UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

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

Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrantx

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

xPreliminary Proxy Statement
oConfidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
oDefinitive Proxy Statement
oDefinitive Additional Materials
oSoliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified Inin Its Charter)

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

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

xNo fee required.
oFee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

 

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

 

2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

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

 

4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

5)Total fee paid:

 

oFee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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

 

1)Amount Previously Paid:

 

2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

3)Filing Party:

 

Date Filed:

 

4)Date Filed:

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

595 Avenue C

Bayonne, New Jersey 07002

 

March 26, 201919, 2021

 

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

 

We cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BCB Bancorp, Inc. The annual meeting will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on April 25, 2019.29, 2021.

 

The enclosed notice of annual meeting and proxy statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the annual meeting. During the annual meeting we will also report on the operations of BCB Bancorp, Inc. Directors and officers, as well as a representative of our independent registered public accounting firm, will be present to respond to any questions that shareholders may have.

 

The annual meeting is being held so that shareholders may vote upon the following matters: (i) the election of four directors; (ii) the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019;2021; (iii) an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in this Proxy Statement; and (iv) approvalan advisory, non-binding vote on the frequency of an Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increasefuture advisory votes on the number of authorized sharescompensation of our common stock from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of our capital stock from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000.named executive officers.

 

The Board of Directors has determined that approval of the matters to be considered at the annual meeting is in the best interests of shareholders. For the reasons set forth in the proxy statement, the Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” its proposed director nominees, as well as proposals (ii) throughand (iii) above, and for a three-year frequency with respect to matter (iv) above.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we urge you to sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope, or vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card, as soon as possible even if you currently plan to attend the annual meeting. This will not prevent you from voting in person, but will assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the annual meeting. Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares that you own. Please sign and return the enclosed proxy card promptly. Your cooperation is appreciated, since a majority of the common stock must be represented at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.

 

 

Thank you for your continued support of BCB Bancorp, Inc.

Sincerely,

 

/s/Mark D. Hogan

 

 

Mark D. Hogan

Chairman of the Board

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

595 Avenue C

Bayonne, New Jersey 07002

(201) 823-07001 (800) 680-6872

 

NOTICE OF

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

To Be Held Onon April 25, 201929, 2021

 

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, on April 25, 201929, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time.

 

A Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement for the annual meeting are enclosed.enclosed, along with a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

 

The annual meeting is being held so that shareholders may vote on the following matters:

 

1.The election of four directors;
2.The ratification of the appointment of ourthe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019;2021;
3.An advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in this Proxy Statement;
4.ApprovalAn advisory, non-binding vote on the frequency of an Amendment to our Restated Certificatefuture advisory votes on the compensation of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of our capital stock from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000;Company’s executive officers; and

 

such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.

 

Any action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the annual meeting on the date specified above, or on any date or dates to which the annual meeting may be adjourned. Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2019,10, 2021, are the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

EACH SHAREHOLDER, WHETHER HE OR SHE PLANS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, IS REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD WITHOUT DELAY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. ANYENVELOPE, OR VOTE NOW BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY GIVEN BY THE SHAREHOLDER MAY BE REVOKED ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY FILING WITH OUR CORPORATE SECRETARY A WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION, SUBMITTING A DULY EXECUTED PROXY BEARING A LATER DATE, OR BY VOTING IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A SHAREHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE, YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FROM THE RECORDHOLDER IN ORDER TO VOTE PERSONALLY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.CARD.

 

If your broker holds your shares, they do not have the ability to cast votes with respect to the election of directors or the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers unless they have received instructions from you, as the beneficial owner of the shares. OurIf your shares are held by a broker, it is important that you provide instructions to your broker so your vote is counted in the election of directors and in connection with the matters regarding the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders: the Company’s Proxy Statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and proxy cardscard are available onwww.bcb.bank.online at www.bcb.bank. If you need directions to attend the Annual Meeting and to vote in person, please call us at (201) 823-0700.1 (800) 680-6872.

 

 By Order of the Board of Directors
  
 /s/ Mark D. Hogan
  
 Mark D. Hogan
 Chairman of the Board

Bayonne, New Jersey

March 26, 201919, 2021

IMPORTANT: THE PROMPT RETURNVOTING OF PROXIES WILL SAVE US THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES. A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.CONVENIENCE OR YOU CAN VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY CARD. IF YOU VOTE BY MAIL, NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

595 Avenue C

Bayonne, New Jersey 07002

(201) 823-07001 (800) 680-6872

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To be Held on April 25, 201929, 2021

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, on April 25, 2019,29, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and all adjournments of the annual meeting. The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and this Proxy Statement are first being mailed to shareholders on or about March 26, 2019.19, 2021.

 

At the annual meeting, shareholders will vote on the election of four directors, the ratification of the appointment of ourthe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, a2021, an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to ourthe Company’s executive compensation described in this Proxy Statement, an advisory, non-binding vote on the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificatefrequency of Incorporation, as amended, to increasefuture advisory votes on the numbercompensation of authorized shares of our common and capital stock,the Company’s executive officers, and such other matters as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

The Company has elected to prepare this Proxy Statement and other annual and periodic reports as a “smaller reporting company” consistent with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

REVOCATION OF PROXIESRECORD DATE AND QUORUM

 

 

Shareholders who complete proxies retainHolders of record of our common stock as of the rightclose of business on March 10, 2021, our record date, are entitled to revoke themone vote for each share then held. As of the record date, we had 17,121,319 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the manner described below. Unless so revoked,outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the shares represented by such proxiesannual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be votedcounted for purposes of determining if a quorum is present. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.

In accordance with New Jersey law, a list of shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be made available at the annual meeting.

VOTING PROCEDURES AND METHOD OF COUNTING VOTES

As to the election of directors, the proxy card being provided by the Board of Directors, as well as the Internet and telephone voting systems, each enables a shareholder to vote “FOR” the election of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors, or to “WITHHOLD” a vote for the nominees being proposed. Under New Jersey law and the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies as to which authority to vote for the nominees being proposed

is withheld. Therefore, the four nominees for director receiving the highest number of votes cast at the meeting will be elected as directors.

As to the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, by checking the appropriate box a shareholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm; or, (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting for or against the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN,” is required for approval of the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

As to the advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the Company’s executive compensation as described in this proxy statement, a shareholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the resolution; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the resolution; or (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting on the resolution. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN,” is required for the approval of this non-binding resolution. While this vote is required by law, it will neither be binding on the Company, or the Board of Directors, nor will it create or imply any adjournments thereof. Proxies solicitedchange in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on, behalfthe Company, or the Board of Directors.

As to the advisory, non-binding proposal with respect to the frequency that shareholders will vote on the Company’s executive compensation, a shareholder may select that shareholders: (i) consider the proposal every “ONE YEAR”; (ii) consider the proposal every “TWO YEARS”; (iii) consider the proposal every “THREE YEARS”; or (iv) “ABSTAIN” from voting on the proposal. Generally, approval of any matter presented to shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast. However, because this vote is advisory and non-binding, if none of the frequency options receive a majority of the votes cast, the option receiving the greatest number of votes will be considered the frequency recommended by the Company’s shareholders. Even though this vote will neither be binding on the Company or the Board of Directors, nor create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on, the Company or the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors will be votedtake into account the outcome of this vote in accordance withmaking a determination on the directions given thereon.Where no instructions are indicated, validly completed proxiesfrequency that advisory votes on executive compensation will be voted “FOR”included in the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement for considerationCompany’s proxy statements.

The Board of Directors will designate an inspector of elections who will count the votes at, and certify the results of, the annual meeting.

 

Proxies may be revoked by sending written noticeRegardless of revocation to our Corporate Secretary at the address shown above, the submissionnumber of shares of common stock owned, it is important that holders of a later-datedmajority of the shares of the Company’s common stock be represented by proxy or by votingpresent in person at the annual meeting. The presence atShareholders are requested to vote by completing the annual meeting of any shareholder who had returned aenclosed proxy shall not revoke suchcard and returning it signed and dated in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or by telephone or the internet by following the instructions on the proxy unlesscard. Shareholders mailing their proxy card are urged to indicate their vote in the shareholder delivers his or her ballot in person atspaces provided on the annual meeting or delivers a written revocation to our Corporate Secretary prior to the voting of such proxy.proxy card. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON THE PROXY. WHERE NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, SIGNED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

 

If your shares of common stock are held in “street name” by a broker, bank, or other nominee, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your shares voted at the annual meeting. If you wish to change your voting instructions after you have returned your voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee, you must contact your broker, bank, or other nominee. If you want to vote your shares of common stock held in “street name” in person at the annual meeting, you will have to get a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, or other nominee who holds your shares.

Participants in the 401(k) plan sponsored by BCB Community Bank, the Company’s principal operating subsidiary (the “Bank”), own shares of the Company’s common stock through that plan. They will have the right to direct the trustee how to vote the shares of the Company’s common stock allocated to their plan accounts in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) plan.


REVOCATION OF PROXIES

Shareholders who complete proxies retain the right to revoke them in the manner described below. Unless so revoked, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at the annual meeting and any adjournments thereof. Proxies may be revoked by sending written notice of revocation to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the address shown above, the submission of a later-dated proxy or by voting in person at the annual meeting. You will be able to change your vote as many times as you wish prior to the annual meeting and the last vote received chronologically will supersede all prior votes. The presence at the annual meeting of any shareholder who had returned a proxy shall not revoke such proxy unless the shareholder delivers his or her ballot in person at the annual meeting or delivers a written revocation to the Company’s Corporate Secretary prior to the voting of such proxy.

 

VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

Holders of record of our common stock as of the close of business on March 15, 2019, our record date, are entitled to one vote for each share then held. As of the record date, we had 16,398,459 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining if a quorum is present.

 

Persons and entities who beneficially own in excess of 5% of ourthe Company’s common stock are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding such beneficial ownership. A person or entity may be considered to beneficially own any shares of common stock over which the person or entity has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting authority. Based upon a reviewThe following table sets forth, as of March 10, 2021, the shares of common stock beneficially owned by each person or entity who was known to us as the beneficial ownership filings required to be filed by the SEC, we are not awareowner of any person who owns in excess ofmore than 5% of ourthe Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial OwnersAmount of Shares Owned and
Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1)
Percent of Shares of Common
Stock Outstanding

MFP Partners, L.P.

MFP Investors, LLC

Michael F. Price

909 Third Avenue, 33rd Floor

New York, New York 10022

1,020,808 (2)6.0%

Blackrock, Inc.

55 East 22nd Street

New York, New York 10055

858,675 (3)5.0%

In accordance with New Jersey law, a list of shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be made available at the annual meeting.

 

VOTING PROCEDURES AND METHOD OF COUNTING VOTES

As to the election of directors, the proxy card being provided by the Board of Directors enables a shareholder to vote “FOR” the election of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors, or to “WITHHOLD” a vote for the nominees being proposed. Under New Jersey law and our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies as to which authority to vote for the nominees being proposed is withheld.

As to the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm, by checking the appropriate box a shareholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm; or, (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting for or against the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN,” is required for approval of the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm.

As to the advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement, a shareholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the resolution; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the resolution; or (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting on the resolution. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN,” is required for the approval of this non-binding resolution. While this vote is required by law, it will neither be binding on BCB Bancorp, Inc., or the Board of Directors, nor will it create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on, BCB Bancorp, Inc., or the Board of Directors.

As to the proposed Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of our capital stock from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000, a shareholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended; or, (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting for or against the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN,” is required for approval of the proposed amendment to the Restated of Certificate of Incorporation

The Board of Directors will designate an inspector of elections.

Regardless of the number of shares of common stock owned, it is important that holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock be represented by proxy or present in person at the annual meeting. Shareholders

are requested to vote by completing the enclosed proxy card and returning it signed and dated in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Shareholders are urged to indicate their vote in the spaces provided on the proxy card. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON THE PROXY. WHERE NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, SIGNED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

Participants in the 401(k) plan sponsored by BCB Community Bank through which they own our common stock will have the right to direct the trustee how to vote the shares of our common stock allocated to their plan accounts in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) plan.

(1)In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a person or entity is deemed to be the beneficial owner for purposes of this table, of any shares of common stock if such person or entity has shared voting or investment power with respect to such security, or has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days from the date as of which beneficial ownership is being determined. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” is the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares.
(2)On a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2021, MFP Partners, L.P. reported shared dispositive and voting power with respect to 1,020,808 shares of the Company’s common stock; MFP Investors LLC reported shared dispositive and voting power with respect to 1,020,808 shares of the Company’s common stock; and Michael F. Price reported shared dispositive and voting power with respect to 1,020,808 shares of the Company’s common stock.
(3)On a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2021, BlackRock, Inc. reported sole dispositive power with respect to 858,675 shares of the Company’s common stock, and sole voting power with respect to 844,047 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

PROPOSAL I - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

OurThe Company’s Board of Directors is currently composed of 11 members and is divided into three classes, with one class of directors elected each year. OurThe Company’s directors will generally be elected to serve for a three-year period and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. Four directors will be elected at the annual meeting. The Board of Directors has re-nominated Judith Q. Bielan, James E. Collins,Thomas Coughlin, Vincent DiDomenico, Joseph Lyga, and Mark D. HoganSpencer Robbins for three-year terms as directors at the annual meeting. The Board of Directors has nominated John Pulomena for a three-year term as director at the annual meeting to fill the directorship vacated by former director Gary Stetz on June 13, 2018. Each nominee of the Board of Directors has consented to being named in this Proxy Statement.

 

The following table below sets forth certain information, as of March 15, 2019,10, 2021, regarding the composition of ourthe Company’s Board of Directors, including the terms of office of Board members and information regarding ourthe Company’s named executive officers and the executive officers of BCB Community Bank, our principal operating subsidiary (the “Bank”).the Bank. It is intended that the proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (other than proxies in which the vote is withheld as to the nominee) will be voted at the annual meeting for the election of the nominees identified below. If a nominee is unable to serve, the shares represented by proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute as the Board of Directors may recommend. At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominees might be unable to serve, if elected. Except as indicated herein, there are no arrangements or understandings between the nominee and any other person pursuant to which such nominee was selected.

 

Name

Position(s) Held With
the Company or the Bank

Age At
Record
Date

Director
Since(1)

Current
Term
Expires(1)

Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)

Percent
of
Class(2)

       

NOMINEES

       
Judith Q. BielanDirector5420002019114,879(8)*
James E. CollinsDirector7020032019191,578(10)1.17%
Mark D. HoganChairman of the Board5320002019574,924(11)3.51%
John PulomenaNominee63N/AN/A4,500(14)*
       

CONTINUING DIRECTORS

Robert BallanceDirector6020002020136,872(7)*
Joseph J. BroganVice Chairman of the Board Directors7920032020487,509(9)2.79%
Thomas CoughlinPresident, CEO and Director5920022021296,615(3)1.81%
Vincent DiDomenico, Jr.Director5320182021162,030(4)*
Joseph LygaDirector5920002021150,531(5)*
August Pellegrini, Jr.Director5920132020140,670(12)*
James G. RizzoDirector5920152020100,075(13)*
Spencer B. RobbinsDirector662011202173,507(6)*

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
 
Thomas P. KeatingChief Financial Officer63N/AN/A20,867(15)*
Michael LeslerChief Operating Officer48N/AN/A15,056(16)*
Sandra SievewrightChief Risk Officer and Chief Compliance Officer55N/AN/A5,380(17)*
John J. Brogan, Esq.General Counsel58N/AN/A96,831(18)*
All directors and executive officers as a group (17 persons)    2,571,82415.68%

Name

Position(s) Held With
the Company or the Bank

Age at
Record
Date

Director
Since(1)

Current
Term
Expires(1)

Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)

Percent
of
Class(*)

       

NOMINEES

       
Thomas CoughlinPresident, CEO and Director6120022021396,853(3)2.32%
Vincent DiDomenico, Jr.Director5520182021200,565(4)1.17%
Joseph LygaDirector6120002021212,803(5)1.24%
Spencer B. RobbinsDirector6820112021125,534(6)*  

 

CONTINUING DIRECTORS

 
Robert BallanceDirector6220002023191,398(7)1.12%
Judith Q. BielanDirector5620002022164,114(8)*  
James E. CollinsDirector7220032022239,113(9)1.40%
Mark D. HoganChairman of the Board5520002022635,189(10)3.71%
August Pellegrini, Jr.Director6120132023187,620(11)1.10%
James G. RizzoDirector6120152023153,397(12)*  
John PulomenaDirector652018202238,535(13)*  
       
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
Thomas P. KeatingChief Financial Officer65N/AN/A37,022(14)*  
Michael LeslerChief Operating Officer50N/AN/A15,056(15)*  
       
All directors and named
executive officers as a
group (13 persons)
    2,597,199   15.17%
           

 

*Less than 1%.

* Less than 1%.

