: (i) the participant recognizes ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares at exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the shares) over the option price paid for such shares, and (ii) the Company is entitled to deduct any such recognized amount. Any further gain or loss realized by the participant is taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, and does not result in any deduction by the Company.

If an ISO is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies for the tax treatment described above and in the Code, the option is treated as a non-qualified stock option. Subject to certain exceptions for disability or death, if an ISO is exercised more than three months following the termination of the participant’s employment, the option is generally taxed as a non-qualified stock option.

will not be eligible for the tax treatment above.

Nonqualified Stock Options

Except as noted below, with

With respect to nonqualified stock options: (i) generally no income is recognized by the participant at the time the option is granted; (ii) generally upon exercise of the option, the participant recognizes ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price paid for the shares and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, and the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount; and


(iii) at disposition, any appreciation (or depreciation) after the date of exercise is treated either as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the length of time that the participant has held the shares.

Stock Appreciation Rights

No income is recognized by a participant in connection with the grant of a SAR. When the SAR is exercised, the participant generally recognizes ordinary income in an amount equal to the amount of cash and the fair market value of any shares received. The Company is entitled to a deduction at the time and in the amount included in the participant’s income by reason of the exercise. If the participant receives shares of ourthe Company’s common stock upon exercise of a SAR, the post-exercise appreciation or depreciation is treated in the same manner discussed above under “Nonqualified Stock Options.”

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Additional Information

Other Awards

The federal income tax treatment of other stock-based awards depends on the nature of any such awards and the restrictions applicable to such awards. Such awards may, depending on the conditions applicable to the awards, be taxable as an option, awards of restricted stock or in a manner not described herein. With respect to cash awards and unrestricted shares granted under the Amended and Restated 20142024 Plan, generally when the participant receives such award, the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of the shares of ourCompany common stock received will be ordinary income to the participant, and wethe Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1 million on the amount that a company may deduct in any one year with respect to compensation paid to any “covered employee.”

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code

Certain types of awards under the 2024 Plan may constitute, or provide for, a deferral of compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code. Unless certain requirements set forth in Section 409A of the Code are satisfied, holders of such awards may be taxed earlier than would otherwise be the case (e.g., at the time of vesting instead of the time of payment) and may be subject to an additional 20% penalty tax (and, potentially, certain interest penalties and additional state taxes). To the extent applicable, the 2024 Plan and awards granted under the 2024 Plan are intended to be structured and interpreted in a manner intended to either comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance that may be issued under Section 409A of the Code. To the extent determined necessary or appropriate by the plan administrator, the 2024 Plan and applicable award agreements may be amended to further comply with Section 409A of the Code or to exempt the applicable awards from Section 409A of the Code.

Not a Qualified Plan

The 2024 Plan is not intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Proposal 4: Approval of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Equity Compensation Plans

Plan Information

The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 20162023 with respect to our equity compensation plans (after giving effect to shares issued and/or vesting on such date):

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category

 Number of
securities
to
be issued
upon
exercise
of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
(a)(1)
  Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
(b)
  

Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance
under
equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))

(c)

 

 Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(2)

  7,061,805      5,017,273 

 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(3)

        35,936 

 Total

  7,061,805      5,053,209 

Plan category
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
(a)(1)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)(2)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

4,556,638
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(3)


70,521
Total

4,627,159
________________
(1)As of December 31, 2016, an aggregate of 3,945,855

The table above includes 141,817 shares of unvested restricted stock and 10,348issuable pursuant to vested restricted stock units were outstanding under the Existing 2014 Plan, and an aggregate of 662,3326,919,988 shares ofpotentially issuable pursuant to unvested restricted stock and 6,850 vested restricted stock units, were outstanding under the Former Plan. Suchincluding 658,877 shares that may be issued for performance achievement in excess of restricted stock and restricted stock units are not reflected in the table above. The Existingtarget. Our 2014 Plan allows awards to be made in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, unrestricted shares, performance awards, and other stock-based awards.


(2)

The number of shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans approved by security holders consists of 3,532,466 shares remaining available for future issuance under the Existing 2014 Plan and 1,024,1725,017,273 shares remaining available for future issuance under our Associate Stock Purchase Plan.2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, excluding those reported in column (a).

(3)

Represents shares remaining available for future issuance under our Director Stock Purchase Plan. Under the existing compensation program for the members of the Board, each non-employee/non-consultantEach non-employee director has the opportunity to elect to receive either immediately vested shares or restricted stock units(issued pursuant to the Director Stock Purchase Plan) in lieu of up to 50%, or restricted stock units (issued pursuant to the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan) in lieu of up to 100%, of his or her quarterly cash compensation. Any immediately vested shares that are elected to be received will be issued pursuant to the Director Stock Purchase Plan. Under the director compensation program, all cash amounts are payable quarterly in arrears.arrears, with payments to be made on April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1. Any immediately vested shares that a director electselected to receive under the Director Stock Purchase Plan willwere to be issued at the same time that cash payments are made. The number of shares to be issued willwere to be based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance (i.e., April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1), or if such date is not a trading date, on the previous trading day'sday’s closing price. Fractional amounts willwere to be paid in cash. In addition, each non-employee director has the opportunity to elect to defer up to 100% of his or her quarterly cash compensation pursuant to the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan. The Board of Directors initially reserved 100,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the Director Stock Purchase Plan.

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Recommendation by the Board

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 

The Board has determined that approvaladopted a written Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Person Transactions (the “Related Person Policy”). Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated 2014 PlanRelated Person Policy, we will enter into or ratify related person transactions only when the Audit Committee determines that the transaction in question is advisable and in, or is not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

The Related Person Policy covers all transactions, arrangements or relationships (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which the Company (including any of its stockholders. subsidiaries) was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

A “Related Person”, as defined in the Related Person Policy, means any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the Company’s last year was, a director or executive officer of the Company or a nominee to become a director of the Company; any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities; any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law,father-in-law,son-in-law,daughter-in-law,brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner; and any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.

The Board recommendsRelated Person Policy also requires Audit Committee pre-approval of proposed charitable contributions, or pledges of charitable contributions, by the Company to a vote FOR approvalcharitable or non-profit organization for which a Related Person is actively involved in fundraising or otherwise serves as a director, trustee or in a similar capacity.

Except as set forth below, since December 31, 2022, there have not been any related person transactions that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Ventas, Inc. (“Ventas”) holds a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 16.3 million shares of our common stock at a price per share of $3.00, which is exercisable at Ventas’ option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, until December 31, 2025. We issued the Warrant to Ventas in connection with restructuring our lease arrangements with Ventas on July 26, 2020. Since Ventas has the right to acquire such shares of common stock within 60 days, Ventas is deemed to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock under Exchange Act rules and is therefore a Related Person.

We have a long-standing community leasing relationship with Ventas, which is currently our largest lessor. Accordingly, we have several commercial agreements with Ventas that involve amounts greater than $120,000. With respect to the period beginning January 1, 2023, such agreements included the following.

We continued to lease 120 communities and perform ancillary obligations under the Amended and Restated 2014 Plan.Master Lease and Security Agreement dated July 26, 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated April 15, 2021, Amendment No. 2 dated July 12, 2021, Amendment No. 3 dated July 15, 2022, and Amendment No. 4 dated October 23, 2023 (the “Master Lease”). Under the Master Lease, for the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid $107.4 million of cash facility lease payments to Ventas, received $0.6 million of lessor reimbursements from Ventas for capital expenditure projects, and we reimbursed $1.1 million to Ventas for payment of real estate taxes on our behalf.

We manage ten communities on behalf of Ventas pursuant to management agreements, including one community pursuant to a new agreement entered into effective June 1, 2023. We continued to manage the remaining nine communities pursuant to management agreements entered into during or prior to 2022, including

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

  85


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

five agreements entered into in connection with restructuring our lease arrangements with Ventas on July 26, 2020. The management agreements provide periodic management fee payments to us, primarily as a percentage of revenue, and reimbursement for costs and expense related to such communities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we received approximately $2.4 million of management fees and were reimbursed for approximately $33.6 million of costs and expenses pursuant to such management agreements.

Ventas and its permitted transferees are entitled to certain customary registration rights with respect to the Warrant pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 26, 2020, including underwritten offering, piggyback, and additional demand registration rights with respect to the shares underlying the Warrant.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and approved or ratified the foregoing transactions, including the ongoing obligations thereunder.

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Stock Ownership Information 

Stock Ownership Table

The following table sets forth, as of April 22, 2024, the total number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned, and the percent so owned, by (1) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock, (2) each of our directors, director nominees, and named executive officers and (3) all current directors and executive officers as a group, based on 193,012,561 shares of our common stock outstanding as of that date (excluding RSUs, other than with respect to outstanding awards scheduled to vest within 60 days of that date). The number of shares indicated for Ventas, Inc. represents an outstanding warrant to acquire 16,300,000 shares of our common stock which had not been exercised as of April 22, 2024, and solely with respect to Ventas, Inc.’s percentage ownership assumes that the warrant had been exercised as of such date. Unless otherwise instructed, we will vote all proxies we receive FORindicated, each of the proposal.


Deadline for Submitting Stockholder Proposals
Any stockholder who wishesbeneficial owners listed has, to present a proposal for inclusionthe Company’s knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to the indicated shares of common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the proxy materials used in connection with our 2018 annual meetingtable is c/o Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.

