UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): July 5, 2023 (
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (See General Instruction A.2. below):
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Name of each exchange | ||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
Appointment of Brian Farley as Executive Vice President and General Counsel
On June 30, 2023, Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Brian Farley as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, effective July 26, 2023.
Mr. Farley joins the Company from GoHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOCO) (“GoHealth”), a health insurance marketplace and technology company, where he has served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary since June 2020. Prior to joining GoHealth, Mr. Farley served in various roles at Veradigm Inc. (formerly known as Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.) (NASDAQ: MDRX), a healthcare technology company, including most recently as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer from May 2013 to June 2020. He also served in various positions, including as Corporate Vice President and General Counsel, at Motorola Mobility LLC, a provider of mobile communication devices and video and data delivery solutions, from 2005 to 2013. Mr. Farley received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics from Colorado College, a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University National Law Center and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Colorado.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Farley and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Farley was appointed as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and there are no family relationships among any of the Company’s directors or executive officers and Mr. Farley. Mr. Farley does not have any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction or proposed transaction required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Chris Howard Retirement
Chris Howard, currently Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, will retire from his position effective July 26, 2023.
On July 5, 2023, in connection with his retirement from the Company, the Company entered into a separation and transition agreement (the “Howard Separation and Transition Agreement”) with Mr. Howard. Under this Agreement, the Company and Mr. Howard have agreed that Mr. Howard will continue to serve as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary through July 26, 2023 and will subsequently continue to be employed by the Company and provide transition advisory services to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel through July 31, 2023. Following his separation until February 24, 2024 (the “Howard Transition Period”), Mr. Howard will make himself available to provide transition services to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer. In exchange for these services, the Company has agreed to provide Mr. Howard a monthly fee during the Howard Transition Period of $10,591.88 and permits Mr. Howard to remain eligible to earn performance-based equity awards granted to him in 2021 for which the performance period ends on December 31, 2023. Due to Mr. Howard’s ongoing involvement with the Company and the consideration provided by the Company, the parties have further agreed that Mr. Howard’s non-competition and employee non-solicitation covenant will be extended through the second anniversary of the expiration of the Howard Transition Period.
The foregoing description of the Howard Separation and Transition Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Howard Separation Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.
David Duckworth Departure
As previously disclosed, on June 1, 2023, the Company announced that David Duckworth will resign as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 10, 2023.
On July 5, 2023, in connection with his departure from the Company, the Company entered into a transition agreement (the “Duckworth Transition Agreement”) with Mr. Duckworth. Under this Agreement, the Company and Mr. Duckworth have agreed that Mr. Duckworth will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer through July 9, 2023 and will subsequently continue to be employed by the Company and provide transition advisory services to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and new Chief Financial Officer through July 31, 2023. Following Mr. Duckworth’s separation from employment through the date on which the Company files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission its annual report on Form 10-K with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 (the “Duckworth Transition Period”), Mr. Duckworth will make himself available to provide transition services to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In exchange for these services, the Company has agreed to provide Mr. Duckworth a monthly fee during the Duckworth Transition Period of $11,574.89 and permits Mr. Duckworth to remain eligible to earn performance-based equity awards granted to him in 2021 for which the performance period ends on December 31, 2023. Due to Mr. Duckworth’s ongoing involvement with the Company and the consideration provided by the Company, the parties have further agreed that Mr. Duckworth’s non-competition will be extended through the first anniversary of the expiration of the Duckworth Transition Period.
The foregoing description of the Duckworth Transition Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Duckworth Transition Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2.
Larry Harrod Retirement
As previously disclosed, on June 1, 2023, the Company announced that Larry Harrod resigned as Executive Vice President of Finance, effective June 30, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, in connection with his departure from the Company, the Company entered into a separation and consulting agreement (the “Harrod Separation and Consulting Agreement”) with Mr. Harrod. Pursuant to the Harrod Separation and Consulting Agreement, Mr. Harrod will make himself available to provide transition advisory services during the period immediately following Mr. Harrod’s resignation and ending on December 31, 2023 in exchange for a monthly payment of $10,309.87. In addition, Mr. Harrod will remain eligible to earn an annual cash bonus for the 2023 performance year, determined based on actual performance achievement, as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, which amount shall be prorated based on the actual number of days elapsed during the 2023 calendar year prior to Mr. Harrod’s resignation.
The foregoing description of the Harrod Separation and Consulting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Harrod Separation and Consulting Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3.
Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit |
Description | |
10.1 | Separation and Transition Agreement, dated July 5, between Acadia Management Company, LLC. and Chris Howard | |
10.2 | Transition Agreement, dated July 5, 2023, by and between Acadia Management Company, LLC and David Duckworth | |
10.3 | Separation and Consulting Agreement, dated June 28, between Acadia Management Company, LLC and Laurence Harrod | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: July 5, 2023 | ACADIA HEALTHCARE COMPANY, INC. | |||||
By: | /s/ Christopher L. Howard | |||||
Christopher L. Howard | ||||||
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version
SEPARATION AND TRANSITION AGREEMENT
This Separation Agreement (this Agreement), dated July 5, 2023, is effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below), between Acadia Management Company, LLC (the Company) and Chris Howard (Employee), and for the purposes of Section 3 only, Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (Acadia and with the Company and Employee, collectively, the Parties).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Employee is employed by the Company pursuant to an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated April 7, 2014, between the Company and Employee (the Employment Agreement);
WHEREAS, Employee is resigning as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company on the General Counsel Resignation Date (as defined below), after which date, Employee will continue to be employed by the Company as an advisor until the Employment Separation Date (as defined below), after which date, Employee shall provide Consulting Advisory Service (as defined below) to the Company as provided under this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve all matters that Employee may have related to Employees employment and the termination of Employees employment and consulting services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the releases, representations, covenants and obligations herein contained (including the exhibits hereto), the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. General Counsel Resignation; Cessation of Employment Relationship; Final Pay; COBRA.
(a) Employee shall continue to serve as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company until July 26, 2023 or such earlier date as determined by the Company in its sole discretion (the General Counsel Resignation Date), upon which date Employee shall resign, and shall be automatically deemed to have resigned without the requirement of any further action, from his position as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. Following the General Counsel Resignation Date, the Company shall continue to employ Employee as an advisor until July 31, 2023 or such earlier date as determined by the Company in its sole discretion (the Employment Separation Date), upon which date Employee shall promptly resign, and shall be deemed to have resigned without the requirement of any further action, from such advisor position and any other positions at the Company and its affiliates (whether as an employee, officer, director, member of any board of directors and/or fiduciary or otherwise).
(b) Between the Effective Date and the Employment Separation Date (the Transition Period), Employee agrees that the Company may reduce or eliminate some or all of Employees duties, authorities and responsibilities in such manner and at such time or times as it determines to be appropriate in its sole discretion without constituting a constructive termination
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or breach of any agreement with Employee. From the Effective Date until the General Counsel Resignation Date (the Continued GC Service Period), subject to the prior sentence, Employee will continue to perform Employees duties as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company in a manner consistent with past practice, as well as such additional transition duties as may be reasonably requested by the Company to facilitate a smooth transition of Employees job responsibilities to his successor. During the period following the General Counsel Resignation Date and ending on the Employment Separation Date (the Employee Advisory Service Period) Employee shall continue to be employed by the Company and shall provide transition advisory services as reasonably requested by the Companys new Executive Vice President and General Counsel, the Companys Chief Human Resources Officer, the Companys Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Acadia. During the Transition Period, Employee shall be in conformance and comply with the Employment Agreement and all Company written or established policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of its employees, now in effect, or as subsequently adopted or amended.