(1)Includes service as a director of BCB Communitythe Bank. Expiration of term reflects service as a director with BCB Bancorp, Inc.the Company.
(2)In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner for purposes of this table, of any shares of common stock if he has shared voting or investment power with respect to such security, or has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days from the record date. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” is the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Includes shares underlying options that are exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(3)Mr. Coughlin has sole voting and dispositive power over 240,782267,290 shares, and sole voting power but no dispositive power over 11,754 unvested restricted stock shares. In addition, there are 55,833129,563 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(4)Mr. DiDomenico has sole voting and dispositive power over 159,530164,940 shares, and sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares. Mr. DiDomenico has 2,500In addition, there are 35,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(5)Mr. Lyga has sole voting and dispositive power over 126,177144,639 shares, sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 2,4071,988 shares with his spouse, and shared voting and dispositive power over 4472,551 shares with his child. In addition, there are 21,50063,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(6)Mr. Robbins has sole voting and dispositive power over 54,80765,709 shares, sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, and shared voting and dispositive power over 200 shares with his child. In addition, there are 18,50059,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.

(7)Mr. Ballance has sole voting and dispositive power over 107,589120,600 shares, sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 3,275 shares with his spouse, and shared voting and dispositive power over 2,9463,398 shares with his children. In addition, there are 22,00064,125 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(8)Ms. Bielan has sole voting and dispositive power over 84,43191,541 shares, sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 8,371 shares with her spouse, and shared voting and dispositive power over 77 shares with her children. In addition, there are 22,00064,125 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(9)Mr. Brogan has sole voting and dispositive power over 344,368 shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 45,646 shares with his spouse and shared voting and dispositive power over 72,485 shares with his grandchildren. In addition, there are 20,000 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(10)Mr. Collins has sole voting and dispositive power over 166,367171,786 shares, andsole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, shared voting and dispositive power over 1,301 shares with his spouse, and shared voting and dispositive power over 2,401 shares with his children. In addition, there are 21,50063,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(10)Mr. Hogan has sole voting and dispositive power over 569,576 shares, sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, and shared voting and dispositive power over 1,988 shares with his children. In addition, there are 63,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(11)Mr. HoganPellegrini has sole voting and dispositive power over 551,436,142,995 shares, and sharedsole voting andpower but no dispositive power over 1,988 shares with his children.6,005 unvested restricted stock shares. In addition, there are 21,50044,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(12)Mr. PellegriniRizzo has sole voting and dispositive power over 133,170 shares.101,672 shares, sole voting power but no dispositive power over 6,005 unvested restricted stock shares, and shared voting and dispositive power over 3,100 shares with his spouse. In addition, there are 7.50048,625 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(13)Mr. RizzoPulomena has sole voting and dispositive power over 87,72510,410 shares, sharedand sole voting andpower but no dispositive power over 1,850 shares with his spouse, and shared voting and dispositive power over 1,000 shares with his children.6,005 unvested restricted stock shares. In addition, there are 9,50028,125 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(14)Mr. PulomenaKeating has sole voting and dispositive power over 4,50022,522 shares. In addition, there are no14,500 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(15)Mr. Keating has sole voting and dispositive power over 13,767 shares. In addition, there are 7,100 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(16)Mr. Lesler has sole voting and dispositive power over 15,056 shares. In addition, there areMr. Lesler had no shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(17)Ms. Sievewright has sole voting and dispositive power over 1,380 shares. In addition, there are 4,000 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.
(18)Mr. Brogan has sole voting and dispositive power over 89,731 shares. In addition, there are 7,100 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days from the record date.

Biographical Information Regarding Nominees, Continuing Directors and Named Executive Officers

 

Set forth below is biographical information regarding ourthe Company’s nominees, directors, and executive officers. For the individuals named below, all nominees are directors or nominees forcurrently directors of BCB Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of its wholly-owned subsidiary, BCB Community Bank.Company.

 

Nominees for Directors:

 

Thomas M. Coughlin is the President and Chief Executive Officer of BCB Bank and BCB Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Coughlin has been in the banking industry for over 38 years. He formerly served as Vice President of Chatham Savings Bank and before that as Controller and Corporate Secretary of First Savings Bank of New Jersey. Believing that Bayonne was underserved by community banks, Mr. Coughlin, along with the support of local investors founded Bayonne Community Bank in 2000. After ten years of success, Coughlin, the vigor behind the growth and success of BCB led the way for expansion with the integrations of Pamrapo Savings Bank, Allegiance Savings, and Indus American Bank.

Mr. Coughlin currently serves as the President of the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board Member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, as well as an active member of Friends of Special Children and a Lifetime Rotarian, is the former Commissioner of the Bayonne Rent Control Board, past- President of the American Heart Association, and has served as Trustee of D.A.R.E. and the Bayonne P.A.L. Coughlin is also a member of the NJ Canna Business Association and the NJ Cannabis Association. Mr. Coughlin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City and received his CPA designation in 1982. Mr. Coughlin is also the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from various organizations throughout New Jersey and New York in recognition of his service and dedication to the communities he serves.

Vincent DiDomenico, Jr. is the Founder and Managing Member of Delta Equity Management, L.L.C. et al developers of Commercial Real Estate in the New Jersey & New York Metropolitan Area. His real estate companies own and manage institutional-grade commercial real estate assets. Mr. DiDomenico has been a Director of the Bank and the Company since May 2017, where he serves on the Loan, Compensation (Chairman), and Law Committees. He also served on the Board of Trustees, as well serving as a past two-term (2003-2005 & 2009-2011) Vice President and a past two-term (2006-2008 & 2011-2013) President, of the New Jersey Self Storage Association (NJSSA). Mr. DiDomenico is also a former Board of Trustee Member of St. Peter’s Preparatory School and a former Board of Trustee Member of Far Hills Country Day School. Prior to founding his current companies, Mr. Di Domenico was distinguished as a Deming Scholar from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University where he earned an

MBA in Finance and Statistics, with a concentration in International Business Studies. He also currently serves on the Capital Campaign Committee at The Delbarton School and has served as Co-Chairman of the Far Hills Country Day School Capital Campaign Committee as well as the Board of Governors for the Archdiocese of Newark, C.Y.O. & Young Adult Ministries. He is a graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School (1984) and graduate of Villanova School of Business where he received a B.S. degree in Finance (1988).

Joseph Lyga Joseph Lyga has served as Independent Director of the Company since its founding in 2000. In 2020, he retired as a Battalion Fire Chief with the Bayonne Fire Department after 35 years, where his roles and duties consisted that of Chief Compliance Officer, Chief IT Manager, as well as supervising a group of fire companies engaged in providing fire protection. In addition, Mr. Lyga has been a self-employed contractor in computer technology/network and systems design for the last 38 years. Currently, Mr. Lyga serves as Chairman of the Bank’s IT/Steering Committee. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Lyga’s extensive IT-related experience brings valuable insight as both a director of the Bank and the Company, as well as to the role of IT/Steering Committee Chairman.

Mr. Lyga attended Marist High School, Jersey City State College, and continued his education at The Chubb Institute for Technology, where he studied computer programming, computer network design, and as a computer technician. Mr. Lyga’s education includes several certifications in the computer field. Mr. Lyga has served as President and Secretary/State Delegate of the Bayonne Fire Department F.M.B.A. Local #211 and has served as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Bayonne Fire Department F.M.B.A. Local #11. Mr. Lyga is also a member of many clubs and civic organizations throughout the communities the Company serves.

Spencer B. Robbins is the Managing Director of the Law firm of Robbins & Robbins, Esqs. located in Woodbridge, New Jersey for the past 38 years.  The firm is full-service law office, with a specialty in litigation. Mr. Robbins was a founding member of Allegiance Community Bank which he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors until it merged with BCB Community Bank in 2011. Mr. Robbins previously served as the Chief Judge of Woodbridge Township, and served as the Judge for the South Plainfield and Sayreville Municipal Courts. Mr. Robbins has also been involved with many clients in the real estate development process and is active in other business development. Mr. Robbins also serves as Chairman of the Bank’s Legal Committee.

Continuing Directors:

Robert Ballance has been a director of the Company since its founding in 2000. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Ballance served as a Battalion Chief with the Bayonne Fire Department. Mr. Ballance is the owner of a floor covering business located in Bayonne, New Jersey. Mr. Ballance is a member of various clubs and civic organizations throughout the communities the Company serves. Currently, Mr. Ballance serves as Chairman of the Company’s Budget Committee. With his lengthy experience as a businessman, community leader, civil servant, and as former director of the Bayonne Federal Credit Union, the Board of Directors believes Mr. Ballance brings valuable support and insight as both a director of the Bank and the Company, as well as to the role of Budget Committee Chairman.

Judith Q. Bielan, Esq.,54, is an attorney who has practiced law in New Jersey for over 2830 years. She is an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, teaching Jurisprudence.In 1993 Ms. Bielan founded in 1993, the law firm currently known as Bielan, Miklos & Makrogiannis, P.C., which handles all aspects of real estate, family law, contract disputes, and estate matters. She has represented various banking clients in commercial and residential real estate closings.matters. Ms. Bielan brings to the Board of Directors experience in the areas of real estate, marketing, budgeting, public relations, and collections. She currently serves on the New Jersey State Bar Association Legislative Committee and the Hudson County Bar Association’sAssociation Due Diligence and Family Law and Early Settlement Committees. She continues to serve as a Vice President on the Hudson County Bar Foundation. In the past, sheMs. Bielan has been court-appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the Hudson County Condemnation Board.Board, and has served on the Hudson County Fee Arbitration Committee and Early Settlement Panel. In 2010, Ms. Bielan served aswas named President of the Hudson County Bar Association. Ms. Bielan is a matrimonial attorney certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court. In 2005 she received the Hudson County Family Lawyer of the Year Award. 

Throughout her career, Ms. Bielan has servedcontinued to serve the NJNew Jersey and Hudson County communities by volunteering as a Trustee on the Board of “Women Rising,” by coaching both boys’ and girls’ basketball at the Bayonne PAL, by teaching Jurisprudence at Montclair State University and servingAdult Education Classes at Bayonne High School.  From 2001 – 2010 she served on the Advisory Board and then as Vice Chair ofon the Board of Trustees of Holy Family Academy of Bayonne. In 2014, she was inducted into the Bayonne PAL Hall of Fame. Ms. Bielan’s legal experience and her service to the Bayonnevarious organizations in her community ledlead to her appointment as a member of the

Board of Directors at the Company’s founding. Ms. Bielan holds degrees from Montclair State College (now University) and Seton Hall University School of Law. Ms. Bielan currently serves as Chair of the Bank’s Site Committee.

 

James E. Collins70, retired in 2010 as Senior Lending Officer of BCB Community Bank. Mr. James Collins hadhas worked in the banking industry since 1972. He is1972, and currently serves as a board member for the former Vice PresidentBank and the Company. Mr. Collins was one of the founders of BCB, which opened in 2000, in the role of VP/Senior Lending Officer and Community Reinvestment Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Collins was Senior Lender at First Savings and Loan Association, where he worked for 28 years. Mr. Collins retired from the Bank in 2010. Currently, he serves as Chairman of New Jersey. the Bank’s Loan Committee. In addition to chairing the Bank’s Loan Committee, Mr. Collins brings experience to the board that covers all phases of the lending process, as well as valuable experiences with CRA, regulatory reviews, appraisal functions, and compliance in the lending area. Through Mr. Collins’ experience and knowledge of the markets in which the Company operates, he provides referrals to management for new business, advice, and suggestions to both management and the board.

He has also served as that bank’s Community Reinvestment Officer and as a member of its Budget, Asset and Liability, Asset Classification and Loan Committees. In addition, Mr. Collins has served as Treasurer of the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, as the pastPast President of Ireland’s 32 and as citywide directorDirector for Bayonne’sthe Bayonne C.Y.O. Sports Programs. Mr. Collins issports programs. He has served as a former Trustee ofand Treasurer for the Bayonne Education Foundation and is currentlywas a member of the Directorate ofat Marist High School in Bayonne. Currently, he is a member of the Dorchester County Certified Emergency Response Team. Mr. Collins attendedwas educated at O.L.S.S. grammar school, Marist High School, and received a B.S.B.S from St. Peter’s College andCollege. Mr. Collins also attended graduate school at the Institute for Financial Education. Mr. CollinsNational School of Banking and was a certifiedCertified Real Estate Appraiser and a member of the Review Appraisers Association. Mr. Collins’ experience with financial institutions and familiarity with the Bank provides a valuable resource and perspective to the Board of Directors.Appraiser Society.

 

Mark D. Hogan, C.P.A.,53, is a certified public accountant with an office located in Bayonne.Bayonne, NJ. Mr. Hogan is a registered financial representative providing financial planningwealth management for his clients.clientele. Mr. Hogan has earned the following licenses and designations: NASD Series 7, 24, 63 and 63;66; New Jersey Life and Health Insurance Broker;License. Mr. Hogan served on the Board of Trustees for the St. Peter's Preparatory School. Currently, Mr. Hogan serves on the Board of Trustees for the Count Basie Theatre, where he is the Chairman of the Finance Committee and New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Broker.member of the Executive Committee. Because of Mr. Hogan’s extensive professional experience, his achievements and his aforesaid licenses and designations, he is deemed well-qualified to serve as Chairman of ourthe Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Hogan attended Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, and received a B.S. in Finance from Pace University.

 

Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr. Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr. practiced general dentistry in Bayonne, New Jersey, for 30 years until he retired in 2016. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Hudson County Dental Society. Dr. Pellegrini also served as an Assistant Dean at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in Newark, New Jersey. He sat on the Board of Trustees of Matheny Hospital in Peapack, NJ for 6 years, where he was a member of the Audit Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Dr. Pellegrini’s professional background and experience and his long-time service to the community bring valuable insights to the board. Dr. Pellegrini currently serves as Chairman of the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

John Pulomena,63, has beenthe County Administrator of Middlesex County, New Jersey, for the past 1011 years. HeAs County Administrator for Middlesex County, considered the second largest county in the state, Mr. Pulomena is responsible for managing the overall operationsdevelopment and management of County Government which include Business Developmenta $500 million annual budget, supported by a workforce of over 2,000 employees. In this capacity, Mr. Pulomena is responsible for developing the strategic plans for sustained economic growth, critical investments in the county’s infrastructure, and Education, Community Services, Finance, Infrastructure Managementenhancing the quality of life for its 825,000 residents through key programs and Public Safety & Health. Heservices. Mr. Pulomena was employed by AT&T for over 22 years, including 5five years at AT&T Bell LabsLaboratories in software development and 17 years at AT&T corporate in Marketingvarious roles including marketing & Sales, Government Affairs,sales, government affairs, as Financial Controller, supporting business and consumer service customers, and as Director of the Customer Network Operation Centers. Mr. Pulomena was a Middlesex County Freeholder for 10 years, Council President for the Borough of South Plainfield for 9nine years, as well as the Chairand Chairman of the Middlesex County Planning Board for 5five years. HeMr. Pulomena is a graduate of the City University of New York, withwhere he received a B.S. degree in Computer Science andwith a minor in Mathematics.Mr. Pulomena’s extensive experience in finance, management, computer science and information technology will provide the

Company valuable insight and perspective. Mr. Pulomena has been a directorcurrently serves as Chairman of BCB Community Bank since August 15, 2018.the Company’s Audit Committee.

 

Continuing Directors:

Robert Ballance,James G. Rizzo 60, retired as a Battalion Chief with the Bayonne Fire Department. He is the owner of a floor covering business located in Bayonne. Mr. Ballance has been a director of the Bank since its founding in 2000. Mr. Ballance was a director of the Bayonne Fire Exempt Association. He previously served as the Treasurer of Bayonne Fire Department Local #11. He is a member of the Bayonne Elks B.P.O.E. From 1997 to 2001 Mr. Ballance was a director of the Bayonne Federal Credit Union. Mr. Ballance has owned and operated his floor covering business for over 25 years. Mr. Ballance graduated from Marist High School in Bayonne. His lengthy experience as a businessman, community leader, civil servant and former director of the Bayonne Federal Credit Union provide the Board of Directors with valuable support and insight.

Joseph J. Brogan,79, has owned and operated his State Farm Insurance Agency in Bayonne for 54 years. Mr. Brogan has been a director of the Company since its incorporation in 2003, and a director of the Bank since 2003.2015. He is the former President of the New Jersey State Farm Agents' Association, and is currently a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of Elks. Mr. Brogan graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School, received a B.S. from Saint Peter’s College, n/k/a St. Peter’s University, and attended graduate school at Fordham University and New Jersey City University. His extensive experience in the insurance industry andserves as a real estate and securities investor are significant assetsbusiness liaison to the Board of Directors.

