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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.   )

Filed by the Registrantýx

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

o


Preliminary Proxy Statement

o


Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

ýx


Definitive Proxy Statement

o


Definitive Additional Materials

o


Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Neenah Paper, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)



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


Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ýx


No fee required.

o


Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 (1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 (2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 (3)

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

 (4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)

Total fee paid:

  (5)Total fee paid:

o


Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o


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



(1)


Amount Previously Paid:
 (1)

Amount Previously Paid:

 (2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

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Filing Party:

 (4)

Date Filed:


intentionally.)

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LOGO

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NOTICE OF 20172020 ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS AND
PROXY STATEMENT


Table of ContentsNOTICE OF 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

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LOGO

TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS April 11, 2017

Dear Stockholder:

9, 2020 On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Neenah, Paper, Inc. to be held at the Company'sCompany’s headquarters located at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 on Tuesday,Thursday, May 23, 201721, 2020 at 10:2:00 a.m.p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

        In 2016, we continued Looking back at 2019, I’m very pleased with what our teams accomplished. While external factors challenged demand in many of our markets, our teams focused on items within their control, implementing strategic decisions that will make us stronger in the years to come, as well as taking actions that had a more immediate positive impact. These included: • Managing costs and pricing to restore operating margins after a rapid run-up in input costs in 2018 • Reinvigorating our product innovation pipeline and launching a number of unique new products • Changing a major fine paper distributor to others who are providing more support for our brands • Continuing to ramp-up and improve operational efficiencies in our evolutionUS filtration plant • Generating record free cash flow and using it to reduce debt significantly • Increasing financial expertise and diversity on our Board with the addition of Donna Costello • Announcing a 10th consecutive year of increasing dividends As we enter 2020, our actions continue... • We’ve implemented a new, functionally-aligned organization to help accelerate value creation globally between all our businesses • We’re publishing a new Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting our commitment and accomplishments to environmental, social and governance issues • We’re implementing a new operating system at our two largest plants, helping to drive safety and cost improvements These actions underscore our commitment to become a premierleading global specialty materials company known for its ability to create sustainable value for its stockholders, its dedication to providing a safe and delivered record sales, earningshealthy workplace for its employees, and operating cash flows, along with attractive returns for our stockholders. In addition, we completed two important strategic initiatives that provide us with a growth platform for years to come. First, we concluded an organic capital investment expanding our transportation filtration manufacturing base outside of Europe, further solidifying our position with customers as a premium global transportation filtration player. Second,responsible and engaged steward of the environment and communities in which we finished our integration of FiberMark, which broadened our product portfolio, adding coating and finishing capabilities in both Technical Products and Fine Paper & Packaging and almost doubling the size of our premium packaging business. Guiding all of our activities is an ongoing commitment to deploy capital efficiently, maintaining an attractive Return on Invested Capital and a meaningful return of cash to shareholders. In 2016, we returned $39 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, up from $29 million in 2015, and announced for 2017 our seventh consecutive double-digit dividend increase over the past five years.

operate. We are proudactively monitoring developments with respect to the coronavirus. In the event it is not possible or advisable to hold our annual meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting, which may include holding the meeting solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our results and of the contributions of Neenah's dedicated employees around the world that helped to create this value and appreciate the confidence and ongoing support of our stockholders.

investor relations webpage at www.neenah.com for updated information. The formal business to be transacted at the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders includes:

2020. At the meeting, we will provide a brief report on our results and strategies. Our directors and executive officers, as well as representatives from Deloitte & Touche LLP, will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

questions. Regardless of whether you choose to attend or not, please either vote electronically, using the Internet, vote by telephone, or follow the procedures for requesting written copies of the proxy materials described in the attached Proxy Statement and mark, date, sign and return the proxy card included with those materials at your earliest convenience. This will assure your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. In February, I announced to the Board of Directors my intention to retire as of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and am confident in the succession plan developed by the Board of Directors and in Julie Schertell’s ability to lead Neenah as our next CEO. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to lead this company the past 10 years and I leave with Neenah in a very good place - with a strong financial position, especially important during the current unprecedented economic and public health challenges, catalysts in place to propel future growth, a deep and experienced leadership team, and outstanding employees. On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for your support and trust. We look forward to updating you on our progress in 2020. Sincerely, JOHN P. O’DONNELL President and Chief Executive Officer

Sincerely,



GRAPHIC



JOHN P. O'DONNELL
President and Chief Executive Officer

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LOGO

Neenah Paper, Inc.

Preston Ridge III
3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005



NOTICE OF 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 23, 2017



        NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN that the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Neenah Paper, Inc. will be held at the Company's headquarters located atDate: May 21, 2020 Meeting Time: 2:00 p.m (Eastern Daylight Time) Meeting Place1: Preston Ridge III 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, for the purpose of considering and votingRecord Date: March 27, 2020 Matters that will be voted upon:

NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN that the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Neenah, Inc. will be held at the Company’s headquarters located at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. Information relating to the above matters is set forth in the attached Proxy Statement. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 201727, 2020 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.

The This Proxy Statement and the 20162020 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at www.neenah.com/proxydocs.

By order of the Board of Directors.



GRAPHIC



STEVEN S. HEINRICHS
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

on our Investor Relations webpage at: www.neenah.com. Please read the attached proxy statement and then vote electronically, by telephone, or request printed proxy materials and promptly complete, execute, and return the proxy card included with the proxy materials in the accompanying postage envelope. By order of the Board of Directors. NOAH S. BENZ Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Alpharetta, Georgia
April 11, 2017

9, 2020 PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT AND THEN VOTE ELECTRONICALLY, BY TELEPHONE, OR REQUEST PRINTED PROXY MATERIALS AND PROMPTLY COMPLETE, EXECUTE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD INCLUDED WITH THE PROXY MATERIALS IN THE ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.


1 We intend to hold our annual meeting in person. If you are planning to attend our meeting, please check the website one week prior to the meeting date. As always, we encourage you to vote your shares prior to the annual meeting. However, we are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns our stockholders may have and the protocols that federal, state, and local governments may impose. In the event it is not possible or advisable to hold our annual meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include holding the meeting solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our investor relations webpage at www.neenah.com for updated information. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 3

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ANNUAL MEETING

4

VOTING


4

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP


7

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (ITEM 1)


10

MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


15

2016 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION


19

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


21

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT


32

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 2)


33

ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 3)


35

ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION


36

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION


45

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE


45

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT


46

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (ITEM 4)


47

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND SERVICES


47

STOCKHOLDERS' PROPOSALS FOR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING


48

OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING


49

HOUSEHOLDING OF NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS


49

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LOGO



TABLE OF CONTENTS PROXY STATEMENT
SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 5 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS Board of Directors..................................................................................................................... 6 Director Skills Summary ............................................................................................................. 11 Meetings and Committees of The Board of Directors ..................................................................... 12 Corporate Governance .............................................................................................................. 14 2019 Director Compensation....................................................................................................... 17 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Discussion and Analysis ........................................................................................ 19 Compensation Committee Report ............................................................................................... 34 Additional Executive Compensation Information ........................................................................... 35 AUDIT RELATED MATTERS Audit Committee Report............................................................................................................ 44 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services ................................................... 44 Policy on Audit Committee Pre-approval ...................................................................................... 44 ITEMS TO BE VOTED UPON Election of Directors (Item 1) ...................................................................................................... 45 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Item 2)........................................................................ 46 Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Item 3) .................... 47 OTHER INFORMATION FAQ: Annual Meeting and Voting................................................................................................. 48 Beneficial Ownership ................................................................................................................ 50 Stockholders’ Proposals for 2021 Annual Meeting ........................................................................... 54 Householding of Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials .................................................... 54 Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance ............................................................... 55 Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 4



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General Information

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies from our stockholders in connection with Neenah'sNeenah’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. When used in this Proxy Statement, the terms "we," "us," "our," "the Company"“we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” and "Neenah"“Neenah” refer to Neenah, Paper, Inc. Thisand its consolidated subsidiaries. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement is being filed and our 2016 Annual Report are firstnotice is being mailedsent or given to stockholders who requested copies, and made available onof record is April 11, 2017.


SUMMARY

9, 2020. This summary highlights information contained in the Proxy Statement. It does not include all of the information that you should consider prior to voting and we encourage you to read the entire document prior to voting. For more complete information regarding Neenah's 2016Neenah’s 2019 financial performance, please review the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Stockholders are being asked2019. STOCKHOLDERS ARE BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING MATTERS AT THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS: Election of Directors The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe that the three Class I Director nominees possess the necessary qualifications, attributes, skills and experiences to provide quality advice and counsel to the Company’s management and effectively oversee the business and the long-term interests of stockholders. 1 FOR Each Director Nominee 45 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation The Company seeks a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of its named executive officers as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section beginning on page 19 and the following matters atExecutive Compensation Tables section beginning on page 35. The Board values stockholders’ opinions, and the 2017 Annual MeetingCompensation Committee will take into account the outcome of Stockholders:


Our Board's Recommendation
ITEM 1. Election of Directors (page 10)
The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe that the three Class I Director nominees possess the necessary qualifications, attributes, skills and experiences to provide quality advice and counsel to the Company's management and effectively oversee the business and the long-term interests of stockholders.FOR each
Director Nominee
ITEM 2. Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation (page 29)
The Company seeks a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of its named executive officers as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section beginning on page 19 and the Executive Compensation Tables section beginning on page 31. The Board values stockholders' opinions, and the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the advisory vote when considering future executive compensation decisions.FOR
ITEM 3. Approve the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on the Company's Executive Compensation (page 30)
The Company seeks a non-binding advisory vote to approve the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation. The Board values stockholders' opinions and believes an annual advisory vote to approve executive compensation provides the appropriate opportunity for stockholders to communicate with the Board regarding the Company's executive compensation plans.ANNUAL
ITEM 4.the advisory vote when considering future executive compensation decisions. 2 FOR 46 Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, as Independent Auditors (page 42)
The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the retention of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, to serve as the Independent Auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 is in the best interest of the Company and its shareowners. As a matter of good corporate governance, stockholders are being asked to ratify the Audit Committee's selection of the Independent Auditors.FOR

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Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting

When and where is the Annual Meeting?

When:Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Where:


Company headquarters located at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

        You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting if you owned our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of the close of business March 31, 2017 (the "Record Date"), with each share entitling its owner to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders. On the record date, 16,787,202 shares of common stock were outstanding and eligible to be voted at the Annual Meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

How do I vote at the Annual Meeting?

        You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. We recommend you vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You can always change your vote at the meeting. Giving us your proxy means you authorize us to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting in the manner you direct. If you plan to attend the meeting in person you must provide proof of your ownership of our common stock as of the record date, such as an account statement, and a form of personal identification for admission to the meeting. If you hold your shares in street name and you also wish to be able to vote at the annual meeting, you are required to obtain a proxy from your bank or broker, executed in your favor.

        If your shares are held in your name, you can vote by proxy in three convenient ways:

        If your shares are held in street name, the availability of telephone and internet voting will depend on the voting processes of the applicable bank or brokerage firm; therefore, it is recommended that you follow the voting instructions on the form you receive from your bank or brokerage firm. All properly executed proxies received by Neenah in time to be voted at the Annual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions noted on the proxy card. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote upon such matters according to their judgment.

        We are also sending the Notice and voting materials to participants in various employee benefit plans of Neenah. The trustee of each plan, as the stockholder of record of the shares of common stock held in the plan, will vote whole shares of stock attributable to each participant's interest in the plan in accordance with the directions the participant gives or, if no directions are given by the participant, in accordance with the directions received from the applicable plan committees.

Can I change my vote?

        Any stockholder of record delivering a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted: (i) by giving written notice to Steven S. Heinrichs, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and


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Secretary of Neenah, at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005; (ii) by submitting a proxy card bearing a later date, including a proxy submitted via the Internet or by telephone; or (iii) by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that any beneficial owner of our common stock whose shares are held in street name may (a) revoke his or her proxy and (b) attend and vote his or her shares in person at the Annual Meeting only in accordance with applicable rules and procedures as then may be employed by such beneficial owner's brokerage firm or bank.

What Proposals am I being asked to vote on at the Annual Meeting and what is required to approve each proposal?

        You are being asked to vote on four proposals: Proposal 1 the election of the proposed nominees as Class I directors; Proposal 2 the approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, of Neenah's executive compensation; Proposal 3 the approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, on the frequency of future advisory votes on the Company's executive compensation; and Proposal 4 the ratification of the appointment of our independent public accounting firm.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 1, you may vote in favor of each nominees, against each nominee, or may abstain from voting. A majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote on Proposal 1 is required for the election of each director, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 2, you may vote in favor of the proposal, against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. The vote required to approve Proposal 2 is majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote on Proposal 2, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 3, stockholders may vote for a frequency of one, two or three years. The frequency (every one, two or three years) receiving the greatest number of votes of the shares represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, provided a quorum is present, will be considered the frequency preferred by stockholders. As a result, abstentions will therefore have no effect on such vote.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 4, you may vote in favor of the proposal, against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. The vote required to approve Proposal 4 is a majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal.

        Neenah is not aware, as of the date hereof, of any matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting other than those stated in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, your proxy gives discretionary authority to the persons named as proxies to vote the shares represented thereby in their discretion.

What happens if I don't return my proxy card or vote my shares?

        If you hold your shares directly your shares will not be voted if you do not return your proxy card or vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank or brokerage firm (in "street name") and you do not vote your shares, your bank or brokerage firm can only vote your shares in their discretion for proposals which are considered "discretionary" proposals. We believe


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that Proposal 4 is a discretionary proposal. Brokers are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions to the broker for proposals which are considered "non-discretionary" (a "broker non-vote"). We believe Proposals 1, 2 and 3 are non-discretionary proposals. As such, broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining if a quorum is present, but will not be considered as shares entitled to vote on Proposals 1, 2 and 3, and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of these proposals.

What happens if I sign, date and return my proxy card but do not specify how to vote my shares?

        If a signed proxy card is received which does not specify a vote or an abstention, then the shares represented by that proxy card will be voted FOR the election of all Class I director nominees described herein, FOR the approval of the Company's executive compensation, FOR annual non-binding approvals of executive compensation, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, as our independent registered public accounting firmIndependent Auditors The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the retention of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, to serve as the Independent Auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.

Why haven't I received a printed copy of the Proxy Statement or annual report?

        We are choosing to follow the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders via the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or "Notice," by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials, unless you specifically request one. The Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained2020 is in the proxy statement and annual report as well as how to submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received the Notice and would still like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting these materials included in the Notice. We plan to mail the Notice to stockholders by April 11, 2017.

Who pays for the cost of this proxy solicitation?

        We will bear the cost of preparing, printing and filing the Proxy Statement and related proxy materials. In addition to soliciting proxies through the mail, we may solicit proxies through our directors, officers and employees, in person and by telephone or email and facsimile. We expect to retain Okapi Partners LLC to aid in the solicitation at a cost of approximately $8,500, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries also may be requested to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by them. We will pay all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies.

When will voting results be made available?

        We will announce the final results on our web site atwww.neenah.com shortly after the meeting and on Form 8-K immediately following the meeting.


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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

        The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 31, 2017 with respect to: (i) each of our directors; (ii) each of the named executive officers appearing elsewhere herein; and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group, based in each case on information furnished to us by such persons. As used in this Proxy Statement, "beneficial ownership" means that a person has, as of March 31, 2017, or may have within 60 days thereafter, the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of a security and/or the sole or shared investment power to dispose of or direct the disposition of a security.

Name
 Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
 Percent of
Class(2)
 

William M. Cook

  1,563(3) * 

Margaret S. Dano

  2,460(4) * 

Sean T. Erwin

  19,245(5) * 

Steven S. Heinrichs

  22,303(6) * 

Bonnie C. Lind

  31,574(7) * 

Timothy S. Lucas

  16,375(8) * 

John F. McGovern

  4,155  * 

Philip C. Moore

  19,580(9) * 

John P. O'Donnell

  78,502(10) * 

James R. Piedmonte

  38,927(11) * 

Julie A. Schertell

  7,008(12) * 

Stephen M. Wood

  45,995(13) * 

All directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)

  317,592(14) 2.0 

(1)
Except as otherwise noted, the directors and executive officers, and all directors and executive officers as a group, have sole voting power and sole investment power over the shares listed. Shares of common stock held by the trustee of Neenah's 401(k) Retirement Plan for the benefit of, and which are attributable to our executive officers are included in the table.

(2)
An asterisk indicates that the percentage of common stock beneficially owned by the named individual does not exceed 1% of the total outstanding shares of our common stock.

(3)
Includes 1,063 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2017.

(4)
Includes 1,170 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2017.

(5)
Includes 1,170 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2017. This total does not include 3,500 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

(6)
This total does not include 9,850 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

(7)
This total does not include 5,385 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

(8)
Includes 1,170 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2017. This total does not include 9,310 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

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(9)
Includes 1,186 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2017.

(10)
This total does not include 41,811 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

(11)
This total does not include 6,287 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

(12)
This total does not include 18,788 vested Stock Appreciation Rights.

(13)
Includes 1,170 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2017.

(14)
On July 1, 2014 the Company converted all outstanding Stock Options to Stock Appreciation Rights which are not included in the calculation of beneficial ownership. Stock Appreciation Rights are disclosed in detail under theOutstanding Equity at the End of 2015 section of this Proxy Statement.

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        The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2016 for each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock.

 
 Common Stock Beneficially Owned 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 Number of Shares Percent of Class 

Blackrock, Inc. 

  1,867,930(1) 11.2%

55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055

       

Royce & Associates LP

  
941,545

(2)
 
5.6

%

745 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10151

       

FMR LLC

  
892,538

(3)
 
5.3

%

245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210

       

The Vanguard Group

  
843,855

(4)
 
5.0

%

100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malverne, PA 19355

       

(1)
The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Blackrock, Inc. on January 17, 2017, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2016. Of the 1,607,005 shares shown, BlackRock, Inc. has sole dispositive power over all of the shares and sole voting power over 1,830,038 shares.

(2)
The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Royce & Associates LP on January 11, 2017, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2016. Royce & Associates, LP has sole dispositive power over all shares and sole voting power over all shares.

(3)
The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by FMR LLC, on February 14, 2017, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2016. Of the 892,538 shares shown FMR LLC has sole dispositive power over all of the shares, and sole voting power over 2,238 shares.

(4)
The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group, on February 10, 2017, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2016. Of the 843,855 shares shown The Vanguard Group has sole dispositive power over 808,542 of the shares, and sole voting power over 33,228 shares.

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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (ITEM 1)

The Board unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote "FOR" the proposal to elect John P. O'Donnell, William M. Cook, and Philip C. Moore as Class I directors for a three-year term expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

        The Board currently consists of eight members divided into two classes of three directors and one class of two directors. The directors in each class serve three year terms, with the terms of the Class I directors expiring at the 2017 Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated John P. O'Donnell, William M. Cook, and Philip C. Moore, each a current director of Neenah, for re-election as Class I directors at the 2017 Annual Meeting. If elected, the nominees will serve a three-year term expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified.

        Each of the nominees has consented to serve another term as a director if re-elected. If any of the nominees should be unavailable to serve for any reason (which is not anticipated), the Board may designate a substitute nominee or nominees (in which event the persons named on the enclosed proxy card will vote the shares represented by all valid proxy cards for the election of such substitute nominee or nominees), allow the vacancies to remain open until a suitable candidate or candidates are located, or by resolution provide for a lesser number of directors.

        If any incumbent nominee for director in an uncontested election should fail to receive the required affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, under Delaware law the director remains in office as a "holdover" director until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or death. In the event of a holdover director, the Board of Directors in its discretion may request the director to resign from the Board. If the director resigns, the Board of Directors may immediately fill the resulting vacancy, allow the vacancy to remain open until a suitable candidate is located and appointed or adopt a resolution to decrease the authorized number of directors.

        Set forth below is certain information as of March 31, 2017, regarding the nominees and each director continuing in office, including their ages, principal occupations (which have continued for at least the past five years unless otherwise noted), current Board experience and participation, and how the background, experience and qualification of each nominee and director make them well suited to serve on Neenah's Board.