(c) The Employment Separation Date will be the termination date of Employees employment for purposes of Employees active participation in and coverage under all benefit plans and programs sponsored by or through the Company or its affiliates, except as otherwise provided for in Section 4(f) of the Employment Agreement or as required by applicable law. From the Effective Date until the Employment Separation Date, Employee will continue to receive his regular base salary and will remain eligible for all employee benefits to which Employee is currently enlisted.
(d) Following the Employment Separation Date, the Company shall timely pay to Employee, minus applicable withholdings and authorized or required deductions: (i) all earned, but unpaid, wages and accrued, but unused, paid time off earned in accordance with Company policy through the Employment Separation Date, to be paid on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the Employment Separation Date; (ii) any unpaid expenses or other reimbursements, due to Employee under the Companys policies, provided that Employee must submit for reimbursement any outstanding business-related expenses within ten (10) days following the Employment Separation Date, to be paid within 30 days of Companys receipt of such submission; and (iii) any amounts payable under the Companys applicable employee benefits plans and programs in accordance with their terms, including, without limitation, under the Companys Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, to be paid in accordance with their terms.
(e) Employee will receive under separate cover information regarding Employees rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and, if applicable, any state continuation coverage laws (collectively, COBRA). Employee acknowledges that Employee should review the COBRA notice and election forms carefully to understand Employees rights and obligations to make timely elections, provide timely notification and make timely premium payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that Section 4(f) of the Employment Agreement regarding Employees continuation of benefits following any termination of employment shall survive the execution of this Agreement and continue in full force and effect.
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2. Consulting Advisory Services. During the period following the Employment Separation Date and ending on February 24, 2024 or such prior date as determined by the Company in its sole discretion upon notice to Employee (the Consulting Advisory Period), Employee shall make himself available to provide transition advisory services as reasonably requested by the Companys new Executive Vice President and General Counsel, the Companys Chief Human Resources Officer, the Companys Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Acadia (the Consulting Advisory Services). Employee will provide the Consulting Advisory Services for no more than 30 hours per month. During the Consulting Advisory Period, in consideration of Employees Consulting Advisory Services, continued compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 5) and the occurrence of the Initial Release Effective Date (as defined below), Employee shall be paid $10,591.88 per month, in accordance with the Companys standard payroll practices. With respect to services rendered during the Consulting Advisory Period, Employees relationship to the Company will only be that of any independent contractor and, as an independent contractor, Employee agrees to pay in a timely manner all social security and other payroll taxes relating to such compensation. The sole compensation Employee will receive for services during the Consulting Advisory Period is set forth in this Section 2 and Section 3 below.
3. Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards. Provided that (i) Employee continues to comply with this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 5), (ii) Employee discharges his duties hereunder in a manner reasonably acceptable to the CEO, (iii) Employee provides the Consulting Advisory Services in accordance with Section 2 for the duration of the Consulting Advisory Period, and (iv) the Release becomes effective on the Post-Consultancy Release Effective Date (each, as defined below) pursuant to its terms, the 2021 PSU Award (as defined below) subject to performance-based vesting will remain outstanding and eligible to vest based on actual achievement of the applicable performance conditions as if no termination of employment had occurred, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement and/or governing documentation; provided, that, in no event shall any portion of the 2021 PSU Award vest in accordance with the foregoing unless and until the occurrence of the Post-Consultancy Release Effective Date. Employee shall be deemed to have satisfied (i), (ii) and (iii) above unless the Company timely notifies Employee of his material breach of one or more of such provisions and Employee fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days of such notice; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, any breach of the restrictive covenant obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement or Section 5 hereof at any time shall constitute Employees failure to satisfy (i) above. If Employee fails to satisfy (i), (ii) or (iii) above, or if the Post-Consultancy Release Effective Date does not occur, Employee shall remain eligible to vest in only a pro-rata share of the 2021 PSU Award based on the Employment Separation Date in accordance with the award agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, all other outstanding equity awards held by Employee shall be treated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Acadia Healthcare Company Inc., Incentive Compensation Plan and the applicable award agreement, and, other than with respect to the 2021 PSU Award, Employees separation from employment on the Employment Separation Date shall constitute a retirement for purposes of all outstanding performance-vesting restricted stock unit equity awards held by Employee pursuant the terms of the applicable award agreements. For purposes of this Agreement, the 2021 PSU Award is the Restricted Stock Unit Award granted to Employee on April 23, 2021.
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4. Confidentiality. Subject to Section 11 below, Employee agrees that the terms and conditions of this Agreement; the circumstances of Employees separation from the Company; all nonpublic, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information that Employee obtained or developed as result of Employees employment with the Company; and any events relating to the Company and/or the Companys employees that occurred during Employees employment with the Company are strictly confidential, except that Employee may disclose the terms and conditions to Employees attorneys, accountants, tax consultants, state and federal tax authorities or as may otherwise be required by law (provided such parties are instructed to comply with this section).
5. Continuing Obligations; Non-Competition; Non-Solicit.
(a) The parties hereby reaffirm their respective obligations under the Employment Agreement and agree to comply at all times with their respective post-employment obligations.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5(a), in further consideration of the compensation and benefits to be paid to Employee hereunder including, without limitation, as set forth in Sections 2 and 3, Employee acknowledges that during the course of his service with the Company he has and shall become familiar with Acadias and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company Group) trade secrets and with other confidential information concerning the Company Group and that his services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company Group, and, therefore, Employee agrees that, during the Consulting Advisory Period and for a period thereafter of twenty-four (24) months, he shall not (i) directly or indirectly own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render services for, or in any manner engage in any business that derives at least 25% of its gross revenue from the business of providing behavioral healthcare and/or related services or (ii) directly or indirectly manage, control, participate in, consult with or render services specifically with respect to any unit, division, segment or subsidiary of any other business that engages in or otherwise competes with (or was organized for the purpose of engaging in or competing with) the business of providing behavioral healthcare and/or related services (provided that, this clause (ii) shall not be construed to prohibit Employee from directly or indirectly owning any interest in, managing, controlling, participating in, consulting with, rendering services for, or in any manner engaging in any business activities with or for such business generally and, for the avoidance of doubt, not specifically with respect to such unit, division, segment or subsidiary), in each case, within any geographical area in which the Company Group engages in such businesses. For purposes of this Agreement, the term participate in shall include, without limitation, having any direct or indirect interest in any Person, whether as a sole proprietor, owner, stockholder, partner, joint venturer, creditor or otherwise, or rendering any direct or indirect service or assistance to any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture and other business entity (whether as a director, officer, manager, supervisor, employee, agent, consultant or otherwise). Nothing herein shall prohibit Employee from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Employee has no active participation in the business of such corporation.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5(a), during the Consulting Advisory Period and for a period of twenty-four (24) months thereafter, Employee shall not directly or indirectly through another person, firm, corporation or other entity (other than on behalf of the Company Group) (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company
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Group to leave the employ or services of the Company Group, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company Group and any employee or independent contractor thereof, (ii) hire or seek any business affiliation with any person who was an employee or independent contractor of the Company Group at any time during the twelve (12) months prior to the end of the Consulting Advisory Period or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor or other business relation of the Company Group to cease doing business with the Company Group or interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensor or other business relation and the Company Group.