Thomas M. Coughlin,59, is PresidentDirectors and Chief Executive Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc., and BCB Community Bank. He has wellhelped lead the Company’s expansion efforts throughout Bergen County, with four branches opening over 30 years of experience in banking.the last six years. Mr. Coughlin was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of BCB Bancorp, Inc., effectiveRizzo serves as of August 4, 2014. Mr. Coughlin has served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of BCB Community Bank since May 28, 2014. Mr. Coughlin previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc., and BCB Community Bank. Mr. Coughlin was formerly a Vice President of Chatham Savings Bank and the Controller and Corporate Secretary of First Savings Bank of New Jersey. While at First Savings Bank of New Jersey, Mr. Coughlin served in various capacities on several executive managerial committees including, but not limited to, the Budget, Asset/Liability and Loan Review Committees. Mr. Coughlin received his C.P.A. designation in 1982, was the PresidentChairman of the local chapterCompany’s Investment and Capital Markets committees. In his role as Chairman of the American Heart Association,Investment Committee, Mr. Rizzo has served as a Trusteebeen active in overseeing the Company’s investment securities portfolio and its impact on asset liability management. As Chairman of the local chapter of D.A.R.E., andCapital Markets committee, Mr. Rizzo has been a trustee of the Bayonne P.A.L. Mr. Coughlin graduated from Bayonne High School, and received a B.S. degree from Saint Peter’s College. Mr. Coughlin provides the Board of Directors with extensive financial and practical banking experience, thereby providing the Board with necessary perspective and insight into the banking industry and the business trends affecting the Company.

Vincent DiDomenico, Jr., 53,is the Founder and Managing Member of Delta Holdings, L.L.C.,et al., developers of commercial real estateinstrumental in the New JerseyCompany’s most recent common and New York Metropolitan Area. He is a past long-serving Board of Trustee Member, as well as past two term Vice President and past two term President, of the New Jersey Self Storage Association. Mr. DiDomenico is a Board of Trustee Member of St. Peter's Preparatory School and Board of Trustee Member of Far Hills Country Day School. Prior to founding his current companies, Mr. DiDomenico was awarded the position of Deming Scholar at Fordham University, Graduate School of Business, from which he holds an MBA in Finance and Management with a concentration in International Business Studies. Prior to his post-graduate academic career, Mr. DiDomenico was a principal at one of the nation's largest tour and travel wholesale companies. He has also served as Co-Chairman of the Far Hills Country Day School Golf Committee and has served on the Board of Governors for the Archdiocese of Newark. C.Y.O. and Young Adult Ministries. He is a graduate of St. Peter's Preparatory School (1984) and a graduate of Villanova University, where he received a B.S. degree in Finance (1988).Mr. DiDomenico’s extensive real estate development experience provides the Board of Directors with additional perspective and insight into the real estate market and development trends regionally and in the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan Area.

Joseph Lyga,59, has served on the Bayonne Fire Department since 1985. He is presently a Battalion Chief. In addition, Mr. Lyga has been a self-employed contractor for the last 25 years in information systems design. He has assisted the Company and the Bank with information technology issues and security since their founding.

Mr. Lyga has been a director of the Company since its incorporation in 2003, and a director of the Bank since 2003. Mr. Lyga has served as President and Secretary/State Delegate of the Bayonne Fire Department Local #211 and has served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Bayonne Fire Department Local #11. Mr. Lyga is also a member of the Sicilian Citizens Club. Mr. Lyga graduated from Marist High School and attended New Jersey City University. He also studied computer programming and network design at the Chubb Institute. Mr. Lyga’s dedicated service to the Bayonne community, his extensive business background and his information technology experience provide the Board with desired insight and information technology context.

Dr. August Pellegrini, Jr., 59, was born and raised in Bayonne, NJ, and practiced general dentistry there until 2016. He graduated Rutgers College in 1982 with a dual degree in biology and psychology, and graduated Temple University School of Dental Medicine in 1986. He is a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association (where he served as its President in 2010), and the Hudson County Dental Society. He has achieved Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pellegrini owned and operated his dental practice for 30 years, during which time he also became an Associate Dean at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in Newark, NJ. Dr. Pellegrini sits on the Board of Trustees of Matheny Hospital in Peapack, NJ, where he is chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Dr. Pellegrini’s professional background and experience and his long-time service to the community bring valuable insights to the Board.

James G. Rizzo,59,is currently in the Real Estate Management business, afterpreferred equity offerings. After having spent more than thirty years in a career focused on the High Yield Bond Markets.high-yield bond markets, Mr. Rizzo is currently in the real estate management business. His career began at Drexel Burnham and wasincluded being designated as a Managing Director in positions held at firms such as Guggenheim Partners, Citicorp, and Fleet Bank. Mr. Rizzo’s most recent position was as a Managing Director at Dahlman Rose and Company, from which he retired.

Mr. Rizzo is a graduate of St. Peter's University, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration. He currently serves on the University’s Board of Regents, and on the Advisory Board of the University’s Business School. He is also a graduate of St. Peter's Preparatory School,school, and is involved in planning the future of Saint Peter’s Preparatory School as a former member of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Rizzo is aan active member of the Rutherford Planning Board and the Rutherford Economic Development Committee. He is also a Trustee of the Rutherford Public Library, as well as the Rutherford Library Foundation. Additionally, Mr. Rizzo additionally serves on the Board of St. Dominic’s Academy in Jersey City, N.J.Mr. Rizzo’s extensive experience in the financial industry and real estate management provide key insights for the Board.

Spencer B. Robbins,66, has been the managing director of the law firm of Robbins & Robbins, Woodbridge, New Jersey, for the past 32 years. The firm is a full-service law office, with a specialty in civil litigation. Mr. Robbins served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Allegiance Community Bank until it merged with BCB Community Bank in 2011. Mr. Robbins has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since the merger. Mr. Robbins previously served as the Chief Judge of the Woodbridge Township and South Plainfield Municipal Courts, and was the Municipal Court Judge of the Borough of Sayreville. Mr. Robbins is associated with the Woodbridge Artisan Guild. Mr. Robbins’ extensive experience as a practicing attorney and as the former Chairman and a founder of Allegiance Community Bank provides the Board with valuable insight into legal and banking issues and trends.

 

Executive Officers who are not Directors

Set forth below is biographical information regarding the executive officers of the Bank who are not directors.Directors:

 

Thomas P. Keating, C.P.A.,63,65, has served as Chief Financial Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc.,the Company and BCB Communitythe Bank since March 2014. Mr. Keating is a Certified Public Accountant. From 2011 until 2014, Mr. Keating was Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise National Bank. Prior thereto, Mr. Keating was Chief Financial Officer of AES Red Oak, LLC. Mr. Keating graduated from Marist High School, received a B.S. degree in Accounting from St. Peter’s College, n/k/a St. Peter’s University, and an M.S. degree in Taxation from Seton Hall University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Michael Lesler,48,50, has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officerof BCB Bancorp, Inc.,the Company and BCB Communitythe Bank since April 2018. He was formerly the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Clifton Bancorp, Inc. and Clifton Savings Bank from April 2016 to April 2018. From

December 2013 to April 2016, Mr. Lesler served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bank of New Jersey. From June 2009 to December 2013, Mr. Lesler served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc. and Bank of New Jersey. 

Sandra L. Sievewright55,, 56, is the Chief Compliance and Chief Risk Officer of BCB Communitythe Bank. She has been in the banking industry for over 2530 years. Ms. Sievewright’s diverse experience includes management positions in Compliance, Bank Secrecy, Community Reinvestment, Marketing, Security, Branch Administration, Operationscompliance, bank secrecy, community reinvestment, marketing, security, branch administration, operations and Residential Lending.residential lending. She joined BCB Communitythe Bank in May 2014. From July 2013 to May 2014, Ms. Sievewright was the Senior Vice President and BSA/Compliance Officer of First Commerce Bank in Lakewood, NJ.New Jersey. From October 2005 to July 2013, Ms. Sievewright was the Senior Vice President and Compliance Officer of Bogota Savings Bank in Teaneck, NJ. Ms. Sievewright is a graduate of Albright College in Reading, PA.New Jersey.

 

John J. Brogan, Esq.,Kenneth G. Emerson58,, 59, is the Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Risk Officer of the Bank. He has practiced law35 years of New Jersey banking experience, most recently at Blue Foundry Bank where for over 30 years.17 years he acted in several capacities including Chief Information Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer. Previous to those roles, he worked at FinPro, Inc., providing consulting services to the banking industry in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, market feasibility, CRA and asset/liability management. Prior to FinPro, he worked in various accounting roles at Summit Bank, Valley Savings Bank, Howard Savings Bank and Carteret Savings Bank. He received his CPA designation from the State of New Jersey in 1996.

Wing Siu, 61, is Senior Vice President, Chief IT & Information Security Officer for the Bank. He joined the Bank in 2013 with over 20 years of experience in information technology and security. Mr. Siu is responsible for aligning IT and Bank strategies, planning, resourcing, and managing the delivery of IT services, and solutions to support the Bank's enterprise objectives. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Siu was the Chief Information Security Officer

of Sterling National Bank (“SNB”), and the IT Director of Sterling National Mortgage Company, a subsidiary of SNB. Mr. Siu is CISSP, CISM, and CISA certified.

David Garcia, 57, is Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer of BCB Bank and BCB Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Garcia has been in the finance industry for over 25 years, serving at both New Jersey banks as well as Investment Banks. Immediately prior to joining BCB, he served for over 11 years in various senior capacities at Oritani Bank, most recently as General Counsel andExecutive Vice President of BCB Bancorp, Inc.the Bank’s private REIT, Oritani Asset Corp., as well as Managing Director of Oritani Finance Co. Previously, he served at UBS Investment Bank in the Global Commercial Real Estate/CMBS Group for nearly a decade in capacities of progressive responsibility, culminating as a Director leading the proprietary acquisition of credit-tenant assets nationwide. Prior to UBS, Mr. Garcia served as Associate Director within the real estate finance group at Daiwa Securities. A lifelong resident of Rockland County, NY, Mr. Garcia holds a B.S. from Dominican College and BCB Community Bank since July 2010. In that capacity, Mr. Brogan manages all litigationan MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is the Company and the Bank are involved in, is responsible for the corporate governance practices2019-2021 Chairman of the Company and the Bank,Real Estate Board of New York Finance Committee, and is involved with all issues coming before the Boards and the Committeesactive in a number of the Company and the Bank. Prior to joining BCB, Mr. Brogan was the senior member of Brogan, Brogan, Fanuele & Schmerler, P.C., a full-service law firm in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Mr. Brogan founded the firm in 1992. Mr. Brogan is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and its Banking Law Section. Mr. Brogan is an active volunteer with Holiday Express, a non-profit organization bringing the gift of human kindness to the disadvantaged. Mr. Brogan is a proud past President of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore. Mr. Brogan received a B.A. from Haverford College, Haverford, Pa., and a J.D. from New York Law School, New York, NY.industry organizations.

 

Board Independence

 

The Board of Directors has determined that, as of December 31, 2018,2020, except as to Mr. Coughlin, each member of the Board of Directors is an “independent director” within the meaning of the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. Mr. Coughlin is not considered independent because he is the President and Chief Executive Officer of BCB Bancorp, Inc.,the Company and BCB Communitythe Bank.

 

The Board of Directors has also determined that each member of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors meets the independence requirements applicable to thateach committee as prescribed by the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, the SEC, and the Internal Revenue Service. In determining the independence of each director, the Board of Directors, except as noted below, did not consider any transactions not required to be reported under the section herein entitled “Related Party Transactions.”

The Bank leases its 190 Park Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey, branch office (which opened in February 2015) from a limited liability company in which Mr. Rizzo owns a 50% membership interest and Mr. Hogan owns a 50% membership interest. Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, we believe that the terms and conditions of the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2017, total lease payments of $92,635.75 were made to that limited liability company. During 2018, total lease payments of $91,121.89 were made to that limited liability company. Payments under the lease from January 2018 through April 2018 were $6,545.88 per month, and payments under the lease from May 2018 through the end of the 2018 were $6,742.25 per month.

The Bank leases its 734 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, branch office (which opened in July 2016) from a limited liability company in which directors Ballance, Bielan, Coughlin, Hogan, Lyga, Pellegrini, Rizzo and Robbins each own a 10% membership interest. Former director Gary Stetz owns a 10% membership interest. The remaining 10% membership interest is owned by a limited liability company of which Director Brogan is a member. Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, we believe that the terms and conditions of the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2018, total lease payments of $88,200.00 were made to that limited liability company. Payments under the lease were $7,350.00 per month in 2018.


The Bank purchased flooring, carpeting, mats and window treatments for certain of its branches from a company in which Director Ballance is the sole owner. We believe the cost of these purchases is comparable to the cost that would have been available by a third party unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2018, the Bank’s purchases from the company totaled $11,808.11.

 

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

 

The Company separates the principal executive officer and board chair positions to provide a higher degree of independence and transparency between the Board of Directors and management. This leadership structure has been in place since the incorporation of the Company. The Board of Directors believes that this leadership structure is most appropriate given the Company’s conservative risk profile, the Board of Directors’ role in monitoring the Company’s execution of its strategic plan, and the risk elements associated with such execution.

 

The Board of Directors monitors the Company’s risk profile through a number of departments within the Bank, as well as independent contractors, to monitor, measure and advise of certain risk parameters of the Company and the Bank, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, cybersecurity risk, liquidity risk, compliance risk, economic risk, operational risk, strategic risk, concentration risk, risks related to the regulation of the Company’s industry, and concentration risk.risks related to the Company’s common stock. Reports assessing the Company’s and the Bank’s risk profiles are provided to management, to the appropriate sub-committee(s) and/or committees of the Board and to the full Board of Directors. With

Given the increasing, use and reliance on electronic communication andcritical nature of information technology and the vital role data systems play in the operation ofcybersecurity risks, the Bank regular presentationshas a dedicated IT Committee comprised of three independent directors and whose chair has over 35 years of IT-related experience. The Bank’s Chief IT & Information Security Officer has over 20 years of information technology and security experience and is CISSP, CISM, and CISA certified.

The Bank’s external and internal auditors frequently audit and review its information technology and cybersecurity areas. The Bank also contracts with third-party vendors to perform external penetration testing and internal vulnerability assessments, among other tasks.

Presentations are made by the Bank’s IT Department and IT Committee to the full Board of Directors regarding cybersecurity risk.risk on at least a quarterly basis. The Bank’s IT Department and Risk Department also hold quarterly information technology and cybersecurity meetings with officers of the Bank. Executive officers and officers

from each department are in attendance. Additionally, the Bank conducts annual information security/physical security/compliance training sessions with all employees.

Compliance training is provided to the full Board to provide better understanding of the aforesaid risks and the Board’s role in managing same. Given the independent roles both the Board and management have in monitoring the Company’s risk, the Company believes that its current leadership and reporting structures are well-positioned to identify and mitigate risks as they may arise.

 

Given the challenges presented over the last year with respect to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Company focused on protecting the health and wellbeing of its employees and the communities in which it operates while assuring the continuity of its business operations. 

The Company activated its dedicated pandemic response team that proactively implemented its business continuity plans and has taken a variety of measures to ensure the ongoing availability of services, while taking health and safety measures, including enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols in all of its facilities and remote work policies, where possible. To date, as a result of these business continuity measures, the Company has not experienced significant disruptions in its operations. We have provided detailed information on our operational initiatives and impacts related to the Bank in the Company’s Annual Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Additionally, the Board held five separate meetings that focused solely on the Bank’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to ensure proper oversight of the risks presented.

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

 

OurThe Company’s Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis and may hold additional special meetings. OurThe Company’s standing committees include the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Bank’s committees include a joint Asset Liability/Enterprise Risk Management Committee (which meets quarterly), an InvestmentAudit Committee, an Audita Budget Committee, a Compensation Committee, an Executive Committee, an Information Technology Committee, a Budgetan Investment Committee, a Loan Committee, an ExecutiveLegal Committee, a LegalLoan Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Site Committee.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Board of Directors of the Company held 12 regular meetings and two special meetings. No director attended fewer than 75%, in the aggregate, of the total number of board meetings held and the total number of committee meetings in which he or she served during 2018.2020. The Company does not have a written policy regarding director attendance at annual meetings of shareholders. At last year’s annual meeting, all directors of the Company were in attendance.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is a joint committee of the Company and the Bank. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Directors Bielan, Collins, Pellegrini, and Robbins. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is considered “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. OurThe Company’s Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and this charter has been posted to our web-sitethe Company’s website atwww.bcb.bank. www.bcb.bank. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met threetwo times.