Information Regarding Directors Nominated for Reelection

John P. O'Donnell, born in 1960, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to being CEO, Mr. O'Donnell served as Chief Operating Officerbest interest of the Company and President, Fine Paper. Mr. O'Donnell was employed by Georgia Pacific Corporation from 1985 until 2007 and held increasingly senior management positions inits stockholders. As a matter of good corporate governance, stockholders are being asked to ratify the Consumer Products division. Mr. O'Donnell served as PresidentAudit Committee’s selection of the North American Retail Business from 2004 through 2007, and as President of the North American Commercial Tissue business from 2002 through 2004. Mr. O'Donnell received his BS from Iowa State University. Mr. O'Donnell has served as a director ofIndependent Auditors. 3 FOR 47 Neenah, since November 2010. Mr. O'Donnell has also served as a Director for Clearwater Paper since April 2016. Mr. O'Donnell's extensive experience in the paper and consumer products industries, and his leadership positions in theInc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 5 Description Item Board Recommendation Page

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLASS I DIRECTORS – NOMINATED FOR RE-ELECTION: 66 Audit Committee Donaldson Company makes him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

Inc. Valspar Corporation 66 Audit Committee Experience Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 6 William M. Cook William M. Cook, born in 1953, is the retired Executive Chairman (2015-2016) of Donaldson Company Inc., a technology-driven global company that manufacturers filtration systems to remove contaminants from air and liquids. Mr. Cook is also the former Chairman (2005-2015), President and Chief


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Executive Officer (2004-2015) of Donaldson. Prior to that, Mr. Cook held various roles at Donaldson of increasing responsibility, including service as Senior Vice President, International (2000-2004); Chief Financial Officer (2001-2004); and Senior Vice President, Commercial and Industrial (1994-2000). Mr. Cook has servedis also currently a Director of IDEX Corporation (where he serves as Lead Director and also on the Audit Committee) and was a director of Neenah since July 21, 2016.Valspar Corporation (where he served on the Audit Committee) from 2010 to 2017. Mr. Cook brings to the Neenah Board his filtration industry and operations experience and financial expertise for the past 35 years at Donaldson where he held a wide range of financial and business positions with global responsibilities. Mr. Cook is an experienced public company Board member having served on the Donaldson Board from 2004-2016 and as an independent public company Directordirector for IDEX since 2008 and Valspar since 2010.Valspar. Mr. Cook also has valuable Board experience from his past service to various private and charitable organizations. Mr. Cook has served as a director of Neenah since 2016. Mr. Cook holds a B.S.BS degree in Business Management and an M.B.A.MBA degree from Virginia Tech.

Mr. Cook’s educational background, financial expertise, and extensive experience in the filtration industry make him an effective member of Neenah’s Board. Age Director Since 2016 Committees Public Directorship Experience IDEX Corporation Independent Yes Philip C. Moore, Philip C. Moore, born in 1953, retired as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of TD Bank Group, Toronto, Canada on December 31, 2016. Mr. Moore joined TD Bank Group in May 2013, prior to which he had been a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Canada'sCanada’s national law firm where he practiced corporate and securities law in Toronto and Sydney, Australia, with particular emphasis on corporate governance, and finance, mergers and acquisitions, and other business law issues. He has been involved in many corporate mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and reorganizations, as well as capital markets transactions in a variety of industries and geographies. Mr. Moore has extensive experience in corporate transactions involving the pulp and paper industries. Mr. Moore has been awarded the designation "Chartered Director"“Chartered Director” from the Directors College, Canada'sCanada’s leading director education program run by McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada. He has advised on the design and implementation of numerous executive compensation plans, as well as on executive compensation governance matters. From 1994 until 2000, he was a director of Imax Corporation and is currently a director of a number of private corporations. Mr. Moore has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Mr. Moore received his BA from McMaster University and his LLB from Queen'sQueen’s University. Mr. Moore'sMoore’s educational background and extensive experience in corporate governance and business law makesmake him an effective member of Neenah'sNeenah’s Board.

Class II Directors—Term Expiring at the 2018 Annual Meeting Age Director Since 2004 Committees Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Public Directorship Imax Corporation Independent Yes

 

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Julie A. Schertell Julie A. Schertell, born in 1969, is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Ms. Schertell has been in this role since January 1, 2020. Prior to this role, Ms. Schertell was the President of Technical Products from September 2018 to December 2019, and President of Fine Paper & Packaging, from January 2011 to September 2018. Ms. Schertell joined the Company in 2008 and served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Fine Paper division through December 2010. Ms. Schertell was employed by Georgia-Pacific Corporation in the Consumer Products Retail division, where she served as Vice President of Sales Strategy from 2007 to 2008, and as Vice President of Customer Solutions from 2003 through 2007. Ms. Schertell has served as a director of Neenah since February 5, 2020. Ms. Schertell’s extensive experience in the paper and consumer products industries, and leadership positions in the Company make her an effective member of Neenah’s Board. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 7 Age 50 Director Since 2020 Committees N/A Public Directorship Experience N/A Independent No

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CLASS II DIRECTORS – TERM EXPIRING AT THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING: 60 Nominating and Corporate Experience Yes 73 Audit Committee Experience Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 8 Margaret S. Dano, Margaret S. Dano, born in 1959, is the former Chairman of the Board for Superior Industries International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of aluminum road wheels for use in the automobile and light truck industry. Ms. Dano was appointed as Chairman of the Board in 2014 and has served as a director for Superior since 2007.from 2007 to 2017. In addition, Ms. Dano currently serves as a director of Douglas Dynamics, Inc., a manufacturer of snow and ice control equipment for the global light truck market, a position she has held since 2012.2012, where she chairs the Governance committee and serves on both the compensation and audit committees. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Dano served as Vice President, Worldwide Integrated Supply Chain and Operations for Honeywell Corporation. Prior to that she served as Vice President, Worldwide Supply Chain Office Products & GM Printer Papers for Avery Dennison Corporation from 1999 to 2002 and Vice President of Corporate Manufacturing & Engineering from 1996-1999. Ms. Dano has served as a director of Neenah since March 24, 2015.1996 to 1999. Ms. Dano received a BS in mechanical engineering from Kettering University (formerly the General Motors Institute). Ms. Dano'sDano has served as a director of Neenah since 2015. Ms. Dano’s senior executive experience in global manufacturing and supply chain and her public board experience and leadership with manufacturing companies makesmake her an effective member of Neenah'sNeenah’s Board.

Age Director Since 2015 Committees Governance Committee Compensation Committee Public Directorship Superior Industries International, Inc. Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Independent Stephen M. Wood, Ph.D. Stephen M. Wood, Ph.D., born in 1946, is an Operating Partner with Snow Phipps Group LLC, an internationally diversified investment company. Prior to this he served as Chairman of the Board for FiberVisions Corporation which is a leading global manufacturer of synthetic fibers for consumer products, construction, and industrial applications. Dr. Wood was President and Chief Executive Officer of FiberVisions from 2006 to 2012. Dr. Wood was also Chairman of the Board of ESFV, which is a


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global joint Venture with JNC Corporation, a leading Japanese chemical company.Chemical Company. From 2001 to 2004, Dr. Wood served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kraton Polymers, a specialties chemical company, and Chairman and Representative Director of JSR Kraton Elastomers, a Japanese joint venture company. Prior to this Dr. Wood was President of the Global Elastomers business of Shell Chemicals, Ltd., and a Vice President of that company. Dr. Wood was also elected International President of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers. Dr. Wood has a BSc in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nottingham University, United Kingdom and is a graduate of the Institute of Chemical Engineers.Engineers and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Dr. Wood has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Dr. Wood's educational background and hisWood’s experience as athe senior executive of aglobal chemical manufacturing company provides the knowledge basecompanies, his international and previous board experience, toand his educational background make him an effective member of Neenah'sNeenah’s Board.

Class III Directors—Term Expiring at the 2019 Annual Meeting Age Director Since 2004 Committees Compensation Committee Public Directorship N/A Independent Yes

 Sean T. Erwin,

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Donna M. Costello Donna M. Costello, born in 1951,1973, is an experienced Finance Executive. Most recently, Ms. Costello was the ChairmanChief Financial Officer of our Board of Directors. Mr. ErwinC&D Technologies from 2016 until early 2020. Previously, Ms. Costello served as Chief Financial Officer of Sequa Corporation, a $1.5 billion global manufacturer and service provider in the Company'sIndustrial and Aerospace markets, from 2008 to 2015. Prior to being promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2008, Ms. Costello served as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer from 2004 through May 2011. PriorController of Sequa Corporation, which was a publicly traded company until its acquisition by The Carlyle Group in 2007. From 2002 to the spin-off of Neenah from Kimberly Clark Corporation on November 30, 2004 (the "spin-off"), Mr. Erwin had been an employee of Kimberly Clark since 1978, and had held increasingly senior positions in both finance and business management. In January 2004, Mr. Erwin was named President of Kimberly Clark's Pulp and Paper Sector, which comprised the businesses transferred to us by Kimberly Clark in the spin-off. He2005, Ms. Costello served as Vice President and Controller of Chromalloy Gas Turbine, Sequa’s largest subsidiary. Ms. Costello began her career in 1995 as an auditor for Arthur Andersen and advanced through a series of assignments to become a senior audit manager in 1999. Ms. Costello received her BBA and MBA from Iona College. Ms. Costello is a certified public accountant and a member of both the PresidentAmerican Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Ms. Costello is also a member of the Global Nonwoven business from early 2001. He has also served as the PresidentHenry Crown Fellowship Program of the European Consumer Tissue business, Managing Director of Kimberly Clark Australia, as well as previously serving as President of the Pulp and Paper Sector, and President of the Technical Paper business. Mr. Erwin received his BS in Accounting and Finance from Northern Illinois University. Mr. Erwin served as a director of Carmike Cinemas, Inc. from 2012-2016. Mr. ErwinAspen Institute. Ms. Costello has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Mr. Erwin's extensive experience as former CEO of the Company2019. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 9 Age 47 Director Since 2019 Committees Audit Committee Public Directorship Experience N/A Independent Yes

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CLASS III DIRECTORS – TERM EXPIRING AT THE 2022 ANNUAL MEETING: 73 Audit Committee Experience 59 Nominating and his vast industry experience and leadership positions make him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

Corporate Experience Corporation Yes DIRECTORS RETIRING EFFECTIVE AS OF THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING: John F. McGovern,P. O’Donnell John P. O’Donnell, born in 1946,1960, is the founder,President and since 1999 a partner,Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Capital LLC, a private investmentNeenah and consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia.previously served as Chief Operating Officer from 2010 to 2011 and President, Fine Paper from 2007 to 2010. Prior to founding Aurora Capital,joining Neenah in 2007, Mr. McGovern served in a number of positions of increasing responsibility atO’Donnell was with Georgia Pacific Corporation from 1981 to 1999, including Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer from 1994 to 1999. Previously,since 1985 and held increasingly senior management positions in the Consumer Products division. Mr. McGovern had been Vice President and Director, Forest Products and Package Division of Chase Manhattan Bank. He currently serves as a director of Xerium Technologies, Inc. where he serves as audit committee chairman. Mr. McGovern alsoO’Donnell served as a directorPresident of GenTek, Inc.the North American Retail Business from 2003 to 2009, Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Inc.2004 through 2007 and as President of the North American Commercial Tissue business from 2005 to 2008, and Collective Brands Inc.2002 through 2004. Mr. O’Donnell received his BS from 2003 to 2012. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. McGovern served as lead director of Neenah's Board for all executive sessions of non-management directors. Mr. McGovernIowa State University. He has served as a director of Neenah since January2010. Mr. O’Donnell has also served as a director for Clearwater Paper Corporation since April 2016. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 10 2006. Mr. McGovern received his BS from Fordham University. Mr. McGovern's extensive experience as the senior financial executive of a multinational paper products company and his experience as an executive in the financial services industry as well as his experience on other public company boards make him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

Age 59 Director Since 2010 Committees N/A Public Directorship Experience Clearwater Paper Corporation Independent No Timothy S. Lucas, Timothy S. Lucas, born in 1946, has served aswas an independent consultant on financial reporting issues practicing asconsultant with Lucas Financial Reporting since 2002.from 2002 until retiring in December 2017. From 1988 to 2002, Mr. Lucas worked at the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”), where he was the Director of Research and Technical Activities, and Chairman of the FASB'sFASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force. Mr. Lucas has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Mr. Lucas received his BA in Economics and BS in Accounting from Rice University and his Master of Accounting from the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School, Rice University. Mr. Lucas'Lucas’ experience at FASB, consulting experience, and his educational background make him an effective member of Neenah'sNeenah’s Board. Age Director Since 2004 Committees Compensation Committee Public Directorship N/A Independent Yes Tony R. Thene Tony R. Thene, born in 1960, currently serves as director and Chief Executive Officer of Carpenter Technology Corporation, a leader in specialty alloy-based materials and process solutions. Mr. Thene began his career at Carpenter in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer and has served as a director since 2015. Prior to 2013, Mr. Thene worked at Alcoa, Inc. in various senior financial and accounting leadership positions. Mr. Thene received his BS in Accounting from Indiana State University and his MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Thene has served as a director of Neenah since 2019. Mr. Thene’s educational background, financial expertise, and extensive experience in the specialty materials industry make him an effective member of Neenah’s Board. Age Director Since 2019 Committees Governance Committee Public Directorship Carpenter Technology Independent


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TableDIRECTOR SKILLS SUMMARY Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 11 Our Board of ContentsDirectors possesses diverse experience and perspectives in various areas critical to our business. The Board’s collective knowledge ensures appropriate management and risk oversight and supports our goal of creating long-term sustainable stockholder value. William M. Cook Donna M. Costello Margaret S. Dano Timothy S. Lucas Philip C. Moore John P. O’Donnell Julie A. Schertell Tony R. Thene Stephen M. Wood Senior Executive/Strategic Leadership: experience in overseeing, developing, and/or implementing business strategy for a publicly listed company or complex organization. Manufacturing/Supply Chain: experience in manufacturing and/or supply chain management. International: experience in international business management or transactions. Capital/Asset Allocation: experience in assessing and/or implementing capital and/or asset allocation decisions. Talent Management & Executive Compensation: experience in human resources, leadership development, talent management, and/or executive compensation issues. Audit/Accounting/Financial Statements: experience preparing, auditing, analyzing, or evaluating financial statements for a complex business Capital Markets/Investor Relations: capital markets experience; experience relevant to institutional investor expectations. Legal/Regulatory/Risk Management: experience in the management or oversight of legal, compliance and regulatory affairs, and of risk management. Other Board Experience: experience as a director of a publicly listed company or other complex organization.


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MEETINGS AND/ COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors conducts its business through meetings of the full Board and through committees of the Board, consisting of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which we refer to as the Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors held four meetings in 2016.2019. The Company'sCompany’s Corporate Governance Policies provide that all directors are expected to regularly attend and participate in Board and Committee meetings and encourage the directors to attend the Company'sCompany’s Annual Meeting. In 2016 all of2019, our directors attended at least 75%100% of the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board and meetings of the committees of which he or she is a member. All of the Company’s directors were in attendance at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Neenah holds regularly scheduled executive sessions of the independent directors at each Board meeting. As ChairmanChair of the Board, Mr. ErwinCook presides at all of the executive sessions other than meetings of the non-affiliatedsessions. William M. Cook Donna M. Costello 8 independent directors, at which Mr. McGovern presides. All of the Company's directors were in attendance at the 2016 Annual Meeting.

        The following table describes the membership of each of the committees as of the 2017 Annual Meeting:

 
 Audit Committee Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
 Compensation Committee

Philip C. Moore

 X X  

Timothy S. Lucas

 Chair*    

John F. McGovern

   Chair X

Stephen M. Wood

 X   Chair

Margaret S. Dano

   X X

William M. Cook

 X*    

Number of meetings

 

8

 

6

 

6


*
The Board has determined, based on his experience at the FASB, that Mr. Lucas and Mr. Cook are audit committee financial experts within the meaning of the SEC's rules.

Audit Committee

Philip C. Moore independent Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 12 AUDIT COMMITTEE The Audit Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"(“NYSE”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("(“Exchange Act"Act”), and are financially literate, as required by NYSE rules. At least one member of the Audit Committee is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the rules and regulations of SEC.the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Audit Committee has been established in accordance with applicable rules promulgated by the NYSE and the SEC. The Audit Committee assists the Board in monitoring:

The Audit Committee is governed by the Audit Committee Charter approved by the Board. The charter is available on our website atwww.neenah.com.


Table COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS Timothy S. Lucas, Chair Stephen M. Wood Philip C. Moore Number of Contents

NominatingMeetings > All members are > All members are financially literate under NYSE standards > The Board has determined that Messrs. Lucas and Corporate Governance Committee

Cook and Ms. Costello are audit committee financial experts within the meaning of the SEC’s rules. NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE The Nominating Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet the NYSE independence requirements. The Nominating Committee:

The Nominating Committee is governed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter approved by the Board. The charter is available on our website atwww.neenah.com. www.neenah.com. COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS Margaret S. Dano, Chair Tony R. Thene Number of Meetings 4 > All members are

Compensation Committee

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE The Compensation Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet NYSE independence requirements, meet the requirements for a "nonemployee director"“non-employee director” under the Exchange Act, meet the requirements of Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act, and meet the requirements for an "outside director"“outside director” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"“Code”). The Compensation Committee:

• • • The Compensation Committee is governed by the Compensation Committee Charter approved by the Board. The charter is available on our website atwww.neenah.com.

www.neenah.com. Additional information regarding the Compensation Committee'sCommittee’s processes and procedures for consideration of executive compensation is provided in the Compensation“Compensation Discussion and AnalysisAnalysis” below. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 13 COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS Stephen M. Wood, Chair Timothy S. Lucas Margaret S. Dano Number of Meetings 5 > All members are independent


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Leadership

The Board selects from among its members the ChairmanChair of the Board. The Board also elects the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The current Board Leadership is as Follows:

Chairman of the Board:Sean T. Erwin
Chief Executive Officer:John P. O'Donnell

follows: Chairman of the Board William M. Cook Chief Executive Officer John P. O’Donnell Chief Executive Officer-elect Julie A. Schertell On February 5, 2020, Mr. O’Donnell delivered notice to the Board of his intent to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer effective as of May 21, 2020 and to not stand for re-election as a member of the Board at the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting. In connection with Mr. O’Donnell’s planned retirement, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Ms. Schertell as a member of the Board, effective as of February 5, 2020, and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of the 2020 Annual Meeting. directors had any material relationships with Neenah and concluded that no such material relationship existed that would impair their independence (see “Approval of Related Party Transactions” below). In making this determination, the Board relied both on information provided by our directors as well as information developed internally by Neenah. As is currently the case, immediately after the election of the nominees to the Board of Directors, a majority of all directors holding office will be independent directors. The Nominating Committee and the Board have affirmatively determined that seven of the Company’s nine directors do not have any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities as directors and are independent in accordance with NYSE listing standards, rules and regulations and our Corporate Governance Policies. Immediately following the 2020 Annual Meeting, Neenah’s independent directors will be Margaret S. Dano, Stephen M. Wood, Timothy S. Lucas, Philip C. Moore, Tony R. Thene, William M. Cook and Donna M. Costello. The Board believes that at this time that it is appropriate for Mr. ErwinMs. Schertell to serve as independent Chairman while Mr. O'Donnell servesa member of the Board prior to assuming the role as Chief Executive Officer and to continue serving as a member of the Board.Board after Mr. O'Donnell'sO’Donnell’s retirement. Ms. Schertell’s position as both CEOChief Executive Officer and a Directordirector provides a continuity of leadership between the senior executive team and the Board and enhances the corporate governance environment of the Board.

Independent Directors

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that a majority of the directors on our Board shall be independent and currently seven out of the nine directors are independent. Immediately following the 2020 Annual Meeting, seven out of the eight directors arewill be independent. In addition, the Corporate Governance Policies adopted by the Board, described further below, provide for independence standards consistent with NYSE listing standards. Generally, a director does not qualify as an independent director if the director (or in some cases, members of the director'sdirector’s immediate family) has, or in the past three years has had, certain material relationships or affiliations with the Company, its external or internal auditors, or other companies that do business with the Company. Having seven out of eight independent directors provides Neenah with a sufficient level of oversight, governance and independence without unduly limiting the senior executives from acting in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. Even though Mr. Erwin is considered independent according to NYSE listing standards and SEC regulations, the Board appointed John F. McGovern to serve as Presiding Director for meetings of the non-affiliated independent directors.

        In evaluating the independence of our independent directors, the Board also considered whether any of the independent directors had any material relationships with Neenah and concluded that no such material relationship existed that would impair their independence. See "Approval of Related Party Transactions" below. In making this determination, the Board relied both on information provided by our directors as well as information developed internally by Neenah. As is currently the case, immediately after the election of the nominees to the Board of Directors, a majority of all directors holding office will be independent directors. The Nominating Committee and the Board have affirmatively determined that seven of the Company's eight directors do not have any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities as directors and are independent in accordance with NYSE listing standards, rules and regulations and our Corporate Governance Policies. Neenah's independent directors are Sean T. Erwin, Margaret S. Dano, Stephen M. Wood, John F. McGovern, Timothy S. Lucas, Philip C. Moore and William M. Cook.

stockholders. Nomination of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for approving candidates for Board membership. The Board has delegated the screening and recruitment process to the Nominating Committee, in consultation with the ChairmanChair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. More specifically, our Nominating Committee has adopted, and the Board has ratified, the "Neenah Paper,“Neenah, Inc. Policy Regarding Qualification and Nomination of Director Candidates."