Name of Beneficial Owner

  

Number of Shares

 

Percentage

 

Executive Officers, Directors, and Director Nominees (1)

         

Lucinda M. Baier

  

 

1,188,134

  

 

 

*

 

Dawn L. Kussow

  

 

77,575

 

 

 

*

 

Chad C. White

  

 

229,321

 

 

 

*

 

H. Todd Kaestner

  

 

186,008

 

 

 

*

 

George T. Hicks

  

 

244,134

 

 

 

*

 

Steven E. Swain

  

 

200

 

 

 

*

 

Kevin W. Bowman

  

 

50,651

 

 

 

*

 

Jordan R. Asher

  

 

121,179

 

 

 

*

 

Marcus E. Bromley

  

 

149,452

 

 

 

*

 

Frank M. Bumstead

  

 

500,052

 

 

 

*

 

Victoria L. Freed

  

 

137,262

 

 

 

*

 

Guy P. Sansone

  

 

137,262

 

 

 

*

 

Denise W. Warren

  

 

168,650

 

 

 

*

 

Lee S. Wielansky

  

 

221,382

 

 

 

*

 

Claudia Napal Drayton

  

 

 

 

 

*

 

Elizabeth B. Mace

  

 

 

 

 

*

 

All current executive officers and directors as a group (14 persons)

  

 

3,435,662

 

 

 

1.8%

 

5% Stockholders

         

BlackRock, Inc. (2)

  

 

21,436,493

 

 

 

11.1%

 

Camber Capital Management (3)

  

 

18,733,525

 

 

 

9.7%

 

The Vanguard Group (4)

  

 

18,051,166

 

 

 

9.4%

 

Glenview Capital Management, LLC (5)

  

 

16,944,673

 

 

 

8.8%

 

Deerfield Partners, L.P. (6)

  

 

14,793,264

 

 

 

7.7%

 

Ventas, Inc. (7)

  

 

16,300,000

 

 

 

7.8%

 

2024 PROXY STATEMENT

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Stock Ownership Information

*

Less than 1%

(1)

Consists of shares of common stock held as of April 22, 2024 and the following number of vested RSUs, which were issued at the director’s election in lieu of a portion of quarterly cash compensation or the annual grant of immediately vested shares for service as a director: Dr. Asher—23,214; Mr. Bromley–65,272; Mr. Bumstead–51,998; Ms. Freed–26,522; and Mr. Sansone–26,522. The reported amounts exclude the following number of RSUs outstanding as of April 22, 2024 (assuming target performance for performance-based RSUs with performance periods that have not been completed): Ms. Baier–2,512,758; Ms. Kussow–378,837; Mr. White–412,092; Mr. Kaestner–284,263; Mr. Hicks—183,368; and all current executive officers and directors as a group–4,045,524. The reported amounts for Messrs. Swain and Bowman exclude the following number of performance-based RSUs that remain outstanding following their respective terminations on February 24, 2023 and January 12, 2023 (assuming the actual level of performance for completed performance periods and target performance for RSUs with a performance period that has not been completed): Mr. Swain–52,444; and Mr. Bowman–25,114. Ms. Baier’s and Mr. White’s reported ownership includes unrestricted shares held in a joint account with her or his spouse.

(2)

Information regarding BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 8, 2024 by BlackRock. BlackRock reported that it has sole voting power with respect to 25,696,463 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 21,436,493 shares. The address of the principal business office of BlackRock is 50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001.

(3)

Information regarding Camber Capital Management LP (“Camber”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2024 by Camber and Stephen DuBois. Camber reported that it has shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to the shares reported in the table. The address of the principal business office of Camber is 101 Huntington Avenue, Suite 2101, Boston, MA 02199.

(4)

Information regarding The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2024 by Vanguard. Vanguard reported that it has shared voting power with respect to 114,749 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 17,774,545 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 276,621 shares. The address of the principal business office of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.

(5)

Information regarding Glenview Capital Management, LLC (“Glenview”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2024 by Glenview and Larry Robbins. Glenview reported that it has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to the shares reported in the table. The address of the principal business office of Glenview is 767 Fifth Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10153.

(6)

Information regarding Deerfield Partners, L.P. (“Deerfield”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2024 by Deerfield, James E. Flynn, Deerfield Management Company, L.P. and Deerfield Mgmt, L.P. Deerfield reported that it has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to the shares reported in the table. The address of the principal business office of Deerfield is 345 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10010.

(7)

Information regarding Ventas, Inc. is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on August 5, 2020 by Ventas, Inc. relating to its outstanding warrant to purchase 16,300,000 shares of our common stock. Ventas, Inc. reported that it has sole voting power and dispositive power with respect to the shares reported in the table. The address of the principal business office of Ventas, Inc. is 353 N. Clark Street, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60654.

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Additional Information 

Stockholder Proposals for 2025 Annual Meeting

Proposals of stockholders (other than director nominations) intended to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2025 Annual Meeting must submitbe received by the proposal in writing so that it is received at Brookdale's principal executive officesCompany no later than April 16, 2018. Such proposalDecember 30, 2024 and must meet the requirements as to form and substance set forth in the rules and regulations of the SEC, including Rule 14a-8 under14a-8. As the Exchange Act, in orderrules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included. Such proposals must be delivered or mailed to the Company’s Secretary at the address noted below.

Director nominations of stockholders intended to be eligible for inclusionincluded in theour proxy statement and related form of proxy. Any such proposal shouldproxy card for the 2025 Annual Meeting under the proxy access provisions of our Bylaws must be addressedreceived at our principal executive offices no earlier than November 30, 2024 and no later than December 30, 2024 (i.e., not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the Secretaryfirst anniversary of Brookdale at "Attention: Secretary, Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027".

Underthe date we commenced mailing of our Amended and Restated Bylaws, in orderdefinitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting). If the 2025 Annual Meeting is called for a stockholder proposaldate that is not within 30 days before or after June 18, 2025 (i.e., the first anniversary of the 2024 Annual Meeting date), notice of such director nominations must be received at our principal executive offices no earlier than 150 days before the 2025 Annual Meeting and no later than the later of 120 days before the 2025 Annual Meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2025 Annual Meeting is first made by us. Such nominations must be delivered or mailed to the Company’s Secretary at the address noted below.

Proposals and director nominations of stockholders intended to be presentedconsidered at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders (other2025 Annual Meeting, other than by means of inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy card under Rule 14a-8 and our proxy access bylaws, must be received at our principal executive offices no earlier than February 18, 2025 and no later than the proxy materials under SEC Rule 14a-8 described above), the Secretaryclose of Brookdale must have received proper notice from the stockholderbusiness on March 20, 2025 (i.e., not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders and such proposal must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. As a result, proposals for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders submitted pursuant to these provisions of our Amended and Restated Bylaws must be received no earlier than May 28, 2018 and no later than the close of business on June 27, 2018.2024 Annual Meeting). If the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders2025 Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within 25 days before or after September 25, 2018,June 18, 2025 (i.e., the first anniversary of the 2024 Annual Meeting date), the notice must be received by Brookdale notat our principal executive offices no earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the annual meeting2025 Annual Meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to the annual meeting2025 Annual Meeting or the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was2025 Annual Meeting is mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was2025 Annual Meeting is made, whichever first occurs. ToSuch proposals or nominations must be in proper form, the notice must set forth, as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting the business at the annual meeting, (b) the name and record address of such stockholder, (c) the classdelivered or series and number of shares of capital stock of Brookdale which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (d) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in the business and (e) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring the business before the meeting. A person must own of record shares of Brookdale stock on the date that he or she sends the notice to Brookdale under the procedures above and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and vote at such annual meeting. The notice should be mailed to the Company’s Secretary at the address noted below.

In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of Brookdale at "Attention: Secretary,director nominees other than our director nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than April 19, 2025.

Stockholders submitting proposals or nominations using the foregoing procedures should deliver or mail the proposal or nomination, and all supporting information required by Rule 14a-8, Rule 14a-19 or our Bylaws, as applicable, to Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027". If37027, Attention: Secretary. Stockholders who wish to submit a proposal or nomination are encouraged to seek independent counsel about requirements under SEC rules and our Bylaws. We will not consider any proposal or nomination that is not timely or otherwise does not meet the chairmanapplicable requirements of an annual meeting determinesRule 14a-8, Rule 14a-19 or our Bylaws, and we reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal or nomination that business wasdoes not properly brought beforecomply with such requirements.

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Additional Information

Solicitation Costs

This proxy statement is sent on behalf of, and the annual meetingproxies are being solicited by, the Board. We will bear all costs of the solicitation of proxies. In addition to solicitations by mail, our directors, officers, and employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxies in accordanceperson or by telephone, email, or other electronic means. We will request brokers, banks, custodians, and other fiduciaries to forward proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of stock they hold of record. We will reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the procedures set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws, the chairman shall declare to the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and such business shall not be transacted.

Other Matters
The Board does not know of any other matters that may come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented at the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy or their substitutes acting thereunder, to vote, or otherwise act, in accordance with their best judgment on those matters.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representation not contained in this proxy statement, and, if given or made, such information or representation should not be relied upon as having been authorized. The delivery of this proxy statement shall not, under any circumstances, imply that there has not been any change in the information set forth herein since the datedistribution of the proxy statement.

