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
(Amendment No.  )



 
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MYR Group Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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

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Notice of 2018
Annual Meeting
of Stockholders
and Proxy Statement

[GRAPHIC MISSING]April 26, 2018
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Drive
Schaumburg,
Illinois 60173






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MYR GROUP INC.LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS

1701 GOLF ROAD, SUITE 3-1012
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL 60008

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March 23, 20168, 2018

Dear Fellow Stockholder,

I amOn behalf of the Board of Directors and management of MYR Group Inc., we are pleased to invite you to attend the 20162018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of MYR Group Inc., which will be held at 9:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, April 28, 2016,26, 2018, at the DoubleTreeRenaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 75 West Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights,1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Illinois 6000560173 (the “Annual“2018 Annual Meeting”). The meeting facilities will open to stockholders at 8:30 a.m. local time.

At the 2018 Annual Meeting we will report on operations and act on the matters described in the Notice of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of MYR Group Inc. and the Proxy Statement that follow this letter. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2016,February 28, 2018 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2018 Annual Meeting.

It is important that your shares are represented and voted at the 2018 Annual Meeting regardless of the size of your holdings.Even if you intend to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting, please complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope as soon as possible in order to ensure the presence of a quorum. If you do not vote promptly, we may incur additional costs in soliciting proxies. Voting by returning your proxy card in advance of the 2018 Annual Meeting does not deprive you of your right to attend and vote in person at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

TheOur Board of Directors and management look forward to your participation at the 2018 Annual Meeting and appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely yours,

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William A. Koertner
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

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Richard S. Swartz, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer

MYR GROUP INC.
1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT


 
 

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MYR GROUP INC.

1701 GOLF ROAD, SUITE 3-1012
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL 60008



NOTICE OF THE 20162018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF MYR GROUP INC.


March 8, 2018

MYR Group Inc. will hold its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Thursday, April 26, 2018. At the meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider and act upon the following items of business discussed in the attached proxy statement. Please note that this Notice of Meeting does not contain all the information you should consider and you should read the proxy statement in its entirety before voting.

WHEN:  Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time

WHERE:  Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
  

ITEMS OF BUSINESS:

Proposal 1.  Election as directors of the two Class II nominees, each to serve a term of three years;
Proposal 2.  Advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers;
Proposal 3.  Ratification of the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018; and
Consideration of other business properly presented at the meeting.

BOARD RECOMMENDATION:

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of each of the nominees named in Proposal 1 and FOR Proposals 2 and 3.

TIME AND DATE:9:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, April 28, 2016
PLACE:DoubleTree Hotel
75 West Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:

(1)WHO CAN VOTE:  Stockholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2018 are entitled to vote at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Election as directors of the four nominees identified in this proxy statement, each to serve a term of three years;

(2)

Advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers;

(3)

Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016; and

(4)

Consideration of other business properly presented at the meeting.

BOARD RECOMMENDATION:The Board of Directors recommends that you vote, by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card,FOR the election of each of the nominees in Item 1 andFOR Items 2 and 3.
WHO CAN VOTE:Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2016 are entitled to vote at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment thereof.
DATE OF DISTRIBUTION:This Notice of Meeting, the Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy card and our 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders are being distributed to stockholders beginning on or about March 23, 2016.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for our 20162018 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on April 28, 2016

26, 2018.

This Notice of Meeting, the Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy card and our 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K are being distributed to stockholders beginning on or about March 8, 2018. This Notice of Meeting, the Proxy Statement, and the 20152017 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K are also available on our website athttp://investor.myrgroup.com/annuals.cfmwww.myrgroup.com..

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Gerald B. Engen, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

March 23, 2016


 
 

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PROXY SUMMARY INFORMATION  1 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  35 
Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Principles
Director Independence
Executive Sessions of the Board
Communications with the Board and Reporting of Concerns
Board Leadership Structure
Risk Oversight
Board and Committee Self-Evaluations
Committee Membership and Meeting Attendance
NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MATTERS  69 
Committee Independence and Responsibilities
Criteria for Nomination to the Board of Directors
Diversity
Succession Planning
PROPOSAL NO. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  811 
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTORSVote Required 
2018 Director Nominees 
9Class I and Class III Directors
Director Compensation 
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE  1922 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS  1922 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MATTERS  2023 
Committee Independence and Responsibilities
Compensation Consultants
Compensation Risk Assessment
Compensation Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2017
DIRECTORLETTER FROM OUR COMPENSATION COMMITTEE  2326 
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  2627 
Introduction
Key Features of Our Compensation
Components of Our Compensation
Objectives of Our Compensation Program
Communications with Stockholders on Executive Compensation
2017 Target Performance-Based Compensation
Management’s Role in Determining Compensation
Peer Groups, Pay Mix and Use of Compensation Consultants
Analysis of 2017 Compensation Decisions and Actions