6. Release.
(a) In consideration of the payments and benefits provided in this Agreement to which Employee would not otherwise be entitled (including but not limited to the Equity Treatment), the sufficiency of which Employee hereby expressly acknowledge, Employee shall execute, re-execute and not revoke a release of claims (the Release) substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto, in accordance with the following:
(b) Employee shall have twenty-one (21) days from the date of the Employees initial receipt of the Release to consider the terms of the Release, although Employee may sign it at any time sooner. The parties agree that any revisions or modifications to the Release, whether material or immaterial, will not restart this time period. Employee has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which he initially executes the Release to revoke his consent to the Release. If Employee does not sign the Release or if he revokes his execution of the Release, this Agreement shall be null and void and the Initial Release Effective Date shall not occur. Provided that Employee timely executes the Release as provided herein and does not revoke his execution of the Release within such seven (7)-day revocation period, this Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Employee signs the Release (the Initial Release Effective Date).
(c) Employee must re-execute the Release within twenty-one (21) days from the expiration of the Consulting Advisory Period. Employee has seven (7) calendar days from the date of such re-execution to revoke his consent to such re-execution. If Employee does not re-execute the Release or if he timely revokes such re-execution, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, except Employee shall not be entitled to the Equity Treatment. Provided that Employee does not revoke his re-execution of the Release within such seven (7)-day period, the Post-Consultancy Release Effective Date shall occur on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Employee re-executes the Release.
7. Company Property. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, other than as expressly approved by the Company and necessary for the provision of the Consulting Advisory Services, Employee has returned, or will return within two (2) days after the Employment Separation Date, all Company property and non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Employees custody, possession or control, in any form whatsoever, including without limitation, equipment, telephones, smart phones, work-related passwords; PDAs, laptops, credit cards, keys, access cards, identification cards, security devices, network access devices, pagers, confidential or proprietary information, documents, manuals, reports, books, compilations, work product, e-mail messages, recordings, tapes, removable storage
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devices, hard drives, computers and computer discs, files and data (collectively, Company Property), which Employee prepared or obtained during the course of Employees employment with the Company. If Employee discovers any property of the Company or non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Employees possession after the Effective Date, Employee shall promptly return such property to the Company or, at the instruction of the Company, destroy such property or information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee further acknowledges and agrees that Employee will return within two (2) days after the expiration of the Consulting Advisory Period any Company Property obtained during the Consulting Advisory Period or retained for use during the Consulting Advisory Period with express approval by the Company.
8. No Admission of Liability; No Prevailing Party. The Parties agree that this Agreement is not to be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of the Parties under any statute or otherwise, but that on the contrary, any such wrongdoing or liability is expressly denied by the Parties. The Parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the negotiations in pursuance thereof shall be construed or interpreted to render the Parties a prevailing party for any reason, including but not limited to an award of attorneys fees, expenses or costs under any statute or otherwise.
9. Voluntary Execution. Employee acknowledges, certifies and agrees that: (a) Employee has carefully read this Agreement and fully understands all of its terms; (b) Employee had a reasonable amount of time to consider Employees decision to execute or re-execute (as applicable) this Agreement; (c) in executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement Employee does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement made by any of the Companys agents, representatives, or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of the Agreement; and (d) that Employee enters into this Agreement voluntarily, of Employees own free will, without any duress and with knowledge of its meaning and effect in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Employee would not be entitled in the absence of executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement and not revoking the Release. Employee acknowledges that the Company has advised Employee to consult with an attorney prior to executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement and that Employee has had an opportunity to consult with Employees counsel.
10. Effective Date. The first date upon which Employee and the Company have signed this Agreement and the Company has received Employees signature, shall be the Effective Date.
11. Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Employee or Employees attorneys from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts
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Employee from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Employee will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Employees attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Employee files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Employee may disclose the trade secret to Employees attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Employee files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
12. Successors and Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiaries. The Parties agree that this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the personal or legal representatives, heirs, executors, and administrators of Employee. This Agreement may not be assigned by Employee. The Company may freely assign all rights and obligations of this Agreement to any affiliate or successor (including to a purchaser of assets). The Released Parties are expressly intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement and it may be enforced by each of them.
13. No Oral Modifications. This Agreement shall not be modified except in writing signed by Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.
14. Severability. If any terms of the above provisions of this Agreement are found null, void or inoperative, for any reason, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The language of all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the Parties.
15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. An originally executed version of this Agreement that is scanned as an image file (e.g., Adobe PDF, TIF, etc.) and then delivered by one Party to the other Party via electronic mail as evidence of signature, shall, for all purposes hereof, be deemed an original signature.
16. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties agree that this Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware regardless of any principles of conflicts of laws or choice of laws of any jurisdiction. The Parties agree that any action between Employee and the Company shall be resolved exclusively in a federal or state court in Tennessee, and the Company and Employee hereby consent to such jurisdiction and waive any objection to the jurisdiction of any such court. As a specifically bargained for inducement for each of the Parties to enter into this Agreement, Employee and the Company (after having the opportunity to consult with counsel) hereby waive trial by jury as to any and all litigation arising out of and/or relating to this Agreement.
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17. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the complete and entire agreement and understanding of the Parties, and supersede in their entirety any and all prior understandings, negotiations, commitments, obligations and/or agreements, whether written or oral, between the Parties. The Parties represent that, in executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement, each Party has not relied upon any representation or statement made by the other Party, other than those set forth in this Agreement, with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed or re-executed, as applicable, this Agreement as of the below-indicated date(s).
EMPLOYEE | ||||
/s/ Christopher L. Howard |
July 5, 2023 | |||
Christopher L. Howard | Date | |||
ACADIA MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | ||||
/s/ Christopher H. Hunter |
July 5, 2023 | |||
(Signature) | Date | |||
Name: Christopher H. Hunter | ||||
Title: President | ||||
ACADIA HEALTHCARE COMPANY, INC. | ||||
/s/ Christopher H. Hunter |
July 5, 2023 | |||
(Signature) | Date | |||
Name: Christopher H. Hunter | ||||
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
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Execution Version
EXHIBIT A
GENERAL RELEASE
I, Chris Howard, in consideration of and subject to the performance by Acadia Management Company, LLC, a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company), of its obligations under the Separation and Transition Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2023 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date of my execution or re-execution, as applicable, of this General Release, the Company and its affiliates and all present and former directors, officers, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its affiliates and the Companys direct and indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below.
I understand that certain payments or benefits to which I am entitled under Section 3 of the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive certain payments and benefits specified in Section 3 of the Agreement unless I execute and re-execute this General Release and do not revoke such execution and re-execution of this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter and do not breach this General Release or Section 6 of the Agreement.
Except as provided in this paragraph below and except for the provisions of the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated April 7, 2014 (the Employment Agreement) and the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment or service with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date I execute or re-execute, as applicable, this General Release) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with, serviced rendered to, or my separation or termination from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Orders; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims); provided that, this General Release shall not apply to or affect or impair (i) Claims for vested benefits pursuant to any Company employee
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benefit plan in which I was a participant prior to the termination of my employment with the Company; (ii) any Claims for unemployment insurance benefits or workers compensation benefits applicable to the period through the termination of my employment with the Company; or (iii) any Claims that may arise for my indemnification under any directors and officers or similar insurance, or under the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, limited liability company agreement, certificate of formation and/or other applicable governing documents of the Company, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates. Additionally, notwithstanding Section 5(a) of the Agreement, I agree and acknowledge that the duration of the Non-Disparagement Period set forth in Section 7(c) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to last during the Employment Period (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and at all times thereafter.
