EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made effective as of the 1st day of January 2008, by and between Brooklyn Federal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), a federally chartered stock savings bank, with its principal administrative office at 00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, Brooklyn Federal Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a federal mid-tier stock holding company, with its principal administrative office at 00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, and Xxxxxx X. Xx Xxxxxxx (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been employed as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank pursuant to an employment agreement by and between the Executive, the Bank and the Company dated as of April 1, 2005 (the “2005 Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, Executive relinquished his title as President of the Bank and President of the Company, but retained the title of Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of January 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) provides that certain severance payments and other benefits to Executive hereunder must comply with its terms and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Treasury Regulations”), or subject the Executive to additional taxes and penalties; and

WHEREAS, the Bank, the Company and Executive desire to amend and restate the 2005 Agreement in its entirety in the form of this Agreement in order to comply with Code Section 409A and for certain other purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Bank and the Company desire to assure the continued services of Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1.   POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

During the period of his employment hereunder, Executive agrees to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  During said period, Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer and director of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Bank or the Company.

2.   TERMS AND DUTIES

(a) The term of this Agreement and the period of Executive’s employment hereunder shall begin as of the date first above written and shall continue for thirty-six (36) full calendar months thereafter.  Commencing on January 1, 2009 and continuing on January 1st of each year thereafter (the “Anniversary Date”), this Agreement shall renew for an additional year such that the remaining term shall be three (3) years unless written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal Notice”) is provided to Executive at least thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to any such Anniversary Date, that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of thirty-six (36) months following such Anniversary Date.  Prior to each notice period for non-renewal, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Bank (“Board”) will conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation and review of Executive for purposes of determining whether to extend the Agreement, and the results thereof shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting.

(b) During the period of his employment hereunder, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence, Executive shall faithfully perform his duties hereunder including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the Bank.

3.   COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT

(a)  The compensation specified under this Agreement shall constitute the salary and benefits paid for the duties described in Section 2(b).  The Bank shall pay Executive as compensation a salary of not less than $360,000 per year (“Base Salary”).  Such Base Salary shall be payable bi-weekly.  During the period of this Agreement, Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.  The first such salary review will be made no later than December 15 of each year during the term of this Agreement and any increase in Base Salary shall be effective from the Anniversary Date immediately following such review through the end of the calendar year.  Such review shall be conducted by a Committee designated by the Board, and the Board may increase, but not decrease, Executive’s Base Salary (any increase in Base Salary shall become the “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement).  In addition to the Base Salary provided in this Section 3(a), the Bank shall provide Executive at no cost to Executive with all such other benefits as are provided uniformly to permanent full-time employees of the Bank.

(b) The Bank will provide Executive with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those in which Executive was participating or otherwise deriving benefit from immediately prior to the beginning of the term of this Agreement, and the Bank will not, without Executive’s prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites which would adversely affect Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(b), Executive will be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any employee benefit plans including but not limited to, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Bank in the future to its senior executives and key management employees, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.  Executive will be entitled to incentive compensation and bonuses as provided in any plan of the Bank in which Executive is eligible to participate (and he shall be entitled to a pro rata distribution under any incentive compensation or bonus plan as to any year in which a termination of employment occurs, other than Termination for Cause).  Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.

(c) In addition to the Base Salary provided for by Paragraph (a) of this Section 3, the Bank shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in performing his obligations under this Agreement and may provide such additional compensation in such form and such amounts as the Board may from time to time determine.

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4.   OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

Executive may serve as a member of the board of directors of business, community and charitable organizations subject to the approval of the Board, provided that in each case such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement or present any conflict of interest.  Such service to and participation in outside organizations shall be presumed for these purposes to be for the benefit of the Bank, and the Bank shall reimburse Executive his reasonable expenses associated therewith.

5.   WORKING FACILITIES AND EXPENSES

Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Bank’s principal executive offices.  The Bank shall provide Executive, at his principal place of employment, with a private office, stenographic services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Bank and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement.  The Bank shall provide Executive with an automobile suitable to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, and such automobile may be used by Executive in carrying out his duties under this Agreement and for his personal use such as commuting between his residence and his principal place of employment.  The Bank shall reimburse Executive for the cost of maintenance, use and servicing of such automobile.  The Bank shall reimburse Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations that Executive and the Board mutually agree are necessary and appropriate to further the business of the Bank, and travel and reasonable entertainment expenses.  Reimbursement of such expenses shall be made upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of the expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require.