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The Nominating Committee seeks to create a Board that is as a whole strong in its collective knowledge of, and diversity of skills and experience with respect to, accounting and finance, management and leadership, vision and strategy, business operations, business judgment, crisis management, risk assessment, industry knowledge, corporate governance, education, background and global markets.

Qualified candidates for director are those who, in the judgment of the Nominating Committee, possess all of the In evaluating the independence of our independent directors, the Board also considered whether any of the independent Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 14

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following personal attributes and a sufficient mix of the following experience attributes to assure effective service on the Board. Personal attributes of a Board candidate considered by the Nominating Committee include: leadership, ethical nature, contributing nature, independence, interpersonal skills, effectiveness, currency of work history and effectiveness.diversity. Experience attributes of a Board candidate considered by the Nominating Committee include: financial acumen, general business experience, industry knowledge, diversity of view-points, special business experience, and expertise. When the Nominating Committee reviews a potential new candidate, the Nominating Committee looks specifically at the candidate'scandidate’s qualifications in light of the needs of the Board and our company at that time, given the then current mix of director attributes. AlthoughAny such recommendation must include: • the Company does not havename and address of the stockholder and a specificrepresentation that the stockholder is a holder of record of shares of our common stock; a brief biographical description for the nominee, including his or her name, age, business and residence addresses, occupation for at least the last five years, and a statement of the qualifications of the candidate, taking into account the requirements set forth above; a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee; such other information regarding the nominee as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC; and the nominee’s consent to serve as a director if elected. • • • • The Nominating Committee seeks to develop a diverse Board diversity policy,that is representative of our customer, employee and investor base. Our Board currently includes individuals of differing ages and genders. While the Nominating Committee looks at thecarefully considers diversity of experience, background and Board composition in recommendingwhen identifying potential director candidates, as requiredthe Nominating Committee has not established a formal policy regarding diversity. Once director candidates have been identified, the Nominating Committee will then evaluate each candidate in light of his or her qualifications and credentials and any additional factors that the Nominating Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including those set forth above. Qualified prospective candidates will be interviewed by the Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and at least one member of the Nominating Committee. The full Board will be kept informed of the candidate’s progress. Using input from such interviews and other information obtained by the Nominating Committee's charter.

Committee, the Nominating Committee will evaluate whether a prospective candidate is qualified to serve as a director and, if so qualified, will seek full Board approval of the nomination of the candidate or the election of such candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board. The Nominating Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating Committee periodically assesses the appropriate size of the Board and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected. In the event that vacancies are anticipated or otherwise arise, the Nominating Committee will seek to identify director candidates based on input provided by a number of sources, including: (i) Nominating Committee members; (ii) other directors of Neenah; (iii) management of Neenah; and (iv) stockholders of Neenah. The Nominating Committee also has the authority to consult with or retain advisors or search firms to assist in the identification of qualified director candidates.

Existing directors who are being considered for re-nomination will be re-evaluated by the Nominating Committee based on each director’s satisfaction of the qualifications described above and his or her performance as a director during the preceding year. All candidates submitted by stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner as candidates recommended from other sources, provided that the procedures set forth above have been followed. All of the current nominees for director are current members of the Board. Based on the Nominating Committee’s evaluation of each nominee’s satisfaction of the qualifications described above, the Nominating Committee determined to recommend the two directors for re-election. The Nominating Committee has not received any nominations from stockholders for the Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders as candidates for election to the Board. A stockholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting is required to give written notice to the Secretary of Neenah of his or her intention to make a nomination. Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Bylaws, the notice of nomination must be received by Neenah not less than 50 calendar days nor more than 75 calendar days prior to the Annual Meeting, or if Neenah gives less than 60 days'calendar days’ notice of the meeting date, the notice of nomination must be received within 10 days afterno later than the close of business on the 10th calendar day following the day on which the Annual Meeting date is announced.

        To recommend a nominee, a stockholder should write to Steven S. Heinrichs, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Neenah, at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Preston Ridge III, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005. Any such recommendation must include:

        Once director candidates have been identified, the Nominating Committee will then evaluate each candidate in light of his or her qualifications and credentials and any additional factors that the


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Nominating Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including those set forth above. Qualified prospective candidates will be interviewed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and at least one member of the Nominating Committee. The full Board will be kept informed of the candidate's progress. Using input from such interviews and other information obtained by the Nominating Committee, the Nominating Committee will evaluate whether a prospective candidate is qualified to serve as a director and, if so qualified, will seek full Board approval of the nomination of the candidate or the election of such candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board.

        Existing directors who are being considered for re-nomination will be re-evaluated by the Nominating Committee based on each director's satisfaction of the qualifications described above and his or her performance as a director during the preceding year. All candidates submitted by stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner as candidates recommended from other sources, provided that the procedures set forth above have been followed.

        All of the current nominees for director are current members of the Board. Based on the Nominating Committee's evaluation of each nominee's satisfaction of the qualifications described above, the Nominating Committee determined to recommend the three directors for re-election. The Nominating Committee has not received any nominations from stockholders for the Annual Meeting.

Corporate Governance Policies

We have adopted the Neenah, Paper, Inc. Corporate Governance Policies that guide the Company and the Board on matters of corporate governance, including director responsibilities, Board committees and their charters, director independence, director qualifications, director evaluations, director orientation and education, director access to management, Board access to independent advisors, and management development and succession planning. Copies of the To recommend a nominee, a stockholder should write to Noah S. Benz, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Neenah, at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Preston Ridge III, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 15

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Corporate Governance Policies are available on our website atwww.neenah.com on the “Investor Relations” page under the tab “Corporate Governance—Governance Policies and Documents”.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted the Neenah, Paper, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics meets the requirements of a "code“code of ethics"ethics” as defined by SEC rules and regulations. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also meets the requirements of a code of conduct under NYSE listing standards. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website atwww.neenah.com on the “Investor Relations” page under the tab “Corporate Governance—Governance Policies and Documents”.

Human Rights Policy We have adopted the Neenah, Inc. Human Rights Policy applicable to all stakeholders. The Human Rights Policy sets forth Neenah’s commitment to promote human rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect. The Human Rights Policy is available on our website at www.neenah.com on the “Investor Relations” page under the tab “Corporate Governance—Governance Policies and Documents”. Environmental Policy We have adopted the Neenah, Inc. Environmental Policy applicable to all stakeholders. The Environmental Policy sets forth Neenah’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability of our natural resources. The Environmental Policy is available on our website at www.neenah.com on the “Investor Relations” page under the tab “Corporate Governance—Governance Policies and Documents”. Corporate Sustainability Report We have published a Corporate Sustainability Report describing how environmental and social consideration, and related financial impacts, are integrated into Neenah’s long-term strategy. The Corporate Sustainability Report is available on our website at www.neenah.com on the “Investors Relations” page. Risk Oversight

The Board participates in risk oversight through the Company'sCompany’s Enterprise Risk Evaluation conducted by our Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel, in conjunction with the Company'sCompany’s senior management team.team, and holds management accountable for the maintenance of high ethical standards and effective policies and practices to protect the Company’s assets and enhance the Company’s culture. Annual findings are reported to the Audit Committee pursuant to the requirements of its charter and the full Board reviews an annual report of the findings as required by our Corporate Governance Policies.

In addition, the Board has the opportunity to address developing risks at each Board meeting in connection with its regular review of significant safety, business and financial developments. The Company’s senior management team assists the Board in identifying and analyzing significant emerging issues that may impact the company’s overall strategy, global business continuity and financial results. The Board believes the processes described above provide for the orderly escalation of developing issues and helps the Board satisfy its risk oversight responsibilities. Communications with the Board of Directors

We have established a process for interested parties to communicate with members of the Board, including non-management members of the Board. If you have any concern, question or complaint regarding any accounting, auditing or internal controls matter, or any issue with regard to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or other matters that you wish to communicate to our Board or non- managementnon-management directors, send these matters in writing to c/o General Counsel, Neenah, Paper, Inc., Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005. Information about our Board communications policy and procedures for processing Board communications for all


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interested parties can be found on our website atwww.neenah.com on the “Investor Relations” page under the link "Investor Relations—Corporatetab “Corporate Governance—Board of Directors—Board Communications Policy."

Governance Policies and Documents”. Approval of Related Party Transactions

The charter of the Audit Committee requires that the Audit Committee review and approve any transactions that would require disclosure under SEC rules and regulations. To help identify related party transactions and relationships, each director and named executive officer,NEO, as such term is used is "Additional Executive Compensation Information—Summary Compensation Table,"defined in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement, completes a questionnaire on an annual basis that requires the disclosure of any transaction or relationshipsrelationship that the person, or any member of his or her immediate family, has or will have with the Company.Company or its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Company'sCompany’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics prohibits related party transactions and requires that any employee with knowledge of such a transaction provide written notice of the relationship or transaction to the Company'sCompany’s General Counsel. Neither Neenah nor the Board is aware of any matter in 20162019 that required the review and approval of the Audit Committee in accordance with the terms of the charter.

Shareholder Stockholder Rights Plan

The Company's stockholderCompany’s Stockholder Rights Agreement expired on November 30, 2014. The Company hassubsequently decided at this timenot to not put a new plan in place. We will continue to evaluate the need for such a plan in the future as such need may arise. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 16


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20162019 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee has responsibility for evaluating and making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding compensation for our nonemployeenon-employee directors.

Each of our directors who(who are not employeesemployees) receives the following compensation:

ItemAmount

Annual cash retainer

                              $36,000

Board and committee meeting fee

                              $1,500 per meeting

Additional cash retainers for Committee and Board Chairs:

Board Chairman

                              $30,000

Audit Committee Chairman

                              $15,000

Compensation Committee Chairman

                              $15,000

Nominating Committee Chairman

                              $10,000

Annual value of equity grant

                              $80,000 (choice of 100% restricted

                              stock units or 50% restricted

                              stock units / 50% non-qualified

                              stock options)

        Neenah's Annual cash retainer $60,000 • Board Chair $40,000 • Audit Committee Chair $30,000 • Compensation Committee Chair $30,000 • Nominating Committee Chair $17,500 • Audit Committee Members and Chair $9,000 • Compensation Committee Members and Chair $7,000 • Nominating Committee Members and Chair $5,000 *Annual equity grant paid in restricted stock units subject to a one-year vesting period Neenah’s director compensation program is intended to align with market level compensation to attract, motivate, and retain high-performing and diverse quality director talent. Neenah bi-annually conducts a biennial director pay study to ensure alignment with market level compensation.compensation, the latest of which was undertaken in 2017 and resulted in an adjustment to better align with the market and evolving director work load as shown in the table above. In 2016 the directors all2019, each director received 100% RSUs, which grant was a total of 1,170 shares (except for Mr. Cook who received 1,063 shares based on the Company's stock price on July 21, 2017).1,676 RSUs. The number of stock options and RSUs granted to nonemployeenon-employee directors is calculated annually using a modified Black Scholes formula used to provide aby dividing the total equity value equal toof the annual equity grant targetby the grant date fair value of the Company’s stock on the day of the grant in the same manner as used to calculate grants for Company employees under the Long-Term Compensation Plan ("LTCP"(“LTCP”). Stock Options, when granted, become fully vested and exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The RSUs become fully vested and convert to shares of our common stock on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Employee directors receive no additional compensation and no perquisites for serving on our Board. Neenah also established the Neenah Paper Directors'Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan"“Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan”), which enables each of our nonemployeenon-employee U.S. directors to defer a portion of their cash compensation and RSU awards. In 2016 Mr. McGovern2019, Dr. Wood participated in the Director'sDirectors’ Deferred Compensation Plan.

Each of our nonemployeenon-employee directors areis required to own Company stock equal to twofour times their annual cash retainer. The valuation of restricted stock and options owned by our directors is calculated pursuant to the same guidelines detailed in this Proxy Statement for our named executive officers. All of our nonemployeenon-employee directors met or exceeded the guidelines as of December 31, 2016.


Table2019. Mr. Thene and Ms. Costello were appointed to the Board of ContentsDirectors on February 1, 2019 and November 1, 2019, respectively, and each has five years in order to meet the stock ownership requirements. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 17 Annual value of equity grant$100,000* Additional cash retainers for Committee Members: Additional cash retainers for Committee and Board Chairs: Item Amount

 

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The following table shows the total compensation paid to each of our nonemployeenon-employee directors in 2016.

Name
 Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
 Stock Awards
($)(1)
 Option Awards
($)
 Total ($) 

Sean T. Erwin

  72,000  79,946    151,946 

William M. Cook

  18,000(2) 79,969    97,969 

Margaret S. Dano

  57,000  79,946    136,946 

Timothy S. Lucas

  70,000  79,946    149,946 

John F. McGovern

  70,000  79,946    149,946 

Philip C. Moore

  58,500  79,946    138,446 

Stephen M. Wood

  68,000  79,946    147,946 

2019. Sean T. Erwin(2) 41,667 – 41,667 Donna M. Costello(3) 11,500 – 11,500 Timothy S. Lucas 106,000 100,000 206,000 Philip C. Moore 74,000 100,000 174,000 Tony R. Thene 48,667 100,000 148,667 (1)
Amounts reported in this column represent the grant date fair value of the 20162019 RSU award granted to each director, calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement ASC Topic 718 ("(“ASC 718"718”). Due to restrictions imposed by Canadian law, Mr. Moore is not able to receive a quarterly cash dividend on his RSUs. In lieu of receiving such dividends, Mr. Moore is granted additional RSUsshares of common stock on the date of each dividend payment and in value to the cash dividend that he would have received. Mr. Moore received 2543 of these RSUscommon shares in 2016.

2019. (2)
Mr. Cook becameErwin did not stand for re-election as a Class III director at the 2019 Annual Meeting. (3) Ms. Costello was appointed to the Board of Directors on July 21, 2016.
November 1, 2019. (4) Mr. McGovern did not stand for re-election as a Class III director at the 2019 Annual Meeting. (5) Dr. Wood deferred his 2019 compensation under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 18 Stephen M. Wood(5) ––– John F. McGovern(4) 37,292–37,292 Margaret S. Dano 79,500 100,000 179,500 William M. Cook91,500100,000 191,500 Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) Stock Awards ($)(1) Total ($)


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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The following section presents an analysis, summary, and overview of our compensation policies and programs, including material decisions made under those policies and programs in setting the compensation levels for 20162019 for our "namednamed executive officers" ("NEO"officers (each a “NEO”). Decisions made concerning the total compensation package for our executivesNEOs take into consideration the individual executive'sexecutive’s level of responsibility within Neenah, the performance of Neenah relative to internal targets and peer companies, and the creation of long term shareholderlong-term stockholder value. We strive to achieve a balanced and competitive compensation package through a mix of base salary, performance-based cash bonuses, long-term equity basedequity-based incentives and awards, deferred compensation plans, pension plans, and welfare benefits.

Compensation Objectives and Philosophy

        Neenah's Neenah’s compensation policies are designed to incorporate the following attributes:

IncludedExcluded
Significant component of pay based on performance achievement; more senior positions have a higher percentage of performance-based pay. Maximum payment limit on incentive plansGuaranteed variable compensation and/or open ended payments
Measures are based on achievement of financial targets, attainment of strategic objectives and enhancement of stockholder value, with a clawback policySingle trigger change-in-control arrangements
Policies validated through independent consultant reporting to Compensation Committee, comparison to independent peer companies and stockholder "say on pay" votesRe-pricing or cash buyout of underwater stock appreciation rights without shareholder approval
Competitive mix of short term and long term performance performance-based incentivesMarket timing of equity awards
Strict insider trading policyExcise tax gross-ups

2016 2019 Key Strategic and Financial Achievements


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bottom line growth Following this section under the heading "Additional“Additional Executive Compensation Information"Information” we have included certain tables where you will find detailed compensation information for the named executive officers.each of our NEOs. This section is intended to provide additional details regarding Neenah'sNeenah’s compensation practices, as well as the information and process used to create and implement our compensation program for our named executive officersNEOs and our other executive officers.

Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing Matthew L. Duncan Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Deployed cash in a disciplined fashion to maintain a strong Return on Capital and provide attractive direct returns of cash to stockholders On January 14, 2020, Mr. Duncan announced his resignation as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, effective as of February 1, 2020. • Free cash flow of $76.2 million was used to reduce debt and return cash to shareholders. Increased the dividend by 10% in 2019 • Maintained a Return on Investment in excess of our cost of capital • Credit ratings and metrics remained strong, providing liquidity and ample capacity to pursue attractive opportunities • Our Total Stockholder Return (“TSR”) in 2019 was 22.8% and over the past ten years, Neenah’s TSR was 3rd highest of the 14 companies in our peer group and more than three times the return of the Russell 2000 Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 20

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Our Compensation-Setting Process

        The Compensation Committee is responsible for carrying out the Board's responsibilities for determining the compensation for our named executive officers. In that capacity, the Compensation Committee (1) annually reviews and approves the corporate goals and objectives relating to our executive compensation programs; (2) evaluates performance against those goals and objectives; and (3) approves the compensation payable to our named executive officers.

        The Company provides its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote on executive compensation (a "say-on-pay proposal"). At the Company's annual meeting of shareholders held on May 26, 2016, greater than 98% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal. The Compensation Committee considered these results and believes the voting results reflect strong shareholder support for the Company's approach to executive compensation. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of the Company's say-on-pay votes in order to understand the environment of future compensation decisions for the named executive officers.

        The Compensation Committee charter grants the Compensation Committee authority to independently retain compensation consultants, and in 2016 the Compensation Committee again engaged Hugessen Consulting Inc. ("Hugessen") to provide it with independent advice and assistance in its deliberations regarding compensation matters. At the Committee's request, Hugessen originated certain analyses, reviewed the information provided by management and assisted the Compensation Committee in assessing 2016 compensation for Neenah's named executive officers. In addition, Hugessen provided input to assist the Compensation Committee in establishing the 2016 targeted compensation levels and performance criteria under the Company's incentive plans.

Process: The Compensation Committee must pre-approve any additional work of a material nature assigned to its consultant and will not approve any such work that, in its view, could compromise Hugessen'sHugessen’s independence as advisor to the Committee. Hugessen does not provide any other services to Neenah. Decisions made by the Compensation Committee are the responsibility of the Committee and reflect factors and considerations in addition to the information and recommendations provided by Hugessen.


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In 2016,2019, the Compensation Committee, in accordance with SEC rules, considered the independence factors having to do with consultant conflicts of interest and determined that the work of the compensation consultantHugessen did not raise any conflicts of interest.

At the request of the Compensation Committee, our President and Chief Executive Officer, along with our Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer after extensive market research, make recommendations to our Compensation Committee regarding base salary and target levels for our annual performance bonuses and long-term equity compensation for our executive officers. Mr. O'Donnell is not involved in setting or approving his own compensation levels. These recommendations are based on the philosophy and analysis described in this Compensation“Compensation Discussion and AnalysisAnalysis” section of this Proxy Statement. Neither Mr. O’Donnell nor Ms. Schertell are involved in setting or approving his or her own compensation levels. Use of Compensation Consultants The Compensation Committee charter grants the Committee authority to independently retain compensation consultants, and in 2019 the Committee again engaged Hugessen Consulting, Inc. (“Hugessen”) to provide the Committee with independent advice and assistance in its deliberations regarding compensation matters. At the Committee’s request, Hugessen originated certain analyses, reviewed the information provided by management, and assisted the Committee in assessing 2019 compensation for Neenah’s NEOs. In addition, Hugessen provided input to assist the Committee in establishing the 2019 targeted compensation levels and performance criteria under the Company’s incentive plans. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 21

To assist in evaluating and determining levels of compensation in 20162018 for each element of pay, the Compensation Committee reviewed various sources of data prepared by management including:

AEP Industries Inc.

Omnova Solutions,  Inc.

Clearwater Paper Corporation

P.H. Glatfelter Company

Innophos Holdings Inc.

Quaker Chemical Corp

Innospec,  Inc.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.

Kraton Corporation

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

Mercer International,  Inc.

Tredegar Corporation

        To develop market figures, compensation opportunities for the named executive officers were compared to the compensation opportunities for similarly situated executives in comparable positions. Hugessen reviewed the results of these analyses and provided feedback to the Compensation Committee in connection with their review of competitive pay practices.

        Neenah's Neenah’s management and the Compensation Committee do not believe that it is appropriate to establish compensation levels based solely on peer comparisons or benchmarking; however, marketplace information is one of the many factors that we consider in assessing the reasonableness of compensation. Management and the Compensation Committee believe that information regarding pay practices at other companies is useful to confirm that our compensation practices are competitive in the marketplace.