Additional Information
materials.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. Such officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. We reviewed copies of the forms received by us or written representations from certain reporting persons that they were not required to file these forms. Based solely on that review, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, our officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.

Accessing our SEC Filings

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and on the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Such information will also be furnished upon written request to Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027, Attention: Secretary, and can also be accessed through the Investor Relations portion of our website at www.brookdale.com.

brookdaleinvestors.com.

A copy of the Company'sCompany’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 may be obtained, without charge, by any stockholder to whom this proxy statement is sent, upon written request to Chad C. White, Secretary, Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as "householding," potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. The Company and some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy statement to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders.
Once you have received notice from your broker or the Company that they or the Company will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or the Company if you hold registered shares. You can notify the Company by sending a written request to Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027, Attention: Secretary.

We may satisfy SEC rules regarding delivery of the Notice or proxy materials, including our proxy statements and annual reports by delivering only one Notice or set of proxy materials, as applicable, to multiple stockholders that share the same address, unless we have received contrary instructions in writing, a process known as “householding.” Upon oral or written request, we will deliver promptly a separate Notice or copy of proxy materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the Notice or proxy materials was delivered. If your shares are owned directly in your name with our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, you may request a separate copy of the Notice or proxy materials for this Annual Meeting or for future meetings by notifying our Corporate Secretary at Brookdale Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027, Attention: Secretary or (615) 221-2250. If you are a street name holder and wish to request a separate copy of the Notice or proxy materials, or you would like to receive only one copy of the Notice or proxy materials in the future, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee.

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Appendix A

Appendix A: Brookdale Senior Living 

2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan 

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

2014

2024 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

AS AMENDED AND RESTATED

Section 1.Purpose of Plan.

The name of this plan is the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 20142024 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to provide additional incentive to selected employees, directors and Consultants (as hereinafter defined) of the Company or its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined) whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company'sCompany’s business, in order to strengthen the commitment of such persons to the Company and its Subsidiaries, motivate such persons to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities, and attract and retain competent and dedicated persons whose efforts shall result in the long-term growth and profitability of the Company. The Plan is also designed to encourage stock ownership by such persons, thereby aligning their interest with the interests of the Company's stockholders, and to permit the payment of compensation that qualifies as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code (as hereinafter defined).Company’s stockholders. To accomplish such purposes, the Plan provides that the Company may grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, unrestricted Shares, Performance Awards (which may include cash awards), Other Stock-Based Awards or any combination of the foregoing.

Section 2.Definitions.

For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

(a) "Administrator" means the Board, or if and to the extent the Board does not administer the Plan, the Committee in accordance with Section 3 hereof.

(b) "Affiliate" means an affiliate of the Company (or other referenced entity, as the case may be) as defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

(c) "Award" means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Share, Restricted Stock Unit, unrestricted Share, Performance Award, or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.

(d) "Award Document" means any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award.

Award, including through electronic medium, which shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine, consistent with the Plan.

(e) "Beneficial Owner" (or any variant thereof) has the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

(f) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(g) "Bylaws" mean the bylaws of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

(h) "Cause" has the meaning set forth” means, unless otherwise defined in the Participant's employmentan applicable Award Agreement or other contractual agreement withbetween the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates, provided that if the Participant is not a party to any such employment or other agreement or such employment or other agreement does not contain a definition of Cause, then Cause means (i) the continued failure by the Participant to substantially perform his or her duties and obligations to the Company or any of its Affiliates, including without limitation, repeated refusal to follow the reasonable directions of his or her employer,employer; (ii) the Participant’s intentional violation of law in the course of performance of the duties of Participant's employment or serviceParticipant’s Service (as defined below) with the Company or any of its Affiliates,Affiliates; (iii) the Participant’s engagement in misconduct which is materially injurious to

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Appendix A: Brookdale Senior Living 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

the Company or any of its Affiliates,Affiliates; (iv) the Participant’s repeated absences from work without a reasonable excuse or intoxication with alcohol or illegal drugs while on the Company's or any Affiliate's premises during regular business hours (other than


any such failure resulting from his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)(v) the Participant'sParticipant’s intoxication with alcohol or illegal drugs while on the Company’s or any Affiliate’s premises during regular business hours; (vi) the Participant’s fraud or material dishonesty against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or (iii)(vii) the Participant'sParticipant’s conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere for the commission of a felony or a crime involving material dishonesty. Determination of Cause shall be made by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

(i) "Change in Capitalization" means any (i) merger, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase or other reorganization or corporate transaction or event, (ii) stock split or reverse stock split, (iii) combination or exchange of shares, (iv) other change in corporate structure, or (v) declaration of a special or extraordinary dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock or other property), which, in any such case, the Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, affects the Shares such that an adjustment pursuant to Section 5 hereof is appropriate.

(j) "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if and at such time that an event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have occurred:

(1) any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of equity securities of the Company (not including in the equity securities beneficially owned by such Person any equity securities acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates) representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company'sCompany’s then outstanding equity securities; or

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

(3)    there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the Board of the entity surviving such merger or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or

(4)    the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, other than (i) a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company following the completion of such transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or (ii) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or, if such entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any cash tender or exchange offer, reorganization, merger, consolidation, or other business combination transaction, or series of integrated transactions immediately followingpursuant to which the holdersbeneficial owners of the Common Stock of the CompanyCompany’s equity securities immediately prior to such transaction do not (either directly or seriesindirectly) own a majority of transactions continuethe outstanding equity securities entitled to have substantiallyvote generally in the same proportionate ownership in anelection of directors of the resulting or successor entity which owns(or its ultimate parent, if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction; or

(4) the consummation of any (x) sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company pursuant to which the beneficial owners of the Company’s outstanding equity securities immediately followingprior to such transaction do not (either directly or seriesindirectly) own a majority of transactions and (ii)the outstanding equity securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the resulting or successor entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction; or (y) liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for each Award that constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and solely to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred under the Plan with respect to such Award only if a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a


change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall also be deemed to have occurred under Section 409A of the Code.Code, and (ii) no Award Agreement shall define a Change in Control in such a manner that a Change in Control would be deemed to occur prior to the actual consummation of the event or transaction that results in a change of control of the Company (e.g., upon the announcement, commencement, or shareholder approval of any event or transaction that, if completed, would result in a Change in Control).

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(k) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.

(l) "Committee" means any committee or subcommittee the Board may appoint to administer the Plan. Subject to the discretion of the Board, the Committee shall be composed entirely of individuals who meet the qualifications of (i) an "outside director" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (but only to the extent necessary and desirable to maintain qualification of Awards as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code), (ii) a "non-employee director"“non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 and (iii)(ii) any other qualifications required by the applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded.traded, including independence requirements thereof. If at any time or to any extent the Board shall not administer the Plan, then the functions of the Administrator specified in the Plan shall be exercised by the Committee. Except as otherwise provided in the Company'sCompany’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as amended from time to time, any action of the Committee with respect to the administration of the Plan shall be taken by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is duly constituted or unanimous written consent of the Committee'sCommittee’s members.

(m) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company.

(n) "Company" means Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (or any successor corporation).

(o) "Consultant" means a consultant or advisor who is a natural person, engaged to renderwho provides bona fide servicesServices to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

Subsidiaries, and qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Instruction A.1(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(p) "Covered Officer" means any individual who is or is likely to be a "covered employee" as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to the current taxable year of the Company or with respect to the taxable year of the Company in which any applicable Award will be paid or become vested.

(q)    "Disability" means that a Participant, (i) as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, is (i) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(r)    "

(q) “Eligible Recipient" means any employee, director or Consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who has been selected as an eligible participant by the Administrator.

(s)    "

(r) “Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(t)    "

(s) “Exercise Price" means the (i) per share price at which a holder of an Awardany Option may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of such Award.

(u)    "Award, and (ii) the per share price in connection with the grant of Stock Appreciation Rights used to determine whether there is any payment due upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights.

(t) “Fair Market Value"” of a share of Common Stock, another security or property as of a particular date means the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, however, that if thea share of Common Stock or other security is admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on any date shall be the closing sale price reported for such share on such exchange on such date, or, if no sale was reported on such date, the closing sale price reported for such share on such exchange on the last day preceding such date on which a sale was reported.


(v)    "

(u) “Incentive Stock Option" means an Option that is an "incentive“incentive stock option"option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and that is designated in the applicable Award Document as an Incentive Stock Option.

(w)    "

(v) “Non-Employee Director" means a director of the Company who is not an officer, employee or Consultant of the Company or of any Subsidiary.

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(x)    "

Appendix A: Brookdale Senior Living 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

(w) “Nonqualified Stock Option" means any Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option, including any Option that provides (as of the time such Option is granted) that it shall not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option.

(y)    "

(x) “Option" means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 7 hereof.

(z)    "

(y) “Other Stock-Based Award" means a right or other interest granted to a Participant under the Plan that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Common Stock, including but not limited to dividend equivalents or performance units, each of which may be subject to the attainment of performance objectives, including objectives based on one or more of the Performance Goals, a period of continued employmentService, restricted or serviceunrestricted, or other terms or conditions as permitted under the Plan.