6.   PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION

(a) The provisions of this Section 6 shall apply upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement.  As used in this Agreement, an “Event of Termination” shall mean and include any one or more of the following:

(i)    the involuntary termination by the Bank or the Company of Executive’s full-time employment hereunder for any reason other than (A) Disability or Retirement, as defined in Section 7 below, or (B) Termination for Cause as defined in Section 8 hereof, provided that such termination of employment constitutes a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 6(e) hereof; or

(ii)                     Executive’s resignation from the Bank’s employ, upon any

(A)   failure to elect or reelect or to appoint or reappoint Executive as Chief Executive Officer,

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(B)	material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and attributes thereof described in Section 1, above,
(C)	liquidation or dissolution of the Bank or Company other than liquidations or dissolutions that are caused by reorganizations that do not affect the status of Executive,
(D)	reduction in Executive’s annual compensation or benefits or relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment by more than 25 miles from its location as of the date of this Agreement, or
(E)	material breach of this Agreement by the Bank or the Company.

Upon the occurrence of any event described in clauses (ii) (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E), above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation upon sixty (60) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time not to exceed ninety (90) days after the initial event giving rise to said right to elect.  The Bank shall have thirty (30) days to cure the conditions giving rise to the Event of Termination, provided that the Bank may elect to waive such 30 day period.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the event of a continuing breach of this Agreement by the Bank, Executive, after giving due notice within the prescribed time frame of an initial event specified above, shall not waive any of his rights solely under this Agreement and this Section 6 by virtue of the fact that Executive has submitted his resignation but has remained in the employment of the Bank and is engaged in good faith discussions to resolve any occurrence of an event described in clauses (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) above.

(iii)           (A) Executive’s involuntary termination by the Bank or the Company on the effective date of, or at any time following, a Change in Control, or (B) Executive’s resignation from employment with the Bank or the Company following a Change in Control as a result of the Bank’s or the Company’s (or any successor thereto) failure to renew or extend this Agreement, or (C) Executive’s resignation from employment with the Bank or the Company (or any successor thereto) following a Change in Control as a result of any event described in Section 6(a)(ii)(A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) above.  For these purposes, a Change in Control of the Bank or the Company shall mean a change in control of a nature that: (i) would be required to be reported in response to Item 5.01 of the current report on Form 8-K, as in effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”); or (ii) results in a Change in Control of the Bank or the Company within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “HOLA”) as in effect at the time of the Change in Control; or (iii) without limitation such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as (a) any “person” (as the term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Company’s outstanding securities, except for any securities purchased by the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan or trust; or (b) individuals who constitute the Board on the date hereof (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election was approved by a vote of at least three-quarters of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board, or whose nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by the same Nominating Committee serving under an Incumbent Board, shall be, for purposes of this clause (b), considered as though he were a member of the Incumbent Board; or (c) a plan of reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Bank or the Company or similar transaction in which the Bank or Company is not the surviving institution occurs or is effected; or (d) a tender offer is made for 25% or more of the voting securities of the Company and the shareholders owning beneficially or of record 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company have tendered or offered to sell their shares pursuant to such tender offer and such tendered shares have been accepted by the tender offeror.  Notwithstanding anything in this subsection to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred upon the conversion of the Company’s mutual holding company parent to stock form, or in connection with any reorganization used to effect such a conversion.

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(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, on the Date of Termination, as defined in Section 9(b), the Bank shall pay Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a sum equal to three (3) times the sum of (i) Base Salary and (ii) the highest rate of bonus awarded to Executive during the prior three years.  

(c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank will cause to be continued life, and non-taxable medical, dental and disability coverage substantially identical to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to his termination.  Such coverage shall continue for thirty-six (36) months from the Date of Termination.

(d) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, on the Date of Termination, as defined in Section 9(b) after taking into consideration the requirements of Section 6(e) hereof, the Bank shall pay Executive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the Bank’s contributions that would have been made on his behalf under each of the Bank’s (i) 401(k) Plan, (ii) money purchase pension plan, and (iii) employee stock ownership plan (and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank) as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for a thirty-six (36) month period following his termination earning the Base Salary that would have been achieved during the remaining unexpired term of this Agreement (assuming, if a Change in Control has occurred, that the annual Base Salary increases under Section 3(a) would apply and, additionally, that such payment would continue for the remaining unexpired term of this Agreement) and making the maximum amount of employee contributions permitted, if any, under such plan or plans, where such present values are to be determined using a discount rate of 6%.

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(e) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” shall have occurred if the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipate that no further services will be performed by the Executive after the date of the Event of Termination (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) or the level of further services performed will not exceed 49% of the average level of bona fide services in the 36 months immediately preceding the Event of Termination.  For all purposes hereunder, the definition of “Separation from Service” shall be interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(ii).  If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under subparagraph (b) or (d) of this Section 6 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.

(f) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive under said paragraphs (the “Termination Benefits”) would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto, then such Termination Benefits will be reduced to an amount (the “Non-Triggering Amount”), the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to the total amount of payments permissible under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto.