The Compensation Committee establishes targeted total compensation levels based upon performance objectives for our executive officers eligible to receive an annual cash bonus opportunity under the Management Incentive Plan ("MIP"(“MIP”) and the equity awards under the Long-Term


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Compensation Plan ("LTCP")LTCP as authorized by the Amended and Restated Neenah, Paper, Inc. 20042018 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Omnibus Plan"“2018 Omnibus Plan”). In making these determinations, our Compensationthe Committee is guided by the compensation philosophy described below. Our CompensationThe Committee also considers historical compensation levels, pay practices at companies in the Peer Group and the relative compensation among Neenah'sNeenah’s senior executive officers. The Compensation Committee also considers industry conditions, corporate performance versus peer companies, and the overall effectiveness of Neenah'sNeenah’s compensation program in achieving desired performance levels.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Clearwater Paper Corporation Ferro Corporation Innophos Holdings, Inc. Innospec, Inc. Kraton Corporation Lydall, Inc. Multi-Color Corporation Myers Industries, Inc. Omnova Solutions, Inc. P.H. Glatfelter Company Quaker Chemical Corporation Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc. Rogers Corporation Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. Stepan Company As targeted total compensation levels are determined, ourthe Compensation Committee also determines the portion of total compensation that will be contingent, performance-based pay. Performance-based pay includes cash awards under our MIP program and equity awards under our LTCP, which may be earned based on the Company'sCompany’s achievement of performance goals and whosegoals. The value of the LTCP award largely depends upon long-term appreciation in the Company’s stock price. Data collected from Aon’s database using a broad industry cut of manufacturing companies with approximate revenues between $500 million and $2.0 billion. To develop market figures, compensation opportunities for the NEOs were compared to the compensation opportunities for similarly situated executives in comparable positions. Hugessen reviewed the results of these analyses and provided Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 22

 Neenah's

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Neenah’s compensation philosophy is intended to provide competitive pay within the relevant market by targeting the total compensation opportunities and to reward the executives for short termshort-term and long termlong-term performance through an overall compensation mix that is targeted to include a minimum of 50% performance-based compensation for named executive officers. Ourour NEOs. In 2019, our Chief Executive Officer'sOfficer’s compensation in 2016 was approximately 71%74% performance-based at target levels and our other NEOs compensation was approximately 55%59% performance-based at target.

GRAPHICGRAPHIC

target levels. CEO @ Target Other NEOs @Target f.-Base Salary 26% Perf.-Cash 23% 24% Perf.-Equity 35% Base Salary 41% Perf.-Equity 51% Compensation Components

Our executive compensation includes the base components described below, each of which is designed to accomplish specific goals of our compensation philosophy described above. In connection with our discussion of each of such base components, the following questions will be addressed:

Base salary is a critical element of executive compensation because it provides our executives with a basedefined level of monthly income and also sets the base level for performance compensation. Individual base salaries for our named executive officersNEOs are generally reviewed by comparing total compensation opportunities within the Peer Group as discussed above. Salary increases, if any, are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis. Factors considered in base salary


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increases include the Company'sCompany’s performance over the past year, changes in individual executive responsibility, and the position of base salary together with all other compensation as indicated by our analysis of the Peer Group.

Group, and market data provided by Aon when peer data was not available. Why Neenah chooses to pay each of the base components; • How Neenah determines the amount of the various base components; • How each component fits into Neenah’s overall compensation plan and supports Neenah’s compensation philosophy. • This approach to base salary supports our compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee has determined that setting NEO base salaries atin this levelmanner allows Neenah to be competitive in attracting and retaining talent, while at the same time, aligning the executive’s and stockholders’ interest as a substantial portionmajority of the executive'sexecutive’s overall compensation is performance based, thus aligning the executive's and stockholders' interests.performance-based. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 23

        After In January 2019, after discussing the individual performance, experience, scope of responsibilities, and Mr. O'Donnell'sO’Donnell’s recommendations for the other NEOs, the Compensation Committee established the base salaries for each NEO in January of 2016.NEO. In general, any increases in base pay are intended to be competitive with the market and take into consideration the individual performance and scope of responsibilities of each NEO.

Taking into account all of these factors and a comparison relative to peers, the Committee approved the adjustments shown below to further align NEO base salary with the market. The following table provides the base salary received by each named executive officer for 2016.

 
 2015 Base Salary 2016 Base Salary % Increase 

O'Donnell

 $625,000 $750,000  20%

Lind

 $346,000 $370,000  7%

Heinrichs

 $310,000 $330,000  6%

Schertell

 $336,000 $360,000  7%

Piedmonte

 $280,000 $280,000  0%

        Annual cash incentive bonus opportunities are awarded under the MIP, and are based on our achievement of performance goals established in the beginning of each calendar year. MIP target bonuses are establishedNEO as a percentage of base salary with a target bonus ranging from 45% to 80%December 31 for NEOs. The Compensation Committee annually approves the target bonus range based on data provided from the market surveys as previously described and based on the experience and knowledge of the executive and the quality and effectiveness of their leadership within Neenah as determined by the Compensation Committee. The amount of the actual MIP bonus may be adjusted up or down from the target bonus based on Neenah's year-end results (as measured by the objective and subjective criteria set forth in the MIP plan for the applicableeach year as previously approved by the Compensation Committee). Actual MIP payments can rangelisted: John P. O’Donnell $830,000 $863,000 4% Julie A. Schertell $460,000 $460,000 0% (1) Matthew L. Duncan $300,000 $315,000 5% from 0-200% of the target bonus for our chief executive, legal, operations and financial officers, and 0-250% for the business unit leaders, depending on whether the Company’s results fall short of, achieve, or exceed the identified performance goals.

(1) Ms. Schertell received a 15% base salary increase on October 1, 2018 in connection with a material change in her roles and responsibilities. (2) Mr. Racki received a 29% base salary increase on October 1, 2018 in connection with a material change in his roles and responsibilities. Under the MIP, the Compensation Committee generally sets a range of possible payments from zero to a maximum percentage of the target award based on its belief that no bonus should be earned if performance is below established thresholds and its determination that the top end of the range should provide an appropriate incentive for management to achieve exceptional performance. Under the MIP, specific performance measures and thresholds are determined by the Compensation Committee in consultation with Mr. O'Donnell,the Chief Executive Officer, based on key metrics that support the achievement of Neenah'sNeenah’s short-term and long-term strategic objectives.

Annual Performance Bonuses Annual cash incentive bonus opportunities are awarded under the MIP and are based on our achievement of performance goals established at the beginning of each calendar year. MIP target bonuses are established as a percentage of base salary with a target bonus ranging from 50% to 90% for each NEO. The Compensation Committee annually approves the target bonus range based on: (i) data provided from the market surveys as previously described, (ii) the experience and knowledge of the executive, and (iii) the quality and effectiveness of the executive’s leadership within Neenah. The amount of the actual MIP bonus is adjusted up or down from the target bonus based on Neenah’s year-end results, as may be adjusted by the Compensation Committee for non-recurring items (with year-end results measured against the objective and subjective criteria set forth in the MIP plan for the applicable year, as previously approved by the Compensation Committee). Actual MIP payments can range Annual performance bonuses support our compensation philosophy in that they: (i) reward Neenah'sNeenah’s executives for meeting and exceeding goals that contribute to Neenah'sNeenah’s short-term and long-term strategic plan and growth;growth, (ii) promote a performance-based work environment;environment, and (iii) serve as a material financial incentive to attract and retain executive talent. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 24 Byron J. Racki $377,000 $377,000 0% (2) Bonnie C. Lind$410,000 $435,000 6% Name 2018 Base Salary2019 Base Salary% Increase


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2019 Annual Performance Bonus Awards

For 2016,2019, the Compensation Committee approved target bonuses for our named executive officersNEOs as a percentage of base salary with a target bonus ranging from 45%50% to 80%90%. The performance goals for the 20162019 MIP program were set based on the following performance criteria and the relative weighting set forth below: (i) adjusted corporate earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("(“Corporate EBITDA"EBITDA”), which is calculated as net income plus income tax expenses, plus depreciation expense and amortization expense for intangibles, plus amortization expense for stock options and restricted stock units adjusted for any one time events outside of the ordinary course of business, and (ii) business unit earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT"(“EBIT”) for our Fine Paper & Packaging and Technical Products business units, and (iii) progress achieved in implementing the Company'sCompany’s strategic plan:

 
  
  
 Performance Criteria  
 
 2016 TARGET MIP
(% of Base Salary)
  
 Corporate
EBITDA
 Business Unit
EBIT
 Strategic
Initiatives
  

O'Donnell

  80%   75%   25% 

Lind

  55%   75%   25% 

Heinrichs

  50%   75%   25% 

Schertell

  55%   25% 50% 25% 

Piedmonte

  45%   75%   25% 

John P. O’Donnell 90% 75% – 25% Julie A. Schertell 60% 25% 50% 25% Matthew L. Duncan 50% 75% – 25% Each goal was set at levels that both the Compensation Committee and management believed to be challenging but attainable, and achievements would reflect significant performance by the Company. On a stand-alone basis, Corporate EBITDA could have yieldedyield a payout from 0% at threshold, 100% at target and 200% at outstanding, and business unit EBIT could have yieldedyield a payout from 0% at threshold, 100% at target and 300% at maximum, based on year-end results. These targets are consistent with our desire to incentivize and reward significant growth in profits. The performance goals and results relative to the NEOs for each of the financial metrics in 2019 were as follows (in millions): $80 $80 $250 Max $67 Max $67 $70 $70 $200 Actual $61 Target $56 $60 $60 Max $145 Target $56 $50 $50 $150 Target $133 Actual $125 Actual $43 Threshold $46 Threshold $46 $40 $40 Threshold $116 $100 $30 $30 $20 $20 $50 $10 $10 $0 $0 $0 Corporate EBITDA Fine Paper & Packaging EBIT Technical Products EBIT Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 25 Payout % 0% Payout % 52% Payout % 160% Performance Criteria 2019 Target MIPCorporate Business Unit Strategic Name (% of Base Salary)EBITDAEBITInitiatives Bonnie C. Lind60% 75% –25% Byron J. Racki 50% 25%50% 25%

 

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The strategic plan objective was paid out at 100%110% of target reflecting performance in achieving a set of strategic objectives considered critical for long-term growth. Results included the successful completioncontinued ramp-up of ana major organic capital project to add filtration capacity in the US, finishingU.S., continued product innovation and the integrationlaunching of FiberMark and delivering enda number of curve synergies aheadunique new products, the transition of schedule, drivinga major fine paper distributor to a more supportive distributor network, organic growth ofachieved in targeted categories, and other strategic corporate initiatives.

        The performance goals and results for each of the financial metrics in 2016 were as follows:

Metric ($MM)
 Threshold
(0%)
 Target
(100%)
 Outstanding
(200%)
 Maximum
(300%)
 2016 Results Payout % 

Corporate EBITDA

  135  160  172  N/A  158  95%

Fine Paper & Packaging EBIT

  63  74  81  85  73  87%

Based on the process described above, MIP payments were awarded as follows:

 
 2016 MIP
at Target
 2016 MIP
at Actual
 % of Target
Earned
 

O'Donnell

 $600,000 $577,500  96%

Lind

 $203,500 $195,869  96%

Heinrichs

 $165,000 $158,813  96%

Schertell

 $198,000 $182,655  92%

Piedmonte

 $126,000 $121,275  96%

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Long-term equity incentives under the 2019 LTCP consist of performance share units (“PSUs”) and restricted stock appreciation rights ("SARs"units (“RSUs”) granted on an annual basis, with stock appreciation rightsRSUs representing approximately 30% of the total value of the equity incentive awards and performance sharesPSUs representing approximately 70% of the total value of the equity award granted to an executive officer for that year.2019. This reflects the Company'sCompany’s desire to emphasize the performance basedperformance-based incentives in the LTCP. The total target LTCP grants are set at the beginning of the year for each named executive officer at a minimum of 55%NEO with the 2019 LTCP grants ranging from 75% to 200% of the executive'sexecutive’s base salary. The Company typically grants 100% of the SARsRSUs in conjunction with the first Board meeting of each fiscal year. Each year the Compensation Committee reviews and approves a target number of performance share unitsPSUs for each of our named executive officersNEOs and each other participant in the LTCP plan. The number of units actually earned by each participant is determined by the Company's corporate performance.Company’s performance during the applicable performance period. The range of possible awards is set by the Compensation Committee based on its: (i) belief that a minimal award shallshould be granted if the performance measures are significantly below target levels; and (ii) determination that the top end of the range provided an appropriate incentive for management to achieve exceptional performance.

The combination of SARsRSUs and performance share unitsPSUs focuses our executives on Neenah'sNeenah’s financial performance and increasing shareholderstockholder value. It is aligned with and supports our stock ownership policy. Long-term incentives also helppolicy and helps retain employees duringfor the duration of the performance periods and vesting periods.

        For 2016,to identify opportunities to further align executive compensation with long-term stockholder value. In 2020, and in consultation with the compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee approved changes to the 2020 LTCP to remove the one-year performance period component of the PSU award, with 100% of the PSUs being subject to a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2022. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 26 Byron J. Racki $188,500 $227,143 120.5% Bonnie C. Lind$261,000 $173,565 66.5% Name 2019 MIP at Target2019 MIP at Actual % of Target Earned

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2019 LTCP Awards For 2019, the Compensation Committee, consistent with our compensation philosophy, approved equity grants under the LTCP for our named executive officersNEOs with target values ranging from 55%75% to 170%200% of base salary pay as follows:


2016 LTCP
(% of base Salary)

O'Donnell

170%

Lind

75%

Heinrichs

65%

Schertell

75%

Piedmonte

55%

        For each The process described above resulted in grants of our named executive officers,RSUs in 2019 as follows: John P. O’Donnell 200 7,483 Julie A. Schertell 90 1,795 Matthew L. Duncan 75 1,024 In 2017, the value was divided into awardsCompensation Committee approved an amendment to the PSU portion of SARsthe LTCP program to incorporate a three-year performance period for 25% of the total PSU award, further aligning senior management of the Company with long-term stockholder interests. The remaining 75% of the PSU award retains a one-year performance period to focus on and areward annual growth in sales, earnings per share, and return on invested capital. The target number of performance share units, with 70% of the value in performance share units and 30% of the value in SARs. The range of possible awards under the LTCP was selected to tie a substantial percentage of their compensation to Neenah's performance.

        The number of SARsPSUs to be awarded to each named executive officerNEO in 20162019 was determined by dividing the value of the portion of the LTCP award to be awarded as SARsPSUs (determined by the Compensation Committee as described above) byusing the fair value of one stock option (determined using a modified Black-Scholes formula), and then rounded to the nearest tens to produce the number of shares subject to the applicable option award. Each grant of SARs made in 2016 vests in increments of 33.34%, 33.33% and 33.33% over a three year period, with vesting occurring on each anniversary of the


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applicable grant and a ten year term to exercise. The process described above resulted in grants of SARs in 2016 to purchase the following options:


2016 SARs

O'Donnell

28,312

Lind

6,162

Heinrichs

4,763

Schertell

5,996

Piedmonte

3,420

        The target number of performance share units to be awarded to each named executive officer in 2016 was determined by dividing the value of the portion of the LTCP award to be awarded as performance share units (determined by the Compensation Committee as described above) using fair market value of the stock price as of the date of grant, and then rounded to the nearest ten shares. The target number of performance share unitsPSUs are increased or decreased (to an amount equal to between 40% to0% and 200% of the target) after the performance period for each component. For each of our NEOs, the value was divided into awards of RSUs and a target number) afternumber of PSUs, with 70% of the value in PSUs and 30% of the value in RSUs. The range of possible awards under the LTCP was selected to tie a one yearsubstantial percentage of each NEOs compensation to Neenah’s performance. Component I - 75% PSU 70% R Component II - 25% The first component (“Component I”), representing 75% of the PSU award, is subject to a one-year performance period. The unitsawarded PSUs are then subject to a two yeartwo-year holding period. After the end of the performance period, the adjustment of the target number of shares will bePSUs is calculated based on the Company'sCompany’s achievement of performance goals relative to the following equally weighted criteria: year over yearyear-over-year growth in net sales, (constant currency)excluding translation impacts from changes in foreign exchange rates (“Constant Currency Sales”), year over yearyear-over-year growth in return on invested capital (“Return on Capital”), and year-over-year growth in The number of RSUs to be awarded to each NEO in 2019 was determined by dividing the value of the portion of the LTCP award to be awarded as RSUs (determined by the Compensation Committee as described above) by the grant date fair value of the Company’s stock on the day of the grant, and then rounded to the nearest share to produce the number of shares subject to the applicable RSU award. Each grant of RSUs made in 2019 vests in increments of 33.34%, 33.33% and 33.33% over a three-year period, with vesting occurring on December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021 Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 27 Byron J. Racki 751,226 Bonnie C. Lind1001,886 2019 LTCP Name (% of Base Salary)2019 RSUs

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adjusted earnings per share (“Adjusted Earnings Per Share”). Each of the metrics may be adjusted for certain items as further described in the PSU award agreements as filed by the Company as Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filing dated August 7, 2019. The threshold, target, and outstanding levels for Constant Currency Sales growth and Return on Capital were adjusted in 2019 to reflect the Company’s continued plans for growth through strategic acquisitions and investments in organic growth. The specific targets and results in 2019 for Component I were as follows: Outstanding 8% 50 bps 10% 15% Outstanding 11% 25 bps Outstanding 10 bps 5% Actual 17 bps Target 4% 10% 0 bps Target 7% 0% Threshold 0% <25 bps> 5% Target <25> bps <5%> Actual <5%> Threshold 3% <50 bps> 0% Threshold <60%> bps Actual <1%> <10%> <75 bps> <100 bps> <15%> <5%> Return on Capital (increase of basis points) Constant Currency Sales (% growth) Adjusted Earnings per Share (% growth) Based on the process described above and our performance against the targets noted, PSU grants for Component I were awarded as follows: 67% John P. O’Donnell 13,095 8,774 67% Julie A. Schertell 3,141 2,104 67% Matthew L. Duncan 1,793 1,201 The earned PSUs are now in a two-year hold period and are still subject to forfeiture as further described in the PSU award agreement. All of the above awarded PSUs are scheduled to vest on December 31, 2021. The second component (“Component II”), representing 25% of the PSU award, is subject to a three-year performance period. After the end of the performance period, the adjustment of the target number of PSUs is calculated based on the Company’s achievement of the performance goal of relative total shareholderstockholder return ("(“Relative TSR"TSR”). The Relative TSR (including dividend yield), is compared against the Russell 2000 Value Index.Index over the performance period. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 28 * Subject to a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2021. Metric ThresholdTargetOutstandingPayout % Payout (as a % of Target)0% 100% 200% TBD* Total Stockholder Return 3rd Quartile 2nd Quartile 1st Quartile Byron J. Racki 2,1451,43767% Bonnie C. Lind3,300 2,211 67% Component I Component I % of Target Name at TargetEarned Earned Payout % 0% Payout % 0% Payout % 200%

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Component II Performance 2017 LTCP Awards Component II of the 2017 LTCP award, representing 25% of the PSU award, is subject to a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2019. The target number of PSUs is calculated based on the Company’s achievement of the performance goal of Relative TSR. The Relative TSR (including dividend yield), is compared against the Russell 2000 Value Index over the performance period and the target number of PSUs are increased or decreased (to an amount equal to between 40% and 200% of the target). The specific targets and results in 20162017 for Component II were as follows:

Metric
 Threshold Target Outstanding 2016 Results Payout % 

Payout (as a % of Target)

  40%  100% 200%       

  

               

Return on Capital

  No increase  Increase of
37 basis points
 Increase of
> 75 basis points
  Increase of
64 basis points
  170%

  

               

Constant Currency Sales

  0% growth  9.1% growth > 11% growth  6.4%  70%

  

               

Total Shareholder Return

  3rd Quartile  Median Top Quartile  39.3%
2nd Quartile
  190%

  

               

Overall Payout Percentage

             138%

Based on the process described above and our performance against the targets noted, performance share unit ("PSU")PSU grants for Component II of the 2017 LTCP grants were awarded as follows: Earned Name at Target Earned John P. O’Donnell 3,536 1,414 40% Julie A. Schertell 682 273 40% Matthew L. Duncan 358 143 40% Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 29 Byron J. Racki 311124 40% Bonnie C. Lind699 280 40% Component II Component II % of Target Metric ThresholdTargetOutstandingPayout % Payout (as a % of Target)0% 100% 200% 40% Total Stockholder Return 3rd Quartile 2nd Quartile 1st Quartile

 
 2016 PSUs
at Target
 2016 PSUs
Earned
 % of Target
Earned
 

O'Donnell

  15,401  21,254  138%

Lind

  3,352  4,626  138%

Heinrichs

  2,591  3,576  138%

Schertell

  3,261  4,501  138%

Piedmonte

  1,860  2,567  138%

        The earned shares are now in a two year hold period and are still subject to forfeiture based on continued employment. All shares are scheduled to be released to active participants on December 31, 2018.