(aa)    "

(z) “Participant" means any Eligible Recipient selected by the Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator'sAdministrator’s authority in Section 3 hereof, to receive grants of Awards, and upon his or her death, his or her successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.

(bb)    "

(aa) “Performance Award" means an award under Section 11 hereof.

(cc)    "

(bb) “Performance Goals" means performance goals based on criteria selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, one or more of the following criteria: (i) earnings including operating income, earnings before or after taxes, earnings before or after interest, depreciation, amortization, or extraordinary or special items or book value per share (which may exclude nonrecurring items); (ii) pre-tax income or after-tax income; (iii) earnings per Share (basic or diluted); (iv) operating profit; (v) revenue, revenue growth or rate of revenue growth;growth, including revenue per occupied unit (“RevPOR”) and revenue per available unit (“RevPAR”), costs, cost growth or rate of cost growth; (vi) return on assets (gross or net), return on investment, return on capital, or return on equity; (vii) returns on sales or revenues; (viii) operating expenses; (ix) stock price appreciation; (x) cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on investment (discounted or otherwise), net cash provided by operations, or cash flow in excess of cost of capital; (xi) implementation or completion of critical projects or processes; (xii) economic value created; (xiii) cumulative earnings per share growth; (xiv) operating margin or profit margin; (xv) Common Stock price or absolute or relative total stockholder return; (xvi) cost targets, reductions and savings, productivity and efficiencies; (xvii) strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified market penetration, geographic business expansion, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, human resources management, employee retention or turnover, supervision of litigation or information technology goals, or goals relating to acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and similar transactions, and budget comparisons; (xviii) personal professional objectives, including any of the foregoing performance goals, the implementation of policies, processes and plans, the negotiation of transactions, the development of long term business goals, formation of joint ventures, research or development collaborations, and the completion of other corporate transactions; (xix) Cash From Facility Operations ("CFFO") or CFFO per Share; adjusted CFFO or adjusted CFFO per Share; CFFO, adjusted CFFO, CFFO per Share or adjusted CFFO per Share growth; Adjusted Free Cash Flow;Flow, or other operating cash flow measures; (xx) Facility Operating Income ("(“FOI") or FOI per Share; (xxi) Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA per Share; (xxii) net operating income ("(“NOI") or NOI per Share; (xxiii) any other objective or subjective goals as determined by the Administrator; and (xxiii)(xxiv) any combination of, or a specified increase in, any of the foregoing. Where applicable, the Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of attaining a specified level of the particular criteria or the attainment of a percentage increase or decrease in the particular criteria, and may be applied to one or more of the Company or any of its Affiliates (including the Company’s proportionate share of such items attributable to any joint venture in which the Company has an interest but that is not controlled by the Company or in which the Company shares control), or a division, segment, same-community or strategic business unit of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or may be applied to the


performance of the Company relative to a market index, a group of other companies or a combination thereof, all as determined by the Committee.Administrator. The Performance Goals may include a threshold level of performance below which no payment shall be made (or no vesting shall occur), levels of performance at which specified payments shall be made (or specified vesting shall occur), and a maximum level of performance above which no additional payment shall be

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Appendix A: Brookdale Senior Living 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

made (or at which full vesting shall occur). Except, in any such case, as otherwise noted, each ofdetermined by the foregoingAdministrator. To the extent applicable, Performance Goals shallmay be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be subject to certification(GAAP) or on a non-GAAP basis, as provided by the Committee; provided that,Administrator. The Administrator shall have the authority to the extent permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable, the Committee shall make equitable adjustments to the Performance Goals as determined by the Administrator, including, but not limited to, in recognition of unusual or non-recurring events affecting the Company or any of its Affiliates or the financial statements of the Company or any of its Affiliates, in response to changes in applicable laws or regulations, or to account for items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a business or related to a change in accounting principles. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall take any actions pursuant to this paragraph to the extent necessary and desirable to maintain qualificationprinciples, or for force majeure events such as Acts of Awards as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m)God, acts of the Code.

(dd)    "terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics.

(cc) “Person" has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Common Stock of the Company.

(dd) “Prior Plan” means the Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended.

(ee) "Restricted Share" means a Share, granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof, subject to certain restrictions that lapse at the end of a specified period or periods and/or upon the attainment of specified performance objectives, including objectives based on one or more Performance Goals.

(ff) "Restricted Stock Unit" means a right, granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof, to receive an amount in cash or Shares (or any combination thereof) equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share at the end of a specified deferral period or periodsRestricted Period (as defined below) and/or upon the attainment of specified performance objectives, including objectives based on one or more of the Performance Goals.

(gg) "Retirement" means, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator and evidenced in an Award Document, a termination of a Participant's employment or service,Participant’s Service, other than for Cause, on or after attainment of age 65.

sixty (60), after a minimum of five (5) years of Service and providing no less than six (6) months’ advance written notice to the Company.

(hh) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

(ii) "Service” means a Participant’s employment or service with Company or any Subsidiary thereof, whether as an employee, director or Consultant of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof. A Participant’s Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders such Service to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof as an employee, director or Consultant or a change in the Person for which the Participant renders such Service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s Service with the Company or any Subsidiary thereof. For example, a change in status from an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to a Consultant of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or to a director of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof will not constitute an interruption or termination of the Participant’s Service. In addition, to the extent required for exemption from or compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the determination of whether there has been a termination of Service will be made, and such term will be construed, in a manner that is consistent with the definition of “separation from service” as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder).

(jj) “Shares" means shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, as adjusted pursuant to the Plan, and any successor (pursuant to a merger, consolidation or other reorganization) security.

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(jj)    "Stock" means Common Stock.

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(kk) "Stock Appreciation Right" means a right, granted under Section 8 hereof, to receive an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value, as of the date such Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof is surrendered, of the Shares covered by such right or such portion thereof, over (ii) the aggregate Exercise Price of such right or such portion thereof.

(ll) "Subsidiary," when used to determine whether an individual service provider can be an Eligible Recipient of an Award hereunder, means any corporationentity (other than the Company), whether domestic or other entity in a chain of corporations or other entities (beginning with the Company and ending with the Subsidiary to which the service provider provides direct services on the date of grant of the Award) in which each corporation or other entity has a "controlling interest" in another corporation or other entity in the chain and as to which the Company is consequently an "eligible issuer of service recipient stock" (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iii)(E)). An additional requirement applies when "Subsidiary" is used to determine whether an employee can be an Eligible Recipient of an


Incentive Stock Option Award: "Subsidiary" then is also required to be a corporationforeign, in an unbroken chain of corporationsentities beginning with the Company withif each of the corporations (otherentities other than the last corporationentity in the unbroken chain) owning stock possessingchain beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing more than fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stocksecurities or interests in one of the other corporationsentities in the chain at the time of the granting of the Incentive Stock Option Award.
such chain.

Section 3.Administration.

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator and shall be administered in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code (but onlyRule 16b-3, to the extent necessary and desirable to maintain qualification of Awards as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code) and, to the extent applicable, Rule 16b-3.

applicable.

(b) Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator, subject, in the case of any Committee, to any restrictions on the authority delegated to it by the Board, shall have the power and authority, without limitation:

(1) to select those Eligible Recipients who shall be Participants;

(2) to determine whether and to what extent Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, unrestricted shares, Performance Awards, Other Stock-Based Awards or a combination of any of the foregoing, are to be granted hereunder to Participants;

(3) to determine whether Options are intended to be Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options, provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options can only be granted to employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (within the meaning of Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code);

(4) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

(5) to determine the terms and conditions, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, (including Section 17(f) hereof), of each Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, (i) the restrictions applicable to awards of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units and the conditions under which restrictions applicable to such awards of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, (ii) theany performance objectives and periods applicable to each Award, provided that the performance objectives shall be determined no later than such time as is required to ensure that any underlying Award which is intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code so qualifies, (iii) the Exercise Price for any Option or Stock Appreciation Right, (iv) the vesting schedule applicable to Awards, (v) the number of Shares subject to Awards and (vi) any amendments to the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including, but not limited to extending the exercise period of such Awards and accelerating the vesting schedule of such Awards);

(6) to determine the terms and conditions, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, which shall govern all written instruments evidencing Awards granted hereunder;

(7) to determine the Fair Market Value for any purpose;

(8) to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absence which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of their employment or serviceService for purposes of Awards granted under the Plan;

(9) to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall from time to time deem advisable; and

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(10) to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award granted under the Plan (and any Award Document relating thereto), and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan and to exercise all powers and authorities either specifically granted under the Plan or necessary and advisable in the administration of the Plan.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this Section 3, (i) subject to Section 5, neither the Board, the Committee nor their respective delegates shall have the authority to reprice (or cancel and regrant)take any Option or, if applicable, other Award at a lower exercise, base or purchase price, or cancel any Award with an exercise, base or purchase price in exchange for cash, property or other Award,of the following actions without first obtaining the approval of the Company'sCompany’s stockholders: (1) amend the terms of any previously granted Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to reduce the Exercise Price of any such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable; (2) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for the grant of a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right with a lower Exercise Price; (3) cancel any underwater Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash, property or another Award (other than in connection with a Change in Control in accordance with Section 12); or (4) take any other action with respect to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, or any other market or exchange that is the principal trading market for the Common Stock, in each case without the approval of the Company’s stockholders, and (ii) neither the Board, the Committee nor their respective delegates shall have the authority to take any action that would cause any Award granted under the Plan to fail to comply with Section 409A of the Code and any regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder.