7.   TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT, DISABILITY OR DEATH

For purposes of this Agreement, termination by the Bank of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment by the Board of the Bank and the Board of Directors of the Company upon Executive’s attainment of age 65, or such later date as determined by the Board of Directors of the Bank.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment because of Retirement, Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Bank and other plans to which Executive is a party, but Executive shall not be entitled to the Termination Benefits specified in Section 6(b) through 6(d) hereof.

Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply with Code Section 409A and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration.  In the event of Executive’s Disability, the Bank may terminate this Agreement, provided that the Bank shall continue to be obligated to pay Executive his Base Salary for the remaining term of the Agreement, or one year, whichever is the longer period of time, and provided further that any amounts actually paid to Executive pursuant to any disability insurance or other similar such program which the Bank has provided or may provide on behalf of its employees or pursuant to any xxxxxxx’x or social security disability program shall reduce the compensation to be paid to Executive pursuant to this paragraph.  Disability payments hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days of the Disability determination.

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In the event of Executive’s death during the term of the Agreement, his estate, legal representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid Executive’s Base Salary as defined in Paragraph 3(a) at the rate in effect at the time Executive’s death for a period of one (1) year from the date of Executive’s death, and the Bank will continue to provide medical, dental, family and other benefits normally provided to Executive’s family for one (1) year after Executive’s death.

8.   TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

The term “Termination for Cause” shall mean termination because of Executive’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, any breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any provision of this Agreement.  In determining incompetence, the acts or omissions shall be measured against standards generally prevailing in the savings institutions industry.  Executive shall not have the right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause.  Any stock options granted to Executive under any stock option plan of the Bank, the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, shall become null and void effective upon Executive’s receipt of Notice of Termination for Cause pursuant to Section 9 hereof, and shall not be exercisable by Executive at any time subsequent to such Termination for Cause.  Any unvested stock awards granted to Executive under any stock incentive plan of the Bank or the Company shall be forfeited.

9.   NOTICE

(a) Any termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

(b) “Date of Termination” shall mean (A) if Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after a Notice of Termination is given (provided that he shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a full-time basis during such thirty (30) day period), and (B) if his employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination.

(c) If the party receiving a Notice of Termination desires to dispute or contest the basis or reasons for termination, the party receiving the Notice of Termination must notify the other party within thirty (30) days after receiving the Notice of Termination that such a dispute exists, and shall pursue the resolution of such dispute in good faith and with reasonable diligence pursuant to Section 20 of this Agreement.  During the pendency of any such dispute, neither the Company nor the Bank shall be obligated to pay Executive compensation or other payments beyond the Date of Termination.  Any amounts paid to Executive upon resolution of such dispute under this Section shall be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this Agreement.

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10.   POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

(a) All payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to Executive’s compliance with paragraph (b) of this Section during the term of this Agreement and for one (1) full year after the expiration or termination hereof.

(b) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank in connection with any litigation in which it or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party.

11.   NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION OBLIGATIONS

(a) Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of which the Bank is paying Executive benefits under Section 6 of this Agreement, other than a termination in connection with a Change in Control, Executive agrees not to compete with the Bank and/or the Company for a period of one (1) year following such termination within twenty-five (25) miles of any existing branch of the Bank or any subsidiary of the Company or within twenty-five (25) miles of any office for which the Bank, the Company or a Bank subsidiary of the Company has filed an application for regulatory  approval to establish an office, determined as of the effective date of such termination, except as agreed to pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board.  Executive agrees that during such period and within said area, cities, towns and counties, Executive shall not work for or advise, consult or otherwise serve with, directly or indirectly, any entity whose business materially competes with the depository, lending or other business activities of the Bank and/or the Company.  The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank and/or the Company, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of this Subsection 11(a) agree that in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Bank and/or the Company will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Executive, Executive’s partners, agents, servants, employers, employees and all persons acting for or with Executive.  Executive represents and admits that Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Bank and/or the Company, and that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.  Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank and/or the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to the Bank and/or the Company for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.

(b) Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of which the Bank is paying Executive benefits under Section 6 of this Agreement, other than a termination in connection with a Change in Control, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one (1) year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:

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(i)            solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Bank or the Company, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with the business of the Bank or the Company, or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates or has headquarters or offices within twenty-five (25) miles of the locations in which the Bank or the Company has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office; or

(ii)            solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any customer of the Bank to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with the Bank.

(c) Executive recognizes and acknowledges that the knowledge of the business activities and plans for business activities of the Bank and affiliates thereof, as it may exist from time to time, is a valuable, special and unique asset of the business of the Bank.  Executive will not, during or after the term of his employment, disclose any knowledge of the past, present, planned or considered business activities of the Bank or affiliates thereof to any person, firm, corporation, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever (except for such disclosure as may be required to be provided to any federal banking agency with jurisdiction over the Bank or Executive).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may disclose any knowledge of banking, financial and/or economic principles, concepts or ideas which are not solely and exclusively derived from the business plans and activities of the Bank, and Executive may disclose any information regarding the Bank or the Company which is otherwise publicly available.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions of this Section, the Bank will be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from disclosing, in whole or in part, the knowledge of the past, present, planned or considered business activities of the Bank or affiliates thereof, or from rendering any services to any person, firm, corporation, other entity to whom such knowledge, in whole or in part, has been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed.  Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank from pursuing any other remedies available to the Bank for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.