I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above.
I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute or re-execute, as applicable, this General Release). I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment and service with the Company is in compliance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, the Agreement and company policy and shall not serve as the basis for any Claim (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
I agree that I am waiving all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, attorneys fees and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under applicable law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding, excepting any benefit or remedy to which I am entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
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Nothing in the Employment Agreement, the Agreement or this General Release shall prohibit or restrict me or my attorneys from: (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this General Release, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (iii) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards; or (iv) initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), I will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company that (A) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to my attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If I file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, I may disclose the trade secret to my attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if I file any document containing the trade secret under seal, and do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this General Release is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
I represent that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in paragraph 2 above as of the execution or re-execution, as applicable, of this General Release. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing or re-executing, as applicable, this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it. Nevertheless, I hereby waive any right, claim or cause of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
I agree that I will forfeit all amounts payable by the Company pursuant to Section 3 the Agreement if I challenge the validity of this General Release. I also agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees, and upon the Companys request return all payments theretofore received by me pursuant to Section 3 of the Agreement.
Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release will be interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
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Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or any Released Party of the Employment Agreement or Agreement after the date hereof.
The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder. The personal or legal representatives, heirs, executors, and administrators of Employee are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to them hereunder.
Section 16 of the Agreement is incorporated herein and all references to the Agreement shall be to this General Release.
BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED;
I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT IN EXCHANGE FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION TO WHICH I WOULD NOT BE ENTITLED IN THE ABSENCE OF EXECUTING, RE-EXECUTING AND NOT REVOKING THIS GENERAL RELEASE;
I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION;
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY FIRST RECEIPT OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT (ALTHOUGH I MAY SIGN IT SOONER) AND ANY CHANGES (EITHER MATERIAL OR IMMATERIAL) MADE TO THIS GENERAL RELEASE WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21-DAY PERIOD;
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS GENERAL RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
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I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I DO NOT SIGN THIS GENERAL RELEASE OR IF I REVOKE MY INITIAL EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE, THE GENERAL RELEASE WILL BE VOID AND OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT AND NEITHER MYSELF NOR THE COMPANY WILL HAVE ANY RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE AGREEMENT OR THIS GENERAL RELEASE;
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER MY RE-EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO REVOKE SUCH RE-EXECUTION AND THAT THIS THAT THE RE-EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE WILL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL SUCH REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
THE RE-EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE WILL ADVANCE THE RELEASE IN PARAGRAPH 2 ABOVE TO THE SECOND EXECUTION DATE;
IF I DO NOT RE-EXECUTE THIS GENERAL RELEASE OR IF I REVOKE MY RE-EXECUTION AS PROVIDED ABOVE, THIS RELEASE SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RELEASE IN PARAGRAPH 2, THROUGH THE FIRST EXECUTION DATE;
I HAVE EXECUTED OR RE-EXECUTED, AS APPLICABLE, THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND
I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME.
AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED |
EMPLOYEE: |
|
Christopher L. Howard |
Date:__________ |
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NOT TO BE RE-EXECUTED PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE CONSULTING ADVISORY PERIOD |
RE-EXECUTED |
EMPLOYEE: |
|
Christopher L. Howard |
Date:__________ |
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Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTION VERSION
TRANSITION AGREEMENT
This Transition Agreement (Agreement) by and between Acadia Management Company, LLC (the Company) and David Duckworth (Executive), and for the purposes of Section 4 only, Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (Acadia), is entered into and effective as of July 5, 2023.
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive are parties to an Employment Agreement, dated April 7, 2014, (the Employment Agreement);
WHEREAS, Executive is resigning as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company effective on the CFO Resignation Date (as defined below), after which, Executive will continue to be employed by the Company as an advisor until the Employment Separation Date (as defined below), after which, Executive shall provide Consulting Advisory Services (as defined below) to the Company as provided under this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive and the Company desire to enter into this Agreement to memorialize Executives and the Companys rights and obligations with respect to Executives resignation from his position as CFO, separation from employment, and provision of the Consulting Advisory Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and conditions set forth hereinafter, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Company and Executive, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. CFO Resignation; Cessation of Employment Relationship.
(a) Executive shall continue to serve as CFO of the Company until July 9, 2023 (the CFO Resignation Date), upon which date Executive shall resign, and shall be automatically deemed to have resigned without the requirement of any further action, from his position as CFO of the Company. Following the CFO Resignation Date, the Company shall continue to employ Executive as an advisor until July 31, 2023 or such earlier date as determined by Acadias Board of Directors (the Board) in its sole discretion (the Employment Separation Date), upon which date Executive shall promptly resign, and shall be automatically deemed to have resigned without the requirement of any further action, from such advisor position and any other positions at the Company and its affiliates (whether as an officer, director, member of any board of directors and/or fiduciary or otherwise).
(b) From the date of this Agreement until the CFO Resignation Date (the Continued CFO Service Period), Executive shall (i) devote his best efforts and substantially all of his business time and attention to the business affairs of the Company and Acadia (except for periods of scheduled personal time off, illness or other incapacity); (ii) continue to perform his full-time duties and responsibilities as the Companys CFO to the best of his abilities in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and efficient manner; and (iii) comply with the Employment Agreement and all Company written or established policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of its employees, now in effect, or as subsequently adopted or amended. The Executive agrees that the Company may, in its sole discretion, re-assign all or any portion of the Executives duties and responsibilities and the Executive acknowledges and agrees that any such action shall not constitute Good Reason (or similar term) under any arrangement or agreement or otherwise be a breach of the Employment Agreement or other agreement
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(c) During the period following the CFO Resignation Date and ending on the Employment Separation Date (the Employee Advisory Service Period), Executive shall continue to be employed by the Company and shall provide transition advisory services as reasonably requested by the Companys new CFO, Chief Executive Officer or Board of Acadia and be in conformance and comply with the Employment Agreement and all Company written or established policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of its employees, now in effect, or as subsequently adopted or amended. For the avoidance of doubt, the commencement of the Employee Advisory Service Period shall not constitute Good Reason (or similar term) under any arrangement or agreement or otherwise be a breach of the Employment Agreement or other agreement.
(d) During the Continued CFO Service Period and the Employee Advisory Service Period, subject to Executives continued compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and timely execution and non-revocation of the Release (as defined below) in accordance with this Agreement, Executive shall continue to (i) receive the Base Salary in accordance with Section 3(a) of the Employment Agreement and (ii) be entitled to benefits pursuant to Section 3(e) of the Employment Agreement.
(e) The Employment Separation Date will be the termination date of Executives employment for purposes of active participation in and coverage under all benefit plans and programs sponsored by or through the Company, except as otherwise required by law or the terms of such plans or programs. For the avoidance of doubt, compensation received by Executive during the Continued CFO Service Period and the Employee Advisory Service Period shall continue to be subject to all applicable withholding taxes. The qualifying event pursuant to Executives rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA), if any, will occur on the Employment Separation Date. Executive will be notified in writing of the benefits that may be continued under COBRA and of the terms, conditions and limitation of such continuance in accordance with COBRA, which terms conditions and limitations will be consistent with Section 4(f) of the Employment Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that Section 4(f) of the Employment Agreement regarding Executives continuation of benefits following any termination of employment shall survive the execution of this Agreement and continue in full force and effect. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will not provide any payments for any costs associated with COBRA benefits.