(d) All decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company and the Participants. No member of the Board or the Committee, nor any officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates acting on behalf of the Board or the Committee, shall be personally liable for any action, omission, determination, or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Board or the Committee and each and any officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates acting on their behalf shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law and the Bylaws,organizational documents of the Company, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such action, omission, determination or interpretation.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, all awards to Non-Employee Directors shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board.

(f) The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, delegate its authority, in whole or in part, under this Section 3 (including, but not limited to, its authority to grant Awards under the Plan, other than its authority to grant Awards under the Plan to any Participant who is subject to reporting under Section 16 of the Exchange Act) to one or more officers of the Company, subject to the requirements of applicable law or any stock exchange on which the Shares are traded.

Section 4.Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan.

Plan; Certain Limitations.

(a) Subject to Section 5 hereof and the share counting provisions below, as of the Effective Date, the number of shares of Common Stock that are reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be equal to 12,405,0591, less one (1) share for every one (1) share subject to an Award granted under the sum of (i) 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, (ii)Prior Plan after March 1, 2024 and prior to the Effective Date (such aggregate amount, the “Share Reserve”). For clarity, the Share Reserve is a limit on the number of sharesShares that may be issued pursuant to Awards and does not limit the granting of Common Stock reserved but unissued underAwards, except that the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the "2005 Plan") as of the Effective Date; (iii)Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock that become available for reuse under the 2005 Plan followingShares reasonably required to satisfy its obligations to issue Shares pursuant to such Awards. Following the Effective Date, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 thereof; and (iv) 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to approvalprovided that this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders, atno further Awards shall be granted pursuant to the 2017 Annual MeetingPrior Plan. All of Stockholders. All such shares of Common Stock that are available for the grant of Awards under the PlanShare Reserve may be granted as Incentive Stock Options.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, and subject to Section 5 hereof, from and after such time as

1 The 12,405,059 Shares reflects 3,305,059 shares that remained available for grant under the Plan is subject to Section 162(m)as of the Code:March 1, 2024, plus 9,100,000 newly authorized shares.

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(1)    No individual (including an individual who is a Covered Officer) will be granted Options or Stock Appreciation Rights for more than 750,000 Shares during any fiscal year.
(2)    No individual who is a Covered Officer will be granted (A) Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, unrestricted Shares, Performance Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards for more than 600,000 Shares during any fiscal year or (B) an Award denominated in cash in excess of $3,000,000 during any fiscal year.
Any determination made in respect of the limitation set forth in this paragraph

Appendix A: Brookdale Senior Living 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan

(b) shall be made in a manner consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.

(c) Shares issued under the Plan may, in whole or in part, be authorized but unissued Shares or Shares that shall have been or may be reacquired by the Company in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. If any Shares subject to an Award (or, after March 1, 2024, award previously granted under the Prior Plan) are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an Award (or, after March 1, 2024, award previously granted under the Prior Plan) otherwise terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to the Participant, the Shares with respect to such

Award (or, after March 1, 2024, award previously granted under the Prior Plan) shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, termination or expiration, again be (or newly be, as applicable) available for Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Shares that are exchanged by a Participant or withheld by the Company as full or partial payment in connection with the exercise of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right under the Plan (or, after March 1, 2024, option or stock appreciation right previously granted under the Prior Plan) or the payment of any purchase price with respect to any other Award (or, after March 1, 2024, award previously granted under the Prior Plan) under the Plan, as well as any Shares exchanged by a Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any Option or Stock Appreciation Right under the Plan (or, after March 1, 2024, option or stock appreciation right previously granted under the Prior Plan), shall not be available for subsequent Awards under the Plan, and notwithstanding that a Stock Appreciation Right (or, after March 1, 2024, stock appreciation right previously granted under the Prior Plan) is settled by the delivery of a net number of Shares, the full number of Shares underlying such Stock Appreciation Right (or, after March 1, 2024, stock appreciation right previously granted under the Prior Plan) shall not be available for subsequent Awards under the Plan, and Shares reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of Options (or, after March 1, 2024, options previously granted under the Prior Plan) shall not be available for subsequent Awards under the Plan. Upon the exercise of any Award granted in tandem with any other Awards, such related Awards shall be cancelled to the extent of the number of Shares as to which the Award is exercised and, notwithstanding the foregoing, such number of Shares shall no longer be available for Awards under the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, Shares exchanged by a Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or, after March 1, 2024, award other than option or stock appreciation right previously granted under the Prior Plan) shall again be (or shall newly be, as applicable) available for Awards under the Plan. In addition, (i) to the extent an Award (or, after March 1, 2024, award previously granted under the Prior Plan) is denominated in Shares, but paid or settled in cash, the number of Shares with respect to which such cash payment or settlement is made shall again be (or shall newly be, as applicable) available for grants of Awards pursuant to the Plan and (ii) Shares underlying Awards that can only be settled in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards may be assumed or granted in connection with or following a merger or acquisition involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent permitted by Section 303A.08 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual (or any successor provision thereof) (any such Awards, “Substitute Awards”), and such Substitute Awards will not reduce the Share Reserve.

Section 5.Equitable Adjustments.

(a) In the event of any Change in Capitalization, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made, in each case, as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, in (i) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, and the maximum number of Shares that may be subject to Awards granted to any Participant in any fiscal year, (ii) the kind and number of securities subject to, and the Exercise Price relating toof, any outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan, (iii) performance objectives, including objectives based on one or more of the Performance Goals, (to the extent permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable) and (iv) the kind, number and purchase price of Shares, or the amount of cash or amount or type of other property, subject to outstanding awards of Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards granted under the Plan, in each case as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, discretion; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from the adjustment shall be eliminated. Such other equitable substitutions or adjustments shall be made as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.

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(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with a Change in Capitalization, the Administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, for the cancellation of any outstanding Award granted hereunder in exchange for payment in cash or other property ofhaving an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares, cash or other property covered by such Award, reduced by the aggregate Exercise Price or purchase price thereof, if any.any; provided, however, that if the Exercise Price of any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock, cash or other property covered by such Award, the Board may cancel such Award without the payment of any consideration to the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, any adjustment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 424(h) of the Code and any regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder, and provided further that no such adjustment shall cause any Award hereunder which is or becomes subject to Section 409A of the Code to fail to comply with the requirements of such Section. The Administrator'sAdministrator’s determinations pursuant to this Section 5 shall be final, binding and conclusive.

Section 6.Eligibility.

The Participants under the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, from those individuals who qualify as Eligible Recipients; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Non-Employee Directors shall also be eligible for Awards under the Plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board from time to time; provided, however, the aggregate value of all compensation paid or granted, as applicable, to any individual for serviceService as a Non-Employee Director with respect to any calendar year, including equity Awards granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee Director, shall not exceed six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) in value, calculating the value of any equity Awards granted during such calendar year based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes. The BoardAdministrator may make exceptions to increase such limit to one million dollars ($1,000,000) for individual Non-Employee Directors in extraordinary circumstances, such as where a Non-Employee Director serves as the non-executive chairman of the Board or as a member of a special litigation or transactions committee of the Board, as the Board may determine in its discretion, provided that the Non-Employee Director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation involving such Non-Employee Director.


Section 7.Options.

(a) General. The grant of an Option shall be evidenced by an Award Document, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its discretion, which Award Document shall set forth, among other things, the Exercise Price of the Option, the term of the Option and provisions regarding exercisability of the Option granted thereunder. Each Option shall be clearly identified in the applicable Award Document as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option. The provisions of each Option need not be the same with respect to each Participant. More than one Option may be granted to the same Participant and be outstanding concurrently hereunder. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable and set forth in the applicable Award Document.

(b) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of Shares purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, provided that the Exercise Price of an Option shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.grant (other than in the case of Substitute Awards). If a Participant owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules applicable under Section 424(d) of the Code) more than ten percent (10%) of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary and an Incentive Stock Option is granted to such Participant, the Exercise Price of such Incentive Stock Option (to the extent required at the time of grant by the Code) shall be no less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value on the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

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(c) Option Term. The maximum term of each Option shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such Option is granted, except that Incentive Stock Options granted to a Participant who owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules applicable under Section 424(d) of the Code) more than ten percent (10%) of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, shall not be exercisable more than five (5) years after the date such Option is granted. Each Option'sOption’s term is subject to earlier expiration pursuant to the applicable provisions in the Plan and the Award Document. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator shall have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding Option at such time and under such circumstances as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

(d) Exercisability. Each Option shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions, including the attainment of performance objectives, as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Document. The Administrator may also provide that any Option shall be exercisable only in installments, and the Administrator may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time, in whole or in part, based on such factors as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, an Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

(e) Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised in whole or in part by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of Shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price of the Shares so purchased in cash or its equivalent, and/or following such other procedures as determined by the Administrator. As determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, with respect to any Option or category of Options, payment in whole or in part may also be made (i) by means of consideration received under any cashless exercise procedure approved by the Administrator (including the withholding of Shares otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) in the form of unrestricted Shares already owned by the Participant which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (iii) any other form of consideration approved by the Administrator and permitted by applicable law or (iv) any combination of the foregoing.