 

The functions of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include the following:

 

·to lead the search for individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to select director nominees to be presented for shareholder approval;

·to review and monitor compliance with the requirements for board independence;

·to review the committee structure and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding committee membership;

10 

 

·to develop and recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval corporate governance guidelines; and

·to develop and recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval a self-evaluation process for the Board of Directors and its committees.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board of Directors with skills and experience that are relevant to ourthe Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are first considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board of Directors with that of obtaining new perspectives. If any membera vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors and the Board determines to fill that vacancy, the Board of Directors does not wish to continue in service, or if the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors decides not to re-nominate a current member for re-election, or if the size of the Board of Directors is increased, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would solicit suggestions for director candidates from all board members. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is authorized by its charter to engage a third party to assist in the identification of director nominees. TheIn such situations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would seek to identify a candidate who, at a minimum, satisfies the following criteria:

 

·has the highest personal and professional ethics and integrity and whose values are compatible with the Company’s;

·has experience and achievement which provides them with thedemonstrates exceptional business ability to exercise good businessand judgment;

·is willing to devote the necessary time to the work of the Board of Directors and its committees, which includes being available for board and committee meetings;

·is familiar with the communities in which we operate and is actively engaged in community activities;

·is involved in other activities or interests that do not create a conflict with their responsibilities to the Company and its shareholders;Company; and,

·has the capacity and desire to represent the balanced, bestlong-term interests of all of ourthe Company’s shareholders as a group, and not a special interest group or constituency.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also take into account whether a candidate satisfies the criteria for “independence” under the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards, and, if a nominee is sought for ourthe Company’s Audit Committee, the financial and accounting expertise of a candidate.

 

Although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors dodoes not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying a director nominee, diversitythe Board of Directors intends that if a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors and the Board determines to fill that vacancy, the Board of Directors does not re-nominate a member for re-election, or the size of the Board of Directors is consideredincreased, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider diversity in the director identification process. While the attributes such as relevant experience, financial acumen, and formal educationabove are always considered in the identification process, the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors will also evaluate a potential director nominee's personal character, community involvement, and willingness to serve so that he or she can help further the Company’s and the Bank’s role and mission as a community-based financial institution.


Consideration and Procedures for Shareholder Recommendations for the Nomination of Directors

It is the policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider director candidates recommended by shareholders who appear to be qualified to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. Consequently, ourthe Company’s Board of Directors has adopted procedures for the submission of director nominees by shareholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board of Directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board of Directors. In order to avoid the unnecessary use of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s resources, the Nominating/Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider only those director candidates recommended in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

11 

To submit a recommendation of a director candidate to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a shareholder should submit the following information in writing, addressed to the Corporate Secretary, BCB Bancorp, Inc., 595 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ 07002. The Corporate Secretary must receive said submission at least 90 calendar days before the date the Company’s proxy statement was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting, advanced by one year.

The submission must include the following information:

 

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

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

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

4.·a statement of the candidate’s business and educational experience;

5.·a statement detailing any relationship between the candidate and any of ourthe Company’s customers, suppliers or competitors;

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

7.·a statement disclosing whether such shareholder is acting with or on behalf of any other person and, if applicable, the identity of such person; and,

8.·proof that the person making the recommendation is herself, himself or itself a shareholder.

 

The Corporate Secretary has not received any shareholder recommendations for nominations to the Board of Directors at the Company’s upcoming annual meeting. Any person making a shareholder nomination at the annual meeting shall provide the information set forth above regarding themselves and the proposed nominee at the annual meeting.

 

Shareholder Communications with the Board

 

A shareholder who wishes to communicate with ourthe Company’s Board of Directors or with any individual director can write to ourthe Company’s Corporate Secretary, 595591-595 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. The letter should indicate that the author is a shareholder and if shares are not held of record, should include appropriate evidence of stock ownership. Depending on the subject matter, the Corporate Secretary will:

11 

·forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed;
·attempt to handle the inquiry directly (for example, where the request is for information about the Company or is a stock-related matter); or,
·not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature, relates to an improper or irrelevant topic, or is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate.

At

If applicable, at each Board of Directors’ meeting, management presents a summary of all communications received since the last meeting that were not forwarded and makes those communications available to the directors.

 

Board Communications with Shareholders

In the interest of communicating with the Company’s shareholders and keeping them frequently informed, the Company’s Board of Directors directed the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Corporate Secretary with issuing communications to the Company’s shareholders throughout the year. Enclosed with each quarterly dividend check, the Company included a personalized letter and summary financial data from the President and Chief Executive Officer describing initiatives, projects, and key financial metrics that occurred in the preceding quarter.

12 

Code of Ethics

 

We haveThe Company has adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to ourthe Company’s officers, directors, and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officerthe Company’s Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or controller,Controller, and/or persons performing similar functions. OurThe Company’s Code of Ethics has been filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Employee, Officer and Director Hedging

As a part of its Insider Trading Policy, the Company has adopted an Anti-Hedging Policy which prohibits directors and executive officers of the Company from entering into hedging or monetization transactions or similar arrangements with respect to Company securities. Directors and executive officers may not buy or sell puts or calls on, or other derivative securities with respect to, the Company’s securities under this policy.

Directors and executive officers of the Company may not hold Company securities in a margin account or pledge Company securities as collateral for any loan without the prior approval of the Board of Directors in accordance with the Anti-Hedging Policy. The policy states that the Company’s Board of Directors will not approve any pledge of Company securities as part of a hedging or monetization strategy designed to or otherwise having the effect of hedging or offsetting any decrease in the market value of Company securities.

The Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is a joint committee of the Company and the Bank. As of December 31, 2018,2020, the Audit Committee consisted of Directors Lyga, Pellegrini, Lyga,Pulomena, and Robbins, and Mr. Pulomena, a director of the Bank.Robbins. Each member of the Audit Committee is considered “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards and under SEC Rule 10A-3. The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include, among other things:

·retaining, overseeingEvaluate the Company’s compliance with, and evaluating a firmthe effectiveness of, administrative operating policies, procedures, accounting and internal control systems;
·Evaluate the Company’s compliance with established lending policies and underwriting standards for loans by review of an internal audit report generated at least annually;
·Review all significant accounting changes.
·Review major changes to the Company’s auditing and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the independent certified public accountants to auditauditor, internal auditors or management.
·Review the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent accountants, including the adequacy of internal controls that could significantly affect the Company’s financial statements;
·in consultationReview with management and the independent registered public accounting firmauditor the Company’s quarterly financial statements prior to the filing of its Form 10-Q and the internal auditor, reviewing the integrity of our financial reporting processes, both internal and external;its annual report on Form 10-K;
·approvingMeet periodically with management to review the scope ofCompany’s major financial risk exposures and the audit(s) in advance;steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures;
·reviewingReview and approving, when appropriate, necessary and/or required, the financial statements andapprove the audit reportplan of the Company with managementinternal auditors, including the extent to which the planned audit scope relates to identifying weaknesses in internal controls and the independent registered public accounting firm;
·considering whether the provision by the external auditors of services not related to the annual audit and quarterly reviews is consistent with maintaining the auditor’s independence;
·reviewing earnings and financial releases and quarterly reports filed with the SEC;
·consulting with the internal audit staff and reviewing management’s administrationreview of the system of internal accountingCompany’s procedures and controls;
·approving all engagements for audit and non-audit servicesReview the regular reports prepared by the internal auditor, external loan review firm, independent registered public accounting firm;auditor and management's responses and/or corrective actions;
·reviewingDiscuss with the adequacyindependent auditor the matters required to be discussed relating to the conduct of the audit committee Charter.audit;
·Review with the independent auditor any problems or difficulties the auditor may have encountered and any management letter provided by the auditor and the Company’s response to that letter;
·Receive periodic reports from the independent auditor regarding the auditor's independence, discuss such reports with the auditor, and if so determined by the Committee, recommend that the Board take appropriate action to insure the independence of the auditor;
·Obtain from the independent auditor assurance that Section 10A of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding required disclosures of corporate fraud to management, the Committee and the Board, has not been implicated;

13 

·Be directly responsible for the appointment, retention and termination of the independent auditor, and annually evaluate the performance of the independent auditor, and, if so determined by the Audit Committee, recommend that the Board replace the independent auditor;
·Approve the fees to be paid to the independent auditor and pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditor;
·Review the report required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement.
·Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; Report any violations of the whistleblower policy to the Board.

The Audit Committee met 12seven times during 2018.2020. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee and this charter has been posted to ourthe Company’s website atwww.bcb.bank. www.bcb.bank. The Committee reports to the Board of Directors on its activities and findings.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee is Mr. Pulomena. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Pulomena qualifies as an “audit committee financiala “financial expert,” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. Mr. Pulomena replaced Chairman Hoganis independent, as independence for audit committee members is defined in the “audit committee financial expert” in August 2018. Chairman Hogan was designated the “audit committee financial expert” following the resignation of Mr. Stetz in June 2018.Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.

 

Audit Committee Report

 

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Audit Committee has prepared the following report. As part of its ongoing activities, the Audit Committee has:

 

·Reviewed and discussed with management ourthe Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018;2020;
·Discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management, the results of its examination, its evaluation of the Company’s internal controls, the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting and the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended;applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC; and,
·Received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in ourthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2020, to be filed with the SEC. In addition, the Audit Committee approved the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C., as ourthe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, subject to the ratification of that appointment by our shareholders.2021.

 

This report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that wethe Company specifically incorporateincorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

 

The Audit Committee:

John Pulomena (Chairman)

August Pellegrini, Jr.

Joseph Lyga

Spencer B. Robbins

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance14 

 

Our common stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. Executive officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners are required to file beneficial ownership reports with the SEC disclosing beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of our common stock. SEC rules require disclosure in our Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K of the failure of an executive officer, director or 10% beneficial owner to file such forms on a timely basis. Based on our review of such ownership reports, we believe that three late filings occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. A Form 4 was filed with the SEC on December 3, 2018, regarding a small acquisition under Rule 16a-6 by Director Spencer B. Robbins. A Form 4 was filed with the SEC on May 2, 2018, regarding a purchase of securities by Director Robert Balance. A Form 3 was filed with the SEC on December 19, 2018, regarding the initial statement of beneficial ownership of securities by Director Vincent DiDomenico, Jr. Based on our review of such ownership reports, we believe that no other officer or director failed to timely file such ownership reports for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

13 

The Compensation Committee

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Compensation Committee met five times to determine ourthe Company’s compensation programs and adjustments. The Compensation Committee of the Company, as of December 31, 2018,2020, consisted of Directors DiDomenico, Lyga, and Robbins. Each member of the Compensation Committee is considered “independent” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. Mr. Coughlin does not participate in the Board of Directors’ determination of his compensation as Chief Executive Officer or President. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee and this charter has been posted to our web-sitethe Company’s website atwww.bcb.bank. www.bcb.bank.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities.. The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to conduct reviews of our generalassist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the compensation and benefits provided to the Company's executive compensation policiesmanagement, and strategies in orderthat connection, it is authorized to overseereview, evaluate and evaluate ourrecommend various benefit plans and overall compensation structurefor the Company and programs.the Bank. Direct responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·Establish, review, and modify from time to time, as appropriate, the overall compensation philosophy of the Company;
·Evaluating and approvingrecommending goals and objectives relevant to compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive management, and evaluating the performance of executive management in light of those goals and objectives;
·Administering and having discretionary authority over the issuance of equity awards to employees and directors under the Company’s 2011 and 2018 Equity Incentive Plan;active shareholder-approved incentive plans;
·Reviewing, evaluating and recommending the compensation level for the chief executive officer;
·Reviewing, evaluating and recommending compensation levels of other key executive officers; and,
·Reviewing, evaluating and determining the compensation (including stock option and restricted stock awards, retainers, fees, etc.) to be paid to directors of the Company and of affiliates of the Company for their service on the Board(s).

The Compensation Committee reviews, evaluates and recommends to the full Boardboard the compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and other members of executive management, which compensation may include both equity and non-equity compensation. The performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other members of executive management is reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee. Performance evaluations are generally measured on criteria applicable to executive management as a whole and to the specific responsibilities of each member of executive management. While strict numerical formulas are not used to evaluate the performance of our members ofthe Company’s executive management team, criteria considered include earnings, return on equity, return on assets, asset quality, capital management, risk management, franchise expansion, corporate governance, expertise, general management skills, and each executive’s contribution to ourthe Company’s successful operation. These criteria are evaluated not only on current-year performance, but also on the trend of performance over the past several years and within the context of unusual operating and performance issues. The Committee also takes into consideration factors outside the control of management, such as the state of the economy, the interest rate environment, regulatory mandates and competition.

Except for ourthe Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, our members of executive management generally are not engaged directly with the Compensation Committee in setting the amount or form of their compensation or director compensation. However, as part of the annual performance review for our members of executive management other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee considers the Chief Executive Officer’s perspective on each member of executive management’s individual performance. In addition, the Compensation Committee may delegate to management certain of its duties and responsibilities, including the adoption, amendment, modification or termination of the Bank’s tax-qualified retirement plans and health and welfare plans. The Compensation Committee also reviews, evaluates and determines the form and amount of compensation paid to ourthe Company’s directors.

14 

The Compensation Committee has sole authority and responsibility under its charter to approve the engagement of any compensation consultant it uses and the fees for those services. The Compensation Committee engaged Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”), to assist in determining the amount or form of executive and director compensation paid during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Compensation Committee considered the independence of Meridian under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. The Compensation Committee considered the following factors: (1) other services provided to the Company by Meridian; (2) fees paid by the Company as a percentage of the Company’s total revenue; (3) policies or procedures maintained by Meridian that are designed to prevent a conflict of interest; (4) any business or personal relationships between the senior advisors and any member of the Compensation Committee; (5) any Company common stock owned by the senior advisors; and (6) any business or personal relationships between the Company’s or the Bank’s executive officers and Meridian. The Compensation Committee discussed these considerations and concluded that Meridian was independent and had no conflicts of interest with respect to the engagement.

15 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The Compensation Committee reviews, evaluates and recommends to the full Board the compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and other members of executive management, which compensation may include both equity and non-equity compensation. None of the members of the Compensation Committee were officerswas an officer or employeesemployee of the Company or the Bank during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2020, or wereis a former officersofficer of the Company or the Bank.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018:2020: (i) no executive of the Company or the Bank served as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board of Directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of the Company; (ii) no executive officer of the Company or the Bank served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of the Company; and, (iii) no executive officer of the Company or the Bank served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board of Directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company or the Bank.

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Compensation ObjectivesObjectives.. Our compensation objectives begin with the premise that our success depends, in large part, on the dedication and commitment of the people we place in key management positions, and the incentives we provide such persons to successfully implement our business strategy and other corporate objectives. The overall objectives of our compensation program are to retain, motivate, and reward employees and officers (including Named Executive Officers, as defined below) for performance, and to provide competitive compensation to attract talent to our organization. In addition, our executive compensation program is designed to align pay with performance in a manner consistent with safe and sound business practices and sustainable financial performance consistent with shareholder interests. We recognize that we operate in a competitive environment for talent. Therefore, our approach to compensation considers a range of compensation techniques as we seek to attract and retain key personnel.

 

We intend to base our compensation decisions on four basic principles:

 

·Meeting the Demands of the Market – Our goal is to compensate our employees at competitive levels that position us as the employer of choice among our peers who provide similar financial services in the markets we serve.

·Aligning with Shareholder Interest – As a public company, we use equity compensation as a key component of our compensation program to develop a culture of ownership among our key personnel and to align their individual financial interestsinterest with the interests of our shareholders.

·Driving Performance – We will base compensation in part on the attainment of company-wide, business unit, and individual targets that contribute to our earnings within risk tolerance.

·Reflecting our Business Philosophy – Our approach to compensation reflects our values and the way we do business in the communities we serve.

We believe that we can achieve the objectives of our compensation philosophy by implementing a compensation program that is competitive with our industry peers and creates appropriate incentives for our management team.

·We believe that we can achieve the objectives of our compensation philosophy by implementing a compensation program that is competitive with our industry peers and creates appropriate incentives for our management team.

 

This discussion is focused specifically on the compensation of the following executive officers, each of whom is named in the “Executive Compensation Summary” which appears later herein. These fivethree current executives are referred to in this discussion as “Named Executive Officers.”

 

Name

Title as of December 31, 2018

2020
Thomas M. CoughlinPresident and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas P. KeatingChief Financial Officer
Michael LeslerChief Operating Officer
Sandra SievewrightChief Risk Officer and Chief Compliance Officer
John J. Brogan, Esq.General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer

 

Designing our Compensation ProgramProgram.. Our compensation program is designed to reward the Named Executive Officers based on their level of assigned management responsibilities, experience and performance levels. The creation of long-term value is highly dependent on the development and effective execution of a sound business strategy by our Named Executive Officers.

 

16 

Other considerations influencing the design of our executive compensation program are:

 

·experienceExperience in the financial services industry that promotes the safe and sound operation of the Company and the Bank;

·experienceExperience and prior performance of our executives in successfully implementing and completing strategic goals;

·experienceExperience in all aspects of risk management;

·executives with sufficient experienceExperience in our markets relating to the needs of our customers, products, and investments in various phases of the economic cycle;

·disciplinedDisciplined decision-making that respects our strategic plan but adaptsadepts quickly to change;

·theThe retention and development of incumbent executives who meet, or exceed, performance objectives, since recruiting executives can be expensive, unpredictable, and may have a disruptive effect on our operations;

·theThe compensation and employment practices of our competitors within the financial services industry and elsewhere in the marketplace; and,

·eachEach executive’s individual performance and contribution in helping us achieve our corporate goals.