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We maintain the Neenah Paper 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "401(k) Plan"“401(k) Plan”), which is a tax-qualified defined contribution plan for employees. The 401(k) Plan is available to all Neenah'sNeenah’s U.S. employees, but includes a special company profit-sharing contribution feature that is only applicable for certain employees who are ineligible to participate in the Pension Plan.Plan (the “Retirement Contribution Plan”). Further, we maintain a supplemental retirement contribution plan (the "Supplemental RCP"“Supplemental RCP”) which is a non-qualified defined contribution plan which is intended to provide a tax-deferred retirement savings alternative for amounts exceeding Internal Revenue Code limitations on qualified plans. Additional information regarding the Supplemental RCP can be found in the 2016 Nonqualified“2019 Non-qualified Deferred CompensationCompensation” table later in this Proxy Statement. Severance Payments In March 2017, the Compensation Committee amended and restated its executive severance plan (the “2017 Executive Severance Plan”), effective April 1, 2017, to provide executives certain severance benefits both upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah and outside of a change in control. The 2017 Executive Severance Plan also categorize the participating executives as either “Tier 1”, “Tier 2”, or “Tier 3” participants in order to provide varying benefit amounts to the different executives. All NEOs are Tier 1 participants under the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. Upon termination of an NEO’s employment by Neenah without “cause” outside of a change in control, such NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to one and one-half times his or her base salary. Upon termination of the NEO’s employment by Neenah without “cause” within the two-year period following a change in control or by the NEO for “good reason” within the two-year period following a change in control the 2017 Executive Severance Plan provides that such terminated NEO will be entitled to the sum of: We also maintain the Neenah Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), which is a non- qualifiednon-qualified deferred compensation plan for our executive officers. The Deferred Compensation Plan enables our executive officers to defer a portion of annual cash compensation (base salary and non-equity awards under our MIP). This planThe Deferred Compensation Plan is intended to assist our executive officers in maximizing the value of the compensation they receive from the Company and assist in their retention. Additional information regarding the Deferred Compensation Plan can be found in the 2016 Nonqualified“2019 Non-qualified Deferred CompensationCompensation” table later in this Proxy Statement.

(I) Two times the sum of his or her annual base salary, (II) the amount of bonus under the MIP that he or she has earned through the date of the change in control, plus two times his or her targeted annual bonus, We also maintain the Neenah Paper Pension Plan, a tax-qualified defined benefit plan (the "Pension Plan"“Pension Plan”) and the Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan, a non-qualified defined benefit plan (the "Supplemental“Supplemental Pension Plan"Plan”) which provide tax-deferred retirement benefits for certain of our employees, includingemployees. Ms. Lind is the only NEO that participates in the Pension Plan and Mr. Piedmonte, who were employed by Kimberly-Clark (our predecessor company prior to being spun-off) prior to December 31, 1996. Mr. O'Donnell, Mr. Heinrichs, and Ms. Schertell do not participate in these plans.Supplemental Pension Plan. Additional information regarding the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan can be found in the 2016“2019 Pension BenefitsBenefits” table later in this Proxy Statement.

(III) any profit-sharing contributions or pension plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination (IV) the amount of profit-sharing contributions and pension plan benefits such participant would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination, and (V) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years Neenah and the Compensation Committee believe that the Pension Plan, Supplemental Pension Plan, Retirement Contribution Plan, Supplemental RCP, Deferred Compensation Plan, and 401(k) Plan are core components of our compensation program. The plans are competitive with plans maintained by our peer companies and are necessary to attract and retain top level executive talent. Additionally, the plans support the long-term retention of key executives by providing a strong incentive for the executive to remain with Neenah over an extended number of years.

        The Neenah Paper Executive Severance Plan (the "Executive Severance Plan") covers designated officers, including all of our named executive officers, and provides certain severance benefits upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) within the two-year period following a change in control or a termination by us without "cause" during the one-year period preceding such a change in control, the Executive Severance Plan as in effect as of December 31, 2016 provided that the officer would be entitled to a cash payment equal to the sum of: (i) two times the sum of his annual base salary and targeted annual bonus; (ii) any qualified retirement plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iii) the amount of retirement benefits such officer would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination; (iv) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years; and (v) a cash settlement of any accrued retiree welfare benefits. In addition, the officer will be eligible to receive outplacement services for a period of two years (up to a maximum cost to us of $50,000).

        In March 2017, the Compensation Committee amended the Executive Severance Plan (the "2017 Executive Severance Plan"), effective April 1, 2017, to provide named officers certain severance


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benefits both upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah and outside of a change in control. The 2017 revisions also categorize the participating officers as either "Tier 1," "Tier 2" or "Tier 3" participants in order to provide varying benefit amounts to the different officers. All NEOs are Tier 1 participants.

        Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the 2017 Executive Severance Plan) outside of a change in control of Neenah eachsuch NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to one and one-half times his or her base salary. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" within the two-year period following a change in control, the 2017 Executive Severance Plan provides that each NEO will be entitled to the sum of (i) two times the sum of his or her annual base salary, (ii) the amount of bonus under Neenah's Management Incentive Plan that he or she has earned through the date of the change in control plus two times his or her targeted annual bonus; (iii) any profit-sharing contributions or pension plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iv) the amount of profit-sharing contributions and pension plan benefits such participant would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination; and (v) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years. In addition, each NEOs will be fully vested in his or her account under the Deferred Compensation Plan and any awards granted to him or her under the Amended and Restated Neenah Paper, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2004 Omnibus Plan”) or the 2018 Omnibus Plan.

In addition, upon termination of an NEO'sNEO’s employment by Neenah at any time without "cause"“cause” or by the officer for "good reason"“good reason” within the two-year period following a change in control, the NEO will be eligible to receive reimbursement Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 30

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for outplacement service costs for a period of two years forin an amount not to exceed $50,000.

through our compensation philosophy. In particular, we have historically sought to maximize deductibility of our NEOs’ compensation under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) while maintaining the flexibility necessary to appropriately compensate our executives based on performance and the existing competitive environment. Payment of the benefits under the 2017 Executive Severance Plan is subject to the applicable executive executing an agreement that includes restrictive covenants and a general release of claims against us.Neenah. These benefits are intended to recruit and retain key executives and provide continuity in Neenah'sNeenah’s management in the event of a change in control. We believe the 2017 Executive Severance Plan is consistent with similar plans maintained by our peer companies and, therefore, is a core component of our compensation program necessary to attract and retain key executives.

The MIP and LTCP programs are performance-based and have historically been intended to be fully deductible under Section 162(m). The exemption from Section 162(m)’s deduction limit for performance-based compensation has been repealed, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, such that compensation paid to our covered executive officers in excess of $1 million will not be deductible unless it qualifies for transition relief applicable to certain arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017. Timing of Compensation

Base salary adjustments, if any, are made by our Compensation Committee at the first meeting of each fiscal year (with the adjustments effective as of January 1 of that same year). Stock option grantsRSU awards and performance share unitPSU target levels and awards are made in the manner described above. The number of RSUs awarded is determined by the grant date fair value of the Company’s stock on the day of the grant. We do not coordinate the timing of equity awards with the release of non-public information. The exercise priceDespite our efforts in the past to structure annual cash incentives in a manner intended to be exempt from Section 162(m) and, therefore, not subject to its deduction limits, because of ambiguities and uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of Section 162(m) and the regulations issued thereunder, including the uncertain scope of the stock options is established attransition relief under the fair market value oflegislation repealing Section 162(m)’s exemption from the closing price ofdeduction limit, no assurance can be given that compensation intended to satisfy the requirements for exemption from Section 162(m) in fact will. Further, the Compensation Committee reserves the right to modify compensation that was initially intended to be exempt from Section 162(m) if it determines that such modifications are consistent with our stock on the date of the grant.

business needs. Tax and Accounting Consideration

In general, the tax and accounting treatment of compensation for our named executive officersNEOs has not been a core component used in setting compensation. In limited circumstances, we do consider such treatment and attempt to balance the cost to Neenah against the overall goals we intend to achieve through our compensation philosophy. In particular, our intent is to maximize deductibility of our named executive officers' compensation under Code Section 162(m) while maintaining the flexibility necessary to appropriately compensate our executives based on performance and the existing competitive environment. The MIP and LTCP programs are performance based and are designed to be fully deductible under Code Section 162(m).Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 31


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Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Compensation Committee has adopted stock ownership guidelines to foster long-term stock holdings by company leadership. These guidelines create a strong link between stockholders'stockholders’ and management'smanagement’s interests. Named executive officersNEOs are required to own a designated multiple of their respective annual salaries.base salary. The multiples for each NEO are as follow:


Stock Ownership
Multiple of Salary

O'Donnell

6x

Lind

4x

Heinrichs

4x

Schertell

4x

Piedmonte

4x

        Each employee of the named executive officersCompany (the “Pay Ratio Disclosure”). For 2019, the median compensation of all employees of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than Mr. O’Donnell), which includes employees located in the United States, Germany, The Netherlands, and England, was $56,116. Mr. O’Donnell’s total compensation in 2019 for purposes of the Pay Ratio Disclosure was $3,265,694. Based on this information, the ratio of the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer to the median annual total compensation of all other employees for purposes of the 2019 Pay Ratio Disclosure was estimated to be 58 to 1. The Pay Ratio Disclosure above was calculated in accordance with SEC rules based upon the Company’s reasonable judgment and assumptions using the methodology described below. The SEC rules do not specify a single methodology for identification of the median employee or calculation of the Pay Ratio Disclosure and other companies may use assumptions and methodologies that are different from those used by the Company in calculating their Pay Ratio Disclosure. Accordingly, the pay ratio disclosed by other companies may not be comparable to the Company’s Pay Ratio Disclosure above. The Company’s methodology for calculating the Pay Ratio Disclosure included the following: John P. O’Donnell 6x Julie A. Schertell 4x Matthew L. Duncan 4x Each NEO is required to hold at least 50% of their annual performance sharePSU grants until they reach the ownership guidelines. The following holdings are counted toward fulfilling guidelines, with each being valued using our stock price as of December 31 of each year;year: (i) stock held in the 401(k) plan,Plan, other deferral plans, outright, or in brokerage accounts;accounts, (ii) performance share unitsPSUs or restricted stock unitsRSUs earned but not vested or not paid out;out, and (iii) 'in‘in the money'money’ value of vested or unvested stock options and SARs. Penalties for continued failure to meet the guidelines include payment of MIP compensation in Neenah stock and reduction of LTCP compensation. All of our named executive officersNEOs met or exceeded the guidelines as of December 31, 2016.2019. Mr. Racki was named an executive officer in May 2017 and has five years to meet the stock ownership requirements. • Reviewed total annual cash earnings of all employees on December 31, 2018 for our 2018 fiscal year. This included both base pay and any overtime/premium pay earned by each employee in 2018. • Permanent employee hours were annualized if they did not work a full year (i.e. someone working a 20-hour workweek would be annualized at 1,040 hours a year, and someone full time would be annualized at 2,080 hours a year). Temporary and seasonal employees were not annualized if they did not work a full year. • We identified the median employee based on total 2018 annualized earnings and then captured all 2019 pay components under the summary compensation table for such identified employee to compare to the Chief Executive Officer CEO Pay Ratio Under Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, the Company is required to provide the ratio of the annual total compensation of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. O’Donnell, to the annual total pay of the median • Currency used to convert pay was determined as of December 31, 2019 at 1.1215 USD to 1 EUR. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 32 Byron J. Racki 4x Bonnie C. Lind4x Stock Ownership Multiple Name of Base Salary

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Clawback Policy

The Compensation Committee adopted a "clawback policy"“clawback policy” for all executives and other employees participating in our MIP program concerning the future payment of MIP payments and long termlong-term equity grants under the LTCP program. This policy gives the Board the authority to reclaim certain overstated payments made to Neenah employees due to materially inaccurate results presented in the Company'sCompany’s audited financial statements.

statements or if the Board concludes that such employee engaged in improper conduct.Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation The following directors served on the Compensation Committee during 2019: Ms. Dano, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Lucas, and Dr. Wood. Mr. McGovern did not stand for re-election as a member of the Board of Directors at the 2019 Annual Meeting and ceased to be a member of the Compensation Committee at that time. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of Neenah during 2019 or any time prior thereto, and none of the members had any relationship with Neenah during 2019 that required disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.Policies against Hedging and Pledging Securities

Our insider trading policy provides that directors, officers and employees are prohibited from engaging in short sales and buying or selling puts or calls or other derivative securities of Neenah. Directors and officers are also prohibited from holding Neenah securities in a margin account or pledging Neenah securities as collateral for a loan.Neenah, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement | 33


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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee oversees Neenah'sNeenah’s compensation policies and programs on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with Neenah'sNeenah’s management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement. In reliance on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to Neenah'sNeenah’s Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Compensation Committee:



Stephen M. Wood, Chairman
John F. McGovern
Margaret S. Dano

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ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 2)
2019. Compensation Committee: • • • Stephen M. Wood, Chair Margaret S. Dano Timothy S. Lucas Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 34

 The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote "FOR" the approval of the Company's executive compensation.

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        Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") requires that we include in this proxy statement a non-binding stockholder vote on our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement (commonly referred to as "Say-on-Pay").

        We encourage stockholders to review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") section of this proxy statement. Our executive compensation program has been designed to pay for performance and align our compensation programs with business strategies focused on long-term growth and creating value for stockholders while also paying competitively and focusing on total compensation. The Company's executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified executive officers who are able to achieve corporate objectives and create stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes the Company's executive compensation programs reflect a strong pay-for-performance philosophy and are well aligned with the stockholders' long-term interests without promoting excessive risk. We feel this design is evidenced by the following:


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        Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and neither the Board of Directors nor the Compensation Committee will be required to take any action as a result of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.


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ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 3)

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote to conduct an advisory vote on executive compensation every "One Year."

        Enacted legislation requires that we include in this proxy statement a separate non-binding stockholder vote to advise on whether the frequency of the Say-on-Pay vote should occur every one, two or three years. You have the option to vote for any one of the three options, or to abstain on the matter.

        The Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation every one year is the best approach for the Company based on a number of considerations, including the following:

        Although the vote is non-binding, our Board of Directors will take into account the outcome of the vote when making future decisions about the Company's executive compensation policies and procedures. The Company's stockholders also have the opportunity to provide additional feedback on important matters involving executive compensation. As discussed under "Corporate Governance—Communications with the Board" the Company provides stockholders an opportunity to communicate directly with the Board, including on issues of executive compensation. In addition, the rules of NYSE require the Company to seek stockholder approval for new employee equity compensation plans and material revisions thereto.


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ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table reflects compensation paid to or earned by our named executive officersNEOs for services rendered during 2016, 20152019, 2018, and 2014:

Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary
($)
 Stock
Awards
($)(1)
 Option
Awards
($)(2)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
 Change in
Pension
Value and
Non-Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(4)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
 Total
($)
 

John P. O'Donnell

  2016  750,000  1,103,789  382,495  577,500    150,573  2,964,357 

President and

  2015  625,000  878,890  287,237  850,000    133,766  2,774,893 

Chief Executive Officer

  2014  625,000  1,144,078  236,502  827,500    101,590  2,934,670 

Bonnie C. Lind

  
2016
  
370,000
  
240,238
  
83,249
  
195,869
  
386,467
  
10,150
  
1,285,973
 

Senior Vice President, Chief

  2015  346,000  242,340  79,221  322,575  410,095  9,930  1,410,161 

Financial Officer and Treasurer

  2014  346,000  315,685  65,268  314,036  695,665  13,079  1,749,733 

Steven S. Heinrichs

  
2016
  
330,000
  
185,697
  
64,348
  
158,813
  
  
54,315
  
793,173
 

Senior Vice President, General

  2015  310,000  188,753  61,763  263,500    52,517  876,533 

Counsel and Secretary

  2014  310,000  245,533  50,778  256,525    41,951  904,787 

Julie A. Schertell

  
2016
  
360,000
  
233,716
  
81,006
  
182,655
  
  
68,477
  
925,854
 

Senior Vice President,

  2015  336,000  220,745  72,139  416,724    53,623  1,009,231 

President Fine Paper & Packaging

  2014  336,000  266,430  55,062  233,251    46,385  937,128 

James R. Piedmonte

  
2016
  
280,000
  
133,307
  
46,204
  
121,275
  
230,979
  
12,950
  
824,715
 

Senior Vice President,

  2015  280,000  144,764  47,269  214,200  291,444  11,183  988,860 

Global Operations

  2014  267,883  179,859  37,170  199,506  504,763  12,800  1,201,981 

2017: 2018 830,000 1,310,184 498,004 186,750 – 138,182 2,963,120 Lind 2019 435,000 449,071 – 173,565 332,092 14,650 1,404,378 2017 410,000 267,146 98,400 155,595 695,393 10,300 1,636,834 2018 415,000 270,736 108,006 67,860 – 53,999 915,601 Racki 2019 377,000 291,903 – 227,143 – 37,289 933,335 2017 292,000 118,901 43,794 94,936 – 582,799 33,168 2018 300,000 177,619 67,500 37,500 – 619,929 37,310 (1)
Amounts shown reflect actual earnings during the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to performance share units, restricted stock unitsapplicable year and restricted stock granted pursuant to our Omnibus Plan. The amounts representinclude mid-year salary adjustments. Please see the grant date fair value“Compensation Discussion & Analysis” section of the awards in accordance with ASC 718. The grant date fair valuethis Proxy Statement for base salary information for each NEO as of the stockDecember 31, 2019. awards is equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. See Note 9 of Notes to the auditedConsolidated Financial StatementStatements included in our 20162019 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the assumptions used in valuing the performance share units.

PSUs and RSUs granted. (2)
Amounts shown reflect the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to stock optionsPSUs and stock appreciation rights ("SAR")RSUs granted pursuant to ourthe 2004 Omnibus Plan and 2018 Omnibus Plan. The amounts represent the grant date fair value of the PSU and RSU awards in accordance with ASC 718. The grant date fair value of the stock (3) Amounts shown reflect the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to SARs granted pursuant to the 2004 Omnibus Plan and 2018 Omnibus Plan. The amounts represent grant date fair value of the SARs in accordance with ASC 718. The718.The grant date fair value of the SAR awards is determined using the Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 35 2017280,000 136,871 50,406 88,550 –32,943 588,770 Duncan 2019315,000243,890 –104,738–34,690 698,318 2018326,750 146,87855,806 68,288 –41,993639,715 2017400,000 260,647 96,002 161,150–53,152970,951 Schertell2019460,000 427,425–111,780–54,1551,053,360 2018410,000 291,322110,69661,500121,52322,080 1,017,121 2017830,000 1,351,979498,003 472,478–136,1483,288,609 Non-Equity Change in StockOption Incentive PensionAll Other SalaryAwardsAwardsPlanValue Compensation Total Name Year ($)(1) ($)(2)($)(3)($)(4) ($)(5)($)(6) ($) O’Donnell 2019863,000 1,781,928–516,506–104,2603,265,694

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Black-Scholes option valuation model. See Note 9 of Notes to the auditedConsolidated Financial StatementStatements included in our 20162019 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the assumptions used in valuing the SARs.

(3)
SARs granted. (6) “All Other Compensation” includes Neenah’s contribution to the 401(k) Plan and Supplemental RCP account of our NEOs as follows (as further disclosed on page 42 of this Proxy Statement): (4) Amounts shown reflect annual performance bonuses earned in the fiscal year and paid in the following year, andyear. 2019 amounts are described in detail in the portion of our Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis,Analysis” captioned "2016“2019 Annual Performance Bonus Awards."

(4)
” John P. O’Donnell 2019 2018 2017 98,260 120,291 129,348 (5) Amounts shown reflect the aggregate change during the year in the actuarial present value of accumulated benefit under our Pension Plan and Supplemental Pension Plan. The large variability in value year-to-year is caused, for the most part, by changes in the discount rates used to calculate the value from year to year,year-to-year, and not any increase or change in the pension plan for any individual named executive officer.NEO. Messrs. Heinrichs, O'DonnellRacki, Duncan, O’Donnell and Ms. Schertell do not participate in any ofeither the defined pension plans.

(5)
"All Other Compensation" includes Neenah's contribution to the 401(k) account of each of our named executive officers.Pension Plan or Supplemental Pension Plan. Julie A. Schertell 2019 2018 2017 49,955 49,535 49,891 Matthew L. Duncan 2019 2018 2017 32,845 35,465 31,958 The amounts shown for Messrs. Heinrichs, O'Donnell and Ms. Schertellin the “All Other Compensation” column also include Neenah's special company profit-sharing contribution to their accounts in the 401(k) Plan and Supplemental Retirement Contribution Plan. The amounts shown for Ms. Lind, Mr. Heinrichs and Ms. Schertell include expenses for anfollowing categories of perquisites: annual physical. The totals shown for Messrs. O'Donnell, Heinrichs, Piedmonte and Ms. Schertell in 2016, 2015, and 2014 include expenses forphysicals, tax preparation, financial planning and financial planning.
spousal travel to attend the Company’s August 2018 Board of Directors meeting. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 36 Byron J. Racki 201936,464 201834,788 201730,968 Bonnie C. Lind20198,400 20188,250 20178,100 Name Year Amount ($)


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20162019 Grants of Plan Based Awards

The following table contains information relating to the plan based awards grants made in 20162019 to our named executive officersNEOs under the 2018 Omnibus Plan and is intended to supplement the 2016 Summary“Summary Compensation TableTable” listed above.

