EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of May 25, 2023 by and between Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Opportunity Bank of Montana, a Montana–chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., and Laura F. Clark, an executive of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. and Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Executive”). Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. and Opportunity Bank are sometimes referred to in this Agreement individually or together as the “Employer.”

WHEREAS, the Executive possesses unique skills, knowledge, and experience relating to the Employer’s business, and the Executive has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the profitability, growth, and financial strength of the Employer and affiliates,

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Employer intend that this Agreement set forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment,

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows.

EMPLOYMENT

1.1.    Employment. The Employer hereby employs the Executive to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. The Executive shall serve under the direction of the Employer’s board of directors and in accordance with the Employer’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as each may be amended or restated from time to time. The Executive shall report directly to the board of directors. The Executive shall serve the Employer faithfully, diligently, competently, and to the best of the Executive’s ability. The Executive shall exclusively devote full working time, energy, and attention to the business of the Employer and to the promotion of the Employer’s interests throughout the term of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 1.1 shall prevent the Executive from managing personal investments and affairs, provided that doing so does not interfere with the proper performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

1.2.    Term. The initial term of employment shall be a period of three years, commencing on the effective date first written above; provided, however, that commencing on the third anniversary of the effective date, and on each annual anniversary of such date (each a “Renewal Date”), the Term will extend automatically for one additional year, unless either the Bank or Executive by written notice to the other given at least 60 days prior to such Renewal Date notifies the other of its intent not to extend the same. In the event that notice not to extend is given by either the Employer or the Executive this agreement will terminate as of the last day of the then current Term. For the avoidance of doubt, any extension to the Term will become the “Term” for purposes of this Agreement.

COMPENSATION

2.1.    Base Salary. The Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Executive a salary at the annual rate of not less than $372,000, payable in installments in accordance with the Employer’s regular pay practices. The Executive’s salary shall be reviewed annually by the Employer’s board of directors or by the board committee having jurisdiction over executive compensation. In the discretion of the board or the committee having jurisdiction over executive compensation, the Executive’s salary may be increased to account for increases in the cost of living, but cost–of–living increases, if any, shall not occur more frequently than annually. The Executive’s salary shall not be reduced. The Executive’s salary, as it may be increased from time to time, is referred to in this Agreement as the “Base Salary.”

(a)    Employee benefit plans. The Executive shall be entitled throughout the term of this Agreement to participate in any and all officer or employee compensation, bonus, incentive, and benefit plans in effect from time to time, including without limitation plans providing 401(k) retirement savings benefits and medical, dental, disability, and group life insurance benefits, and to receive any and all other fringe benefits provided from time to time, provided that the Executive satisfies the eligibility requirements for any such plans or benefits.

(b)    Reimbursement of business expenses. Subject to guidelines issued from time to time by the Employer and upon submission of documentation to support expense reimbursement in conformity with applicable requirements of federal income tax laws and regulations, the Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred performing the obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to all reasonable business travel and entertainment expenses incurred while acting at the request of or in the service of the Employer, and reasonable expenses for attendance at annual and other periodic meetings of trade associations.

(c)    Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to paid annual vacation and sick leave in accordance with the policies established from time to time by the Employer.

(d)    Club dues. The Employer will pay or cause to be paid on the Executive’s behalf annual membership dues and expenses for a country club approved by the Employer, and such dues amount shall be included in Executive’s reportable income tax, to the extent required by law.

EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION AND TERMINATION BENEFITS

(a)    Death. If the Executive dies in active service to the Employer, the Executive’s estate shall receive any sums due to the Executive as Base Salary and reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month in which death occurred, and any bonus earned or accrued through the date of death, including any unvested amounts awarded for previous years.

(b)    Disability. By delivery of written notice 30 days in advance to the Executive, the Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment if the Executive is disabled. For purposes of this Agreement the Executive shall be considered “disabled” if an independent physician selected by the Employer and reasonably acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative determines that, because of illness or accident, the Executive is unable to perform the Executive’s duties, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and will be unable to perform the Executive’s duties for a period of 90 consecutive days. The Executive shall not be considered disabled, however, if the Executive returns to work on a full–time basis within 30 days after the Employer gives notice of termination by reason of disability. If the Executive is terminated by either Employer by reason of disability, the Executive’s employment with the other Employer shall also terminate at the same time. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of disability, the Executive shall receive any unpaid bonus or incentive compensation due to the Executive for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the termination became effective, any payments the Executive is eligible to receive under any disability insurance program in which the Executive participates, and such other benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the Employer’s benefit plans, policies, and agreements, or the provisions of this Agreement. The Executive shall be paid 3/4 of Executive’s monthly base salary and reimbursement of Executive’s COBRA premiums for continued group health plan coverage until the first to occur of the following: Executive returns to work, finds other full–time employment, attains age 65, dies, or the Agreement expires, provided the disability benefits will be paid for no less than one year if the remaining contract term is less than one year. Reimbursement of Executive’s COBRA premiums is conditioned upon Executive being eligible for COBRA coverage and timely electing such coverage.