   

Role of the Compensation Committee and the Named Executive OfficersOfficers.. Our Compensation Committee and President and Chief Executive Officer have a significant role in helping us achieve our compensation objectives and designing our compensation program. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing and making recommendations to the full Board of Directors with respect to our compensation program related to the Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee regularly evaluates and recommends the elements of total compensation payable to the Named Executive Officers. In making these determinations, the Compensation Committee considers the Named Executive Officer’s level of job responsibility, the compensation paid by peers for similar levels of responsibility, industry survey data regarding executive compensation and our financial condition and performance.performance

 

The President and Chief Executive Officer provides the Compensation Committee with input regarding our employee compensation philosophy, process and compensation decisions for employees other than himself. In addition to providing factual information on relevant measures, the President and Chief Executive Officer articulates senior management’s views on current compensation programs and processes, recommends relevant performance measures to be used for future evaluations and otherwise provides information to assist the Compensation Committee. The President and Chief Executive Officer also provides information about individual performance assessments for the other Named Executive Officers and expresses to the Compensation Committee his views on the appropriate levels of compensation for the other Named Executive Officers for the ensuing year.

 

The President and Chief Executive Officer participates in Compensation Committee activities purely in an informational and advisory capacity. He has no vote in the Compensation Committee’s decision-making process. The President and Chief Executive Officer does not attend the portions of Compensation Committee meetings during which his performance is evaluated or his compensation is being determined. No Named Executive Officer (other than the President and Chief Executive Officer) attends the portions of Compensation Committee meetings during which the performance of the other Named Executive Officers is evaluated or their compensation is being determined.

 

Use of ConsultantsConsultants.. In 2018,2020, the Board of Directors, in consultationconcert with the Compensation Committee, engaged Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC, asdid not engage the services of a compensation consultant. Meridian assisted the Compensation Committee with respect to the design of the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan and the allocation of awards thereunder and provided input on the Company’s overall executive compensation program and market competitiveness.

 

Elements of CompensationCompensation.. Our compensation program with respect to our Named Executive Officers primarily consists of the following:

 

·baseBase salary, which is designed to provide a reasonable level of predictable income commensurate with the market standards for the executive’s position;

·non-equityNon-equity bonus and incentive compensation, which is recommended by the Compensation Committee based on the satisfaction of company-wide and individually-basedindividual-based performance objectives;

·equityEquity compensation of awards stock options and restricted stock, which provides incentives to maximizemaximized shareholder value;

·severanceSeverance benefits payable pursuant to employment agreements with certain Named Executive Officers;

17 

 

·benefitsBenefits payable pursuant to our 401(k) plan; and,

·healthHealth and welfare benefits.benefits

 

17 

The Compensation Committee seeks to create what it believes is the best mix of each element of compensation in recommending a Named Executive Officer’s total compensation. For each Named Executive Officer, a significant percentage of total cash compensation is at-risk, meaning that it will generally be earned when the Company, the Bank and the Named Executive Officer are successful in realizing the interests of the Company and the Bank.

 

The Compensation Committee reviewed compensation for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, for the Named Executive Officers, relative to the competitive market and to the results delivered on established objectives and performance criteria, and concluded that each Named Executive Officer’s compensation was consistent with market practice and was based on the Named Executive Officer’s performance. Additionally, since our shareholders strongly approved our compensation program as described in our Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on March 26, 2018, our compensation program for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, was, except for the adoption, and issuance of awards under, of the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, designed to be materially consistent with the compensation program for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Base SalarySalary.. Base salary is the primary source of compensation for services performed during the year for all employees. On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee reviews the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers and primarily considers:

 

·marketMarket data for peer institutions and direct competitors located in New Jersey, the New York metropolitan area, and the northeast region;

·internalInternal review of the Named Executive Officer’s compensation, both individually and relative to other officers;

·individualIndividual performance of the Named Executive Officer;

·qualifications and experience of the Named Executive Officer; and,

·ourOur financial condition and results of operations, including tax and accounting impact of the base salaries.salaries

 

Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted from time-to-time to realign base salaries with market levels, of our peer institutions, after taking into account the considerations discussed above. Based on the foregoing, the Compensation Committee approved, and the disinterested members of the Board ratified, the annual rates of base salary for Messrs. Coughlin, Keating, Lesler and Brogan and Ms. Sievewright are as follows:

 

Name

 Base Salary Prior to July
1, 2018
 Base Salary as of July
1, 2018
Thomas Coughlin $432,000  $560,000 
Thomas P. Keating $237,600  $237,600 
Michael Lesler $275,000  $275,000 
Sandra Sievewright $162,000  $200,000 
John J. Brogan, Esq. $205,000  $205,000 

Details regarding the base salary earned by the Named Executive Officers are included in the “Executive Compensation Summary” followingtable in this section.

 

Non-Equity Bonus and Incentive CompensationCompensation.. The Compensation Committee has the ability to review, evaluate and recommend to the full Board discretionary bonus payments to the Named Executive Officers. While strict numerical formulas were not used to quantify the bonus payments payable to the Named Executive Officers in 2018,2020, both company-wide and individually-based performance objectives are used by the Compensation Committee to recommend bonus payments. Company-wide performance objectives focus on growth, expense control, asset quality (particularly the quality of our loan portfolio and positive results of our quality control audits), compliance audits and regulatory “safety and soundness” examinations. Such performance objectives are customarily used by

18 

similarly-situated financial institutions in measuring performance. Individually-based performance objectives are determined based on the individual’s responsibilities and contributions to our successful operation. Both the company-wide and individually-based performance objectives are evaluated by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis and as a trend of performance over the prior three years.performance. The Compensation Committee also takes into consideration outside factors that impact our performance, such as national and local economic conditions, the interest rate environment, regulatory mandates and the level of competition in our market area.

  

The Compensation Committee determined that the bonuses awarded in 2018 reflect and reward the strong performance and efforts of the Named Executive Officers in successful completion of the merger with IA Bancorp, Inc., the integration of the core computer system and branches of Indus-American Bank, a successful subordinated debt offering, increased growth of the Company and the Bank, and a positive trend in earnings and stability.

The “Executive Compensation Summary” belowtable in this section provides the bonus payments which were paid to the Named Executive Officers in 2018.2020 and 2019.

 

Equity CompensationCompensation.. The Compensation Committee has the ability to review, evaluate, and recommend to the full Board equitystock option awards to be granted to the Named Executive Officers under our 2011 Stock Option Plan and 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, in an effort to focus their attention on our sustained, long-term financial performance. A stock option award gives the recipient the right to purchase shares of our common stock at a specified price during a specified period of time. The Compensation Committee believes that equitystock option and restricted stock awards: (1) reward the Named Executive Officers for long-term, sustained performance and stock price growth; (2) align the Named Executive Officers’ interests with our shareholdersshareholders’ through stock ownership; and (3) provide an incentive to the Named Executive Officers to remain employed with the Company and the Bank through applicablethe vesting periods of the awards.

 

In 2018, Messrs. Coughlin, Lesler18 

The “Executive Compensation Summary” and BroganOutstanding Equity Awards at Year End” tables in this section provides the equity compensation payments which were granted restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and Mr. Coughlin was awarded stock options underpaid to the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. TheseNamed Executive Officers in 2019. There were no equity awards vest at a rate of 50% per year on each yearly anniversary date following the date of grant. The Compensation Committee believes the RSAs and stock options granted will align the aforementionedpaid to any Named Executive Officers’ interests withOfficers for the long-term performance of the Company and the Bank.year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Severance BenefitsBenefits.. We currently maintain employment agreements with Messrs.Mr. Coughlin Keating,and Mr. Lesler, and Brogan and Ms. Sievewright which provide them with severance payments in the event of termination of employment without cause. In addition, the employment agreements provide payments to them in the event of termination of employment within 12 months of a change in control of the Company or the Bank (as the term “change in control” is defined in the employment agreements), except when such termination of employment is for cause, death or disability (as those terms are defined in the employment agreements).

Please see “Executive Compensation - Benefit Plans”“Employment Agreements” and “Compensation Committee Communications and Responsiveness” below for a more thorough description of these agreements. Please also see “Executive Compensation-Termination Payment Table” below for more information related to the payments that would be made under certain scenarios with respect to these agreements.

 

Retirement PlansPlans.. The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan on the same terms as other employees. Under the plan, each eligible employee is permitted to defer, onPlease see “Tax-Qualified Benefit Plans” below for a pre-tax basis, up to 25%more thorough description of his or her annual salary forour retirement (subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code). The Bank contributes an amount equal to 100% of the first 3% of an employee’s contribution, and 50% of the next 2% of an employee’s contribution.plans. We do not provide our employees, including the Named Executive Officers, with any non-qualified supplemental retirement benefits.

 

Health and Welfare BenefitsBenefits.. We provide group health, dental, and vision insurance coverage to our employees, including the Named Executive Officers, with the employees being responsible for a portion of the premiums. The Compensation Committee believes these benefits are appropriate and assist the employees in fulfilling their employment obligations.

 

Tax and Accounting ImplicationsImplications.. In consultation with our advisors, we evaluate the tax and accounting treatment of our compensation program at the time of adoption and on an annual basis to ensure that we understand the financial impact of the program. Our analysis includes a detailed review of recently adopted and pending

19 

changes in tax and accounting requirements. As part of our review, we consider modifications and/or alternatives to existing programs to take advantage of favorable changes in the tax or accounting environment or to avoid adverse consequences.

Under Section 162(m) of the Code, as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017, publicly-held corporations are subject to limits on the deductibility of executive compensation. Deductible compensation is limited to $1 million per year for each covered employee, defined as the publicly-held corporation’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and three additional highest compensated officers during any taxable year of the corporation beginning after December 31, 2016. The Tax Act “grandfathers” certain compensation in excess of the $1 million deduction limitation, including compensation that is “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) prior to the Tax Act, if payable pursuant to a written binding contract in effect as of November 2, 2017 that is not modified in any material respect thereafter.

A number of requirements must be met for particular compensation to qualify for tax deductibility, so there can be no assurance that the incentive compensation awarded will be fully deductible in all circumstances. To preserve maximum flexibility in the design and implementation of our compensation program, we have not adopted a formal policy that requires all compensation to be tax deductible. However, to the greatest extent possible, we structure our compensation program in a tax efficient manner. We will continue to evaluate and monitor our executive compensation program in light of the enactment of the Tax Act, particularly the changes to Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

Risk ManagementManagement.. The Compensation Committee believes that any risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for all of our employees, including our Named Executive Officers, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company or the Bank. In addition, the Compensation Committee believes that the mix and design of the elements of our compensation program will encourage our senior management to act in a manner that is focused on the long-term valuation of the Company and the Bank.

  

The Compensation Committee regularly reviews our compensation program to ensure that controls are in place so that our employees are not presented with opportunities to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the Company and the Bank. With respect to our non-equity bonus compensation program, the Compensation Committee utilized both the company-wide and individual performance objectives to recommend anythe bonus payments made.made to our Named Executive Officers. The performance objectives selected are customary performance metrics for financial institutions in our peer group. In addition, because the Compensation Committee evaluates the company-wide performance objectives as a trend of performance, over the prior three years, the long-term financial performance of the Company and the Bank is considered forin correlation with any bonus payments awarded.awarded to our Named Executive Officers.

 

Finally, byBy recommending the granting of RSAs and stock optionsequity awards under the Company’s equity incentive plan,plans, the Compensation Committee has attempted to place more of our common stock into the hands of our employees in an effort to align their interests with those of our shareholders, which should contribute to long-term shareholder value and decrease the likelihood that our employees would take excessive risks which might threaten the value of their common stock received under our equity compensation program.

 

As described in “Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight”, the Company’s Board of Directors held five separate meetings that focused solely on the Bank’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to ensure proper oversight of the risks presented. This response also informed upon the Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding compensation for both the Company’s Named Executive Officers and directors. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Compensation Committee awarded no stock option or restricted stock awards to either its Named Executive Officers or its Board of Directors. Please see the “Director Compensation” section for detailed information on payments to directors.

19 

Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommends to the Board of Directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this Proxy Statement.

 

This report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this report by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

This report has been provided by the Compensation Committee:

 

Vincent DiDomenico, Jr. (Chairman)

Joseph Lyga

Spencer B. Robbins


Executive

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2020 regarding equity compensation plans that have been approved by shareholders. The Company has no equity-based benefit plans that were not approved by shareholders.

    
PlanNumber of securities to be issued
upon exercise of outstanding
options and rights

Weighted average

Exercise price(1)

Number of securities remaining
available for issuance under
plans
2011 Stock Option Plan801,600$11.4072,800
2018 Equity Incentive Plan436,981$11.65384,038
Equity compensation plans not approved by
shareholders
Total1,238,581$11.49456,838

(1)The weighted average exercise price reflects the exercise prices ranging from $8.93-$13.32 per share for options granted under the 2011 Stock Option Plan and the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.

Executive Compensation

 

Summary Compensation TableTable.. The following table setsset forth the total compensation paid to Thomas Coughlin, as principal executive officerPrincipal Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, the total compensation paid to Thomas Keating, as the principal financial officerPrincipal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company and the Bank, and the three othertotal compensation paid to Michael Lesler, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank. After Mr. Coughlin, Mr. Keating and Mr. Lesler are the two most highly-compensated officers who received total compensation of at least $100,000 from the Company or the Bank during the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. The officers listed in the table below are each a “Named Executive Officer.”

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SUMMARY

 

Name and Principal Position Year 

Salary

($)

 

Bonus

($)

 

Restricted
Stock
awards

($)(1)

 

Option
awards

($)(2)

 Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
($)
 All other
compensation
($)(3)
 

Total

($)

Thomas M. Coughlin  2018   455,400      50,670   37,500      24,049   567,619 
President, Chief Executive  2017   432,000   160,000      51,500      33,333   676,833 
Officer and Director  2016   400,000         106,500      18,333   524,833 
                                 
Thomas P. Keating  2018   237,600   88,000             13,044   338,644 
Chief Financial Officer  2017   237,600   88,000      25,750      12,699   364,049 
   2016   220,000   50,000            11,482   281,482 
                                 
Michael Lesler  2018   209,961      124,997         474   335,432 
Chief Operating Officer                                
                                 
John J. Brogan, Esq  2018   205,000   7,500   24,997         10,394   247,891 
General Counsel  2017   205,000   50,000      25,750      9,830   290,580 
   2016   185,000   100,000            11,968   296,968 
                                 
Sandra Sievewright  2018   169,308   30,692            9,668   209,668 
Chief Risk Officer and  2017   162,000   15,000      25,750      6,889   209,639 
Chief Compliance Officer  2016   150,000               6,474   156,474 

        
Name and Principal PositionYear

Salary

($)

Bonus

($)

Restricted
Stock
Awards(2)

($)

Option
Awards(3)

($)

All Other
Compensation(4)

($)

Total

($)

Thomas M. Coughlin

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

2020585,000300,000--45,748930,748
2019585,000   483,000(1)180,77046,32345,5481,340,641

Thomas P. Keating

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

2020258,000---10,474268,474
2019258,000118,000--12,148388,148

Michael Lesler

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

2020331,000165,565--24,348520,913
2019331,000137,000--24,148492,148

 

(1)The bonus payment of $483,000 made to Mr. Coughlin in 2019 reflects a combined bonus amount for performance related to the years 2019 and 2018. Mr. Coughlin was not paid a cash bonus in the year 2018.

20 

(2)Represents the grant date fair value of the RSAsrestricted stock received under the BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The grant date fair value has been computed in accordance with the stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718). The grant date fair assumptions used in calculating the award values may be found in ourthe Company’s consolidated financial statements set forth in ourthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020.
(2)(3)Represents the grant date fair value of the stock option awards received under the BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The grant date fair value has been computed in accordance with the stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718). The grant date fair assumptions used in calculating the award values may be found in ourthe Company’s consolidated financial statements set forth in ourthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020.
(3)(4)The amounts in this column reflect what wethe Company paid for, or reimbursed, the applicable Named Executive Officer for the various benefits and perquisites received. A breakdown of the various elements of compensation in this column for 2018the year ended December 31, 2020 is set forth in the table provided below.on the following page.