2. Final Wages; No Other Payments. On the next regularly scheduled pay date following the Employment Separation Date (or such earlier date as required by applicable law), Executive will receive from the Company (i) all earned but unpaid base salary and accrued, but unused, vacation time earned in accordance with applicable law and Company policy through the Employment Separation Date; (ii) any expenses or other reimbursement for all business expenses incurred in accordance with Company policies and not yet reimbursed by the Company; (iii) any amounts payable under the Companys applicable employee benefits plans and programs in accordance with their terms. The
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Company shall timely pay to Executive any amounts payable under the Companys Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan in accordance with the terms of thereof. Executive acknowledges that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement or as otherwise required by applicable law, Executive will not receive any additional compensation, severance or other benefits as an employee of any kind following the Employment Separation Date or the expiration of the Consulting Advisory Period (as defined below). Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement and any compensation, severance or other benefits provided herein supersede any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company and its affiliates with respect to any compensation, severance or other benefits, whether written or oral, including but not limited to, those provided under the Employment Agreement.
3. Consulting Advisory Services. During the period following the Employment Separation Date and ending on the date on which Acadia files with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission its annual report on Form 10-K with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 or such prior date as determined by the Company in its sole discretion upon notice to Executive (the Consulting Advisory Period), Executive shall make himself available to provide transition advisory services as reasonably requested by the Companys new CFO, Chief Executive Officer or Board of Acadia (the Consulting Advisory Services). During the Consulting Advisory Period, in consideration of Executives Consulting Advisory Services, continued compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 6), the discharge of Executives duties as CFO in a manner reasonably acceptable to the CEO, and the timely execution of the Release in accordance with this Agreement, Executive shall be paid $11,574.89 per month, in accordance with the Companys standard payroll practices. The Company shall be precluded from claiming Executive has failed to satisfactorily perform the Consulting Advisory Services under this Section 3 unless Executive has materially breached the requirements of this Section 3 and has failed to cure to the Companys reasonable satisfaction within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof to Executive; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, any breach of the restrictive covenant obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement or Section 6(b) hereof at any time shall constitute Executives failure to satisfactorily perform the Consulting Advisory Services. With respect to services rendered during the Consulting Advisory Period, Executives relationship to the Company will only be that of any independent contractor and, as an independent contractor, Executive agrees to pay in a timely manner all social security and other payroll taxes relating to such compensation. The sole compensation Executive will receive for services during Consulting Advisory Period is set forth in this Section 3 and Section 4, below.
4. Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards. Subject to Executives continued compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 6), the discharge of Executives duties hereunder in a manner reasonably acceptable to the CEO, provision of the Consulting Advisory Services in accordance with Section 3 for the duration of the Consulting Advisory Period, and the timely execution and re-execution of the Release in accordance with this Agreement, the 2021 PSU Award subject to performance-based vesting will remain outstanding and eligible to vest based on actual achievement of the applicable performance conditions as if
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no termination of employment had occurred, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement and/or governing documentation; provided, that, in no event shall any portion of the 2021 Award vest in accordance with the foregoing unless and until the occurrence of the Post-Consultancy Release Effective Date (as defined below). The Company shall be precluded from claiming Executive has failed to satisfactorily perform Consulting Advisory Services under this Section unless Executive has materially breached the requirements of Section 3 of this Agreement (and has failed to cure to the Companys reasonable satisfaction within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof to Executive; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, any breach of the restrictive covenant obligations set forth in the Employment Agreement or Section 6(b) hereof at any time shall constitute Executives failure to satisfactorily perform the Consulting Advisory Services. For the avoidance of doubt, all other equity-related awards that have not fully vested as of the Employment Separation Date will be forfeited and cancelled without consideration effective as of the Employment Separation Date in accordance with their terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the 2021 PSU Award is the Restricted Stock Unit Award granted to Executive on April 23, 2021.
5. Release of Claims. In consideration of the payments and benefits provided in this Agreement to which Executive would not otherwise be entitled (including but not limited to the Equity Treatment), the sufficiency of which Executive hereby expressly acknowledge, Executive shall execute, re-execute and not revoke a release of claims (the Release) substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A of the Employment Agreement, in accordance with the following:
(a) Executive shall have twenty-one (21) days from the date of the Executives initial receipt of the Release to consider the terms of the Release, although Executive may sign it at any time sooner. The parties agree that any revisions or modifications to the Release, whether material or immaterial, will not restart this time period. Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which he initially executes the Release to revoke his consent to the Release. If Executive does not sign the Release or if he revokes his execution of the Release, this Agreement shall be null and void and the Release Effective Date (as defined below) shall not occur. Provided that Executive timely executes the Release as provided herein and does not revoke his execution of the Release within such seven (7)-day revocation period, this Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Executive signs the Release (the Release Effective Date).
(b) Executive must re-execute the Release within twenty-one (21) days from the expiration of the Consulting Advisory Period. Executive has seven (7) calendar days from the date of such re-execution to revoke his consent to such re-execution. If Executive does not re-execute the Release or if he timely revokes such re-execution, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, except Executive shall not be entitled to the Equity Treatment. Provided that Executive does not revoke his re-execution of the Release within such seven (7)-day period, the Post-Consultancy Release Effective Date shall occur on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Executive re-executes the Release.
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6. No Integration; Non-Competition.
(a) In the interest of clarity, any agreement relating to confidentiality, noncompetition, nondisparagement, nonsolicitation or assignment of inventions shall not be superseded by this Agreement and Executive acknowledges and agrees that any such agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 6(a), in further consideration of the compensation and benefits to be paid to Executive hereunder including, without limitation as set forth in Sections 3 and 4, Executive acknowledges that during the course of his service with the Company he has and shall become familiar with Acadias and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the Company Group) trade secrets and with other confidential information concerning the Company Group and that his services have been and shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company Group, and, therefore, Executive agrees that, during the Consulting Advisory Period and for a period thereafter of twelve (12) months, he shall not (i) directly or indirectly own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render services for, or in any manner engage in any business that derives at least 25% of its gross revenue from the business of providing behavioral healthcare and/or related services or (ii) directly or indirectly manage, control, participate in, consult with or render services specifically with respect to any unit, division, segment or subsidiary of any other business that engages in or otherwise competes with (or was organized for the purpose of engaging in or competing with) the business of providing behavioral healthcare and/or related services (provided that, this clause (ii) shall not be construed to prohibit Executive from directly or indirectly owning any interest in, managing, controlling, participating in, consulting with, rendering services for, or in any manner engaging in any business activities with or for such business generally and, for the avoidance of doubt, not specifically with respect to such unit, division, segment or subsidiary), in each case, within any geographical area in which the Company Group engages in such businesses. For purposes of this Agreement, the term participate in shall include, without limitation, having any direct or indirect interest in any Person, whether as a sole proprietor, owner, stockholder, partner, joint venturer, creditor or otherwise, or rendering any direct or indirect service or assistance to any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture and other business entity (whether as a director, officer, manager, supervisor, employee, agent, consultant or otherwise). Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.
7. Return of Company Property. Executive acknowledges that he has returned all property of the Company, Acadia and their affiliates (including, but not limited to, phones, computers, keys, electronic devices, office equipment, records, identification cards, files, reports, computer disks, rolodexes, electronic passwords and documents containing the Companys, Acadias or their affiliates confidential or business information, whether in hard copy or electronic format) to the Company as of the Employment Separation Date (other than as expressly approved by the Company and necessary for the provision of the Consulting Advisory Services).
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8. Amendment. This Agreement shall not be amended, modified or supplemented except by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto.