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES  4145 
2017 Summary Compensation Table
2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
Employment Agreements
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2017 Fiscal Year End
2017 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
2017 Pay Ratio
PROPOSAL NO. 2. ADVISORY RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  5255 
AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS  5457 
Committee Independence and Responsibilities
Pre-Approval Policies
Independent Auditors’ Fees
Audit Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2017
PROPOSAL NO. 3. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CROWE HORWATH LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  5660 
OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY BE PRESENTED AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING  5761 
OWNERSHIP OF EQUITY SECURITIES  5862 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING  6064 
20172019 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS  6367 

Throughout this proxy statement, references to “MYR Group,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to MYR Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires.

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MYR GROUP INC.



March 23, 2016

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS



SUMMARY INFORMATION

This Summary Information section introduces and provides overview information and the recommendations of the board of directors of MYR Group Inc. (the “Board”) for each of the proposals to be voted on at the 20162018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual“2018 Annual Meeting”) as well as highlights of, in addition to highlighting our corporate governance, executive compensation and business results in 2015. Weand executive compensation. This overview of voting items does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and we encourage you to review the entire 20162018 proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) prior to determining how you wish to vote your shares. We are holding

PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(the Annual Meetingfull proposal begins on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. local time atpage 11)

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

The Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe that the DoubleTree Hotel, 75 West Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005.

Meeting Agendatwo nominees possess the necessary qualifications, attributes, skills and Voting Recommendation

   
Item Proposal Board Vote Recommendation Page Reference
(for details)
1. Election as directors of the four nominees identified in this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card, each to serve a term of three years FOR EACH
NOMINEE
 8     
2. Advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers FOR 52     
3. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016 FOR 56     

2015 Executive Compensation Highlights

Our executive compensation program seeksexperiences to reward our executive officers for their contributionsprovide quality advice and counsel to our short-termthe Company’s management and effectively oversee the business and long-term performance. Most importantly, we seek to link individual pay to Company success, and we work to structure executive officer compensation consistent with this goal. We maintain the following policies and practices, among others, that aim to promote our commitment to pay for performance:

We provide our executive officers with total compensation opportunities at levels that we believe are competitive with our peer companies so that we can retain and motivate our skilled and qualified officers.
We grant equity awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of May 1, 2014) (the “LTIP”), which include time-based retention awards and awards that are tied to Company performance goals or the performanceinterests of the Company’s stock. Equity awards under the LTIP maystockholders. Further biographical and qualification information for each director nominee can be issuedfound in the formfull proposal.

Our Director Nominees

You are being asked to vote on the election of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, phantom stock, stock bonusestwo Class II directors, each for a term ending in 2021 or until a successor has been chosen and dividend equivalents.

We annually put our named executive officer compensationqualified. Jack L. Alexander, a Class II director with a term expiring at the 2018 Annual Meeting, informed the Board that he will retire on April 1, 2018 and therefore will not stand for reelection to an advisorythe Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting. In connection with Mr. Alexander’s retirement, the Board determined that it would decrease the Board size from 10 to 9 directors on April 1, 2018.

Directors will be elected by the affirmative vote of our stockholders and received a positive responsemajority of over 97% of the votes cast onin this proposal at our 2015 Annual Meeting.uncontested election.

     Committee Membership      
      Age    Director Since Primary Occupation Independent Other Public Boards Audit Comp NCG Board Recommendation  
Donald C.I. Lucky        55      2015   
Managing
Partner,
Reynolds Mirth
Richards &
Farmer LLP
  
   Yes   0        þ   þ   FOR     
Maurice E. Moore        67      2010   
Founder,
Primus
Financial
Group, LLC
  
   Yes   0   þ        þ   FOR      
We include clawback provisions in our LTIP award agreements, which subject all new equity awards under the LTIP to the Company’s right to recover in the event that it is determined that a participant engaged in conduct that contributed to any material restatement of our earnings.



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT

We cap annual cash incentive awards that can be earned at 200% of salary for our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and lesser amounts for our other named executive officers. The number of performance shares that can be earned is capped at 200% of target for all named executive officers.