 

All Other Compensation
Name Year 

Employer
Contributions

to 401(k) Plan
($)

 

Life
Insurance

($)

 

Board
Retainer

($)

 

Club Dues

($)

 

 

Severance
Payments

($)

 Total All Other
Compensation ($)
               
Thomas M. Coughlin  2018   13,101   948   10,000         24,049 
   2017   22,385   948   10,000         33,333 
                             
Thomas P. Keating  2018   12,096   948            13,044 
   2017   11,995   704            12,699 
                             
Michael Lesler  2018      474            474 
                             
John J. Brogan, Esq.  2018   9,446   948            10,394 
   2017   9,230   600            9,830 
                             
Sandra Sievewright  2018   8,747   921            9,668 
   2017   6,378   511            6,889 
                             

GrantsThe amounts in the table below reflect a breakdown of Plan-Based Awards. The following table provides informationthe various elements of all other compensation for grants of plan-based awards made to our Named Executive Officers in the year ended December 31, 2018.2020, as reported in the executive summary compensation table on the previous page. The amounts provided in this table reflect what the Company paid for, or reimbursed, the applicable Named Executive Officer for the various benefits and perquisites received

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

  

Estimated future payouts under Non-
equity incentive plan awards

All other
stock
awards:
number of
shares of
stock or
units
(#)(1)

All other
option
awards:
number of
securities
underlying
options
(#)(1)

Exercise or
base price of
option
awards
($/Sh)

Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)(2)

Name

 

Grant Dates

 

Threshold

($)

Target

($)

Maximum
($)

         
Thomas M. Coughlin12/14/20184,50050,670
 12/14/201825,00011.26 
         
Michael Lesler12/14/201811,101124,997
         
John J. Brogan12/14/20182,22024,997

(1)Represents awards granted under the BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.
(2)Represents the grant date fair value of the awards determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 Note 12 to our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which includes the assumptions used to calculate these amounts.
       
Name and Principal Position

Year

Employer
Contributions

to 401(k) Plan
($)

Life
Insurance

($)

Board
Retainer

($)

Car
Allowance

($)

Total All
Other
Compensation
($)

Thomas M. Coughlin

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

202011,40094810,00023,40045,748
201911,20094810,00023,40045,548

Thomas P. Keating

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

20209,526948--10,474
201911,200948--12,148

Michael Lesler

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

202011,400948-12,00024,348
201911,200948-12,00024,148

 

Benefit PlansEmployment Agreements

 

Employment Agreements. On March 13, 2019,February 24, 2020, the Company and the Bank renewed(collectively the “Company” or the “Bank”, for purposes of this section) entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Coughlin’s employment agreement,Coughlin, effective as of JulyJanuary 1, 2018.2020. The renewed employment agreement has a term of three years.The agreement will automatically renew for an additional three years unless the Bank provides written notice of termination of the agreement no less than ninety days prior to the expiration of the term or until such time as either party terminates the agreement.

 

Mr. Coughlin's employment agreement provides him an annual base salary of $560,000. The Board$585,000. Mr. Coughlin will also be entitled to a discretionary performance bonus of Directorsup to 50% of his base salary and other incentive compensation and bonus plans or arrangements of the Bank has the discretion to award a performance bonus to Mr. Coughlin.Bank. In addition, Mr. Coughlinhe is entitled to participate in incentive compensation andthe employee benefit plans offered by the Bank and will be reimbursed for business expenses incurred. The Bank will also provide him with life, medical, dental and disability coverage.

 

In the event of Mr. Coughlin's involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, disability or death, he will be entitled to: (i) a lump-sum cash payment equal to his base salary atthrough the timeremaining term of the termination;agreement; and (ii) continued life insurance coverage and non-taxable medical and dental insurance coverage that will cease upon the earlier of (A)(a) the end of the term of his employment agreement; (B)(b) the date on which such coverage is made available to Mr. Coughlin through subsequent employment; or (C)(c) the date Mr. Coughlin becomes eligible for Medicare coverage.

 

In addition, the employment agreement provides payment to him inthat, upon the event of termination of employment within 12 monthsoccurrence of a change in control of the Company or the Bank, (as the term “change in control” is defined in his employment agreement), except when such termination of employment is for cause, death or disability (as those terms are defined in his employment agreement), ofMr. Coughlin will receive a lump-sum cashlump sum payment equal to 2.9 times (2.9x) his annual base salary at the time of the termination.

Upon termination of employment other than following a change in control or involuntary termination of employment without cause, each executive agrees not to compete withcontrol. This payment will be paid within thirty days following the Bank for one year following his or her termination of employment with the Bank by accepting employment with a bank or any other entity which competes with the businessdate of the Bank within 25 mileschange in control in lieu of any location(s)the cash severance payments described above. However, the change in whichcontrol payments would be reduced by the Bank has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approvalminimum amount necessary to establish business operations.avoid penalties under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

On March 13, 2019,February 24, 2020, the Bank renewed the individualCompany entered into an employment agreements ofagreement with Mr. Keating, Mr. Brogan and Ms. Sievewright,Lesler, effective as of JulyJanuary 1, 2018. Each2020. The employment agreement has a term of one year.two years. The agreement will automatically renew for an additional two years unless the Bank provides written notice of termination of the agreement no less than ninety days prior to the expiration of the term or until such time as either party terminates the agreement.

 

The21 

Mr. Lesler’s employment agreements for Mr. Keating, Mr. Brogan and Ms. Sievewright provideagreement provides him an annual base salariessalary of $237,600, $205,000$331,000. Mr. Lesler will also be entitled to a discretionary performance bonus of up to 50% of his base salary and $200,000, respectively. The Board of Directorsother incentive compensation and bonus plans or arrangements of the Bank has the discretion to

22 

award a performance bonus to each executive.Bank. In addition, each executivehe is entitled to participate in incentive compensation andthe employee benefit plans offered by the Bank and will be reimbursed for business expenses incurred.

In the event of the executive’s involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, The Bank will also provide him with life, medical, dental, and disability or death, he or she will be entitled to: (i) of a lump-sum cash payment equal to the executive’s base salary at the time of the termination; and (ii) continued life insurance coverage and non-taxable medical and dental insurance coverage that will cease upon the earlier of: (A) the end of the term of his or her employment agreement; or, (B) the date on which such coverage is made available to the executive through subsequent employment.

In addition, each employment agreement provides payment to the executive in the event of termination of his or her employment within 12 months of a change in control of the Company or the Bank (as the term “change in control” is defined in the employment agreements), except when such termination of employment is for cause, death or disability (as those terms are defined in the employment agreements), of a lump-sum cash payment equal to his or her base salary at the time of the termination.

Upon termination of employment other than following a change in control or involuntary termination of employment without cause, each executive agrees not to compete with the Bank for one year following his or her termination of employment with the Bank by accepting employment with a bank or any other entity which competes with the business of the Bank within 25 miles of any location(s) in which the Bank has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish business operations.

On April 9, 2018, the Bank entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Lesler. The employment agreement has a term of two years. The employment agreement provides an annual base salary of $275,000. The Board of Directors of the Bank has the discretion to award a performance bonus to him. In addition, he is entitled to participate in incentive compensation and employee benefit plans offered by the Bank, and will be reimbursed for business expenses incurred.coverage.

 

In the event of Mr. Lesler’s involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than cause, disability or death, he will be entitled to: (i) of a lump-sum cash payment equal to the executive’shis base salary atthrough the timeremaining term of the termination;agreement; and (ii) continued life insurance coverage and non-taxable medical and dental insurance coverage that will cease upon the earlier of: (A)of (a) the end of the term of his employment agreement; or, (B)(b) the date on which such coverage is made available to himMr. Lesler through subsequent employment.employment; or (c) the date Mr. Lesler becomes eligible for Medicare coverage.

 

In addition, histhe employment agreement provides payment to him inthat, upon the event of termination of employment within 12 monthsoccurrence of a change in control of the Company or the Bank, (as the term “change in control” is defined in his employment agreement), except when such termination of employment is for cause, death or disability (as those terms are defined in his employment agreement), ofMr. Lesler will receive a lump-sum cashlump sum payment equal to two (2x)2.0 times (2.0x) his annual base salary at the time of a change in control. This payment will be paid within thirty days following the termination.date of the change in control in lieu of the cash severance payments described above. However, the change in control payments would be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to avoid penalties under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Upon terminationCompensation Committee Communications and Responsiveness

The Board of Directors understands that having employment other than followingagreements that provide for change in control severance payments without involuntary job loss or substantial diminution of duties (referred to as "single" trigger agreements) may be considered problematic by certain third-party, proxy advisory firms. However, the board believes that most executives sustain either involuntary job loss or substantial diminution of duties in connection with a change in control, so that having such a requirement may not be necessary. The board further believes that, based on a review of recent merger transactions, executive agreements providing for (1) a change in control and (2) involuntary job loss or involuntary terminationsubstantial diminution of employment for reasons other than cause, disability or death, Mr. Lesler agrees not to competeduties before severance is paid, are often times amended in connection with the Bank for one year following his terminationsigning of employmentthe merger agreement to make such agreements single trigger agreements. Therefore, the board believes that having single trigger agreements are not problematic or disadvantageous to the Company or any potential acquirer, but rather serve to simplify matters in the context of any change in control, saving all parties considerable time and expense. Given the above, the Board of Directors believes concerns over its executive compensation related to certain third-party, proxy advisory firms are unwarranted.

The Board of Directors and executive management of the Company are in frequent communications with the BankCompany’s shareholder base, including its institutional investors, both through quarterly earnings calls and through voluntary distributions of data enclosed with our quarterly dividends. Additional information on the latter process can be found within this Proxy Statement under “Board Communications with Shareholders.” In the course of these communications, any shareholder or institutional investor questions or concerns regarding executive compensation, if any, have been addressed by accepting employment with a bankmanagement or any other entity which competes withby the businessBoard of Directors.

The Board of Directors believes that the Bank within 25 milesCompany’s compensation to executive management is appropriate based on review and analysis of any location(s)companies similar to our asset size and in whichour geographic area. The Compensation Committee analyzes data related to the Bank has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approvalCompany’s peer groups annually in order to establish business operations.review executive compensation, including reports and documents prepared by third-party, independent vendors.

2322 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year EndEnd.. The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2018,2020, for ourthe Company’s Named Executive Officers.

 

  Option awards Stock Awards
Name 

Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options

(#)

Exercisable

 

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

Unexercisable

 Equity
incentive plan
awards:
number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options (#)
 Option
exercise
price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 

 

 

 

Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)(3)

 

 

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested
(#)

 

 

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value or
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)

Thomas M. Coughlin  3,500   1,500      8.93  9/29/2021                
   5,000   5,000      9.03  1/17/2023                
   4,000   6,000      13.32  3/7/2024                
   3,000   7,000      10.81  12/2/2025                
   33,333   16,667      10.92  9/16/2026                
   5,000   20,000      12.40  9/13/2027                
      25,000      11.26  12/14/2028  4,500   47,115       
                                   
Thomas P. Keating  1,600   400      12.19  10/20/2024                
   3,000   2,000      10.55  12/29/2025                
   2,500   10,000      12.40  9/13/2027                
                                   
Michael Lesler                  11,101   116,227       
                                   
John J. Brogan, Esq.  1,600   400      12.19  10/20/2024                
   3,000   2,000      10.55  12/29/2025                
   2,500   10,000      12.40  9/13/2027  2,220   23,243       
                                   
                                   
Sandra Sievewright  1,500   1,000      10.55  12/29/2025                
   2,500   10,000      12.40  9/13/2027                
Name and Principal PositionOption AwardsStock Awards

Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised options

(#)

Exercisable

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

Unexercisable

Option
Exercise
Price ($)

Option
Expiration
Date

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(2)

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)(3)

Thomas M. Coughlin

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

4,5005008.939/29/2021--
7,0003,0009.031/17/2023--
6,0004,00013.323/7/2024--
5,0005,00010.8112/2/2025--
50,000-10.929/16/2026--
15,00010,00012.409/13/2027--
25,000-11.2612/14/2028--
15,06315,06212.466/14/20297,25480,302

Thomas P. Keating

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

2,000-12.1910/20/2024--
5,000-10.5512/29/2025--
7,5005,00012.409/13/2027--

Michael Lesler

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
Officer

------

 

(1)The stock options granted to Mr. Coughlin expiring on 9/29/2021, 1/17/2023, 3/7/2024 and 12/2/2025 vest at a rate of 10% per year, commencing on the one-year anniversary date following the date of grant. The stock options granted to Mr. Coughlin expiring on 9/16/2026 vest at a rate of 33.33% per year, commencing on the one-year anniversary date following the date of that grant. The stock options granted to Mr. Coughlin expiring on 9/13/2027 vest at a rate of 20% per year, commencing on the one-year anniversary date following the date of that grant. The stock options granted to Mr. Coughlin expiring on 12/6/14/202829 vest at a rate of 50% per year, commencing on the one-year anniversary date following the date of that grant. AllThe stock options granted to Mr. Keating Mr. Brogan and Ms. Sievewrightexpiring on 9/13/2027 vest at a rate of 20% per year, commencing on the one-year anniversary date following the date of grant. All stock options awarded have a ten-year term to be exercised from the date of grant.
(2)Amounts shown represent time-based restricted stock awards granted on DecemberJune 14, 20182019 and vestvesting at a rate of 50% per year, commencing on the one yearone-year anniversary date following the date of grant.
(3)Amounts shown are based on the fair market value of the Company common stock on December 31, 20182020 (the last trading day of 2018)2020) of $10.47.$11.07.

 

Options ExercisedExercised. .No stock options were exercised by any of the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020.

 

Stock Benefit Plans

BCB Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan. Outside directors and employees of the Company, the Bank or their affiliates were eligible to participate and receive awards under the BCB Bancorp, Inc., 2011 Stock Option Plan (“2011 Stock Option Plan”). The Company reserved 900,000 shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to grants of stock options under the 2011 Stock Option Plan. No further grants will be made under the 2011 Stock Option Plan; however,As of December 31, 2020, there are 804,600were 801,600 shares of common stock outstanding under the 2011 Stock Option Plan.

24 

Unless otherwise specified in an award agreement, the vesting of stock options will accelerate upon death, disability or a change in control of the Company or the Bank.

BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. Directors and employees of the Company, the Bank or their affiliates are eligible to participate and receive awards under the BCB Bancorp, Inc., 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (“2018 Equity Incentive Plan”). The Company reserved 1,000,000 shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to grants of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.

A stock option gives the recipient the right to purchase shares of common stock of the Company at a specified price during a specified period of time. Awards may be granted as either incentive or non-qualified stock options.

23 

Incentive stock options have certain tax advantages and must comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Only officers and employees are eligible to receive incentive stock options. Outside directors and service providers may only receive non-qualified stock options. Shares of common stock purchased upon the exercise of a stock option must be paid for in full at the time of exercise (i) by tendering, either actually or constructively by attestation, shares of stock valued at fair market value as of the date of exercise; (ii) by irrevocably authorizing a third party, acceptable to the Compensation Committee, to sell shares of stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the stock option and to remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise; (iii) by a net settlement of the stock option, using a portion of the shares obtained on exercise in payment of the exercise price of the stock option (and if applicable, any required tax withholding); (iv) by personal, certified or cashier’s check; (v) by other property deemed acceptable by the Compensation Committee; or (vi) by any combination thereof.

A restricted stock award gives the recipient a grant of shares of ourthe Company’s common stock for no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law. Restricted stock awards may be granted only in whole shares of common stock. Shares of common stock issued as restricted stock shall count against the reserved 1,000,000 shares of common stock as two (2) shares of stock for every one (1) share of stock issued under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. Prior to vesting, recipients of a restricted stock award are entitled to vote the shares of restricted stock during the restricted period. No dividends on unvested restricted stock awards, whether subject to a time-based vesting schedule or performance-based vesting conditions, will be paid to the recipient that has been granted the restricted stock award unless and until the recipient vests in the restricted stock award.

A restricted stock unit gives the recipient a grant of units that may be denominated in shares of common stock and are similar to restricted stock awards except that no shares of common stock are actually issued to the award recipient at the time of grant of a restricted stock unit. Awards may be settled in shares of ourthe Company’s common stock, or in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee determined at the time of final settlement in cash or a combination of cash and ourthe Company’s common stock, subject to vesting conditions and other restrictions set forth in the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan or the award agreement. Shares of common stock issued as restricted stock units shall count against the reserved 1,000,000 shares of common stock as two (2) shares of stock for every one (1) share of stock issued under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. Recipients of units have no voting rights with respect to any restricted stock units granted. Dividend rights may be paid on restricted stock units, in the sole discretion of the Committee, exercised at the time of grant, as specified in the Award Agreement.

Unless otherwise specified in an award agreement, the vesting of stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units will accelerate upon involuntary termination of employment or service simultaneous with or following a change in a change in control of the Company or the Bank.