9. Notices. Any notice provided in this Agreement shall be in writing and sent via email, overnight delivery service or U.S. mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address indicated on the signature page to this Agreement. Notice of a change in address of one of the parties shall be given in writing to the other party as provided above.
10. Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein (including, but not limited to, Section 6), this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether written or oral (including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement).
11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered in separate counterparts, including by pdf or other electronic transmission, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together constitute one and the same agreement.
12. Governing Law. The interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement will be governed by Delaware law, without regard to any conflicts of law provisions contained therein.
[Signature Page Follows]
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Acadia Management Company, LLC. | ||
By: | /s/ Christopher H. Hunter | |
Name: | Christopher H. Hunter | |
Title: | President | |
Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ Christopher H. Hunter | |
Name: | Christopher H. Hunter | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE: | ||
/s/ David Duckworth | ||
David Duckworth |
Address for the Company: |
Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. |
Attn: Chris Hunter 6100 Tower Circle, Suite 1000 |
Franklin, TN 37067 chris.hunter@acadiahealthcare.com |
Address for Executive: |
[omitted]
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GENERAL RELEASE
I, David Duckworth, in consideration of and subject to the performance by Acadia Management Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company), of its obligations under the Transition Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2023 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date of my execution or re-execution, as applicable, of this General Release, the Company and its affiliates and all present and former directors, officers, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its affiliates and the Companys direct and indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below.
I understand that any payments or benefits to which I am entitled under Section 4 the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive the payments and benefits specified in Section 4 of the Agreement unless I execute and re-execute this General Release and do not revoke such execution and re-execution of this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter and do not breach this General Release or Section 6 of the Agreement.
Except as provided in this paragraph below and except for the provisions of the Employment Agreement dated April 7, 2014 (the Employment Agreement) and the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment or service with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date I execute or re-execute, as applicable, this General Release) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with, serviced rendered to, or my separation or termination from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Orders; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims); provided that, this General Release shall not apply to or affect or impair (i) Claims for vested benefits pursuant to any Company employee benefit plan in which I was a participant prior to the termination of my employment with the Company; (ii) any Claims for unemployment insurance benefits or workers compensation benefits
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Exhibit (contd)
applicable to the period through the termination of my employment with the Company; or (iii) any Claims that may arise for my indemnification under any directors and officers or similar insurance, or under the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, limited liability company agreement, certificate of formation and/or other applicable governing documents of the Company, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates. Additionally, notwithstanding Section 6(a) of the Agreement, I agree and acknowledge that the duration of the Non-Disparagement Period set forth in Section 7(c) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to last during the Employment Period (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and at all times thereafter.
I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above.
I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute or re-execute, as applicable, this General Release). I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment and service with the Company is in compliance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, the Agreement and company policy and shall not serve as the basis for any Claim (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
I agree that I am waiving all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, attorneys fees and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under applicable law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding, excepting any benefit or remedy to which I am entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
Nothing in the Employment Agreement, the Agreement or this General Release shall prohibit or restrict me or my attorneys from: (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information
2
Exhibit (contd)
or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this General Release, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (iii) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards; or (iv) initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), I will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company that (A) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to my attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If I file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, I may disclose the trade secret to my attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if I file any document containing the trade secret under seal, and do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this General Release is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
I represent that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in paragraph 2 above as of the execution or re-execution, as applicable, of this General Release. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing or re-executing, as applicable, this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it. Nevertheless, I hereby waive any right, claim or cause of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
I agree that I will forfeit all amounts payable by the Company pursuant to Section 4 the Agreement if I challenge the validity of this General Release. I also agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees, and upon the Companys request return all payments theretofore received by me pursuant to Section 4 of the Agreement.
Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release will be interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder.
3
Exhibit (contd)
Section 12 of the Agreement (Governing Law) is incorporated herein and all references to the Agreement shall be to this General Release.
BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED;
I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT IN EXCHANGE FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION TO WHICH I WOULD NOT BE ENTITLED IN THE ABSENCE OF EXECUTING, RE-EXECUTING AND NOT REVOKING THIS GENERAL RELEASE;
I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION;
I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY FIRST RECEIPT OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT (ALTHOUGH I MAY SIGN IT SOONER) AND ANY CHANGES (EITHER MATERIAL OR IMMATERIAL) MADE TO THIS GENERAL RELEASE WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21-DAY PERIOD;
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS GENERAL RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I DO NOT SIGN THIS GENERAL RELEASE OR IF I REVOKE MY INITIAL EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE, THE GENERAL RELEASE WILL BE VOID AND OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT AND NEITHER MYSELF NOR THE COMPANY WILL HAVE ANY RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE AGREEMENT OR THIS GENERAL RELEASE;
I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER MY RE-EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE TO REVOKE SUCH RE-EXECUTION AND THAT THIS THAT THE RE-EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE WILL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL SUCH REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
4
Exhibit (contd)
THE RE-EXECUTION OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE WILL ADVANCE THE RELEASE IN PARAGRAPH 2 ABOVE TO THE SECOND EXECUTION DATE;
IF I DO NOT RE-EXECUTION THIS GENERAL RELEASE OR IF I REVOKE MY RE-EXECUTION AS PROVIDED ABOVE, THIS RELEASE SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RELEASE IN PARAGRAPH 2, THROUGH THE FIRST EXECUTION DATE;
I HAVE EXECUTED OR RE-EXECUTED, AS APPLICABLE, THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND
I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME.
AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED |
EXECUTIVE: |
|
David Duckworth |
Date: __________ |
NOT TO BE RE-EXECUTED PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE CONSULTING ADVISORY PERIOD |
RE-EXECUTED |
EXECUTIVE: |
|
David Duckworth |
Date:__________ |
5
Exhibit 10.3
Execution Version
SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Separation Agreement (this Agreement), dated June 28, 2023, is effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below), between Acadia Management Company, Inc. (the Company) and Laurence Harrod (Employee and with the Company, collectively, the Parties).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Employee is employed by the Company pursuant to an Employment Agreement, dated August 6, 2019, between the Company and Employee (the Employment Agreement);
WHEREAS, Employee has notified the Company that Employee intends to voluntarily resign from his employment with the Company on June 30, 2023, after which date, Employee shall provide Consulting Advisory Service (as defined below) to the Company as provided under this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve all matters that Employee may have related to Employees employment and the termination of Employees employment and consulting services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the releases, representations, covenants and obligations herein contained, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Cessation of Employment Relationship; Final Pay; COBRA.
(a) Employees employment as Executive Vice President of Finance of the Company, as well as from all other officer, director and employment positions that Employee held at or through the Company, and any of its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, shall cease effective as of June 30, 2023, or such earlier date as determined by the Company in its sole discretion (the Employment Separation Date). Employee agrees to promptly execute such additional documentation as requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. The Employment Separation Date will be the termination date of Employees employment for purposes of Employees active participation in and coverage under all benefit plans and programs sponsored by or through the Company or its affiliates, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
(b) Regardless of whether Employee executes this Agreement, the Company shall timely pay to Employee, minus applicable withholdings and authorized or required deductions: (i) all earned, but unpaid, wages and accrued, but unused, vacation time earned in accordance with applicable law and Company policy through the Employment Separation Date; (ii) any unpaid expenses or other reimbursements, due to Employee under the Companys policies, provided that Employee must submit for reimbursement any outstanding business-related expenses within ten (10) days following the Employment Separation Date; and (iii) any amounts payable under the Companys applicable employee benefits plans and programs in accordance with their terms, including, without limitation, under the Companys Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
Execution Version
(c) Employee will receive under separate cover information regarding Employees rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and, if applicable, any state continuation coverage laws (collectively, COBRA). Employee acknowledges that Employee should review the COBRA notice and election forms carefully to understand Employees rights and obligations to make timely elections, provide timely notification and make timely premium payments.