 

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Corporate Governance Highlights

We haveare committed to good corporate governance practices. We believe that good governance promotes the long-term interests of our stockholders and strengthens Board and management accountability.

•  Separate Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

•  Regular Executive Sessions of Independent Directors

•  Independent Lead Director

•  Annual Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation

•  All Directors are Independent Except our Former Chief Executive Officer

•  100% Independent Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees

•  Majority Voting in Uncontested Elections

•  Engage Independent Compensation Consultant Each Year for Executive Compensation

•  Risk Oversight by Full Board and Committees

•  Investor Outreach Program

•  Balanced Director Ages (3 Under 60)

•  Stock Ownership Guidelines for Named Executive Officers and Directors

•  Annual Board and Committee Self-Evaluations

•  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Officers and Directors

•  Annual Performance Evaluation of Named Executive Officers by Directors

•  Limited Director Service on Other Public Boards

•  Engaged Independent Corporate Governance Consultant

The Board engaged an insider trading policy that prohibitsindependent, third-party executive and corporate governance consultant to facilitate individual director self-evaluations and the annual self-evaluation exercises by the Board and its committees, which provided the Board with independent insight as to the effectiveness of its operation, the effectiveness of operations of its committees, its governance practices and its director succession planning.

All but one of our directors are independent and three of our independent directors have been appointed within the past three years.

PROPOSAL 2. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS(the full proposal begins on page 55)

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ADVISORY RESOLUTION TO APPROVE OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The Board and Compensation Committee seek a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers from hedgingas described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation Tables”. The Board values stockholders’ opinions, and the economic riskCompensation Committee will consider the outcome of their stock ownership, holding sharesthe advisory vote when evaluating future executive compensation decisions.



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT


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2017 Performance

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Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $1.403 billion compared to $1.142 billion and $1.062 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $21.2 million, which included a net Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) benefit of $7.8 million, compared to $21.4 million and $27.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our backlog was $679.1 million compared to $688.8 million and $450.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Executive Compensation Highlights

Compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including peer company and market data, Company performance against pre-established goals, relative performance of the Company’s common stock compared to a peer group and the experience and contributions of individual executives. Our executive compensation program seeks to attract and retain executive talent and emphasize pay for performance. Our compensation program includes base salary, short-term incentive compensation, long-term equity awards, a defined-contribution retirement plan and very limited perquisites. We continue to strive to adhere to the best practices in a margin accountexecutive compensation:

WHAT WE DOþWHAT WE DON’T DO⨯
þ      Pay for Performance

 ⨯  

No Hedging of our Stock

þ      Annual “Say-on-Pay” Stockholder Vote

 ⨯  

No Pledging of our Stock

þ      Stock Ownership Guidelines for Officers and Directors

 ⨯  

No Tax Gross-Ups Going Forward

þ      Encourage Stockholder Input

 ⨯  

No Single Trigger Following Change in Control

þ      Impose Clawback Provisions

 ⨯  

No Short-Selling of our Stock

þ      Independent Compensation Committee

 ⨯  

No Guaranteed Minimum Bonus Payments to our Named Executive Officers

þ      Annual Compensation Review and Risk Assessment

 ⨯  

No Dividends or Dividend Equivalents on Unvested Equity

þ      Multiple Performance Metrics Including Safety

 ⨯  

No Repricing of Stock Options Without Stockholder Approval

þ      Cap Annual Cash Bonus and Performance Awards

 ⨯  

No Stock Options Below Fair Market Value as of Grant Date

þ      Portion of Long-Term Incentive Awards Based on Relative Total Shareholder Return
þ      Independent Compensation Consultant
þ      Align Financial Interests of Named Executive Officers With Stockholders
þ      Multi-Year Vesting of Equity Awards



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT


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PROPOSAL 3. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CROWE HORWATH LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM(the full proposal begins on page 60)

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF CROWE HORWATH LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

The Board and Audit Committee believe that the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP (“Crowe”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY BE PRESENTED AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING(found on page 61)

We will also take action upon any other business as may properly come before the 2018 Annual Meeting and any adjournments or pledging shares as collateral for a loan.

We have stock ownership guidelines, with a stock retention feature, for our directors and named executive officers.
postponements of that meeting. The Board or proxy holders will use their discretion on other matters that may arise at the 2018 Annual Meeting.