(a)    With cause. The Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment with Cause. If the Executive’s employment terminates with Cause, the Executive shall receive the Base Salary and expense reimbursement to which the Executive is entitled through the date on which termination becomes effective and any other benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the Employer’s benefit plans and policies. If either Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or Opportunity Bank terminates the Executive involuntarily with Cause, the Executive’s employment with the other shall be deemed to have terminated with Cause at the same time. For purposes of this Agreement “Cause” means any of the following –

1)    fraud, embezzlement, or theft by the Executive in the course of employment, or

2)    intentional violation of any law or significant policy of the Employer that, in the Employer’s sole judgment, has an adverse effect on the Employer, regardless of whether the violation leads to criminal prosecution or conviction. For purposes of this Agreement applicable laws include any statute, rule, regulatory order, statement of policy, or final cease–and–desist order of any governmental agency or body having regulatory authority over the Employer. No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered intentional if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. An act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered intentional if it is not in good faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action or failure to act is in the Employer’s best interests, or

3)    gross negligence in the performance of duties or intentional failure to perform stated duties after written notice, or

4)    intentional wrongful damage to the business or property of the Employer, including without limitation the Employer’s reputation, which in the Employer’s sole judgment causes material harm to the Employer, or

5)    a breach of fiduciary duty or misconduct involving dishonesty, in either case whether in the Executive’s capacity as an officer or as a director, or

6)    removal of the Executive from office or permanent prohibition of the Executive from participating in the Opportunity Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e) (4) or (g)(1), or

7)    conviction of the Executive for or plea of no contest to a felony or conviction of or plea of no contest to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or the actual incarceration of the Executive for 45 consecutive days or more, or

8)    the occurrence of any event that results in the Executive being excluded from coverage, or having coverage limited for the Executive as compared to other executives of the Employer, under the Employer’s blanket bond or other fidelity or insurance policy covering its directors, officers, or employees.

(b)    Without cause. With written notice to the Executive 90 days in advance, the Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause. Termination shall take effect at the end of the 90–day period. If either Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or Opportunity Bank terminates the Executive without Cause, the Executive’s employment with the other shall terminate at the same time. If the Executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated without Cause under Section 3.2, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits specified in Article 3 of this Agreement.

(a)    Without good reason. If the Executive terminates employment voluntarily without Good Reason, the Executive shall receive the Base Salary and expense reimbursement to which the Executive is entitled through the date on which termination becomes effective and any other benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the Employer’s benefit plans and policies. If the Executive’s employment with either of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or Opportunity Bank terminates voluntarily without Good Reason, the Executive’s employment with the other shall be deemed to have terminated voluntarily but without Good Reason at the same time.

(b)    With good reason. With advance written notice to the Employer as provided below, the Executive may terminate employment with Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment with either of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. or Opportunity Bank terminates voluntarily but with Good Reason the Executive’s employment with the other shall terminate at the same time. If the Executive’s employment terminates voluntarily but with Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits specified in Article 3 of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement a voluntary termination by the Executive with “Good Reason” shall exist if any of the following occur without the Executive’s advance written consent:

1)    a material diminution of the Executive’s Base Salary (except for any reduction that is part of a reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Employer),

2)    a material diminution of the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities, including a requirement that the Executive report to a corporate officer or employee instead of reporting directly to the board of directors,

3)    Executive’s principal place of employment is relocated to a location that is more than 100 miles from the location of the Executive’s principal place of employment on the effective date of this Agreement, or

4)    any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Employer of this Agreement.

The Executive must give notice to the Employer of the existence of one or more of the conditions described above within 90 days after the initial existence of the condition, and the Employer shall have 30 days thereafter to remedy the condition. In addition, the Executive’s voluntary termination because of the existence of one or more of the conditions described above must occur within 6 months after the initial existence of the condition.