2. Consulting Advisory Services. During the period following the Employment Separation Date and ending on December 31, 2023 or such prior date as determined by the Company in its sole discretion upon notice to Employee (the Consulting Advisory Period), Employee shall make himself available to provide transition advisory services as reasonably requested by the Companys new Executive Vice President and General Counsel, the Companys Chief Executive Officer or Board of Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (the Consulting Advisory Services). Employee will provide the Consulting Advisory Services for no more than 30 hours per month. During the Consulting Advisory Period, in consideration of Employees Consulting Advisory Services, continued compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 5), the discharge of Employees duties as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and the timely execution of the ADEA Release in accordance with this Agreement, Employee shall be paid $10,309.87 per month, in accordance with the Companys standard payroll practices. With respect to services rendered during the Consulting Advisory Period, Employee relationship to the Company will only be that of any independent contractor and, as an independent contractor, Employee agrees to pay in a timely manner all social security and other payroll taxes relating to such compensation. The sole compensation Employee will receive for services during the Consulting Advisory Period is set forth in this Section 2 and Section 3 below.
3. Separation Payment. Provided that Employee complies with this Agreement and the ADEA Release (as defined below) becomes effective pursuant to its terms, Employee shall remain eligible to earn a prorated portion of Employees annual bonus for the 2023 calendar year based on the number of calendar days between January 1, 2023 and the Employment Separation Date, such amount, if any, to be determined and paid in accordance with Section 3(c) of the Employment Agreement at the same time such annual bonuses are paid to other employees of the Company, less all applicable withholdings and authorized or required deductions. The payments under this Section 3 are not earnings or wages under any Company 401(k) plan.
4. Confidentiality. Subject to Section 12 below, Employee agrees that the terms and conditions of this Agreement; the circumstances of Employees separation from the Company; all nonpublic, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information that Employee obtained or developed as result of Employees employment with the Company; and any events relating to the Company and/or the Companys employees that occurred during Employees employment with the Company are strictly confidential, except that Employee may disclose the terms and conditions to Employees attorneys, accountants, tax consultants, state and federal tax authorities or as may otherwise be required by law (provided such parties are instructed to comply with this section).
5. Continuing Obligations. Employee hereby reaffirms Employees obligations under the Employment Agreement and agrees to comply at all times with Employees post-employment obligations.
Execution Version
6. Release.
(a) In exchange for the consideration provided in this Agreement, Employee agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Employee, on behalf of Employee, and Employees heirs, beneficiaries, administrators, executors, trustees and assigns, shall, and hereby does, forever and irrevocably release and discharge the Company and each of its past, present and future parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, portfolio companies and funds, and each of their past, present and future owners, officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, agents, affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, insurers, attorneys, predecessors, employee benefit plans, purchasers, assigns, representatives, successors and successors in interest (collectively, the Released Parties) from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present and whether known or unknown, suspected, unsuspected or claimed (collectively, Claims) against the Released Parties which Employee or any of Employees heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which Employee executes or re-executes (as applicable) this Agreement; (ii) arising out of, or relating to, Employees employment with or services rendered to any Released Parties; (iii) arising out of, or relating to, any agreement and/or any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Released Parties that may apply to Employee or in which Employee may participate, including, but not limited to, any rights under bonus plans or programs of Released Parties and/or any other short-term or long-term equity-based or cash-based incentive plans or programs of the Released Parties; (iv) arising out of, or relating to, Employees termination of employment or services from any of the Released Parties; and/or (v) arising out of, or relating to, Employees status as an employee, member, officer, director or consultant of any of the Released Parties, including, but not limited to, any allegation, Claim or violation, arising under any federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any Claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any Claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Employees release of Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the ADEA Release) shall only become effective (i) with respect to Employees release of Claims under the ADEA as of the Effective Date upon: (x) Employees initial separate signature set forth on the signature page of this Agreement reflecting Employees assent to Employees release of Claims under the ADEA as of the Effective Date and (y) Employee not revoking such execution by the seventh (7th) calendar day following such execution; and (ii) with respect to Employees release of Claims under the ADEA as of the date that Employee re-executes this Agreement upon: (x) Employees second separate signature set forth on the signature page of this Agreement reflecting Employees assent to Employees release of Claims under the ADEA as of the date of such re-execution and (y) the occurrence of the ADEA Release Effective Date (as defined below).
(c) Employee represents and agrees that Employee has not, by himself/herself or on Employees behalf, instituted, prosecuted, filed, or processed any litigation, Claims or proceedings against the Company or any Released Parties, nor has Employee encouraged or
Execution Version
assisted anyone to institute, prosecute, file, or process any litigation, Claims or proceedings against the Company or any Released Parties. Nothing in this Section 6 shall release or impair (i) any Claim or right that may arise after the date that Employee executes or re-executes (as applicable) this Agreement; (ii) any right to any earned and accrued base salary, vacation or benefits or incurred but unreimbursed business expense reimbursements or any severance or other benefits to which Employee is entitled under this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 1 of this Agreement, which it is acknowledged Employee is entitled to receive as provided herein), (iii) any rights to vested ERISA benefits, as well as Employees rights as an equity or security holder in the Company or its affiliates; (iv) any Claim or right Employee may have pursuant to indemnification, advancement, defense, or reimbursement pursuant to any applicable D&O policies, any similar insurance policies, applicable law or otherwise; and (v) any Claim which by Federal, state or local law cannot be waived. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prohibit or restrict Employees right to file a charge with or participate in a charge by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency; provided that Employee hereby waives the right to recover any monetary damages or other relief against any Released Parties; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Employee from receiving any monetary award to which Employee becomes entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
(d) Employee understands that Employee may later discover Claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Employee now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this Agreement, and which, if known at the time of executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement, may have materially affected this Agreement or Employees decision to enter into it. Employee hereby waives any right or Claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional Claims or facts.
(e) Employee represents that Employee has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this Section 6 and that Employee further agrees that Employee is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this Section 6.
(f) Employee understands, acknowledges, and agrees that any amounts paid to him in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement exceed what Employee is otherwise entitled to receive upon separation from employment due to Employees voluntary resignation, and that these benefits are being given as consideration in exchange for executing this Agreement, including the ADEA Release contained in it. Employee understands that he will not receive any payments specified in Section 3 unless Employee executes this Agreement including the ADEA Release contained in it, re-executes this Agreement for purposes of the ADEA Release, and does not revoke the execution and re-execution of the ADEA Release within the time period permitted hereafter and thereafter. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth under this Agreement, Employee is not entitled to receive any additional compensation, bonus, equity compensation, payment in lieu of any paid time off, equity awards, severance payments or other payments or benefits of any kind from the Company or its parents, subsidiaries or its affiliates or with respect to Employees employment with the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, including, without limitation, any payments of any kind under the Employment Agreement.