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance PrinciplesCODE OF ETHICS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Ethics promotes honest and ethical conduct, full and accurate public communication and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. We disclose any waiver or amendments to the Code of Ethics as required by the applicable rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Additionally, the board of directors of MYR Group (the “Board”)Board has guidelines that provide a framework for MYR Group’s corporate governance (the “Corporate Governance Principles”). The Corporate Governance Principles assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities to help ensure compliance with governing law and our policies.

Stockholders and others can access our corporate governance materials, including theour Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws”), Board committee charters, our Corporate Governance Principles, our Code of Ethics and other corporate governance related materials on our website atwww.myrgroup.com. Copies of these materials are also available free of charge to any stockholder who sends a written request to our Secretary at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008.

The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this Proxy Statement or incorporated into any other filings we make with the SEC.

Director IndependenceDIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Our Corporate Governance Principles require that at least a majority of the Board qualify as independent directors under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) and any other requirements of the committees upon which he or she serves. Nasdaq listing standards have both objective tests and a subjective test for determining who is an independent director. The objective tests state, for example, that an employeea director who is, or at any time during the past three years was, employed by the Company, is not considered independent. The subjective test requires the Board to affirmatively determine that the director does not have a relationship that would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. Members of our Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, respectively, are subject to certain additional independence criteriaqualification requirements as described below under “Audit Committee Matters” and “Compensation Committee Matters.”Matters”.

After considering the Nasdaq listing standards and information provided by each director, the Board determined that the following directors are independent: Jack L. Alexander, Larry F. Altenbaumer, Bradley T. Favreau, Henry W. Fayne, Kenneth M. Hartwick, Gary R. Johnson, Donald C.I. Lucky, Maurice E. Moore and William D. Patterson and John P. Schauerman as well as the director to be appointed immediately following the Annual Meeting, Arnaud Ajdler.Patterson. William A. Koertner is not considered an independent director due to his employment with MYR Group.Group, and will continue to not be considered independent for the three years following the end of his employment with the Company in accordance with the Nasdaq listing standards.

Executive Sessions of the BoardEXECUTIVE SESSIONS OF THE BOARD

In accordance with the Corporate Governance Principles, the independent directors meet at least twice per year in executive sessions, which are chaired by the Independent Lead Director. Executive sessions are typically held following Board meetings, without management present.

Meeting Attendance

We expect directors to regularly attend Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they serve. The Board held twenty-three meetings in 2015, seven of which were briefings by management on project bidding opportunities. All of our directors serving during the year ended December 31, 2015 attended at least 91% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and committees on which they served. All directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting and all directors serving at the time of the 2015 Annual Meeting, including the incumbent director nominees, attended that meeting.


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Communications with the Board and Reporting of ConcernsCONCERNS

The Board values and encourages constructive dialogue with stockholders and other interested parties on topics such as compensation and other important governance topics. Stockholders and other interested parties can communicate with the directors, individually or as a group, by writing to our Secretary at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 or by submitting an e-mail to our corporate website athttp://investor.myrgroup.com/contactBoard.cfmwww.myrgroup.com. under the “Investors” section.



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT


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The Secretary forwards communications relating to matters within the Board’s purview to the appropriate directors, communications relating to matters within a Board committee’s area of responsibility to the chair of the appropriate committee and communications relating to ordinary business matters such as suggestions, inquiries and consumer complaints to the appropriate MYR Group officer. The Secretary generally does not forward complaints about service, new services suggestions, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements or inappropriate communications. Anyone who has a concern about the Company’s conduct, accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, or auditing matters may submit that concern anonymously or confidentially to the Company’s Anonymous Incident Reporting System, —  MySafeWorkplace, — at 800-461-9330 orwww.mysafeworkplace.comwww.mysafeworkplace.com..

Board Leadership StructureBOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Our Corporate Governance Principles provide that the Board has the discretion to choose its board leadership structure and Chairman in any way thatas it deems best for MYR Group and our stockholders. When determining the leadership structure that allows the Board to effectively carry out its responsibilities and represent our stockholders’ interests, the Board considers various factors including our specific business needs, our industry’s demands, our operating and financial performance, the economic and regulatory environment, Board self-evaluations, alternative leadership structures and our corporate governance policies and practices. William A. Koertner currently serves as both

Separate Executive Chairman and CEO Positions

Effective January 1, 2017, the Board separated the positions of Executive Chairman of the Board (“Executive Chairman”) and our CEO. He has held both of those positions since 2007.Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The Board believes that combiningseparating the Executive Chairman and CEO positions, together with retaining an independent lead director of the Board (“Independent Lead Director,Director”), is appropriate at this time. By separating these positions, our CEO is able to focus on managing the Company’s daily operations and our Executive Chairman can devote his time because it effectively utilizesand attention to matters of Board oversight and governance.