3.4.    Severance Payments. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (a) involuntarily by the Employer without Cause, (b) by reason of the Employer’s nonrenewal of the term of the Agreement in accordance with Section 1.2, or (c) voluntarily by the Executive with Good Reason, the Employer shall pay the Executive, or in the event of her subsequent death, her estate, the following benefits:

1)    the Employer shall, for a period of twelve (12) months, pay the Executive the Executive’s base salary in effect on the last day of employment, payable in installments corresponding to the Employer’s regularly-scheduled payroll dates; and

2)    if the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Bank will pay the Executive’s monthly COBRA premium paid for herself and her dependents for all applicable group health plan benefits until the earliest of: (i) the expiration of twelve (12) months of coverage; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (iii) the date on which the Executive receives or becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source.

Any payments made by the Company pursuant to this Section 3.4 shall be referred to herein as the “Severance Payments” and are subject to, and conditioned upon, the Employee timely executing, delivering, and not revoking a separation agreement drafted by the Company containing a general release of claims and other provisions. The Severance Payments shall begin on the sixtieth (60^th) day following the termination date, provided that before that date the Executive has signed (and not revoked) the separation agreement and the general release of claims is irrevocable under the time period set forth under applicable law.

CHANGE IN CONTROL BENEFITS

4.1.    Change in Control Benefits. If a Change in Control occurs during the term of this Agreement, the Employer shall make or cause to be made a lump-sum payment to the Executive in an amount in cash equal to three times the Executive’s annual compensation. For this purpose annual compensation means (x) the Executive’s Base Salary when the Change in Control occurs plus (y) the cash bonus or cash incentive compensation for the calendar year immediately before the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurs, regardless of when the bonus or incentive compensation is paid and regardless of whether it is subject in whole or in part to deferral, vesting, or a potential repayment obligation. Annual compensation shall be calculated without regard to any deferrals under qualified or nonqualified plans, but annual compensation shall not include interest or other earnings credited to the Executive under qualified or nonqualified plans or any compensation paid for service as a director. The amount payable to the Executive hereunder shall not be reduced to account for the time value of money or discounted to present value. The payment required under this Section 4.1 is payable on the date the Change in Control occurs. If the Executive receives payment under this Section 4.1 the Executive shall not be entitled to an additional severance benefit under Article 3 of this Agreement after employment termination. The Executive shall be entitled to benefits under this Section 4.1 on no more than one occasion during the term of this Agreement.

4.2.    Change in Control Defined. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the Bank shall mean (i) merger or consolidation where the Bank is not the consolidated or surviving bank, (ii) a change in the ownership of the Bank on the date any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), acquires ownership of stock of the Bank that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 30% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Bank; (iii) a majority of the members of the board of directors is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board of directors prior to the date of the appointment or election, provided that this subsection (iii) is inapplicable where the majority stockholder is another corporation; (iv) a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Bank, (v) voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Bank or (vi) change in control as defined under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. For purposes of this Section 4.2, the term “Bank” shall include either Employer and any of their successors. For all purposes hereunder, the definition of a Change in Control shall be construed and to the extent necessary modified to be consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5). The surviving or resulting association, the transferee of Bank’s assets or the control person shall be bound by and have the benefit of the provisions of this Agreement, and the Bank shall take all actions necessary to ensure that such association, transferee or control person is bound by the provisions of this Agreement. A Change in Control shall not occur where an internal reorganization such as a holding company formation occurs where the Bank’s shareholders become shareholders of the new entity or a termination described in Article 7 hereof “Required Regulatory Provisions”.

(a)         Partial Reimbursement of Excise Tax. If a Change in Control occurs the Executive may become entitled to acceleration of benefits under this Agreement or under any other plan or agreement of or with the Employer, including accelerated vesting of stock options, accelerated vesting of restricted stock; acceleration of benefits under any other benefit, compensation, or incentive plan or arrangement with the Employer; or another form of “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (collectively, the “Total Benefits”). If a Change in Control occurs, the Employer shall cause the certified public accounting firm retained by the Employer as of the date immediately before the Change in Control (the “Accounting Firm”) to calculate the Total Benefits and any excise tax payable by the Executive under Sections 280G and 4999 based upon the Total Benefits. If the Accounting Firm determines that an excise tax is payable, at the same time the Employer pays the Change in Control benefit under Section 4.1 of this Agreement, and not before, the Employer shall also pay to the Executive an amount in cash equal to the excise tax calculated by the Accounting Firm (the “Excise Tax”). The Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Section 4.3 provides for partial reimbursement only of the final excise tax that may be payable, and that additional unreimbursed excise taxes may be payable by the Executive after taking into account the reimbursement payment provided under this Section 4.3. The partial reimbursement of the excise tax under this Section 4.3 shall be made in addition to the amount set forth in Section 4.1.