Execution Version
(g) In signing or re-signing (as applicable) the ADEA Release, Employee acknowledges and intends that it will be effective as a bar to each and every one of the released Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. Employee expressly consents that the ADEA Release will be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected released Claims (not withstanding any state or local statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other released Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. Employee acknowledges and agrees that this waiver is an essential and material term of the ADEA Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of this Agreement. Employee further agrees that in the event Employee should seek to recover against the Company in any released Claim brought by a governmental agency on Employees behalf, the ADEA Release will serve as a complete defense to such released Claim to the maximum extent permitted by law. Employee further agrees that he is not aware of any pending claim of the type described in Section 6(a) above as of the execution and re-execution (as applicable) of the ADEA Release.
7. No Cooperation with Non-Governmental Third Parties. Employee agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Employee will not encourage or voluntarily assist or aid in any way any non-governmental attorneys or their clients or individuals acting on their own behalf in making or filing any lawsuits, complaints, or other proceedings against the Company or any other Released Parties, and represents that Employee has not previously engaged in any such conduct.
8. Company Property. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, other than as expressly approved by the Company and necessary for the provision of the Consulting Advisory Services, Employee has returned, or will return within two (2) days after the Employment Separation Date, all Company property and non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Employees custody, possession or control, in any form whatsoever, including without limitation, equipment, telephones, smart phones, work-related passwords; PDAs, laptops, credit cards, keys, access cards, identification cards, security devices, network access devices, pagers, confidential or proprietary information, documents, manuals, reports, books, compilations, work product, e-mail messages, recordings, tapes, removable storage devices, hard drives, computers and computer discs, files and data (collectively, Company Property), which Employee prepared or obtained during the course of Employees employment with the Company. If Employee discovers any property of the Company or non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Employees possession after the Effective Date, Employee shall promptly return such property to the Company or, at the instruction of the Company, destroy such property or information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee further acknowledges and agrees that Employee will return within two (2) days after the expiration of the Consulting Advisory Period any Company Property obtained during the Consulting Advisory Period or retained for use during the Consulting Advisory Period with express approval by the Company.
9. No Admission of Liability; No Prevailing Party. The Parties agree that this Agreement is not to be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of the Parties under any statute or otherwise, but that on the contrary, any such wrongdoing or liability is expressly denied by the Parties. The Parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the
Execution Version
negotiations in pursuance thereof shall be construed or interpreted to render the Parties a prevailing party for any reason, including but not limited to an award of attorneys fees, expenses or costs under any statute or otherwise.
10. Voluntary Execution. Employee acknowledges, certifies and agrees that: (a) Employee has carefully read this Agreement and fully understands all of its terms; (b) Employee had a reasonable amount of time to consider Employees decision to execute or re-execute (as applicable) this Agreement; (c) in executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement Employee does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement made by any of the Companys agents, representatives, or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of the Agreement; and (d) that Employee enters into this Agreement voluntarily, of Employees own free will, without any duress and with knowledge of its meaning and effect in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Employee would not be entitled in the absence of executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement and not revoking the ADEA Release. Employee acknowledges that the Company has advised Employee to consult with an attorney prior to executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement and that Employee has had an opportunity to consult with Employees counsel.
11. Review Period. Employee has been given twenty-one (21) days from the date of Employees receipt of this Agreement to consider the terms of this Agreement, although Employee may sign it at any time sooner; provided, that Employee may not re-execute the ADEA Release until the expiration of the Consulting Advisory Period. The Parties agree that any revisions or modifications to this Agreement, whether material or immaterial, will not and did not restart this time period. The first date upon which Employee and the Company have signed this Agreement and the Company has received Employees signature, shall be the Effective Date. Employee has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Employee initially executes this Agreement for purposes of the ADEA Release to revoke Employees consent to the ADEA Release. If Employee does not sign this Agreement for purposes of the ADEA Release or if Employee revokes Employees first execution of this Agreement for purposes of the ADEA Release, the ADEA Release shall be null and void and the ADEA Release Effective Date (as defined below) shall not occur. Provided that Employee does not revoke Employees first execution of this Agreement for purposes of the ADEA Release within such seven (7) day revocation period, this ADEA Release will become effective on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Employee signs this Agreement for purposes of the ADEA Release. Employees re-execution of the ADEA Release advances the ADEA Release to the date of such re-execution. After such re-execution, Employee has seven (7) calendar days to revoke Employees consent to the advancement of the ADEA Release to the date of such re-execution. Provided that Employee does not revoke Employees re-execution of the ADEA Release within such seven (7) day revocation period, the ADEA Release will advance to the date of such re-execution effective on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Employee re-executes the ADEA Release (the ADEA Release Effective Date). If Employee does not re-execute the ADEA Release or if Employee revokes Employees re-execution of the ADEA Release, the Companys obligations under Section 3 of this Agreement shall be null and void; however, the ADEA Release will remain in full force and effect through the Effective Date. For purposes of the foregoing, any revocation must be in writing and must be emailed to Chris Hunter at Chris.Hunter@acadiahealthcare.com, and notice of such revocation must be received within the applicable seven (7) calendar days referenced above.
Execution Version
12. Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Employee or Employees attorneys from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts Employee from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Employee will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Employees attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Employee files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Employee may disclose the trade secret to Employees attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Employee files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
13. Successors and Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiaries. The Parties agree that this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the personal representatives, heirs, executors, and administrators of Employee. This Agreement may not be assigned by Employee. The Company may freely assign all rights and obligations of this Agreement to any affiliate or successor (including to a purchaser of assets). The Released Parties are expressly intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement and it may be enforced by each of them.
14. No Oral Modifications. This Agreement shall not be modified except in writing signed by Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.
15. Severability. If any terms of the above provisions of this Agreement are found null, void or inoperative, for any reason, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The language of all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of the Parties.
16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. An originally executed version of this Agreement that is scanned as an image file (e.g., Adobe PDF, TIF, etc.) and then delivered by one Party to the other Party via electronic mail as evidence of signature, shall, for all purposes hereof, be deemed an original signature.
Execution Version
17. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties agree that this Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware regardless of any principles of conflicts of laws or choice of laws of any jurisdiction. The Parties agree that any action between Employee and the Company shall be resolved exclusively in a federal or state court in Tennessee, and the Company and Employee hereby consent to such jurisdiction and waive any objection to the jurisdiction of any such court. As a specifically bargained for inducement for each of the Parties to enter into this Agreement, Employee and the Company (after having the opportunity to consult with counsel) hereby waive trial by jury as to any and all litigation arising out of and/or relating to this Agreement.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the complete and entire agreement and understanding of the Parties, and supersede in their entirety any and all prior understandings, negotiations, commitments, obligations and/or agreements, whether written or oral, between the Parties. The Parties represent that, in executing or re-executing (as applicable) this Agreement, each Party has not relied upon any representation or statement made by the other Party, other than those set forth in this Agreement, with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement.
Execution Version
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed or re-executed, as applicable, this Agreement as of the below-indicated date(s).
EMPLOYEE | ||||
/s/ Laurence Harrod |
June 28, 2023 | |||
Laurence Harrod | Date | |||
ACADIA MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | ||||
/s/ Christopher H. Hunter |
June 28, 2023 | |||
(Signature) | Date | |||
Name: Christopher Hunter | ||||
Title: President | ||||
AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED | ||||
WITH RESPECT TO FIRST EXECUTION OF ADEA RELEASE | ||||
EMPLOYEE | ||||
/s/ Laurence Harrod |
June 28, 2023 | |||
Laurence Harrod | Date |
* | NOT TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE CONSULTING ADVISORY PERIOD* |
AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED
WITH RESPECT TO RE-EXECUTION OF ADEA RELEASE
EMPLOYEE | ||||
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Laurence Harrod | Date |