12.   SOURCE OF PAYMENTS

(a) All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank.  The Company, however, guarantees payment and provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to Executive and, if such amounts and benefits due from the Bank are not timely paid or provided by the Bank, such amounts and benefits shall be paid or provided by the Company.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, to the extent that payments and benefits, as provided by this Agreement, are paid to or received by Executive under an employment agreement with the Company, if any, such payments and benefits paid by the Company will be subtracted from any amounts due simultaneously to Executive under similar provisions of this Agreement. Payments pursuant to this Agreement and a Company employment agreement, if any, shall be allocated in proportion to the level of activity and the time expended on such activities by Executive as determined by the Company and the Bank on a quarterly basis.

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13.   EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLANS OR PROGRAMS

The Bank’s or the Company’s Board of Directors may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination of Executive’s employment by the Board of Directors, other than a Termination for Cause, shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement.  Executive shall have no right to receive any compensation or other benefits for any period after Termination for Cause as defined in Section 8 hereinabove.

14.   REQUIRED REGULATORY PROVISIONS

(a) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) (12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(3)) or 8(g)(1) (12 U.S.C. § 1818(g)(1)) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank 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.

(b) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) (12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(4)) or 8(g)(1) (12 U.S.C. § 1818(g)(1)) of FDIA, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.

(c) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) (12 U.S.C. § 1813(x)(1)) of FDIA, all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties.

(d) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by the Director of OTS or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) (12 U.S.C. § 1823(c)) of FDIA; or (ii) by the Director of OTS or his or her designee at the time the Director of OTS or his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operations of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Director of OTS or his or her designee 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.

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

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15.   NO ATTACHMENT

(a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to affect any such action shall be null, void, and of no effect.

(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive, the Bank and the Company and their respective successors and assigns.

16.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

(a) This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements (including specifically, the 2005 Agreement), understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof, except that the parties acknowledge that this Agreement shall not affect any of the rights and obligations of the parties  under any agreement or plan entered into with or by the Company pursuant to which the Executive may receive compensation or benefits except as set forth in Section 12(b) hereof.  No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

(b) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

(c) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel.  No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.

17.   SEVERABILITY

If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

18.   HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY

The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

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19.   GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York but only to the extent not superseded by federal law.

20.   ARBITRATION

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three arbitrators, one of whom shall be selected by the Bank, one of whom shall be selected by Executive and the third of whom shall be selected by the other two arbitrators.  The panel shall sit in a location within fifty (50) miles from the location of the Bank, in accordance with the rules of the Judicial Mediation and Arbitration Systems (JAMS) then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

21.   PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES

All reasonable legal fees paid or incurred by Executive pursuant to any dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Bank, provided that the dispute or interpretation has been settled by Executive and the Bank or resolved in Executive’s favor.  To the extent necessary to avoid taxes and penalties under Code Section 409A, such payment or reimbursement shall be made within two and one-half months following the resolution of any such dispute.

22.   INDEMNIFICATION

During the term of this Agreement and for a period of six (6) years thereafter, the Bank or the Company shall provide Executive (including his heirs, executors and administrators) with coverage under a standard directors and officers liability insurance policy at its expense.  Subject to 12 C.F.R. § 545.121, the Bank or the Company shall indemnify Executive (and his heirs, executors and administrators) to the fullest extent permitted under federal law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the Bank or the Company (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys fees and the cost of reasonable settlements (such settlements must be approved by the Board of Directors of the Bank or the Company).  If such action, suit or proceeding is brought against Executive in his capacity as an officer or director of the Bank, however, such indemnification shall not extend to matters as to which Executive is finally adjudged to be liable for willful misconduct in the performance of his duties.

23.   SUCCESSORSAND ASSIGNS

The Bank and/or the Company shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all the business or assets of the Bank or the Company, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Bank’s and the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Bank and/or the Company would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place.

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SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed and their seals to be affixed hereunto by their duly authorized officers, and Executive has signed this Agreement, on the day and date first above written.

ATTEST:	BROOKLYN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
/s/	By:	/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Secretary		Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
		Title: Chairman
ATTEST:	BROOKLYN FEDERAL BANCORP, INC.
/s/	By:	/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Secretary		Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
		Title: Chairman
WITNESS:	EXECUTIVE
/s/	By:	/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xx Xxxxxxx
		Name: Xxxxxx X. Xx Xxxxxxx
		Title: Chief Executive Officer

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