(c)    Calculating the Excise Tax. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Benefits are subject to the Excise Tax and for purposes of determining the amount of the Excise Tax, all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of the Accounting Firm such other payments or benefits do not constitute (in whole or in part) parachute payments, or such excess parachute payments represent (in whole or in part) reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax,

(a)    Accounting Firm’s Determinations Are Final and Binding. All determinations made by the Accounting Firm under this Section 4.3 shall be final and binding on the Employer and the Executive. All determinations required to be made under this Section 4.3 – including the assumptions used to calculate Total Benefits and the Excise Tax – shall be made by the Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Employer and the Executive.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CREATIVE WORK

5.1.    Non–disclosure. The Executive covenants and agrees not to reveal to any person, firm, or corporation any confidential information of any nature concerning the Employer or its business, or anything connected therewith. As used in this Article 5, the term “confidential information” means all of the Employer’s and affiliates’ confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date hereof or existing at any time during the term of this Agreement, including but not limited to –

(a)    the whole or any portion or phase of any business plans, financial information, purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information,

(b)    the whole or any portion or phase of any research and development information, design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information,

(c)    the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales records, customer lists, customer information, employee lists, employee information, financial products and services, financial products and services pricing, financial information and projections, or other sales information, and

(d)    trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of Montana.

However, confidential information excludes information that – as of the date hereof or at any time after the date hereof – is published or disseminated without obligation of confidence or that becomes a part of the public domain (x) by or through action of the Employer, or

(y) otherwise than by or at the direction of the Executive. This Section 5.1 does not prohibit disclosure required by an order of a court having jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate governmental agency or disclosure made by the Executive in the ordinary course of business and within the scope of the Executive’s authority.

5.2.    Return of Materials. The Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Employer upon termination, upon expiration of this Agreement, or as soon thereafter as possible, all written information and any other similar items furnished by the Employer or prepared by the Executive in connection with the Executive’s services hereunder. The Executive will retain no copies thereof after termination of this Agreement or termination of the Executive’s employment.

5.3.    Injunctive Relief. The Executive hereby acknowledges that the enforcement of this Article 5 is necessary to ensure the preservation, protection, and continuity of the business, trade secrets, and goodwill of the Employer, and that the restrictions set forth in

Article 5 are reasonable in terms of time, scope, territory, and in all other respects. The Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure in money the damages that will accrue to the Employer if the Executive fails to observe the obligations imposed by Article 5. Accordingly, if the Employer institutes an action to enforce the provisions hereof, the Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is available to the Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. If there is a breach or threatened breach by the Executive of the provisions of Article 5, the Employer shall be entitled to an injunction without bond to restrain the breach or threatened breach, and the prevailing party in any the proceeding shall be entitled to reimbursement for all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees. The existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Employer shall not constitute and shall not be asserted as a defense by the Executive to enforcement of Article 5.

5.4.    Affiliates’ Confidential Information is Covered. For purposes of this Agreement the term “affiliate” includes the Employer and any entity that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Employer.

5.5.    Survival of Obligations. The Executive’s obligations under Article 5 shall survive employment termination regardless of the manner in which termination occurs and shall be binding upon the Executive’s heirs, executors, and administrators.

COMPETITION AFTER EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION

6.1.    Covenant Not to Solicit. For one year after the Executive’s employment terminates involuntarily with or without Cause or voluntarily with or without Good Reason, the Executive (x) shall not solicit or attempt to solicit and shall not encourage or induce in any way any employee, joint venturer, or business partner of the Employer to terminate an employment or contractual relationship with the Employer and (y) shall not hire any person then employed by the Employer or employed by the Employer at any time during the two–year period before the Executive’s employment termination. The parties agree that the Executive shall not be considered to be in violation of clause (y) if the Executive does not have managerial, executive, or supervisory responsibilities with a subsequent employer that hires a person formerly employed by the Employer, provided the Executive does not actually make the hiring decision and provided the person does not report to or work in the same area of operations as the Executive.