(f) Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year under the Plan and any other stock option plan of the Company shall exceed $100,000, the portion of such Incentive Stock Options in excess of $100,000 shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. Such Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date on which each such Incentive Stock Option is granted. No Incentive


Stock Option mayshall be granted to any person who is not an individual if, at the time of the proposed grant, such individual owns (or is deemed to own under the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stockEmployee of the Company or of any Subsidiary unless (i) the Exercise Price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least one hundred and ten percent (110%)“parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” of the Fair Market ValueCompany (as defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of a share of Common Stock at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted and (ii) such Incentive Stock Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.
Code, respectively).

(g) Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of exercise, has paid in full for such Shares, has satisfied the requirements of Section 1615 hereof and, if requested, has given the representation described in paragraph (b) of Section 1716 hereof.

For the avoidance of doubt, dividend equivalents may not be granted in connection with an Option.

(h) Transfers of Options. Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, and in any event in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, no Option granted under the Plan shall be transferable by a Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in accord with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, an Option may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant or, during the period the Participant is under a legal disability, by the Participant'sParticipant’s guardian or legal representative. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, permit the gratuitous transfer during a Participant's lifetime of a Nonqualified Stock Option,

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(i) by gift to a member of the Participant's immediate family, (ii) by transfer by instrument to a trust for the benefit of such immediate family members, or (iii) to a partnership or limited liability company in which such family members are the only partners or members; provided, however, that, in addition to such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine in connection with any such transfer, no transferee may further assign, sell, hypothecate or otherwise transfer the transferred Option, in whole or in part, other than by will or by operation of the laws of descent and distribution. Each such transferee shall agree to be bound by the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Award Document.

(i)    Termination of Employment or Service. In the event of the termination of employment or serviceService with the Company and all of its Affiliates of a Participant who has been granted one or more Options, such Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall beprovided in the Award Document or as otherwise determined by the Administrator at or after grant.
grant, subject to Section 13.

(j) Other Change in EmploymentService Status. An Option shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial disability or other changes in the employmentService status of ana Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator. The Administrator shall follow any applicable provisions and regulations with respect to the treatment of Incentive Stock Options and the written policies of the Company (if any), including such rules, guidelines and practices as may be adopted pursuant to Section 3 hereof, as they may be in effect from time to time, with regard to such matters.

Section 8.Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a) General. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted either alone ("(“Free Standing Rights") or in conjunction with all or part of any Option granted under the Plan ("(“Related Rights"). In the case of a Nonqualified Stock Option, Related Rights may be granted either at or after the time of the grant of such Option. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, Related Rights may be granted only at the time of the grant of such Option. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be made;made, the number of Shares to be awarded, the price per share, and all other conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Related Right may be granted for more shares than are subject to the Option to which it relates and any Stock Appreciation Right must be granted with an Exercise Price not less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.grant (other than in the case of Substitute Awards). The provisions of Stock Appreciation Rights need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions set forth in this Section 8 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable, as set forth in the applicable Award Document.


(b) Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right until the Participant has exercised such Stock Appreciation Right, has satisfied the requirements of Section 1615 hereof and, if requested, has given the representation described in paragraph (b) of Section 1716 hereof.

For the avoidance of doubt, dividend equivalents may not be granted in connection with a Stock Appreciation Right.

(c) Exercisability.

(1) Free Standing Rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator at or after grant.

grant, subject to Section 13.

(2) Related Rights shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the Options to which they relate shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 abovehereof and this Section 8; provided, however, that a Related Right granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable only if and when the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the Incentive Stock Option exceeds the Exercise Price of such Option.

(d) Payment Upon Exercise.

(1) Upon the exercise of a Free Standing Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of Shares equal in value to (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of exercise over the price per shareExercise Price specified in the Free Standing Right (which price shall be no less than one hundred (100%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant) multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares in respect of which the Free Standing Right is being exercised.

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(2) A Related Right may be exercised by a Participant by surrendering the applicable portion of the related Option. Upon such exercise and surrender, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of Shares equal in value to (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price specified in the related Option (which price shall be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant) multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares in respect of which the Related Right is being exercised. Options which have been so surrendered, in whole or in part, shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the Related Rights have been so exercised.

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may determine to settle the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right in cash or other property (or in any combination of Shares, cash or other property) to the extent that such settlement does not violate Section 409A of the Code.

(e) Non-Transferability.

(1) Free Standing Rights shall be transferable only when and to the extent that an Option would be transferable under Section 7 of the Plan.

and Section 30 hereof.

(2) Related Rights shall be transferable only when and to the extent that the underlying Option would be transferable under Section 7 of the Plan.

and Section 30 hereof.

(f) Termination of Employment or Service.

(1) In the event of the termination of employment or serviceService with the Company and all of its Affiliates of a Participant who has been granted one or more Free Standing Rights, such rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall beprovided in the Award Document or as otherwise determined by the Administrator at or after grant.

grant, subject to Section 13.

(2) In the event of the termination of employment or serviceService with the Company and all of its Affiliates of a Participant who has been granted one or more Related Rights, such Related Rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as set forth in the related Options.


(g) Term.

(1) The term of each Free Standing Right shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Free Standing Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.

(2) The term of each Related Right shall be the term of the Option to which it relates, but no Related Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.

Section 9.Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units.

(a) General. Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units may be granted either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units shall be made;awarded; the number of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units to be awarded; the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant for the acquisition of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units; the Restricted Period (as defined in paragraph (b) of this Section 9)9(b)(1)), if any, applicable to Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units; the performance objectives, including objectives based on one or more Performance Goals, if any, applicable to awards of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units; and all other conditions of the Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units.Units, in accordance with the terms set forth in this Plan. If the restrictions, performance objectives and/or conditions established by the Administrator and/or set forth in any Award Agreement are not attained, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a Participant shall forfeit his or her Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units. The provisions of the Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

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(b) Restrictions and Conditions. Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 9 shall be subject to the following restrictions and conditions and any additional restrictions or conditions as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant or thereafter:

(1) Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the Restricted Shares Award Document or Restricted Stock Units Award Document, as appropriate, governing any such Award, during such restricted period as may be set by the Administrator commencing on the date of grant (the "Restricted Period"), the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, encumber or assign Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan; provided, however, that the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part based on such factors and such circumstances as the Administrator may determine, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance objectives, the Participant'sParticipant’s termination of employment or serviceService with the Company and all of its Affiliates, or the Participant'sParticipant’s death or Disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, the outstanding Awards shall be subject to Section 1312 hereof.

(2) Except as may be otherwise provided in a Restricted Share Award Document, and subject to the last sentence of this Section 9(b)(2) below, the Participant shall have no right with respect to Restricted Shares to vote as a stockholder of the Company during the Restricted Period or to receive dividends which are declared with respect to Restricted Shares with a record date during the Restricted Period. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Document, any Shares receivable with respect to the Restricted Shares pursuant to an equitable adjustment under Section 5 hereof in connection with a Change in Capitalization shall be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Shares. The Participant shall generally not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Restricted Stock Units during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the Restricted Stock Units Award Document may provide the Participant with the right to receive dividend equivalent payments with respect to the Restricted Stock Units subject to the Award during the Restricted Period, (either currently or uponsubject to the deliverylast sentence of the Shares, cash or other property, as applicable, in respect of the Restricted Stock Units)this Section 9(b)(2). Unless otherwise provided in an Award Document, upon the vesting of any Restricted Stock Units, there shall be delivered to the Participant, as soon as practicable following the date on which such Restricted Stock Units vest (but in any event within such period as is required to avoid the imposition of a tax under Section 409A of the Code), the number of Shares, cash or other property, as applicable, payable in respect of the Restricted Stock Units becoming so vested.


Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, for the avoidance of doubt, any dividend or dividend equivalent awarded with respect to Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units or any other Award granted hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as the underlying Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or other Award and shall only become payable if (and to the extent) that the underlying Awards vest.

(c) Termination of Employment or Service. The rights of Participants granted Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units upon termination of employment or serviceService with the Company and all of its Affiliates for any reason during the Restricted Period shall be subject to such terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Document.

Document or as otherwise determined by the Administrator at or after grant, subject to Section 13.

Section 10.Other Stock-Based Awards.

The Administrator is authorized to grant Awards to Participants in the form of Other Stock-Based Awards, as deemed by the Administrator to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan and as evidenced by an Award Document. The Administrator shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards, consistent with the terms of the Plan, as provided in any Award Document with respect thereto or as otherwise determined by the Administrator at the date ofor after grant, or thereafter,subject to Section 13, including any performance objectives (including objectives based on one or more of the Performance Goals) and performance periods. Common Stock or other securities or property delivered pursuant to an Award in the nature of a purchase right granted under this Section 10 shall be purchased for such consideration, paid for at such times, by such methods, and in such forms, including, without limitation, Shares, other Awards, notes or other property, as the Administrator shall determine, subject to any

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required corporate action.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any dividend or dividend equivalent awarded pursuant to this Section shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as the underlying Awards and shall only become payable if (and to the extent) the underlying Awards vest.

Section 11.Performance Awards.