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 All Other
Option
Awards
(3)
  
  
 
 
  
  
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(2)
  
  
 
 
  
  
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Award
($/SH)
 Grant Date
Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)
 
Name and
Principal Position
 Plan Grant
Date
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
 

John P. O'Donnell

 MIP  01/26/2016  0  600,000  1,200,000                   

President and Chief

 Performance Units  01/26/2016           6,160  15,401  30,802        1,103,789 

Executive Officer

 SAR  01/26/2016                    28,312  57.95  382,495 

Bonnie C. Lind

 
MIP
  
01/26/2016
  
0
  
203,500
  
407,000
                   

Senior Vice President,

 Performance Units  01/26/2016           1,341  3,352  6,704        240,238 

Chief Financial Officer

 SAR  01/26/2016                    6,162  57.95  83,249 

and Treasurer

                                 

Steven S. Heinrichs

 
MIP
  
01/26/2016
  
0
  
165,000
  
330,000
                   

Senior Vice President,

 Performance Units  01/26/2016           1,036  2,591  5,182        185,697 

General Counsel and

 SAR  01/26/2016                    4,763  57.95  64,348 

Secretary

                                 

Julie A. Schertell

 
MIP
  
01/26/2016
  
0
  
198,000
  
495,000
                   

Senior Vice President,

 Performance Units  01/26/2016           1,304  3,261  6,522        233,716 

President Fine

 SAR  01/26/2016                    5,996  57.95  81,006 

Paper & Packaging

                                 

James R. Piedmonte

 
MIP
  
01/26/2016
  
0
  
126,000
  
252,000
                   

Senior Vice President,

 Performance Units  01/26/2016           744  1,860  3,720        133,307 

Global Operations

 SAR  01/26/2016                    3,420  57.95  46,204 

above: Bonnie C. Lind MIP 1/29/2019 0 261,000 522,000 PSU 1/29/2019 0 4,400 8,800 318,560 RSU 1/29/2019 1,886 130,511 Byron J. Racki MIP 1/29/2019 0 188,500 431,665 PSU 1/29/2019 0 2,860 5,720 207,064 RSU 1/29/2019 1,226 84,839 Matthew L. Duncan MIP 1/29/2019 0 157,500 315,000 PSU 1/29/2019 0 2,390 4,780 173,030(4) RSU 1/29/2019 1,024 70,861(5) (1)
Reflects the range of potential annual incentive bonus payments that could have been earned by each named executive officerNEO under Neenah'sNeenah’s MIP in 2016.2019. The actual bonuses earned in 20162019 are reflected in the Summary“Summary Compensation TableTable” above under the caption "Non-Equity“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation." For more information regarding annual incentive bonus opportunities, see the discussion in the Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

(2)
Reflects the rangeAnalysis” section of potential performance share units that may be earned by each named executive officer, based on the Company's level of achievement of performance goals in 2016 and total shareholder return relative to a peer group for the performance period ending December 31, 2016. For more informationthis Proxy Statement. regarding the performance share units,PSUs, including how the number of performance share unitsPSUs awarded was determined and the vesting terms applicable to such units, see the discussion in the Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis.Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement. Outstanding restricted share unitsPSUs receive dividends at the same rate as other stockholders.

stockholders following the applicable performance period. (3)
The SARsRSUs vest asin increments of 33.34%, 33.33% and 33.33% over a three-year period, with vesting occurring on December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021. (2) Reflects the range of potential PSUs that may be earned by each NEO based on the Company’s level of achievement of performance goals in 2019 and Relative TSR for the performance period ending December 31, 2021. After the December 31, 2019 performance period, the PSUs remain subject to one-thirda two-year holding period. For more information (4) Mr. Duncan forfeited 100% of the sharesJanuary 29, 2019 PSU award upon his resignation on eachFebruary 1, 2020. (5) Mr. Duncan forfeited 66.67% of the first three anniversariesJanuary 29, 2019 RSU award upon his resignation on February 1, 2020. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 37 Julie A. SchertellMIP1/29/20190 276,000 632,500 PSU1/29/20190 4,1888,376 303,211 RSU1/29/20191,795124,214 Estimated Future Payouts Estimated Future Payouts All Other Under Non-Equity Incentive Under Equity Incentive Stock Plan Awards(1) Plan Awards(2) Awards(3) Grant Date # of the grant date.
Fair SecuritiesValue of Underlying Stock Grant ThresholdTargetMaximum ThresholdTarget Maximum StockAwards Name PlanDate ($) ($) ($) (#)(#)(#)Awards (#) ($) John P. O’Donnell MIP1/29/20190 776,700 1,553,400 PSU1/29/20190 17,460 34,920 1,264,104 RSU1/29/20197,483 517,824


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Outstanding Equity Awards at 20162019 Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding equity awards for our named executive officersNEOs as of December 31, 2016.2019. John P. O’Donnell 28,312 24,501 11,044 – 12,252 22,090 – – – 57.95(5) 82.15(6) 93.35(7) 01/25/2026 01/29/2027 01/29/2028 6,847(9) 13,139(10) 4,989(11) 482,234 925,379 351,375 Bonnie C. Lind 4,840 2,455 2,422 4,910 – – 82.15(6) 93.35(7) 01/29/2027 01/29/2028 1,522(9) 3,311(10) 1,258(11) 107,194 233,194 88,601 Byron J. Racki 1,940 2,548 2,154 1,237 – – 1,078 2,476 – – – – 59.72(4) 57.95(5) 82.15(6) 93.35(7) 01/26/2025 01/25/2026 01/29/2027 01/29/2028 768(9) 2,152(10) 818(11) 54,090 151,565 57,612 Matt Duncan 1,191 1,239 1,497 – 1,241 2,994 – – – 60.56(8) 82.15(6) 93.35(7) 02/28/2026 01/29/2027 01/29/2028 928(9) 1,798(10) 683(11) 65,359 126,633 48,104 Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 38 Julie A. Schertell3,000 ––24.09(1) 01/24/2022 4,900 ––31.23(2) 01/28/2023 4,370 ––42.82(3) 01/27/2024 4,380 ––59.72(4) 01/26/2025 5,996 ––57.95(5) 01/25/2026 4,7222,363 –82.15(6) 01/29/2027 2,395 4,791–93.35(7) 01/29/2028 1,485(9) 104,589 3,151(10)221,925 1,197(11)84,305 Option Awards Stock Awards Equity EquityIncentive EquityIncentive Plan Awards: Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Plan Awards: Number of Payout Value Number of Number of Number of Number of Unearned of Unearned SecuritiesSecuritiesSecurities Shares orMarket Shares, Units Shares, Units Underlying Underlying Underlying Units orValue of or Other or Other UnexercisedUnexercisedUnexercised Option Option Stock That Shares or Rights That Rights That Options (#)Options (#)Unearned Exercise Expiration Have Not Units of Have Not Have Not Name Exercisable UnexercisableOptions (#)Price ($) Date VestedStock VestedVested ($)

 
 Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name and Principal Position
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
 Option
Exercise
Price ($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units or
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
 Market
Value of
shares or
Units of
Stock
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)
 

John P. O'Donnell

  125,000  0  0  24.09(1)  01/24/2022             

President and Chief

  8,234  0  0  31.23(4)  01/28/2023             

Executive Officer

  6,256  6,258  0  42.82(5)  01/27/2024             

  5,813  11,627  0  59.72(6)  01/26/2025             

     28,312  0  57.95(7)  01/25/2026             

                 10,990(8)  878,980       

                 15,401(9)  1,103,789       

Bonnie C. Lind

  
0
  
1,728
  
0
  
42.82(5)
  
01/27/2024
             

Senior Vice President,

  1,603  3,207  0  59.72(6)  01/26/2025             

Chief Financial Officer

     6,162  0  57.95(7)  01/25/2026             

and Treasurer

                 3,030(8)  242,340       

                 3,352(9)  240,238       

Steven S. Heinrichs

  
1,734
  
0
  
0
  
31.23(4)
  
01/28/2023
             

Senior Vice President,

  2,686  1,344  0  42.82(5)  01/27/2024             

General Counsel and

  1,250  2,500  0  59.72(6)  01/26/2025             

Secretary

     4,763  0  57.95(7)  01/25/2026             

                 2,360(8)  188,753       

                 2,591(9)  185,697       

Julie A. Schertell

  
1,601
  
0
  
0
  
19.25(2)
  
01/27/2021
             

Senior Vice President,

  3,000  0  0  24.09(3)  01/24/2022             

President Fine

  4,900  0  0  31.23(4)  01/28/2023             

Paper & Packaging

  2,912  1,458  0  42.82(5)  01/27/2024             

  1,460  2,220  0  59.72(6)  01/26/2025             

     5,996  0  57.95(7)  01/25/2026             

                 2,760(8)  220,745       

                 3,261(9)  233,716       

James R. Piedmonte

  
1,268
  
0
  
0
  
31.23(4)
  
01/28/2023
             

Senior Vice President,

  984  983  0  42.82(5)  01/27/2024             

Global Operations

  956  1,914  0  59.72(6)  01/26/2025             

     3,420  0  57.95(7)  01/25/2026             

                 1,810(8)  144,764       

                 1,860(9)  133,307       


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(1)

These options were granted to Mr. O'Donnell on January 25, 2013, and fully vested on December 31, 2016. These options were converted to stock appreciation rights on July 1, 2014.

(2)
These options were granted on January 28, 2011 and vested as follows: 33.34% on January 28, 2012 and 33.33% on both January 28, 2013 and January 28, 2014. These options were converted to stock appreciation rights on July 1, 2014.

(3)
These options were granted on January 25, 2012 and vested as follows: 33.34% on January 25, 2013 and 33.33% on both January 25, 2014 and January 25, 2015. These options were converted to stock appreciation rightsSARs on July 1, 2014.

(4)
(9) These PSU target levels were set on January 30, 2018 and 75% of the award was earned on December 31, 2018, based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals during the performance period ending December 31, 2018. This component of the awards was granted at 40% of target as disclosed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of the 2018 Proxy Statement and the market value disclosed in this table reflects the sizing of these awards. These PSUs are subject to a two-year continued service requirement after the one-year performance period, subject to certain exceptions. The remaining 25% of the grant is subject to a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2020. (2) These options were granted on January 29, 2013, and vest as follows: 33.34% on January 29, 2014 and 33.33% on both January 29, 2015 and January 29, 2016. These options were converted to stock appreciation rightsSARs on July 1, 2014.

(5)
(3) These options were granted on January 28, 2014, and vest as follows: 33.34% on January 28, 2015 and 33.33% on both January 28, 2016 and January 28, 2017. These options were converted to stock appreciation rightsSARs on July 1, 2014.

(6)
(10) These stock appreciation rightsPSU target levels were set on January 29, 2019 and 75% of the award was earned on December 31, 2019, based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals during the performance period ending December 31, 2019. This component of the awards was granted at 67% of target as disclosed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of the 2019 Proxy Statement and the market value disclosed in this table reflects the sizing of these awards. These PSUs are subject to a two-year continued service requirement after the one-year performance period, subject to certain exceptions. The remaining 25% of the grant is subject to a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2021. (4) These SARs were granted on January 27, 2015, and vest as follows: 33.34% on January 27, 2016 and 33.33% on both January 27, 2017 and January 27, 2018.

(7)
(5) These stock appreciation rightsSARs were granted on January 26, 2016, and vest as follows: 33.34% on January 26, 2017 and 33.33% on both January 26, 2018 and January 26, 2019.

(8)
(6) These performance share units target levelsSARs were setgranted on January 27, 201530, 2017, and vest as follows: 33.34% on January 30, 2018 and 33.33% on both January 30, 2019 and January 30, 2020. (11) These RSUs were earnedgranted on January 29, 2019, and vest as follows: 33.34% on December 31, 2015, based2019, and 33.33% on the Company's achievement of performance goals relating to return on invested capital and total shareholder return during the performance period endingboth December 31, 2015. The awards2020 and December 31, 2021. (7) These SARs were granted at 146% of targeton January 30, 2018, and vest as disclosed in the CD&A Section of thefollows: 33.34% on January 30, 2019 and 33.33% on both January 30, 2020 and January 30, 2021. (8) These SARs were granted to Mr. Duncan on February 29, 2016 and vest as follows: 33.34% on February 28, 2017, and 33.33% on both February 28, 2018 and February 28, 2019. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement and the market
| 39


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    value disclosed in this table reflects the sizing of these awards. These performance share units are subject to a two year continued service requirement after the one year performance period, subject to certain exceptions.

(9)
These performance share units target levels were set on January 16, 2016 and were earned and vested on December 31, 2016, based on the Company's achievement of performance goals relating to return on invested capital and total shareholder return during the performance period ending December 31, 2016. The awards were granted at 138% of target as disclosed in the CD&A Section of this Proxy Statement and the market value disclosed in this table reflects the sizing of these awards. These performance share units are subject to a two year continued service requirement after the one year performance period, subject to certain exceptions.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2016

2019 The following table sets forth information regarding stock options or SARs exercised and stock awards vested for our named executive officersNEOs during 2019: Bonnie C. Lind 11,097 172,968 3,172 223,054 Byron J. Racki 0 0 1,541 108,376 (1) These shares represent the vesting of (i) PSUs granted to each of our NEOs in 2016.

 
 Option Awards Stock Awards(2) 
Name
 Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
 Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
 Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
 Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(1)
 

John P. O'Donnell

      28,207  2,403,236 

Bonnie C. Lind

  10,187  365,668  7,783  663,112 

Steven S. Heinrichs

      6,054  515,801 

Julie A. Schertell

      6,569  559,679 

James R. Piedmonte

  7,215  284,894  4,434  377,777 

(1)
January of 2017 and which vested on December 31, 2019 after a one-year performance and two-year holding period, and (ii) PSUs granted to each of our NEOs in January of 2017 and which vested on December 31, 2019 after a three-year performance period, and (iii)RSUs granted to each of our NEOs in January of 2019 and which vested 33.34% on December 31, 2019. Reflects the market value of the shares on the vesting date.

(2)
These shares represent the vesting of the Performance Share Units granted to each of our named executive officer in January of 2014, which vested on December 31, 2016, after a one year performance and two year holding period.

Pension Plans

The Neenah Paper Pension Plan is a broad-based, tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan, which provides a benefit upon retirement to eligible employees of the Company. The Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan is a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan which covers pay and benefits above the qualified limits in the Pension Plan. The compensation covered by these defined benefit plans includes the salary and non-equity incentive payments set forth above in the Summary“Summary Compensation Table.Table”. Under our Pension Plan, an employee is entitled to receive an annual standard benefit based on years of service and integrated with social security benefits. The Internal Revenue Code generally places limits on the amount of pension benefits that may be paid from the tax qualifiedtax-qualified Pension Plan. However, we will pay any participant in our Supplemental Pension Plan the amount of the benefit payable under the Pension Plan that is limited by the Code.

(i) for participants with ten years of service at age 62 or as early as age 60 with thirty years of service, and (ii) as described below, for certain involuntary terminations. Ms. Lind is eligible for early retirement on a reduced basis. None of our other NEOs currently is eligible for retirement under our Pension Plan or Supplemental Pension Plan. The normal form of benefit is a single-life annuity payable monthly and other optional forms of benefit are available including a joint and survivor benefit. Accrued benefits under our Supplemental Pension Plan will, at the participant’s option, either be paid as monthly payments in the same form as the retirement payments from the Pension Plan or as an actuarially determined lump sum payment upon retirement after age 55. For a discussion of how we value these obligations and the assumption we use in that valuation, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For purposes of determining the present value of accumulated benefits, we have used the normal retirement age under the plans, which is 65. Retirement benefits for participants in the Pension Plan who have at least five years of service may begin on a reduced basis at age 55 or on an unreduced basis at the normal retirement age of 65. Unreduced benefits also are available (i) for participants with ten yearsNeenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 40 Matthew L. Duncan 0 0 1,645115,677 Julie A. Schertell0 0 3,080 216,583 Option Awards Stock Awards(1) Number of service at age 62 or as early as age 60 with thirty yearsValue Number of service and (ii) as described below, for certain involuntary terminations. Ms. Lind and Mr. Piedmonte are eligible for early retirement on a reduced basis. None of our other named executive officers currently is eligible for retirement under ourValue SharesRealizedSharesRealized Acquired onon Exercise Acquired onon Vesting Name Exercise (#)($) Vesting (#) ($)(2) John P. O’Donnell 0 0 15,3671,080,529

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2019 Pension Plan or Supplemental Pension Plan.

        The normal form of benefit is a single-life annuity payable monthly and other optional forms of benefit are available including a joint and survivor benefit. Accrued benefits under our Supplemental Pension Plan will, at the participant's option, either be paid as monthly payments in the same form as the retirement payments from the Pension Plan or as an actuarially determined lump sum payment upon retirement after age 55.

        For a discussion of how we value these obligations and the assumption we use in that valuation, see Note 8 to our financial statements included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For purposes of determining the present value of accumulated benefits, we have used the normal retirement age under the plans, which is 65.


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2016 Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 20162019 regarding accumulated benefits to our named executive officersNEOs under our Pension Plan and Supplemental Pension Plan: (1) Messrs. O’Donnell, Racki, Duncan and Ms. Schertell do not participate in the Pension Plan and Germanor Supplemental Pension Plans.

Name
 Plan Name Number of Years
Credited Service(1)
 Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit ($)(2)
 

Bonnie C. Lind

 Neenah Paper Pension Plan  35.0  1,705,500 

 Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan  35.0  2,504,698 

James R. Piedmonte

 

Neenah Paper Pension Plan

  
38.6
  
1,905,022
 

 Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan  38.6  1,625,385 

(1)
Includes years of service credited for employment with Kimberly-Clark prior to Neenah's spin-off for Ms. Lind and Mr. Piedmonte.

Plan. (2)
For a description of the assumptions applied in determining the present value of accumulated benefits reported above, see Note 8 of Notes to the auditedConsolidated Financial Statements included in our 20162019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2016 Nonqualified (3) Includes years of service credited for employment with Kimberly-Clark prior to Neenah’s spin-off. 2019 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

The Supplemental RCP is a nonqualifiednon-qualified excess benefit and supplemental retirement plan pursuant to which the Company provides additional retirement benefits to certain highly compensated employees. These Company contributions are intended to provide contributions to those individuals whose benefits under tax-qualified programs are restricted by the limitations permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are held for each participant in either an excess benefit or supplemental benefit unfunded separate account. Participant accounts are credited with earnings, gains, and losses based on the rate of return of investment funds selected by the participant, which the participant may elect to change in accordance with the participant'sparticipant’s elections under the Supplemental RCP. Payments can be tied to termination of employment, including retirement, and would be paid in lump sum. If a participant dies before receiving the full value of their account balance, the participant'sparticipant’s beneficiary would receive the remainder of the benefit in one lump sum payment. All accounts would be distributed promptly following a change in control, subject to a 10% reduction in a current participant'sparticipant’s account and a 5% reduction in an account for a retired participant. Ms. Lind does not participate in the Supplemental RCP due to her participation in the Pension Plan and Supplemental Pension Plan. The Deferred Compensation Plan enables our executive officers to defer a portion of annual cash compensation (base salary and non-equity awards under our MIP). This plan is intended to assist our executive officers in maximizing the value of the compensation they receive from the Company and assist in their retention. NamedNeenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 41 Number of YearsPresent Value of Name (1) Plan Name Credited Service Accumulated Benefit ($)(2) Bonnie C. LindNeenah Pension Plan 38(3) 2,320,935 Neenah Supplemental Pension Plan 38(3) 3,038,271


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executive officerNEO participation in the Supplemental RCP and the Deferred Compensation Plan in 20162019 is as follows:

Name
 Executive
Contributions
in last
Fiscal Year(1)
 Company
Contributions
in last
Fiscal Year(1)
 Aggregate
Earnings
in last
Fiscal Year
 Aggregate
Withdrawal/
Distributions
 Aggregate
Balance
at Last
Fiscal Year
 

John P. O'Donnell

  0 $116,812 $15,581  0 $571,395 

President and Chief

                

Executive Officer

                

Steven S. Heinrichs

  
0
 
$

24,637
 
$

11,769
  
0
 
$

202,253
 

Senior Vice President,

                

General Counsel and Secretary

                

Julie A. Schertell

  
0
 
$

38,379
 
$

8,065
  
0
 
$

167,117
 

Senior Vice President,

                

President Fine Paper & Packaging

                

John P. O’Donnell – $67,353 $140,447 – $1,038,209 Byron J. Racki – $11,157 $18,804 – $101,724 (1)
Ms. Lind does not participate in the Supplemental RCP due to her participation in the Pension Plan and Supplemental Pension Plan. (2) None of our named executive officersNEOs elected to defer compensation in 20162019 under the Deferred Compensation Plan

(2)
Plan. (3) Amounts are reported as 2016 compensation in the "Allincluded “All Other Compensation"Compensation” column of the Summary“Summary Compensation Table.