6.2.    Covenant Not to Compete. Without advance written consent of the Employer, the Executive covenants and agrees not to compete directly or indirectly with the Employer for one year after the Executive’s employment terminates involuntarily with or without Cause or voluntarily with or without Good Reason, plus any period during which the Executive is in violation of this covenant not to compete and any period during which the Employer seeks by litigation to enforce this covenant not to compete. For purposes of this Section:

1)         the term “compete” means

6.3.    No Disparagement. The Executive promises and agrees that for as long as the covenant against competition in Section 5.2 applies the Executive shall not cause statements to be made, whether written or oral, that reflect negatively on the business reputation of the Employer. Likewise, the Employer promises and agrees that the Employer shall not cause statements to be made, whether written or oral, that reflect negatively on the reputation of the Executive.

6.4.    Remedies. Because of the unique character of the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Executive understands that the Employer would not have an adequate remedy at law for the material breach or threatened breach by the Executive of any one or more of the Executive’s covenants set forth in this Article 6. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the Employer’s remedies for a material breach or threatened breach of this Article 6 include but are not limited to (x) forfeiture of any money representing accrued salary, contingent payments, or other fringe benefits due and payable to the Executive, (y) forfeiture of any Severance Benefits under this Agreement or any other severance benefits provided under a written agreement or policy of the Employer, and (z) a suit in equity by the Employer to enjoin the Executive from the breach or threatened breach of such covenants. The Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is available to the Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the Employer from pursuing any other remedies for the breach or threatened breach. The Executive specifically acknowledges the receipt of adequate consideration for the covenants contained in Article 6. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive has experience and capabilities sufficient to enable the Executive after employment termination to obtain employment that does not violate the covenants in this Article 6 and that the Employer’s remedies under Article 6 will not prevent the Executive from earning a livelihood.

6.5.    Survival. The rights and obligations set forth in this Article 6 shall survive termination of this Agreement, but if a Change in Control occurs before the Executive’s employment terminates Article 6 shall become void when the Change in Control occurs.

MISCELLANEOUS

(a)    Successors and Assigns. (a) This Agreement is binding on successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Employer and any successor to the Employer, including any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization, or otherwise. But this Agreement and the Employer’s obligations under this Agreement are not otherwise assignable, transferable, or delegable by the Employer. By agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, the Employer shall require any successor to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Employer would be required to perform had no succession occurred.

(b)    This Agreement is enforceable by the Executive’s heirs. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, and legatees.

(a)    This Agreement is personal and is not assignable. This Agreement is personal. Without written consent of the other parties, no party shall assign, transfer, or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder is not assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest, or otherwise, except for a transfer by the Executive’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If the Executive attempts an assignment or transfer that is contrary to this Section 8.1, the Employer shall have no liability to pay any amount to the assignee or transferee.

7.2.    Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Forum. This Agreement shall be construed under and governed by the internal laws of the State of Montana, without giving effect to any conflict of laws provision or rule (whether of the State of Montana or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Montana. By entering into this Agreement the Executive acknowledges that the Executive is subject to the jurisdiction of both the federal and state courts in the State of Montana. Any actions or proceedings instituted under this Agreement shall be brought and tried solely in courts located in Lewis and Clark County, Montana or in the federal court having jurisdiction in Helena, Montana and that service on each party shall be valid if served by certified mail, return receipt requested or hand delivery. The Executive expressly waives the right to have any such actions or proceedings brought or tried elsewhere. If a dispute concerning this Agreement arises, before commencing any action in any federal or state court the parties shall use their best efforts to resolve the dispute by arbitration or mediation, with one or more arbitrators or mediators mutually selected by the parties (or by three arbitrators or mediators, one selected by the Employer, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by the two chosen by the Employer and the Executive).

7.3.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties concerning the employment of the Executive. Any oral or written statements, representations, agreements, or understandings made or entered into prior to or contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement are hereby rescinded, revoked, and rendered null and void.