 

Tax-Qualified Benefit Plans

 

401(k) Plan. The Bank maintains the BCB Community Bank 401(k) Plan, a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan, for all employees who satisfied the 401(k) plan’s eligibility requirements. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan as follows: for employees hired prior to September 1, 2014, upon completion of one year of service with the Bank; for employees hired on September 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014, upon completion of six months of service with the Bank; for employees hired on January 1, 2015, and thereafter, upon completion of one year of service with the Bank. The 401(k) plan allows a participant to contribute, on a pre-tax basis, up to 25% of his or her annual salary, provided that the contribution does not exceed the maximum salary deferral contribution limit set forth by the Internal Revenue Service, which was $18,500$19,500 for 20182020 for Employees under 50 years of age, and $24,500$26,000 for 20182020 for Employees

25 

over 50 years of age. In addition, the Bank may make: (i) discretionary qualified non-elective contributions; and/or (ii) discretionary matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, both of which will be allocated to a participant’s individual account based on the ratio his or her compensation bears to the total compensation of all participants. A participant is always 100% vested in his or her elective deferrals and the qualified non-elective contributions which were allocated to his or her account. The Bank may make profit-sharing contributions at its discretion which will be allocated annually in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) plan. Any discretionary matching contributions and/or profit-sharing contributions made by the Bank which are allocated to a participant’s account will become vested at the rate of 20% per year, starting upon completion of two years of credited service, and will be fully vested upon completion of six years of credited service. However, a participant will immediately become 100% vested in any profit sharingprofit-sharing contributions upon his or her death, disability, or attainment of age 65 while employed with the Bank. Generally, a participant (or participant’s beneficiary) may receive a distribution from his or her vested account on or after the normal retirement date (age 65) or upon termination of employment.

Each participant has an individual account under the 401(k) plan and may direct

24 

the investment of his or her account among a variety of investment options available, including the purchase of Company common stock through the BCB Bancorp Stock Fund.

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control- The following table sets forth estimates of the amounts that would be payable to the Named Executive Officers upon the involuntary termination of employment (for a reason other than cause), disability, death, or a change in control, if such termination were effective as of December 31, 2018. The table below does not reflect amounts with respect to plans or arrangements generally

available to all employees. The actual amounts to be paid upon any future termination can only be determined at the time of such actual separation.

  Involuntary Termination ($)  Change in Control ($)  Disability ($)  Death ($) 
Thomas M. Coughlin            
Employment Agreement (2) $560,000  $560,000  $4,464  $ 
2011 Stock Option Plan  (1) $12,590  $22,100  $22,100  $22,100 
2018 Equity Incentive Plan (4) $  $47,115  $982  $982 
                 
Thomas P. Keating                
Employment Agreement (3) $237,600  $237,600  $4,464  $ 
2011 Stock Option Plan (1) $  $  $  $ 
2018 Equity Incentive Plan (4) $  $  $  $ 
                 
Michael Lesler                
Employment Agreement (3) $275,000  $550,000  $11,727  $13,112 
2018 Equity Incentive Plan (4) $  $116,227  $2,421  $2,421 
                 
Sandra Sievewright                
Employment Agreement (3) $200,000  $200,000  $7,017  $7,980 
2011 Stock Option Plan (1) $  $  $  $ 
2018 Equity Incentive Plan (4) $  $  $  $ 
                 
John J. Brogan                
Employment Agreement (3) $205,000  $205,000  $8,901  $7,980 
2011 Stock Option Plan (1) $  $  $  $ 
2018 Equity Incentive Plan (4) $  $23,243  $484  $484 

26 

(1)Amount represents the difference between the fair market value of BCB Bancorp, Inc. common stock and the exercise price of the stock options that become vested and exercisable as a result of the executive’s termination of employment due to death or disability or a change in control of BCB Bancorp, Inc. or BCB Community Bank. The fair market value of BCB Bancorp, Inc. common stock on December 31, 2018, was $10.47.
(2)For “Involuntary Termination” column, amount reflects the sum of: (i) $560,000; and (ii) the estimated employer cost of continued life, medical and dental insurance through June 30, 2019. For “Change in Control” column, amount reflects a cash payment equal to $560,000. For “Disability” column, amount reflects an estimated employer cost of continued life, medical and dental insurance through June 30, 2019. For “Death” column, amount reflects the estimated employer cost of continued family medical and dental insurance coverage for one year.
(3)For “Involuntary Termination” column, amount reflects the sum of: (i) a cash payment equal to one times the executive’s annualized 2018 base salary; and (ii) the estimated employer cost of continued life, medical and dental insurance through June 30, 2019. For “Change in Control” column, amount reflects a cash payment equal to one times the executive’s average annualized 2018 base salary at the time of the change in control. For “Disability” column, amount reflects an estimated employer cost of continued life, medical and dental insurance through June 30, 2019. For “Death” column, amount reflects the estimated employer cost of continued family medical and dental insurance coverage for one year
(4)The amounts shown relating to unvested stock options and stock awards are based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2018 (last trading day of 2018) of $10.47 per share.

Director Compensation

 

Directors’ Summary Compensation Table. Set forth below is summary compensation for each of ourthe Company’s Non-employee Directors for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. Compensation paid to Directors who are also Named Executive Officers is reflected in the “Executive Compensation Summary” above.

 

Director Compensation

Name

Fees earned or
paid in cash

($)(1)

Non-qualified
deferred
compensation
earnings

($)

Stock Awards
($)(2)

Option Awards
($)(3)

All other
compensation

($)(4)

Total

($)

Fees earned or
paid in cash

($)(1)

All other
compensation

($)(2)

Total

($)

Mark D. Hogan53,100 50,67037,50014,205155,47559,50014,36073,860
Robert Ballance57,000 50,67037,500145,17061,100-61,100
Judith Q. Bielan49,400 50,67037,500137,57051,400-51,400
Joseph Brogan50,700 50.67037,500138,870
Joseph Brogan(3)42,500-42,500
James Collins54,900 50.67037,500143,07058,000-58,000
Vincent DiDomenico52,200 50,67037,500140,37057,800-57,800
Joseph Lyga54,00050,67037,500142,17054,900-54,900
August Pellegrini49,700 50.67037,500137,87053,700-53,700
John Pulomena25,400 50,67037,500113,57053,100-53,100
James Rizzo52,500  50,67037,500140,67059,900-59,900
Spencer Robbins52,400 50.67037,500140,57053,400-53,400
     

 

(1)Included in these totals are certain fees earned during the fourth quarter of 2018,2020, but paid in 2019.2021.
(2)Represents the grant date fair value of the RSAs received under the BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The grant date fair value has been computed in accordance with the stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718). The grant date fair assumptions used in calculating the award values may be found in our consolidated financial statements set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
(3)Represents the grant date fair value of the stock option awards received by the directors under the BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The grant date fair value has been computed in accordance with the stock-based compensation accounting rules (FASB ASC Topic 718). A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the award values may be found in our consolidated financial statements set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. Awards were granted under the BCB Bancorp, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.
(4)For Mr. Hogan, amount represents perquisites received in the form of a country club membership.
(5)(3)AsMr. Brogan served on the Board of December 31, 2018, each director has the following outstanding stock option and restricted stock awards:Directors until July, 2020.

 

 

Name

Option Awards

Restricted

Stock Awards

Mark D. Hogan94,5004,500
Robert Ballance95,0004,500
Judith Q. Bielan95,0004,500
Joseph Brogan93,0004,500
James Collins94,5004,500
Vincent DiDomenico50,0004,500
Joseph Lyga94,5004,500
August Pellegrini70,0004,500
John Pulomena25,0004,500
James Rizzo80,0004,500
Spencer Robbins90,0004,500

As of December 31, 2020, each director has the following outstanding stock option and restricted stock awards:

 


 

Name

Option Awards

Restricted

Stock Awards

Mark D. Hogan100,7501,505
Robert Ballance101,2501,505
Judith Q. Bielan101,2501,505
James Collins100,7501,505
Vincent DiDomenico56,2501,505
Joseph Lyga100,7501,505
August Pellegrini76,2501,505
John Pulomena31,2501,505
James Rizzo86,2501,505
Spencer Robbins96,2501,505

Director Fees

 

Non-employee Directors of the Company received an annual retainer of $10,000 for their services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020. Thomas Coughlin, who is a Director of the Company and also an executive officer of the Company, received an annual retainer of $10,000 for his services as a Director of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020. The Directors of the Company did not receive any other remuneration for their services as directors of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020.

 

Non-employee Directors of the Bank received an annual retainer of $20,000$25,000 for their services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020. Thomas Coughlin, who is a Director of the Bank and also an executive officer of the Bank, did not receive an annual retainer for his services as a Director of the Bank for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2020, non-employee Directors of the Bank received fees and retainers ranging from $25,400$42,500 to $57,000.$61,100. The fee amounts are determined by membership on Board committees and attendance at Board and Committee meetings. Non-employee directors of the Bank receive $1,000 for attending each Board meeting, $500 for attending each Special Board meeting, and the following as designated members of the below Committees: (1) Audit, Compensation, and Loan Committee - $300/meeting;meeting attended; (2) Joint ALCO/ERM/ERM and Budget CommitteeCommittees - $500/meeting;meeting attended; and, (3) $300/meeting attended for all other Committee Meetings attended as a

25 

designated member of the Committee. Thomas Coughlin, who is a Director of the Bank and also an executive officer, did not receive any fees or a retainer for his services as a Director of the Bank for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020.

 

As noted in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section, the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company received no stock option or restricted stock awards for the year 2020.

Director Plans

 

Stock Benefit Plans. Directors are eligible to participate in the 2011 Stock Option Plan and the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. Please see the descriptions of the plan set forth above under “Executive Compensation – Stock Benefit Plans” for further details.

 

Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.The Board of Directors of the Bank adopted the 2005 Director Deferred Compensation Plan (the “2005 Deferred Plan”), which became effective on October 1, 2005. The 2005 Deferred Plan is designed to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. All members of the Board of Directors of the Bank are eligible to participate in the 2005 Deferred Plan. Pursuant to the 2005 Deferred Plan, a participant may elect to defer, on a pre-tax basis, receipt of all or any portion of the fees and retainers received for his or her service on the Board of Directors and on committees of the Board of Directors, but only to the extent such amounts are attributable to services not yet performed. The Bank credits the deferred amounts to a bookkeeping account. Interest is paid on such deferred amounts at a rate equal to the rate payable on the Bank’s highest paying time deposit, as determined as of the first day of each month, or as adjusted from time to time. The Bank may establish a “rabbi trust” to which the Bank may deposit such deferrals and interest, but such deposits shall remain subject to the claims of the Bank’s creditors.

A participant may make a deferral election during the first 30 days of becoming eligible to participate in the 2005 Deferred Plan with respect to amounts earned that year, specifying the amount deferred and the time and form of payment. Deferral amounts continue in effect until the participant files a notice of adjustment with the Bank. In addition, if the amount of director fees and/or retainers is increased, the participant may increase the amount of his or her deferral by filing a notice of adjustment with the Bank. Such adjustments take effect as of January 1 following the date the notice is given to the Bank. Such deferral election is irrevocable with respect to the calendar year for which it is filed, provided, however, that a participant may delay distributions or modify a previous deferral election if: (i) the new deferral election is not effective for 12 months, (ii) the original distribution date is at least 12 months from the date of the change in the election, and (iii) the new distribution date must be at least five years after the original distribution date.

28 

Deferred fees will be paid out on the participant’s benefit age as designated in his or her deferral election form or upon the participant’s death, disability or separation from service as a director of the Bank, if such date is earlier than his or her designated benefit age. Distributions may also be made earlier than the director’s designated benefit age if the distribution is necessary to satisfy a financial hardship, as defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. At the election of the participant, the distribution may be paid out in a lump sum or in equal annual installments over a period not to exceed ten years.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

The Bank leases its 860 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey, branch office from a limited liability company owned by directors Hogan, Ballance, Bielan, Collins, Coughlin, Lyga and Pellegrini, the estate of former director Tagliareni, and former director Pasiechnik. The remaining 10% membership interest is owned by a limited liability company of which Director Broganformer director Brogan’s estate is a member. The percentage of ownership in the limited liability company is divided equally among the 10 individuals and/or entities. Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, we believethe Company believes that the terms and conditions of the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party that was unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2018,2020, total lease payments of $165,000.00$165,000 were made to that limited liability company. PaymentsRental payments under the lease were $13,750.00$13,750 per month. Paymentsmonth in 2020. Rental payments under the lease currently are $13,750 per month.

26 

The Bank leases its 876 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, New Jersey, branch office from a limited liability company owned by directors Bielan, Coughlin, Hogan, Pellegrini, Rizzo, Robbins, and the estate of former director Brogan. The percentage of ownership in the limited liability company is divided equally among those seven (7) individuals. Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, the Company believes that the terms and conditions of the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party that was unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2020, total $13,750.00lease payments of $96,000 were made to that limited liability company. Rental payments under the lease were $8,000 per month in 2020. Rental payments under the lease currently are $8,000 per month.

 

The Bank leases aits 190 Park Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey, branch office in Woodbridge, New Jersey, from a limited liability company in which director Rizzo owns a portion50% membership interest and director Hogan owns a 50% membership interest. Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, the Company believes that the terms and conditions of which is owned by director Robbins and former director Stetz.the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2018,2020, total lease payments of $180,866.59$96,589 were made to that limited liability company. Payments under the lease from January 2018 through July 2018 were $14,374.23 per month;Rental payments under the lease from August 2018 through September 2018 were $14,793.62$7,153 per month; andmonth in 2020. Rental payments under the lease from October 2018 through the end of 2018 were $14,970.42 per month. Payments under the lease currently total $14,970.42$7,153 per month.

The Bank leases its 734 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, branch office from a limited liability company in which directors Ballance, Bielan, Coughlin, Hogan, Lyga, Pellegrini, Rizzo and Robbins each own a 10% membership interest. Former director Gary Stetz owns a 10% membership interest. The remaining 10% membership interest is owned by a limited liability company of which the estate of former director Brogan is a member. Based upon a market rental value appraisal obtained prior to entering into the lease agreement, the Company believes that the terms and conditions of the lease are comparable to terms that would have been available from a third party unaffiliated with the Bank. During 2020, total lease payments of $88,200 were made to that limited liability company. Rental payments under the lease were $7,350 per month in 2020. Rental payments under the lease currently total $7,350 per month.

 

Other than as described in the preceding paragraph, no directors, executive officers or immediate family members of such individuals have engaged in transactions with us involving more than $120,000 (other than through a loan) during the preceding year. In addition, no directors, executive officers or immediate family members of such individuals were involved in loans from us which were not made in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rate and collateral, as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time with other unaffiliated persons, and do not include more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

 

We requireThe Company requires that any transaction in which a director, officer or a member of their immediate family has an interest, and in which the Bank is involved, must be reviewed and approved and/or ratified by the Board of Directors. Any such transaction must be made on terms no less favorable to us than it would be if wethe Company entered into a similar relationship with an unaffiliated third party. Any lending relationship between a director, officer or a member of their immediate family and the Bank must be reviewed and approved and/or ratified by the Board of Directors. All such loans are made on substantially the same terms as loans to third parties, consistent with banking regulations governing the origination of loans to directors, officers and employees of the Bank. The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the application of these policies and procedures, which are part of ourthe Company’s written policies.

 

Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits an issuer from: (1) extending or maintaining credit; (2) arranging for the extension of credit; or (3) renewing an extension of credit in the form of a personal loan for an officer or director. There are several exceptions to this general prohibition, one of which is applicable to us. Sarbanes-Oxley does not apply to loans made by a depository institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is subject to the insider lending restrictions of the Federal Reserve Act. All loans to ourthe Company’s directors and officers are made in conformity with regulations promulgated under the Federal Reserve Act.


27 

PROPOSAL II - RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED


PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

  OurThe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, was Wolf & Company, P.C. (“Wolf & Company”). Our independent registered accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2017, was Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP (“Baker Tilly”). On March 15, 2018, the Audit Committee met and decided to dismiss Baker Tilly as our independent registered public accounting firm and approved the engagement of Wolf & Company to be our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018.

The audit report of Baker Tilly on our consolidated financial statements and on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the year ended December 31, 2017 and the subsequent interim period through March 15, 2018, there were no: (1) disagreements with Baker Tilly on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Baker Tilly, would have caused Baker Tilly to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its audit reports, or (2) reportable events under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of SEC Regulation S-K.

During the year ended December 31, 2017 and through March 15, 2018, we did not consult with Wolf & Company regarding any matters or events set forth in Item 304 (a)(2)(i) and (ii) of SEC regulation S-K.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has approved the engagement of Wolf & Company to be ourthe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, subject2021. The Audit Committee has directed that management submit the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm to the Company’s shareholders for ratification ofat the engagement by our shareholders at this annual meeting. Representatives of Wolf & Company are expected to attend the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

Shareholder ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm is not required by ourthe Company’s Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders fail to ratify the independent registered public accounting firm selected by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such change is in ourthe Company’s best interests and the best interests of ourthe Company’s shareholders.

Fees Paid to Baker Tilly

Set forth below is certain information concerning aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Baker Tilly during 2017:

Audit Fees.The aggregate fees billed to us by Baker Tilly for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements was $204,200 for the fiscal year December 31, 2017.

Audit Related Fees.The aggregate fees billed to us by Baker Tilly for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and review of the financial statements and that are not already reported in “Audit Fees,” above was $22,080 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Tax Fees.There were no fees billed to us by Baker Tilly for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.


All Other Fees.An additional fee of $10,000 was billed to us by Baker Tilly during the year ended December 31, 2017, for services related to the proposed merger with IA Bancorp.