Table” for 2019. Potential Payments Upon Termination

We do not have employment agreements or other individual arrangements with our named executive officersNEOs that provide for specific benefits upon a termination of employment. In general, upon termination of employment, an executive officer will receive compensation and benefits for which he or she has already vested. This includes accrued but unpaid salary, accrued and unused vacation pay, and payments and benefits accrued under our broad-based benefit programs. The following section describes certain payments and benefits that would be payable to our named executive officersNEOs in the event of their involuntary termination in connection with a change-in-controlchange in control of Neenah or other involuntary termination.

    Involuntary Termination in Connection with a Change in Control

        The Executive Severance Plan as in effect as of December 31, 2016 provided certain severance benefits upon termination of employment of designated officers, including all of our named executive officers, following a change in control of Neenah. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan)“cause” within the two yeartwo-year period following a change in control, or a termination by us without "cause" during the one year period preceding such a change in control, the Executive Severance Plan as in effect as of December 31, 2016 provided that the officer would be entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of: (i) two times the sum of his annual base salary and targeted annual bonus; (ii) any qualified retirement plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iii) the amount of retirement benefits such officer would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two year period following his or her termination; (iv) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years; and (v) a cash settlement of any accrued retiree welfare benefits. In addition, the officer will be eligible to receive outplacement services for a period of two years (up to a maximum cost to us of $50,000). Payment of the benefits under the Executive Severance Plan is subject to the applicable executive executing an agreement that includes restrictive covenants and a general release of claims against us. The Executive Severance Plan


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has been designed to limit exposure for any "parachute" excise taxes; but if such excise taxes apply, we will reimburse the officer on an after-tax basis for any excise taxes incurred by that executive due to payments received under the Executive Severance Plan.

        The following table shows the payments that would be made to each of our named executive officers under the Executive Severance Plan in connection with a change-in-control termination as of December 31, 2016, without giving effect to the revisions effected by the 2017 Executive Severance Plan.

Payments(8)
 John P.
O'Donnell
 Bonnie C.
Lind
 Steven S.
Heinrichs
 Julie A.
Schertell
 James R.
Piedmonte
 

Severance(1)

 $2,700,000 $1,147,000 $990,000 $1,116,000 $812,000 

Prorated Non-Equity Incentive Payment(2)

 $600,000 $203,500 $165,000 $198,000 $126,000 

Unvested Stock Option Spread(3)

 $1,332,930 $322,820 $250,451 $299,542 $183,665 

Unvested Restricted Stock(4)

 $3,177,960 $771,060 $598,274 $383,485 $443,892 

LTCP Payment

 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 

Retirement Benefit Payment(5)

 $272,159 $1,014,770 $78,309 $89,184 $196,879 

Welfare Benefit Values(6)

 $41,408 $39,813 $54,231 $41,408 $35,630 

Outplacement

 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 

Excise Tax & Gross-Up(7)

 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 

Aggregate Payments

 $8,174,457 $3,548,963 $2,186,265 $2,177,619 $1,848,066 

(1)
Severance payment equal to two times the sum of the executive's annual base salary at the time of the termination plus the target bonus.

(2)
The Target Non-Equity Incentive Payment is proratedexecutive for the number of days in the calendar year prior to termination due to assumed termination on December 31, 2016.

(3)
Total value of unvested stock option spread and unvested restricted stock that would become vested upon a change in control assuming a share price of $85.20 and a change-in-control date of December 31, 2016.

(4)
All unearned target performance share units vest upon a change-in-control event. Amounts are based on target 2015 and 2016 performance share unit grants.

(5)
Actuarial value attributable to retirement benefits.

(6)
Estimated value associated with the continuation of life insurance, medical, dental, and disability benefits for two years post-termination.

(7)
Gross-up payments covering the full cost of applicable excise taxes under Code sections 280G and 4999. In 2011 the Compensation Committee closed the plan to new participants and determined that it would phase out the excise tax gross up provision in the Executive Severance Plan for the current named executive officers.

(8)
Reflects payments under the Executive Severance Plan as in effect on December 31, 2016. See below for a discussion of revisions to the Executive Severance Plan effective April 1, 2017.

    Other Involuntary Termination

        The Neenah Paper Severance Pay Plan (the "Severance Pay Plan") provides regular severance to our executive officers until the effectiveness of the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. Participation in the Severance Pay Plan is conditioned upon each participant's execution of a non-compete agreement. In the event of a qualifying termination of employment without "Cause" (as defined in the Severance Pay Plan), the Severance Pay Plan generally provides officers (including named executive officers) severance equal to one year of base salary.


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    2017 Executive Severance Plan

        The 2017 Executive Severance plan (effective April 1, 2017) provides named officers certain severance benefits both upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah and outside of a change in control. The 2017 revisions also categorize the participating officers as either "Tier 1," "Tier 2" or "Tier 3" participants in order to provide varying benefit amounts to the different officers. All NEOs are Tier 1 participants in the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. After April 1, 2017, officers covered by 2017 Executive Severance Plan will not be eligible to receive benefits under the Severance Play Plan.

        Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the 2017 Executive Severance Plan) outside of a change in control of Neenah each NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to one and one-half times his or her base salary. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason"“good reason” within the two-year period following a change in control, the 2017 Executive Severance Plan provides that eachsuch NEO will be entitled to the sum of (i) two times the sum of his or her annual base salary, (ii) the amount of bonus under Neenah's Management Incentive PlanNeenah’s MIP that he or she has earned through the date of the change in control, plus two times his or her targeted annual bonus;bonus, (iii) any profit-sharing contributions or pension plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination;termination, (iv) the amount of profit-sharing contributions and pension plan benefits such participant would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination;termination, and (v) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years. In addition, each NEOssuch NEO will be fully vested in his or her account under the Deferred Compensation Plan and any awards granted to himunder the 2004 Omnibus Plan or her under the 2018 Omnibus Plan. Excise tax gross up payments are not included as a part of this plan.

the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. The 2017 Executive Severance Plan provides NEOs certain severance benefits both upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah and outside of a change in control. The 2017 Executive Severance Plan also categorize the participating executives as either “Tier 1,” “Tier 2,” or “Tier 3” participants in order to provide varying benefit amounts to the different executives. All NEOs are Tier 1 participants under the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. In addition, upon termination of an NEO'sNEO’s employment by Neenah at any time without "cause"“cause” or by the officerNEO for "good reason"“good reason” within the two-year period following a change in control, the NEO will be eligible to receive reimbursement for outplacement service costs for a period of two years for an amount not to exceed $50,000.


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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
an executive’s employment by Neenah without “cause” outside of a change in control of Neenah, such terminated NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to one and one-half times his or her base salary. Upon termination of an executive’s employment by Neenah without Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 42 Matthew L. Duncan –$5,438 $4,067 –$24,391 Julie A. Schertell–$20,448 $45,878 –$303,542 ExecutiveCompany Aggregate Aggregate Contributions Contributions Earnings Aggregate Balance in lastin last in lastWithdrawal/ at Last Name (1) Fiscal Year(2) Fiscal Year(3) Fiscal Year Distributions Fiscal Year

 

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The following directors served ontable shows the Compensation Committee during 2016: Ms. Dano, Mr. McGovern and Dr. Wood. Nonepayments that would be made to each of our NEOs under the 2017 Executive Severance Plan in connection with a change in control termination as of December 31, 2019: Prorated Non-Equity Incentive Payment(2) – – – – – Unvested PSU Component I(4) $881,009 $214,178 $205,303 $130,789 $120,224 Retirement Benefit Payment(6) $282,817 $607,662 $117,309 $72,212 $66,744 Outplacement $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 (1) Severance payment equal to two times the sum of the membersexecutive’s annual base salary at the time of the Compensation Committee was an officertermination, plus two times the target MIP bonus. (2) The target Non-Equity Incentive Payment is prorated for the number of days in the calendar year prior to termination. Since the assumed termination is December 31, 2019, the Non-Equity Incentive Payment for 2019 would have been earned and paid to the executives and would not be payable under the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. (3) Total value of unvested Restricted Stock that would become vested upon a change in control assuming a share price of $70.43 and a change in control date of December 31, 2019. (4) All actual and unearned Component I PSUs vest upon a change in control event. (5) Amounts are based on target 2018 and 2019 Component II PSU grants. (6) Actuarial value attributable to retirement benefits. (7) Estimated value associated with the continuation of medical and dental for two years post-termination. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 43 Aggregate Payments $5,427,520$2,508,740$2,093,788$1,570,566$1,355,894 Welfare Benefit Values(7)$37,752 $25,728 $39,384 $51,528 $51,528 Unvested PSU Component II(5) $545,167 $130,571 $125,487 $77,425 $74,294 Unvested Restricted Stock(3)$351,375 $88,601$84,305 $57,612 $48,104 John P.Bonnie C. Julie A. Byron J. Matthew L. Payments O’Donnell LindSchertell Racki Duncan Severance(1) $3,279,400 $1,392,000$1,472,000$1,131,000 $945,000

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AUDIT RELATED MATTERS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND SERVICES Aggregate Fees for professional services rendered for us by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche and Tohmatsu and their respective affiliates as of or employeefor the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are set forth below. The aggregate fees included in the Audit category are fees billed for the fiscal year for the integrated audit of Neenah during 2016 or any time prior thereto,our annual financial statements and nonereview of statutory and regulatory filings. The aggregate fees included in each of the members had any relationship with Neenah during 2016 that required disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of our executive officers serves as a member ofother categories are fees billed in the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.


SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder require our directors, officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock, as well as certain affiliates of such persons, to file initial reports of their ownership of our common stock and subsequent reports of changes in such ownership with the SEC. Directors, officers and persons owning more than 10% of our common stock are required by SEC rules and regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us and on information provided by the reporting persons, we believe that during 2016, our directors, officers and owners of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements, except that Mr. Moore filed a Form 4 late on March 30, 2017 representing restricted stock units granted in lieu of a quarterly cash dividend granted in 2016 and 2017.


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fiscal years. AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the accuracy and integrity of Neenah'sNeenah’s financial reporting, including the performance and the independence of Neenah'sNeenah’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte"(“Deloitte”). Our Board of Directors adopted an Audit Committee Charter, which sets forth the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The charter is available on our website atwww.neenah.com. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Deloitte our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2019. The Audit Committee also discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301,Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB"(“PCAOB”).

Auditing Standards No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees. Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements including the audit of our internal control over financial reporting and review of Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by us with the SEC. The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and other communications from Deloitte that are required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Deloitte'sDeloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee, which included independence considerations. The Audit Committee reviewed the audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162019 and determined to engage Deloitte as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.2020. Audit Fees Audit Related Fees Tax Fees All Other Fees Total $2,080,000 – – – $1,927,000 – – – $2,080,000 $1,927,000 The Audit Committee also received and reviewed a report by Deloitte outlining communications required by NYSE listing standards describing: (1) the firm'sfirm’s internal quality control procedures; (2) any material issue raised by a) the most recent internal quality control review of the firm, b) peer review of the firm, or c) any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with issues; and (3) (to assess Deloitte'sDeloitte’s independence) all relationships between Deloitte and us.

POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL To avoid potential conflicts of interest in maintaining auditor independence, the law prohibits a publicly traded company from obtaining certain non-audit services from its independent registered public accounting firm. The law also requires the audit committee of a publicly traded company to pre-approve other services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services and other services. In its pre-approval of non-audit services, the Audit Committee considers, among other factors, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditor’s independence. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to a member of the Audit Committee. The decisions of any Audit Committee member to whom pre-approval authority is delegated shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, including those services described in the table above under the captions “Audit Fees”. In reliance upon the Audit Committee'sCommittee’s review of the audited financial statements, the discussions noted above, and Deloitte'sDeloitte’s report, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 for filing with the SEC. Audit Committee: Timothy S. Lucas, Chair Philip C. Moore Stephen M. Wood William M. Cook Donna M. Costello • • • • • Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 44 20182019

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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (ITEM 1) BOARD to elect William M. Cook, Philip C. Moore and Julie A. Schertell as Class I directors for NOMINEES successors have been duly elected and qualified. On February 5, 2020, Julie A. Schertell was unanimously appointed by the Board to serve as a Class I director and will stand for re-election at the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting. The Board currently consists of nine members divided into one class of two directors (Class III), one class of three directors (Class II) and one class of four directors (Class I). The directors in each class serve three-year terms, with the terms of the Class I directors expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated William M. Cook, Philip C. Moore and Julie A. Schertell, each a current Class I director, for re-election at the 2020 Annual Meeting. If re-elected, the nominees will serve a three-year term expiring at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified. Each of the nominees has consented to serve another term as a director if re-elected. the director remains in office as a “holdover” director until his successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or death. In the event of a holdover director, the Board of Directors in its discretion may request the director to resign from the Board. If the director resigns, the Board of Directors may immediately fill the resulting vacancy, allow the vacancy to remain open until a suitable candidate is located and appointed, or adopt a resolution to decrease the authorized number of directors. On February 5, 2020, John P. O’Donnell delivered notice to the Board of his intent to retire as President and Chief Executive Officer as of May 21, 2020 and to not to stand for re-election as Class I director at the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting. The Board has not made any nominations and does not currently intend to fill this Class I vacancy at this time. Accordingly, immediately following the 2020 Annual Meeting, the Board will consist of eight members divided into two classes of three directors (Classes I and II) and one class of two directors (Class III). If any of the nominees should be unavailable to serve for any reason (which is not anticipated), the Board may designate a substitute nominee or nominees (in which event the persons named on the enclosed proxy card will vote the shares represented by all valid proxy cards for the election of such substitute nominee or nominees), allow the vacancies to remain open until a suitable candidate or candidates are located, or by resolution provide for a lesser number of directors. Set forth above is certain information as of March 27, 2020, regarding the nominees and each director continuing in office, including their ages, principal occupations (which have continued for at least the past five years unless otherwise noted), current Board experience and participation, and how the background, experience, and qualification of each nominee and director make them well suited to serve on Neenah’s Board. If any incumbent nominee for director in an uncontested election should fail to receive the required affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, under Delaware law Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 45 The Board unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal APPROVEDa three-year term expiring at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their

Audit Committee:



Timothy S. Lucas,Chairman
Philip C. Moore
Stephen M. Wood
William M. Cook

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ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 2) The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote APPROVED Section 14A of the Exchange Act requires that we include in this Proxy Statement a non-binding stockholder vote on our executive compensation as described in this Proxy Statement (commonly referred to as “Say-on-Pay”). 67% of target based on performance and in accordance with the terms of the PSU award agreements. Component II of the PSU grants, representing 25% of the grant, using relative total stockholder return as the performance metric, is subject to a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2021. We encourage stockholders to review the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (“CD&A”) section of this Proxy Statement. Our executive compensation program has been designed to pay-for-performance and align our compensation programs with business strategies focused on long-term growth and creating value for stockholders while also paying competitively and focusing on total compensation. The Company’s executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified executive officers who are able to achieve corporate objectives and create stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes the Company’s executive compensation programs reflect a strong pay-for-performance philosophy and are well aligned with the stockholders’ long-term interests without promoting excessive risk. We feel this design is evidenced by the following: • Our short-term incentive plan (MIP) also is based on a pay-for-performance philosophy, with target bonus opportunities ranging from 50% to 90% of base salary based on improvements in corporate and business unit profits and successful execution of strategic objectives. In 2019, NEOs received a payment of 40.5% to 120.5% of target as a result of performance in corporate EBITDA, business unit EBIT and the successful execution of strategic objectives. • We have meaningful stock ownership requirements for our NEOs. • We do not have employment agreements or other individual arrangements with our NEOs that provide for a specified term of employment, compensation terms, or specific benefits upon a termination of employment. A majority of our executives’ compensation is directly linked to our performance and the creation of stockholder value. The overall compensation mix is targeted to include at least 50% performance-based compensation for the NEOs with a higher percentage of our CEO’s compensation being performance-based. In 2019, 74% of our CEO’s compensation was performance-based at target levels. • • Benefits under our 2017 Executive Severance Plan in connection with a change in control are payable only on a double-trigger basis (i.e., following both a change in control and a qualifying termination of employment). • The Compensation Committee is advised by an independent compensation consultant who keeps the Committee apprised of developments and best practices. • Our long-term incentive awards are exclusively in the form of PSUs, RSUs, stock options and SARs and all of our incentive plans have capped payouts. • The Company has a clawback policy which allows the Company to recoup awards if payment or vesting was based on financial criteria that are later deemed to be materially inaccurate or if the Board concludes that such employee engaged in improper conduct. • LTCP grants are split with 70% of the total value of the awards granted as PSUs with a three-year vesting and a combination of one-year and three-year performance periods, and 30% as RSUs with annual vesting over a three-year period. For our PSUs, we use objective performance metrics closely tied to financial performance and stockholder value, such as maintaining an attractive return on invested capital, revenue and earnings per share growth, and relative total stockholder return. In 2019, Component I of the PSU grants, representing 75% of the total grant, were awarded at • In 2017, the Compensation Committee amended the Company’s executive severance plan to remove the excise tax gross up provision. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 46 BOARD COMPENSATION“FOR” the approval of the Company’s executive compensation.


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TableThe Board strongly endorses the Company’s executive compensation program and recommends that stockholders vote in favor of Contents


the following resolution: Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and neither the Board of Directors nor the Compensation Committee will be required to take any action as a result of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as described in this proxy statement under “Executive Compensation”, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the tabular and narrative disclosure contained in this proxy statement. The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (ITEM 4)

3) The Audit Committee and the Board unanimously recommend that the stockholders vote "FOR"“FOR” the proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

        The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, in accordance with its charter and authority delegated to it by the Board, has appointed the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. As a matter of good corporate practice, the Board has directed that such appointment be submitted to our stockholders for ratification at the Annual Meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since our spin-off from Kimberly-Clark Corporation in November 2004 and is considered by our Audit Committee to be well qualified. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment. Even if the stockholders ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may appoint a different independent auditor at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Neenah and its stockholders.

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, in accordance with its charter and authority delegated to it by the Board, has appointed the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. As a matter of good corporate practice, the Board has directed that such appointment be submitted to our stockholders for ratification at the 2020 Annual Meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the 2020 Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.Meeting. They also will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.


INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND SERVICES

Audit Fees

        Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for us by Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 47 BOARDThe Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote APPROVED“FOR” the proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP the member firms of Deloitte Touche and Tohmatsu and their respective affiliates ("Deloitte & Touche") as of or for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are set forth below. The aggregate fees included in the Audit category are fees billedfor the fiscal year for the integrated audit of our annual financial statements and review of statutory and regulatory filings. The aggregate fees included in each of the other categories are fees billedin the fiscal years.

 
 2016 2015 

Audit Fees

 $1,737,150 $1,766,132 

Audit-Related Fees

  0  0 

Tax Fees

  0  56,100 

All Other Fees

  0  0 

Total

 $1,737,150 $1,822,232 

        Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements including the audit of our internal control over financial reporting and review of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed by us with the SEC.

        Tax Fees were for professional services rendered to assist us with compliance with the revised Tangible Property Regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.


Table of Contents

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval

        To avoid potential conflicts of interest in maintaining auditor independence, the law prohibits a publicly-traded company from obtaining certain non-audit services from its independentACCOUNTING FIRMindependent registered public accounting firm.