7.4.    Notices. Any notice under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been effectively made or given if in writing and personally delivered, delivered by mail properly addressed in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid by certified or registered mail, delivered by a reputable overnight delivery service. Unless otherwise changed by notice, notice shall be properly addressed to the Executive if addressed to the address of the Executive on the books and records of the Employer at the time of the delivery of such notice, and properly addressed to the Employer if addressed to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

7.5.    Severability. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any statute, regulation, or judicial precedent, the latter shall prevail, but the affected provisions of this Agreement shall be curtailed and limited solely to the extent necessary to bring them within the requirements of law. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be indefinite, invalid, void or voidable, or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless that would clearly be contrary to the intentions of the parties or would result in an injustice.

7.6.    Captions and Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are solely for convenience. The captions do not define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.7.    Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, released, discharged, abandoned, changed, or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of any such provision or affect the validity of this Agreement or any part thereof or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

7.8.    Payment of Legal Fees. The Employer is aware that after a Change in Control management could cause or attempt to cause the Employer to refuse to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, or could institute or cause or attempt to cause the Employer to institute litigation seeking to have this Agreement declared unenforceable, or could take or attempt to take other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Agreement. In these circumstances the purpose of this Agreement would be frustrated. Accordingly, the Employer intends that the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of rights under this Agreement, whether by litigation or other legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be granted to the Executive hereunder. The Employer intends that the Executive not be forced to negotiate settlement of rights under this Agreement under threat of incurring expenses. If after a Change in Control occurs it appears to the Executive that (x) the Employer has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement or (y) the Employer or any other person has taken any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish, or to recover from the Executive the benefits intended to be provided to the Executive hereunder, the Employer hereby irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to retain counsel of the Executive’s choice, at the Employer’s expense as provided in this Section 7.8, to represent the Executive in the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Employer or any director, officer, stockholder, or other person affiliated with the Employer, in any jurisdiction. Despite any existing or previous attorney–client relationship between the Employer and any counsel chosen by the Executive under this Section 7.8, the Employer hereby irrevocably consents to the Executive entering into an attorney–client relationship with that counsel, and the Employer and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Executive and that counsel. The fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by the Executive as provided in this Section shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Employer on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements prepared by counsel in accordance with counsel’s customary practices, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $500,000, whether suit be brought or not, and regardless of whether incurred in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate proceedings. The Employer’s obligation to pay the Executive’s legal fees under this Section 7.8 operates separately from and in addition to any legal fee reimbursement obligation the Employer may have with the Executive under any separate severance or other agreement.

(a)    The Employer may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the board of directors other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.

(b)    If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Employer’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 USC §1818(e)(3)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Employer’s obligations under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Employer may in its discretion (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.

(c)    If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Employer’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 USC

§1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting Parties shall not be affected.

(d)    If the Employer is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 USC §1813(x)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting Parties.

(e)    All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Employer, (i) by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Regulator”) or the Regulator’s designee, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Employer under the authority contained in Section 13(c) [12 USC §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by the Regulator or the Regulator’s designee at the time the Regulator or the Regulator’s designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Employer or when the Employer is determined by the Regulator to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the Parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(f)    Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by the Employer, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.

7.10.    Code Section 409A. The Employer and the Executive intend that their exercise of authority or discretion under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If when the Executive’s employment terminates the Executive is a specified employee, as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and if any payments under this Agreement will result in additional tax or interest to the Executive because of Section 409A, then despite any provision of this Agreement to the contrary the Executive shall not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of (x) the date that is at least six months after termination of the Executive’s employment for reasons other than the Executive’s death, (y) the date of the Executive’s death, or (z) any earlier date that does not result in additional tax or interest to the Executive under Section 409A. As promptly as possible after the end of the period during which payments are delayed under this provision, the entire amount of the delayed payments shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum. If any provision of this Agreement does not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A, the provision shall be applied in a manner consistent with those requirements despite any contrary provision of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement would subject the Executive to additional tax or interest under Section 409A, the Employer shall reform the provision. However, the Employer shall maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without subjecting the Executive to additional tax or interest, and the Employer shall not be required to incur any additional compensation expense as a result of the reformed provision. References in this Agreement to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 include rules, regulations, and guidance of general application issued by the Department of the Treasury under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.

7.11.    Consultation with Counsel and Interpretation of this Agreement. The Executive has had the assistance of counsel of the Executive’s choosing in the negotiation of this Agreement or the Executive has chosen not to have the assistance of counsel. Both parties hereto having participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, they hereby agree that there shall not be strict interpretation against either party in any review of this Agreement in which interpretation of the Agreement is an issue.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.