(a) General. The Administrator shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Participants who shall receive a Performance Award, which shall consist of a right that is (i) denominated in cash or Common Stock, (ii) valued, as determined by the Administrator, in accordance with, or subject to, the achievement of such performance objectives, including objectives based on one or more of the Performance Goals, during such performance periods as the Administrator shall establish, and (iii) payable at such time and in such form as the Administrator shall determine. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any dividend or dividend equivalent awarded pursuant to this Section shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as the underlying Awards and shall only become payable if (and to the extent) the underlying Awards vest. All Performance Awards shall be subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 11.

(b) Restrictions and Conditions. Subject to the terms of this Plan and any applicable Award Document, the Administrator shall determine the performance objectives to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any Performance Award and the amount and kind of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award, and may amend or waive specific provisions of the Performance Award; provided, however, that such amendment or waiver, subject to the last sentence of the definition of “Performance Goals,” may not adversely affect existing Performance Awards made within a performance period commencing prior to implementation of the amendment.

(c) Payment of Performance Awards. Performance Awards may be paid in a lump sum or in installments following the close of the performance period or, in accordance with the procedures established by the Administrator, on a deferred basis. TerminationExcept as may be provided in an Award Agreement or as otherwise determined by the Administrator, termination of employment or serviceService prior to the end of any performance period will result in the forfeiture of the Performance Award for that period, and no payments will be made with respect to that period, except that the Administrator at or after grant may provide that certain Performance Awards may be paid upon certain terminations of the Participant's employment or service with the Company. A participant's rights to any Performance Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed ofperiod.

Section 12.   Change in any manner, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and/or except as the Administrator may determine at or after grant.

Section 12.Certain Awards to Covered Officers.
Control Provisions

Notwithstanding anything in this Plancontained herein to the contrary, to the extent necessary and desirable to maintain qualification of Awards as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to grants of Awards, no later than ninety (90) days following the commencement of each performance period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code), the Committee shall, in writing, (1) select the Performance Goal or Performance Goals applicable to the performance period, (2) establish the various targets and bonus amounts which may be earned for such performance period, and (3) specify the relationship between Performance Goals and targets and the amounts to be earned by each Covered Officer for such performance period. Following the completion of each performance period, the Committee shall certify in writing whether the applicable performance targets have been achieved and the amounts, if any, payable to Covered Officers for such


performance period. In determining the amount earned by a Covered Officer for a given performance period, subject to any applicable Award Document, the Committee shall have the right to reduce (but not increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the performance period.
Section 13.Change in Control Provisions.
Unlessunless otherwise determinedprovided by the Administrator andor the Board or evidenced in an Award Document, in the event that (i) a Change in Control occurs and (ii) either (x) an outstanding Award is not assumed, continued or substituted in connection therewith or (y) an outstanding Award is assumed, continued or substituted in connection therewith and the Participant's employment or serviceParticipant’s Service is terminated by the Company, its successor or any of its Affiliates without Cause on or after the effective date of the Change in Control but prior to twelve (12) months following such Change in Control, then:
then, in any such event:

(a) any unvested or unexercisable portion of any Award carrying a right to exercise shall become vested and exercisable; and

(b) the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any othersuch Award granted under the Plan shall lapse, and such Awards shall be deemed fully vested, and performance conditions imposed with respect to any such Awards that are performance-based shall be deemed to be fully achieved.

achieved at target performance levels.

For purposes of this Section 14.12, an outstanding Award shall be considered to be assumed, continued or substituted if, following the Change in Control, the Award remains subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control except that, if the Award related to Shares, the Award instead confers the right to receive common stock of the acquiring entity (or such other security or entity as may be determined by the Administrator or the Board, in its sole discretion, pursuant to Section 5 hereof).

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that, in connection with a Change in Control, any outstanding Awards are not assumed, continued or substituted, the Board and/or the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for cancellation of such outstanding Awards at the time of the Change in Control in which case a payment of cash, property or a combination thereof shall be made to each such Participant upon the consummation of the Change in Control that is determined by the Board and/or Administrator in its sole discretion and that is at least equal to the excess (if any) of the value of the consideration that would be received in such Change in Control by the holders of the Company’s equity securities relating to such Awards over the Exercise Price or purchase price (if any) for such Awards (except that, in the case of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, such payment shall be limited as necessary to prevent the Option or Stock Appreciation Right from being subject to tax under Code Section 409A); provided that Options and Stock Appreciation Rights with an Exercise Price that is equal to or in excess of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share in such Change in Control may be cancelled in connection with such Change in Control as may be determined by the Board and/or Administrator in its sole discretion without any consideration being paid in respect thereof.

Section 13.   Amendment and Termination.

The Board may amend, alter or terminate the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, or termination shall be made that would adversely impair the rights of a Participant under any Award theretofore granted without such Participant's consent. Unless the Board determines otherwise, the Board shall obtainParticipant’s consent, and provided that stockholder approval of the Company's stockholderswill be required for any amendment that would require such approval in order to satisfy the requirements of Sections 162(m) or 422extent required by the rules and regulations of the Code,New York Stock Exchange or any rules of theother stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded, or other applicable law.the Code, as determined by the Board. If any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code and fails to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the Administrator reserves the right to (but is not obligated to) amend, modify or supplement such Award in order to cause it to either (i) not be subject to Section 409A of the Code or (ii) comply with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code. The Administrator may waive any conditions or rights under, amend theany terms of or suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively (and in accordance with Section 409A of the Code with regard to Awards subject thereto), but, subject to Section 5 of the Plan,hereof, no such waiver, amendment, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination shall adversely impair the rights of any Participant without his or her consent.

In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and any Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall prevail.

Section 15.14.   Unfunded Status of Plan.

The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded"“unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.

Section 16.15.   Withholding Taxes.

Each Participant shall, no later than

(a) Prior to the date asdelivery of which the value ofany Shares or cash pursuant to an Award first becomes includible in(or exercise, vesting or settlement thereof, as applicable), the gross income ofCompany (or any Subsidiary thereof) will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant for purposes of applicable taxes, payto remit to the Company (or any Subsidiary thereof), an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of, the minimum amount of any such applicableother taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise, vesting or settlement thereof, as applicable).

(b) Without limiting the Award. The obligationsgenerality of the Company underforegoing, the Plan shall be conditional onAdministrator may in its discretion permit a Participant to satisfy or arrange to satisfy, in whole or in part, the making of such payments or arrangements, and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant. Whenever cash is to be paid pursuanttax obligations incident to an Award granted hereunder, the Company shall have the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable withholding tax requirements related thereto. Whenever Shares or property other than cash are to be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable withholding tax requirements related thereto. With the approval of the Administrator, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by eitherby: (i) electing to have the Company withhold from delivery of Shares or other property as applicable otherwise deliverable to such Participant pursuant to the Award and/or (ii) tendering to the Company Shares owned by delivering already owned unrestricted sharessuch Participant and purchased or held for the requisite period of Common Stock,time, in each case having a value


equal(A) using such withholding rates and subject to the minimum amount of taxsuch other conditions as may be required to be withheld. Such shares shall be valued at theiravoid the Company and its Subsidiaries incurring an adverse accounting charge, and (B) based on the Fair Market Value onof the dateShares as of whichdetermined by the amount of taxAdministrator in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

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All such elections shall be subject to be withheld is determined. Fractionalany restrictions or limitations that the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. Any fractional share amounts shall be settled in cash. Such an election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the Shares to be delivered pursuant to an Award. The Company may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by law, to satisfy its withholding obligation with respect to any Award.

Section 17.16.  General Provisions.

(a) Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of any Option granted hereunderan Award unless and until the exercise of such OptionAward and the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated under either such Act, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Common StockShares may then be listed or quoted as determined by the Administrator, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

(b) The Administrator may require each person acquiring Shares to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the Shares without a view to distribution thereof. The certificates for such Shares (or, if any such Shares or securities are in book-entry form, such book-entry balances and confirmation and account statements with respect thereto) may include any legend or stop transfer orders or other restrictions, as applicable, that the Administrator deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer which the Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, arise under applicable securities laws or are otherwise applicable.

(c) All certificates for Shares delivered under the Plan (or, if any such Shares or securities are in book-entry form, such book-entry balances and confirmation and account statements with respect thereto) shall be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock may then be listed, and any applicable federal or state securities law, and the Administrator may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

(d) The Administrator may require a Participant receiving Shares pursuant toNeither the Plan, as a condition precedent to receipt of such Shares, to enter into a stockholder agreement or "lock-up" agreement in such form as the Committee shall determine is necessary or desirable to further the Company's interests.

(e)    The adoption of the Plan nor the grant of an Award hereunder shall not confer upon any Eligible Recipient any right to continued employment or serviceService with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate the employment or serviceService of any of its Eligible Recipients at any time.
(f)    Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, each time-based Restricted Share Award (or similar time-based full-value Award) granted hereunder must have a stated vesting or restricted period of not less than three years from the date of grant. The terms of any such Restricted Share Award may provide that the Award shall vest, and the restrictions shall lapse, in installments during the vesting or restriction period; provided, however, that any such Award granted with a three year vesting or restriction period may provide for no more favorable ratable vesting than one-third (1/3) per year. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, each performance-based Restricted Share Award (or similar performance-based full-value Award) granted hereunder must have a stated vesting or restriction period of not less than one year from the date of grant. Notwithstanding anything in this

Section 17(f) to the contrary, any Awards granted hereunder may be subject to accelerated vesting as contemplated by the terms of this Plan, as set forth in the applicable Award Document or as otherwise approved by the Administrator. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, any Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units granted to Non-Employee Directors shall not be subject to the foregoing restrictions.