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FAQ: ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING When and where is the Annual Meeting? If your shares are held in street name, the availability of telephone and Internet voting will depend on the voting processes of the applicable bank or brokerage firm; therefore, it is recommended that you follow the voting instructions on the form you receive from your bank or brokerage firm. All properly executed proxies received by the Company in time to be voted at the 2020 Annual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the 2020 Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions noted on the proxy card. If any other matters properly come before the 2020 Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote upon such matters according to their judgment. When: Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Where1: Company headquarters located at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting? You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting if you owned our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of the close of business March 27, 2020 (the “Record Date”), with each share entitling its owner to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders. On the record date, 16,790,686 shares of common stock were outstanding and eligible to be voted at the Annual Meeting. The law also requirespresence, in person or by proxy, of the audit committeeholders of a publicly traded companymajority of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock is necessary to pre-approve other services providedconstitute a quorum at the 2020 Annual Meeting. We are also sending the Notice and voting materials to participants in various employee benefit plans of the Company. The trustee of each plan, as the stockholder of record of the shares of common stock held in the plan, will vote whole shares of stock attributable to each participant’s interest in the plan in accordance with the directions the participant gives or, if no directions are given by the participant, in accordance with the directions received from the applicable plan committees. How do I vote at the Annual Meeting? You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. We recommend you vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting. You can always change your vote at the meeting. Giving us your proxy means you authorize us to vote your shares at the 2020 Annual Meeting in the manner you direct. If you plan to attend the meeting in person you must provide proof of your ownership of our common stock as of the Record Date, such as an account statement, and a form of personal identification for admission to the meeting. If you hold your shares in street name and you also wish to be able to vote at the 2020 Annual Meeting, you are required to obtain a proxy from your bank or broker, executed in your favor. Can I change my vote? Any stockholder of record delivering a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted at the 2020 Annual Meeting: (i) by giving written notice to Noah S. Benz, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005; (ii) by submitting a proxy card bearing a later date, including a proxy submitted via the Internet or by telephone; or (iii) by voting in person at the 2020 Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that any beneficial owner of our common stock whose shares are held in street name may (a) revoke his or her proxy and (b) attend and vote his or her shares in person at the 2020 Annual Meeting only in accordance with applicable rules and procedures as then may be employed by such beneficial owner’s brokerage firm or bank. If your shares are held in your name, you can vote by proxy in three convenient ways: What Proposals am I being asked to vote on at the 2020 Annual Meeting and what is required to approve each proposal? » Via the Internet: Go to http://www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions. You are being asked to vote on three proposals: » By Telephone: Call toll free 1-800-690-6903 and follow the instructions. • Proposal 1 – the election of the three nominees as Class I directors; » By Mail: Request a printed copy of the proxy materials disclosed in this Proxy Statement and complete, sign, date and return your proxy card in the envelope included with your printed proxy materials. • Proposal 2 – the approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, of Neenah’s executive compensation; and • Proposal 3 – the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. PursuantNeenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 48

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In voting with regard to its charter, the Audit Committee's policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These servicesProposal 1, you may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. In its pre-approvalvote in favor of non-audit services, the Audit Committee considers, among other factors, the possible effecteach nominee, against each nominee, or may abstain from voting. A majority of the performanceshares of such servicescommon stock represented and entitled to vote on Proposal 1 is required for the auditor's independence. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authorityelection of each director, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal. What happens if I sign, date and return my proxy card but do not specify how to vote my shares? If a membersigned proxy card is received which does not specify a vote or an abstention, then the shares represented by that proxy card will be voted FOR the election of all Class I director nominees described herein, FOR the approval of the Audit Committee. The decisionsCompany’s executive compensation, and FOR the ratification of any Audit Committee member to whom pre-approval authority is delegated shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed by theappointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020. In voting with regard to Proposals 2 and 3, you may vote in fiscal 2016favor of each proposal, against each proposal, or may abstain from voting. The vote required to approve Proposals 2 and fiscal 2015, including those services described3 is majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for each proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against such proposal. Why haven’t I received a printed copy of the Proxy Statement or annual report? We are choosing to follow the SEC rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders via the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or “Notice,” by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials, unless you specifically request one. The Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and annual report as well as how to submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received the Notice and would still like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting these materials included in the Notice. We plan to mail the Notice to stockholders by April 9, 2020. Neenah is not aware, as of the date hereof, of any matters to be voted upon at the 2020 Annual Meeting other than those stated in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters are properly brought before the 2020 Annual Meeting, your proxy gives discretionary authority to the persons named as proxies to vote the shares represented thereby in their discretion. What happens if I don’t return my proxy card or vote my shares? Who pays for the cost of this proxy solicitation? If you hold your shares directly your shares will not be voted if you do not return your proxy card or vote in person at the 2020 Annual Meeting. We will bear the cost of preparing, printing and filing the Proxy Statement and related proxy materials. In addition to soliciting proxies through the mail, we may solicit proxies through our directors, officers, and employees, in person and by telephone or email and facsimile. We expect to retain Okapi Partners LLC to aid in the solicitation at a cost of approximately $9,000, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Brokerage firms, nominees, custodians, and fiduciaries also may be requested to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by them. We will pay all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies. If your shares are held in the name of a bank or brokerage firm (in “street name”) and you do not vote your shares, your bank or brokerage firm will only be permitted to exercise discretionary authority to vote your shares for proposals which are considered “discretionary” proposals. We believe that Proposal 3 is a discretionary proposal. Brokers are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions to the broker for proposals which are considered “non-discretionary” (a “broker non-vote”). We believe Proposals 1 and 2 are non-discretionary proposals. As such, broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining if a quorum is present, but will not be considered as shares entitled to vote on Proposals 1 and 2, and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of these proposals. When will voting results be made available? We will announce the final results on our website at www.neenah.com shortly after the 2020 Annual Meeting and on Form 8-K immediately following the meeting. 1 We intend to hold our annual meeting in person. If you are planning to attend our meeting, please check the website one week prior to the meeting date. As always, we encourage you to vote your shares prior to the annual meeting. However, we are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns our stockholders may have and the protocols that federal, state, and local governments may impose. In the event it is not possible or advisable to hold our annual meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include holding the meeting solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our investor relations webpage at www.neenah.com for updated information. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 49

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP Directors and Executive Officers The following table abovesets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 27, 2020 with respect to: (i) each of our directors; (ii) each of the NEOs appearing elsewhere herein; and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group, based in each case on information furnished to us by such persons. As used in this Proxy Statement, “beneficial ownership” means that a person has, as of March 27, 2020, or may have within 60 days thereafter, the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of a security and/or the sole or shared investment power to dispose of or direct the disposition of a security. William M. Cook 5,765(3) * Margaret S. Dano 4,174(5) * Ronald J. Lane –(7) * Timothy S. Lucas 19,824(9) * John P. O’Donnell 52,464(11) * Julie A. Schertell 6,917(13) * Stephen M. Wood 21,483(15) * Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 50 All directors and executive officers as a group (16 persons)175,977(16) 1.0 Tony R. Thene1,676(14)* Byron J. Racki 5,144(12) * Philip C. Moore 21,904(10) * Bonnie C. Lind 19,697(8) * Matthew L. Duncan 1,543(6) * Donna M. Costello –(4) * NameShares Beneficially Owned (1) Percent of Class(2)

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(1) Except as otherwise noted, the directors and executive officers, and all directors and executive officers as a group, have sole voting power and sole investment power over the shares listed. Shares of common stock held by the trustee of Neenah’s 401(k) Retirement Plan for the benefit of, and which are attributable to our executive officers, are included in the table. (9) Includes 1,676 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2020. This total does not include 1,430 Stock Appreciation Rights. (10) Includes 1,676 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2020. (2) An asterisk indicates that the percentage of common stock beneficially owned by the named individual does not exceed 1% of the total outstanding shares of our common stock. (11) This total does not include 98,199 Stock Appreciation Rights. Mr. O’Donnell will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer and is not standing for re-election as director at the 2020 Annual Meeting. (3) Includes 1,676 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2020. (12) This total does not include 11,433 Stock Appreciation Rights. (13) This total does not include 36,917 Stock Appreciation Rights. (4) Ms. Costello was appointed to the Board of Directors on November 1, 2019. (14) Includes 1,676 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2020. (5) Includes 1,676 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2020. (15) Includes 1,676 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of restricted stock units that are vested or will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2020. (6) This total does not include 8,162 Stock Appreciation Rights. On January 14, 2020, Mr. Duncan announced his resignation as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources effective as of February 1, 2020. (16) On July 1, 2014 the Company converted all outstanding Stock Options to Stock Appreciation Rights which are not included in the calculation of beneficial ownership. Stock Appreciation Rights are disclosed in detail under the captions "Audit Fees".“Outstanding Equity Awards at 2019 Fiscal Year-End” section of this Proxy Statement. (7) Mr. Lane joined the Company on July 24, 2019. (8) This total does not include 14,627 Stock Appreciation Rights. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 51


STOCKHOLDERS'

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Third Parties The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2019 for each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock. Wells Fargo & Company 420 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94163 1,445,226(2) 8.59% The Vanguard Group 100 Vanguard Blvd. Malverne, PA 19355 1,093,427(5) 6.50% (1) The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Blackrock, Inc. on February 4, 2020, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2019. Of the 2,562,158 shares reported, Blackrock, Inc. reported sole dispositive power over all 2,562,158 shares and sole voting power over 2,526,760 shares. 1,422,115 shares. Of the 1,384,269 shares reported by Wells Capital Management Incorporated, the filing reported Wells Capital Management Incorporated has shared voting power with respect to 1,310,483 of the shares and has shared dispositive power with respect to all 1,384,269 shares. Of the 1,109,779 shares reported by Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, the filing reported Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC has shared voting power with respect to 1,107,865 of the shares and has shared dispositive power with respect to all 1,109,779 shares. (2) The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Wells Fargo & Company, on behalf of itself and certain subsidiaries named therein, on January 24, 2020, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2019. Of the 1,445,226 shares reported by Wells Fargo & Company, the filing reported Wells Fargo & Company has sole dispositive and voting power over 23,111 of the shares, shared voting power with respect to 226,750 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to (3) The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Macquarie Investment Management Holdings, Inc., on behalf Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 52 Wellington Management Group LLP1,093,610(6) 6.50% 280 Congress Street Boston, MA 02210 Macquarie Investment Management Holdings, Inc1,143,168(3)6.80% 2005 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103(4) Common Stock Beneficially Owned Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Beneficially Owned (1) Percent of Class(2) Blackrock, Inc. 2,562,158(1) 15.2% 55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055

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of itself and certain subsidiaries named therein, on February 12, 2020, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2019. The filing reported 1,143,168 shares are deemed beneficially owned by Macquarie Investment Management Holdings, Inc. and 1,144,798 shares deemed beneficially owned by Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited as a result of these companies’ direct or indirect ownership of Macquarie Bank Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc., and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust. The filing reported neither Macquarie Group Limited nor Macquarie Bank Limited have any voting or dispositive power, either sole or shared, with respect to any of the 1,144,798 shares. Of the 1,143,168 shares reported by Macquarie Investment Management Holdings, Inc., and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, the filing reported Macquarie Investment Management Holdings, Inc., and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust have sole voting and dispositive power over 1,139,724 of the shares. Of the 1,630 shares reported by Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG, the filing reported Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all 1,630 shares. (5) The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group on February 10, 2020, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2019. Of the 1,093,427 shares reported, The Vanguard Group reported sole dispositive power over 1,060,025 of the shares, shared voting power with respect to 3,500 shares, shared dispositive power with respect to 33,402 shares, and sole voting power over 31,717 shares. (6) The amount shown and the following information is derived from the Schedule 13G filed by Wellington Management Group LLP, on behalf of itself and certain subsidiaries named therein, on January 27, 2020, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2019. Of the 1,093,610 shares reported by Wellington Management Group LLP, the filing reported Wellington Management Group LLP has shared voting power with respect to 988,814 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to all 1,093,610 shares. Of the 1,093,610 shares shown reported by Wellington Group Holdings LLP, the filing reported Wellington Group Holdings LLP has shared voting power with respect to 988,814 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to all 1,093,610 shares. Of the 1,093,610 shares shown reported by Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP, the filing reported Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP has shared voting power with respect to 988,814 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to all 1,093,610 shares. Of the 1,084,270 shares reported by Wellington Management Company LLP, the filing reported Wellington Management Company LLP has shared voting power with respect to 979,474 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to all 1,084,270 shares. (4) The principal business address of Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc., and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust was reported as 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The principal business address of Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG was reported as L3, Kaerntner Strasse, Vienna C4 1010. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 53

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HOUSEHOLDING OF NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS The SEC’s proxy rules permit companies and intermediaries, such as brokers and banks, to satisfy delivery requirements for Notices, and if applicable, the proxy statements and annual reports, with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice to those stockholders. This method of delivery, often referred to as householding, should reduce the amount of duplicate information that stockholders receive and lower printing and mailing costs for companies. Neenah and certain intermediaries are householding Notices, and if applicable, proxy statements and annual reports, for stockholders of record in connection with its 2020 Annual Meeting. This means that: STOCKHOLDERS’ PROPOSALS FOR 20182021 ANNUAL MEETING

Proposals of stockholders, excluding nominations for the Board, intended to be presented at the 20182021 Annual Meeting should be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, and must be received by us at our executive offices in Alpharetta, Georgia, on or before December 9, 2017,10, 2020, the date that is 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date that this Proxy Statement is released to stockholders, to be eligible for inclusion in our Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting and to be introduced for action at the 20182021 Annual Meeting. In the event that the date of the 20182021 Annual Meeting is changed more than thirty days from the date of this year'syear’s meeting, notice by stockholders should be received no later than (i) the close of business on the later of the 150th150th calendar day prior to the 20182021 meeting, or (ii) the 10th10th calendar day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

Only one Notice, if applicable, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2020 Annual Meeting, will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless you notify your broker or bank to the contrary; • Any stockholder proposal must be in writing and must comply with Rule 14a-814a - under the Exchange Act and must set forth (i) a description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting the business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on our books, of the stockholder submitting the proposal; (iii) the class and number of shares that are beneficially owned by such stockholder; (iv) the dates on which the stockholder acquired the shares; (v) documentary support for any claim of beneficial ownership as required by Rule 14a-8; (vi) any material interest of the stockholder in the proposal; (vii) a statement in support of the proposal; and (viii) any other information required by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Stockholder nominations for the Board must comply with the procedures set forth above under "Corporate“Corporate Governance—Nomination of Directors."

” You can contact Neenah by calling 678-566-6500 or by writing to INVESTOR RELATIONS, Neenah, Inc., at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Preston Ridge III, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 to request a separate copy of the Notice, and if applicable, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2020 Annual Meeting and for future meetings or, if you are currently receiving multiple copies, to receive only a single copy in the future or you can contact your bank or broker to make a similar request; and • You can request delivery of a single copy of the Notice, and if applicable, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2020 Annual Meeting, from your bank or broker if you share the same address as another Neenah stockholder and your bank or broker has determined to household proxy materials. • The failure of a stockholder to deliver a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the preceding paragraphs may result in it being excluded from our Proxy Statement and ineligible for consideration at the 20182021 Annual Meeting. Further, the submission of a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the preceding paragraph does not guarantee that we will include it in our Proxy Statement or that it will be eligible for consideration at the 20182021 Annual Meeting. We strongly encourage any stockholder interested in submitting a proposal to contact our Corporate Secretary in advance of the submission deadline to discuss the proposal. Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 54


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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of Contents


the Exchange Act and rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder require our directors, officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock, as well as certain affiliates of such persons, to file initial reports of their ownership of our common stock and subsequent reports of changes in such ownership with the SEC. Directors, officers, and persons owning more than 10% of our common stock are required by SEC rules and regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us and on information provided by the reporting persons, we believe that during 2019, our directors, officers, and owners of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements. OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

Our Board knows of no matters other than those referred to in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders which may properly come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter should be properly presented for consideration and vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies on the enclosed form of proxy card to vote the shares represented by all valid proxy cards in accordance with their judgment of what is in the best interest of Neenah and its stockholders.


HOUSEHOLDING OF NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 55

 The SEC's proxy rules permit companies and intermediaries, such as brokers and banks, to satisfy delivery requirements for Notices, and if applicable, the proxy statements and annual reports, with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice to those stockholders. This method of delivery, often referred to as householding, should reduce the amount of duplicate information that stockholders receive and lower printing and mailing costs for companies. Neenah and certain intermediaries are householding Notices, and if applicable, proxy statements and annual reports, for shareholders of record in connection with its 2017 Annual Meeting. This means that:

    Only one Notice, and if applicable, proxy statement and annual report, will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless you notify your broker or bank to the contrary;

    You can contact Neenah by calling 678-566-6500 or by writing to INVESTOR RELATIONS, Neenah Paper, Inc., at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Preston Ridge III, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 to request a separate copy of the Notice, and if applicable, proxy statement and annual report, for the 2017 Annual Meeting and for future meetings or, if you are currently receiving multiple copies, to receive only a single copy in the future or you can contact your bank or broker to make a similar request; and

    You can request delivery of a single copy of the Notice, and if applicable, proxy statement and annual report, from your bank or broker if you share the same address as another Neenah shareholder and your bank or broker has determined to household proxy materials.

     

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    Neenah, Inc. 2020 Proxy Statement | 56

    NEENAH, INC. PRESTON RIDGE III 3460 PRESTON RIDGE ROAD, SUITE 600 ALPHARETTA, GA 30005 VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. NEENAH PAPER, INC. PRESTON RIDGE III 3460 PRESTON RIDGE RD., SUITE 600 ALPHARETTA, GA 30005 VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: E23855-P87852D05380-P36861 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY NEENAH, PAPER, INC. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1. Proposal for election of Class I Directors: Nominees: For Against Abstain ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Nominees: 1a. John P. O'DonnellWilliam M. Cook 1b. Philip C. Moore 1c. Julie A. Schertell The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 2. Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the Company's executive compensation; The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 3. Proposal to ratify Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah, Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. Any of such attorneys and proxies, or their substitutes (or if only one, that one) at said Annual Meeting, and any adjournments thereof, may exercise all of the powers hereby given. Any proxy heretofore given is hereby revoked. 1b. William M. Cook 1c. Philip C. Moore Receipt is acknowledged of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Card accompanying said Notice. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: ! 2 Years ! 3 Years ! Abstain Each of the foregoing matters have been proposed by Neenah, PaperInc. and is not conditioned on the approval of any other matters. 2. Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the Company's executive compensation; The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 Year 1 year on the following proposal: ! ! ! ! 3. Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation; and The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: For Against Abstain ! ! ! 4. Proposal to ratify Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah Paper, Inc. for the fiscal year ending 2017. ! For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date V.1.1

     


    ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS Tuesday,Thursday, May 23, 2017 10:21, 2020 2:00 A.M.p.m. Eastern Daylight Time 3460 Preston Ridge Road Suite 600 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005AGENDA: • • • • Proposal for election of Class I Directors; Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the Company's executive compensation; Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation; Proposal to ratify Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah, Paper, Inc. for the fiscal year ending 2017;December 31, 2020; and Other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting (the Board of Directors is currently unaware of any other business to be presented to a vote).Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Proxy Statement and the 20162019 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at www.proxyvote.com. E23856-P87852 D05381-P36861NEENAH, PAPER, INC. Proxy – Annual Meeting of Stockholders – May 23, 201721, 2020 (Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors) The undersigned stockholder of Neenah, Paper, Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Bonnie C. Lind, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and StevenNoah S. Heinrichs,Benz, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and each of them, theattorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, to represent and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all of the shares of Neenah's Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005, on Tuesday,Thursday, May 23, 201721, 2020 at 10:2:00 a.m.p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, and at any adjournments thereof, upon the proposals stated on the reverse side which are more fully described in the Notice of, and Proxy Statement for, the Annual Meeting. We are actively monitoring developments with respect to the coronavirus. In the event it is not possible or advisable to hold our annual meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting, which may include holding the meeting solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our investor relations webpage at www.neenah.com for updated information. NOTE: This proxy, properly filled in, dated and signed, should be returned promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. This proxy covers all shares for which the undersigned has the right to give voting instructions to Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, Trustee of the Neenah, PaperInc. 401(k) Plan and the Neenah, PaperInc. Retirement Contribution Plan (093861). This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed. If voting instructions are not received by the proxy tabulator by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 18, 2017,19, 2020, you will be treated as directing the Plan's Trustee to vote the shares held in the Plan in the same proportion as the shares for which the Trustee has received timely instructions from others who do vote OR as indicated on the reverse side in unvotedun-voted share methodology.Address Changes/Comments: (If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.) (Continued,(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) V.1.1 Address Changes/Comments:

     

     

    *** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on May 23, 2017. NEENAH PAPER, INC. You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the company named above. This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of NEENAH PAPER, INC. PRESTON RIDGE III 3460 PRESTON RIDGE RD., SUITE 600 ALPHARETTA, GA 30005 the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side). We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. proxy materials and voting instructions. E23859-P87852 See the reverse side of this notice to obtain Meeting Information Meeting Type:Annual Meeting For holders as of:March 31, 2017 Date: May 23, 2017Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time Location: 3460 Preston Ridge Road Suite 600 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

     


    Before You Vote How to Access the Proxy Materials Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX (located on the by the arrow XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX (located on the following page) in the subject line. How To Vote Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods marked by the arrow XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX (located on the following page) available and follow the instructions. E23860-P87852 Vote In Person: Many stockholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. Proxy Materials AAvvaaiillaabbllee ttooVVIEIEWWoorrRREECCEEIVIVEE: : PROXY STATEMENT2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS How to View Online: following page) and visit: www.proxyvote .com. How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: 1) BY INTERNET:www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL*:sendmaterial@proxyvote.com * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before May 9, 2017 to facilitate timely delivery.

     


    The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1. Proposal for election of Class I Directors: Nominees: 1a. John P. O'Donnell 1b. William M. Cook 1c. Philip C. Moore The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 2. Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the Company's executive compensation; The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 year on the following proposal: 3. Proposal to approve an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation; and The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 4. Proposal to ratify Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah Paper,Inc. for the fiscal year ending 2017. E23861-P87852 Voting Items

     


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