There were no other fees billed to us by Baker Tilly which are not described above for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services, which related primarily to costs incurred with tax compliance services rendered, was compatible with maintaining Baker Tilly’s independence. The Audit Committee concluded that performing such services did not affect Baker Tilly’s independence in performing its function as auditor for us.

 

Fees Paid to Wolf & Company

 

Set forth below is certain information concerning aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Wolf & Company during 2018:2020 and 2019:

 

Audit Fees.The aggregate fees billed to us by Wolf & Company for professional services rendered for the audit of ourthe Company’s annual financial statements, review of the financial statements included in ourthe Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements was $195,000$226,500 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020 and $298,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Audit Related Fees.The aggregate fees billed to us by Wolf & Company for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and review of the financial statements and that are not already reported in “Audit Fees,”Fees” above was $14,500$27,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020 and $16,500 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Tax Fees.There were no fees billed to us by Wolf & Company for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2020 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

All Other Fees.There were no other fees billed to us by Wolf & Company which are not described above for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

The Audit Committee has considered whether2020 and for the provision of non-audit services, which relate primarily to costs incurred with tax compliance services rendered, is compatible with maintaining Wolf & Company's independence. The Audit Committee concluded that performing such services does not affect Wolf & Company’s independence in performing its function as auditor for us.fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

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

 

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approvalpre-

28 

approval authority to its Chairman when expedition of services is necessary. The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the full Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. All of the fees paid in the audit-related, tax and all other categories were approved per the pre-approval policies.

 

Required Vote and Recommendation of the Board of Directors

 

In order to ratify the selection of Wolf & Company, P.C., as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019,2021, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy.

31 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF WOLF & COMPANY, P.C., AS OURTHE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

 

PROPOSAL III– ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and our three otherthe Named Executive Officers of the Company is described under the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation” sectionssection above. Shareholders are urged to read the “Compensation Discussion“The Compensation Committee -- Roles and Analysis”Responsibilities” section of this Proxy Statement, which discusses ourthe Company’s compensation policies and procedures with respect to ourthe Company’s Named Executive Officers.

In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, shareholders will be asked at the Annual Meetingannual meeting to provide their support with respect to the compensation of ourthe Company’s Named Executive Officers by voting on the following advisory, non-binding resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the shareholders of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”),the Company approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation” sectionssection of the Proxy Statement, including the compensation tables and other narrative executive compensation disclosures set forth in those sections.that section.

 

This advisory vote, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” advisory vote, is non-binding on the Board of Directors. Although non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value constructive dialogue on executive compensation and other important governance topics with ourthe Company’s shareholders and encourages all shareholders to vote their shares on this matter. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding ourthe Company’s executive compensation programs.

 

Required Vote and Recommendation of the Board of Directors

In order for the resolution set forth above to be approved, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon at the annual meeting is required. Unless otherwise instructed, validly executed proxies will be voted “FOR” this resolution.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RESOLUTION SET FORTH IN THIS PROPOSAL III.

 

29 

PROPOSAL IVADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF SHAREHOLDER VOTES ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

PROPOSALAs described in Proposal III above, in accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the SEC, shareholders have the opportunity to cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (a so-called “say-on-pay proposal”). Proposal IV – APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK FROM 20,000,000 TO 40,000,000 AND THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK FROM 30,000,000 TO 50,000,000.affords shareholders the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on how often the Company should include a say-on-pay proposal in the proxy materials for future annual shareholder meetings or any special shareholder meeting for which the Company must include executive compensation information in the proxy statement for that meeting (a so-called “say-on-pay frequency proposal”). Under this proposal, shareholders may vote to have the say-on-pay vote every year, every two years, or every three years.

 

TheShareholders voted on a similar proposal at the annual meeting of shareholders held in 2018 with the most votes cast to hold the say-on-pay vote every year. After consideration, the Board (the “Board”) of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) has approved, subject toDirectors recommends that future shareholder approval, an amendment (the “Amendment”) tosay-on-pay votes be conducted every three years. While the Board values constructive input from shareholders regarding the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, (the “Restated Certificate”) in order to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock of the Company from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000compensation philosophy, policies and to increase the total number of authorized shares of capital stock of the Company from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 (such increases, collectively, the “Share Increase”). The Board unanimously has approved the proposed Amendmentpractices, and believes it is important that such action to be inpolicies and practices are aligned with the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, for the reasons set forth below. The complete text of the proposed Amendment to the Restated Certificate providing for the Share Increase is set forth in Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.

Reasons for the Share Increase

The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to have sufficient authorized shares of common stock available for possible future financings, acquisition transactions and other general corporate purposes, including, among other things, stock splits, stock dividends, redemptions and exchanges and equity compensation awards under the Company’s equity compensation plan. The Board believes that having such authorized shares of common stock available for issuance in the futurea say-on-pay vote every three years will give the Company greater flexibility and may allow such shares to be issued at the discretion ofprovide the Board and for such consideration as determined byCompensation Committee with sufficient input from the Board, withoutCompany’s shareholders. The Company’s shareholders have approved the expense and delay of a special shareholders’ meeting, unless such approval is expressly required by applicable law or regulation or the rulescompensation of the NASDAQ Global Market. Although such issuance of additional shares with respect to future financings, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes would likely dilute existing shareholders, the Board and the Company’s management believe that such transactions would increase the overall valueNamed Executive Officers at each of the Company to its shareholders. There are certain advantages and disadvantages of an increase in authorized common stock. The advantages include:


The ability to raise capital by issuing capital stock underlast five annual meetings. Therefore, the type of transactions described above.
To have shares of common stock available to pursue business expansion opportunities, if any.
The ability to issue equity compensation awards under the Company’s equity compensation plan.

The disadvantages include:

The issuance of authorized but unissued capital stock could be used to deter a potential takeover of the Company that may otherwise be beneficial to shareholders by diluting the shares held by a potential suitor or issuing shares to a shareholder that will vote in accordance with the Board’s desires. A takeover may be beneficial to independent shareholders because, among other reasons, a potential suitor may offer such shareholders a premium for their shares of stock compared to the then-existing market price. The Company does not have any plans or proposals to adopt provisions or enter into agreements that may have material “anti-takeover” consequences.
Shareholders do not have any preemptive or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase any additional shares of common stock that may be issued in the future, and therefore, future issuances of common stock may, depending on the circumstances, have a dilutive effect on the earnings per share, voting power and other interests of existing shareholders of the Company.
The shares of common stock for which authorization is sought in this proposal would be part of the existing class of common stock and, if and when issued, would have the same rights and privileges as the shares of common stock presently outstanding.

The Company has no arrangements, agreements, or understandings in place at the present time for the issuance or use of the shares of common stock to be authorized by the proposed Amendment to the Restated Certificate. The Board does not intend to issue any common stockbelieve that a say-on-pay vote held more frequently than every three years is necessary or securities convertible into common stock except on terms that the Board deems to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.meaningful.

 

AlthoughAs an increase in the authorized shares of common stock could, under certain circumstances, have an “anti-takeover” effect,advisory vote, this proposal is not in response to any effort of whichbinding on the Company, is aware to accumulate common stockthe Board of Directors, or obtain controlthe Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee and the Board, however, value the opinions expressed by shareholders in their votes on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the Company, norvote when making future decisions regarding the frequency of conducting a say-on-pay vote.

It is it partexpected that the next vote on a say-on-pay frequency proposal will occur at the 2027 annual meeting of a plan by management to recommend a series of similar amendments to the Board and shareholders.

 

If the Company’s shareholders do not approve the Amendment, then the Company will be limited in its abilityShareholders may cast their advisory vote to use shares of common stock for financing, acquisitionsconduct advisory votes on executive compensation every “1 Year,” “2 Years,” or other general corporate purposes. The Company’s current Restated Certificate authorizes the issuance of 30,000,000 shares of capital stock, divided into 20,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value. As of March 15, 2019, there were 16,398,459 shares of common stock and 8,340 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. As of March 15, 2019, there were 637,158 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company’s equity compensation plans.“3 Years,” or “Abstain.”

 

If the Amendment to the Restated Certificate is adopted, it will become effective upon its filing with the DepartmentRequired Vote and Recommendation of the TreasuryBoard of the State of New Jersey. It is anticipated that such filing will be made as soon as practicable following approval of this Proposal IV.Directors

 

Approval Required

This proposal will require the affirmative vote of a majorityA plurality of the votes cast atwill determine the Annual Meeting where a quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votesshareholders’ preferred frequency for holding an advisory vote on executive compensation. This means that the option for holding an advisory vote every one year, two years, or three years receiving the greatest number of votes will not be counted as votes cast and therefore will not affectconsidered the outcomepreferred frequency of the voting. Abstentions and broker non-votesshareholders. All proxies will be countedvoted for purposes of determining ifthe three-year frequency unless a quorum is present.shareholder specifies to the contrary on such shareholder’s proxy card.


THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOUSHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR”FOR THE RESOLUTION SET FORTH IN THIS PROPOSAL IV.THREE-YEAR FREQUENCY ALTERNATIVE.

 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and related regulations of the SEC require the Company’s officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities (“ten-percent holders”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors, and ten-percent holders are required by regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To

30 

the Company’s knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and representations that no other reports were required, each of the Company’s officers, directors, and ten-percent holders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to him or her during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

In order to be eligible for inclusion in ourthe Company’s proxy materials for next year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, any shareholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be received byat the Corporate Secretary, BCB Bancorp, Inc., 595 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ 07002,following address by no later than December 26, 2019.November 19, 2021.

 

Corporate Secretary

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

591-595 Avenue C

Bayonne, New Jersey 07002

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

OurThe Company’s Board of Directors is not aware of any business, other than the matters described in this Proxy Statement, to come before the annual meeting. However, if any other matter should properly come before the annual meeting, proxies in the Proxy Committeeenclosed form will be voted in respect of any such matter as recommended by the Board of Directors will have authority to vote its proxies in its discretion with respect to any matter as to which the Board of Directors is not notified at least five business days before the date of this Proxy Statement.Directors.

 

MISCELLANEOUS/FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WeThe Company will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies. WeThe Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of ourthe Company’s common stock. OurThe Company’s directors, officers, and regular employees may solicit proxies personally, by telephone, or by any other lawful means without receiving additional compensation.

 

AAN ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K CONTAINING THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT AND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018,2020 IS BEING FURNISHED TO SHAREHOLDERS. THE FORM 10-K CONSTITUTES THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. COPIES OF ALL OF THE COMPANY’S FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COMMISSION’S WEB SITE (www.sec.gov)(www.sec.gov), ON THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE,www.bcb.bank,, AND ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE BY WRITING TO BCB BANCORP, INC. AT 595 AVENUE C, BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY 07002, ATTENTION: CORPORATE SECRETARY.

 

 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
 /s/ Mark D. Hogan
 
 Mark D. Hogan
 Chairman of the Board

Bayonne, New Jersey

March 26, 201919, 2021


31 

APPENDIX A

 

Amendments

.. + Your vote matters – here’s how to vote! You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Votes submitted electronically must be received by April 28, 2021 at 11:59 P.M., EST. Online Go to www.investorvote.com/BCBP or scan the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, As Amended, to IncreaseQR code that is on the Authorized Common Stock from 20 Million to 40 Million Sharesenclosed proxy card — login details are located in the shaded bar below. Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and to Increase the Total Number of Authorized Shares of Capital Stock from 30 Million to 50 Million Shares

Proposed amendments to the first paragraph of Article V of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increase our authorized common stock from 20 million to 40 million sharesCanada Save paper, time and to increase our authorized shares of capital stock from 30 million to 50 million are set forth below, with additions indicated in bold and underline and deletions indicated in strikethrough:

The aggregate number of shares which the Company shall have authority to issue is30,000,00050,000,000 shares,20,000,00040,000,000 of which shall be common shares, having no par value and 10,000,000 of which shall be preferred shares, having a par value of One Cent ($0.01) per share (“Preferred Shares”).


 

money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/BCBP + 03F0LC

 

 

Your vote matters – here’s how to vote! You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Votes submitted electronically must be received by April 28, 2021 at 11:59 P.M., EST. Online Go to www.investorvote.com/BCBP or scan the QR code — login details are located in the shaded bar below. Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/BCBP Annual Meeting Proxy Card q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” Proposals 1, 2, and 3 and for every “3 YEARS” on Proposal 4. For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold + 1. The election as Directors of all nominees listed below each to serve for a three-year term: 01 - Thomas Coughlin 04 - Spencer Robbins 02 - Vincent DiDomenico, Jr. 03 - Joseph Lyga 2. The ratification of the appointment of Wolf & Co., P.C., as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 For Against Abstain 3. An advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the Company’s Proxy Statement 4. An advisory, non-binding proposal with respect to the frequency that shareholders will vote on our executive compensation 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. 03ENVC 1 U P X + IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER

MEETING TO BE HELD ON APRIL 25, 2019.

29, 2021. THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE ANNUAL REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT:

http://www.edocumentview.com/BCBP

qPLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q

REVOCABLE PROXY — BCB BANCORP, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 25, 2019

29, 2021 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

The undersigned hereby appoints John J. Brogan, Esq.,Ryan Blake, Vice President and General Counsel,Corporate Secretary, with full powers of substitution to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of common stock of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"“Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002 on April 25, 2019,29, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. eastern time. John J. Brogan, Esq.,Ryan Blake, Vice President and General Counsel,Corporate Secretary, is authorized to cast all votes to which the undersigned is entitled as follows:

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE PROPOSALSPROPOSITIONS STATED ABOVE. IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT SUCH MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE ABOVE-NAMED PROXY AT THE DIRECTION OF A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting may be postponed or adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.

Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote at the annual meeting or at any adjournment thereof and after notification to our Corporate Secretary at the annual meeting of the shareholder’s decision to terminate this proxy, then the power of said attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect. This proxy may also be revoked by sending written notice to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth on the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or by the filing of a later proxy prior to a vote being taken on a particular proposal at the annual meeting.

The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company prior to the execution of this proxy of a notice of the annual meeting and a Proxy Statement dated March 26, 201919, 2021 and the Annual Report on Form 10-K with audited financial statements.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE C Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. +

 

 

 

 

Your vote matters – here’s how to vote! You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Votes submitted electronically must be received by April 28, 2021 at 11:59 P.M., EST. Online Go to www.investorvote.com/BCBP or scan the QR code — login details are located in the shaded bar below. Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/BCBP Annual Meeting Proxy Card q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” Proposals 1, 2, and 3 and for every “3 YEARS” on Proposal 4. For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold + 1. The election as Directors of all nominees listed below each to serve for a three-year term: 01 - Thomas Coughlin 04 - Spencer Robbins 02 - Vincent DiDomenico, Jr. 03 - Joseph Lyga 2. The ratification of the appointment of Wolf & Co., P.C., as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 For Against Abstain 3. An advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the Company’s Proxy Statement 4. An advisory, non-binding proposal with respect to the frequency that shareholders will vote on our executive compensation 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. 03EX0E 1 U P X + IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON APRIL 29, 2021. THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE ANNUAL REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT: http://www.edocumentview.com/BCBP q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q 401(k) PLAN VOTE AUTHORIZATION FORM — BCB BANCORP, INC. SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE BCB COMMUNITY BANK 401(K) PLAN (“401(K) PLAN”) ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS – APRIL 29, 2021 The undersigned hereby appoints Ryan Blake, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, with full powers of substitution to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of common stock of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002 on April 29, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. eastern time. Ryan Blake, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, is authorized to cast all votes to which the undersigned is entitled as follows: If any other business is brought before the Annual Meeting, this form will be voted by the Trustee in a manner intended to represent the best interest of participants and beneficiaries of the 401(k) Plan. At the present time, the Company knows of no other business to be brought before the Annual Meeting. The Trustee of the BCB Community Bank 401(k) Plan is hereby directed to vote my proportionate interest in the BCB Community Bank 401(k) Plan as indicated above. If I do not return this form in a timely manner, shares representing my interest in said plan will be voted in proportion to the manner in which other participants have voted their interests, subject to the determination that such a vote is for the exclusive benefit of plan participants and beneficiaries. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED AND THIS 401(k) PLAN VOTE AUTHORIZATION FORM IS RETURNED SIGNED, THIS FORM WILL BE CONSIDERED A VOTE FOR EACH OF PROPOSALS 1, 2, AND 3 AND FOR EVERY 3 YEARS ON PROPOSAL 4. I understand that my voting instructions will be kept confidential. I acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, dated March 19, 2021, and the Confidential 401(k) Plan Voting Instruction Form. Please complete, sign, date and submit this form to Proxy Services, C/O Computershare Investor Services, PO Box 505008, Louisville, KY 40233-9814, in the enclosed postage- paid envelope as soon as possible. Your Confidential 401(k) Plan Voting Instruction Form must be received by COMPUTERSHARE no later than April 26, 2021. PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE C Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Meeting Attendance Mark box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. +