Section 18.17.   Effective Date.

The Plan was originally adopted and approved by the Board on June 5, 2014April 25, 2024 (the "EffectiveAdoption Date") and was approved by stockholders of the Company on July 7, 2014. The current amendment and restatement[June 18], 2024 (the “Effective Date”). Except as otherwise provided herein, awards made under the Prior Plan prior to the Effective Date shall be subject to the terms of the Prior Plan was adopted and approved by the Board on August 3, 2017 and shall become effective upon and subject to receipt of stockholder approval at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


as previously in effect.

Section 19.18.   Term of Plan.

No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.date; provided, however, that no Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the Adoption Date. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any applicable Award Agreement, any Award granted hereunder may, and the authority of the Administrator to amend, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award shall, continue after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date.

Section 19.   Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code.

Unless otherwise provided in an Award Document, if any Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code, such Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days after filing notice of the election with

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the Internal Revenue Service. Notwithstanding anything in any Award Document to the contrary, it shall be the Participant’s sole responsibility, and not the Company’s, to file a timely election under Section 83(b) of the Code, even if the Participant requests the Company’s or its representative’s assistance in making such filing on the Participant’s behalf. By accepting any Award granted hereunder, each Participant acknowledges that the tax laws and regulations applicable to grants of Awards and the disposition of shares of Common Stock relating to such Awards are complex and subject to change, and it is the sole responsibility of the Participant to obtain his or her own advice as to the tax treatment of the terms of the applicable Award Document.

Section 20.  No Fractional Shares.

No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Administrator shall determine whether cash, other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

Section 21.   Paperless Administration.

In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the documentation, granting or exercise of Awards, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless documentation, granting or exercise of Awards by a Participant may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.

Section 22.  Severability.

If any provision of the Plan is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of the Plan shall not be affected but shall be applied as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.

Section 23.  Clawback.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, any Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to forfeiture, reduction and/or recoupment by the Company: (i) to the extent provided in the Company’s Clawback and Forfeiture Policy (the “Clawback Policy”), as it may be amended from time to time, (ii) to the extent that Participant becomes subject to any other provisions in this Plan,recoupment or clawback policy hereafter adopted by the Company, including any Award which is subjectsuch policy (or amended version of the Clawback Policy) adopted by the Company to recovery undercomply with the requirements of any law, government regulationapplicable laws, rules, regulations, or stock exchange listing requirement, willrequirements (such policies referenced in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 23, the “Policies”), (iii) to the extent provided in any Award Document or (iv) to the extent provided under applicable legal requirements which impose recoupment, under circumstances set forth in such applicable legal requirements, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company may utilize any method of recovery specified in the Policies in connection with any Award recoupment required or permitted under the Policies.

Section 24.  Section 409A.

The Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or an exemption or exclusion therefrom and, with respect to amounts that are subject to Section 409A of the Code, it is intended that this Plan be administered in all respects in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that the Administrator determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Plan and the Award Agreement covering such Award shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that, following the Effective Date, the Administrator determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Administrator may adopt such deductionsamendments to the Plan and clawback as may be requiredthe Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator

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determines are necessary or appropriate to be made pursuant to such law, government regulationavoid the imposition of taxes on the Award under Section 409A of the Code, either through compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adoptedwith an available exemption therefrom. In the event that it is reasonably determined by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

Section 21.Section 409A.
The PlanAdministrator that, as well as payments and benefits under the Plan are intended to be exempt from, or to the extent subject thereto, to comply witha result of Section 409A of the Code and accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted,regulations thereunder, payments in respect of any Award under the Plan shallmay not be interpreted in accordance therewith. Notwithstanding anything contained hereinmade at the time contemplated by the terms of the Plan or the relevant Award agreement, as the case may be, without causing the Participant holding such Award to the contrary,be subject to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Participant shall not be considered to have terminated employment or service with the Company for purposes of the Plan and no payment shall be due to the Participant under the Plan or any Award until the Participant would be considered to have incurred a "separation from service" from the Company and its Affiliates within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the "short term deferral period" as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent that any Awards (or any other amounts payable under any plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any of its Affiliates) are payable upon a separation from service andmay make such payment on the first day that would not result in the imposition ofParticipant incurring any individual tax and penalty interest charges imposedliability under Section 409A of the Code,Code; which, if the settlement andParticipant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of the Section 409A, shall be the first day following the six-month period beginning on the date of Participant’s termination of Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or other document governing the issuance of such Award, payment of such Awards (or other amounts)any Performance Award intended to qualify as a “short term deferral” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations shall instead be made onbetween the first business day afterfollowing the date that is six (6) months following such separation from service (or death, if earlier). Each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided under this Plan shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409Aclose of the Code. The Company makes no representation that any or allapplicable performance period and the last day of the payments or benefits described in this“applicable 2-1/2 month period” as defined therein. Although the Company intends to administer the Plan so that Awards will be exempt from, or will comply with, the requirements of Section 409A, the Company does not warrant that any Award under the Plan will qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 409A or any other provision of federal, state, local or foreign law. The Company shall not be liable to any Participant for any tax, interest, or penalties that Participant might owe as a result of the Code and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A of the Code from applying to any such payment. The Participant shall be solely responsible for thegrant, holding, vesting, exercise, or payment of any taxes and penalties incurredAward under the Plan.

Section 409A.

Section 22.25.  Governing Law.

The Plan shall be governed by and construed according to the law of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflict of laws.

Section 26.  Titles and Headings.

The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.

Section 27.  Successors.

The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.

Section 28.  Relationship to other Benefits.

No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare, or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

Section 29.  No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes.

Except as required by applicable law, the Company has no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such Participant as to the time or manner of exercising such Award. Furthermore, the Company has no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such Participant of a pending termination or expiration of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of an Award to the holder of such Award and will not be liable to any holder of an Award for any adverse tax consequences to such holder in connection with an Award. Each Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on him or her, or in respect of any payment

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or benefit delivered in connection with the Plan (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and the Company shall not have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold any Participant harmless from any of such taxes or penalties.

Section 30.  Limited Transferability of Awards.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or any Award Document, or by the Administrator at or after grant, subject to Section 13, no Award shall be assigned, pledged, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No transfer of an Award by will or by laws of descent and distribution shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Company shall have been furnished with written notice thereof and an authenticated copy of the will and/or such other evidence as the Company may deem necessary or appropriate to establish the validity of the transfer. In addition, any such transferee of any Award in accordance with the terms of this Plan shall agree to be bound by the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Award Document. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no transfer of an Award for value shall be permitted under the Plan.

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P.O. BOX 8016, CARY, NC 27512-9903 Your vote matters! Have your ballot ready and please use one of the methods below for easy voting: Your control number Have the 12 digit control number located in the box above available when you access the website and follow the instructions. Scan QR for digital voting Brookdale Senior Living Inc. for Stockholders of Record as of April 22, 2024 Tuesday, June 18, 2024 10:00 AM Central Time 111 Westwood Place, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! PLEASE VOTE BY: Internet: www.proxypush.com/BKD Cast your vote online through 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 17, 2024 Have your Proxy Card ready Follow the simple instructions to record your vote Phone: 1-844-326-5741 Use any touch-tone telephone through 11:59 PM Eastern time on June 17, 2024 Have your Proxy Card ready Follow the simple recorded instructions Mail: Mark, sign and date your Proxy Card Fold and return your Proxy Card in the postage-paid envelope provided This proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Lucinda M. Baier and Chad C. White (collectively, the “Named Proxies”), and each or either of them, as proxy or proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, and authorizes them, and each of them, to vote all the shares of capital stock of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., which the undersigned is entitled to vote at said meeting and any adjournment thereof upon the matters specified and upon such other matters as may be properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof, conferring authority upon such true and lawful proxy or proxies to vote in their discretion on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and revoking any proxy heretofore given. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, SHARES WILL BE VOTED IDENTICAL TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. In their discretion, the Named Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. You are encouraged to specify your choice by marking the appropriate box (SEE REVERSE SIDE) but you need not mark any box if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendation. The Named Proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign (on the reverse side) and return this card. PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY CARD AND MARK ON THE REVERSE SIDE Copyright © 2024 BetaNXT, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved



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Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders Please make your marks like this: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE: FOR ON PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 PROPOSAL YOUR VOTE 1. Election of Directors FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1.01 Jordan R. Asher 1.02 Lucinda M. Baier 1.03 Frank M. Bumstead 1.04 Claudia Napal Drayton 1.05 Victoria L. Freed 1.06 Elizabeth B. Mace 1.07 Denise W. Warren 1.08 Lee S. Wielansky FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. Advisory approval of named executive officer compensation 3. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for 2024 4. Approval of the Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan NOTE: In their discretion, the Named Proxies are authorized to vote upon such business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR Check here if you would like to attend the meeting in person. Authorized Signatures - Must be completed for your instructions to be executed. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on your account. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy/Vote Form. Signature (and Title if applicable) Date Signature (if held jointly) Date

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