In accordance with the Corporate Governance Principles, the independent directors selected Gary R. Johnson to continue to serve as the Independent Lead Director. As the Independent Lead Director, Mr. Koertner’s extensive experience and knowledge of our industry and Company and provides for efficient leadership of our Board and Company. In making this determination,Johnson has the Board has taken into consideration MYR Group’s size, structure and business as well as Mr. Koertner’s knowledgeauthority to call meetings of the industry, successful tenure with MYR Groupindependent directors and his established relationships with our customers. The Board also believes that Mr. Koertner is induties include, among others, presiding at executive sessions of the best position to inform our independent directors, about our operations, projectswhich are typically held following Board meetings without management present, and issues important toserving as a non-exclusive liaison between the Company. Executive Chairman, CEO and the independent directors and, where appropriate, with stockholders.

Except for Mr. Koertner, who remains an employee and serves as the Executive Chairman, the Board is comprisedcomposed entirely of independent directors and all of the committee members are independent. The Board has the necessary power and authority to request and obtain information directly from management, to retain outside consultants and to consult directly with management and employees where it deems appropriate.

In accordance with the Corporate Governance Principles, the independent directors selected Gary R. Johnson to serve as the Board’s Lead Director. As Lead Director, Mr. Johnson has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors and his duties include, among others, presiding at executive sessions of the independent directors, which are typically held following Board meetings without management present, and serving as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors and, where appropriate, with the stockholders.

Our overall corporate governance policies and practices, combined with the strength of our independent directors, minimize potential conflicts that may result from combined roles of Chairman and CEO. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the other independent directors periodically review this structure to ensure it is still appropriate.

Risk OversightRISK OVERSIGHT

We do not view risk in isolation but consider risk as part of our regular consideration of business strategy and business decisions. Assessing and managing risk is the responsibility of management, which establishes and maintains risk management processes, including action plans and controls, to balance risk mitigation and opportunities to create stockholder value. It is management’s responsibility to anticipate, identify and communicate risks to the Board and/or its committees.


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The Board has the responsibility to oversee and review certain aspects of our risk management efforts, either directly or through its committees, based upon management’s identification, assessment and mitigation of risk. We approach risk management by integrating strategic planning and operational decision-making with risk oversight by management and the Board. The Board commits extensive time and effort discussing and establishing the Company’s strategic plan, and it reconsiders key elements of



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT


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the strategic plan as significant events and opportunities arise during the year. As part of the strategic plan review, the Board and management focus on the primary value drivers for the Company and risks facing the Company.Company as well as the Company’s sustainability and social responsibilities.

The Board’s standing committees are each chaired by an independent director and support the Board’s oversight functions by regularly addressing various risks in their respective areas of oversight. Specifically, the Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its risk management oversight responsibilities in the areas of financial reporting, internal controls (including internal controls over information technology systems and security), compliance with public reporting requirements.requirements and cyber security. The Compensation Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its risk management oversight responsibilities associated with risks arising from compensation policies and programs, including the review of incentive compensation to ensure our programs contribute to our success, increase shareholderstockholder value and discourage unnecessary and excessive risk taking. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its risk management oversight responsibilities associated with risks primarily related to corporate governance.governance, director succession and the composition of the Board. Each of the committee chairs reports to the full Board at regular meetings concerning the activities of the committee, the significant issues it has discussed and the actions taken by the committee.

We believe that our leadership structure supports the risk oversight function of the Board. All directors are actively involved in

BOARD AND COMMITTEE SELF-EVALUATIONS

Each year, the risk oversight functionBoard and with our CEO serving as Chairmaneach of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees conduct an annual self-evaluation addressing matters the Board and committees consider relevant to their performance. These evaluations include an assessment by each director of the performance of the Board he is able to promote open communication between management and directors relating to risk.the committee or committees on which the director sits. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees the evaluation process.

In 2017, an independent, third-party governance consultant facilitated the Board and committee self-evaluations. This consultant also facilitated individual director performance evaluations.

Committee MembershipCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND MEETING ATTENDANCE

Our Board designates the members and chairs of committees based on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendations. Because he is not an independent director, William A.Mr. Koertner does not serve on any of the committees. The Board has three standing committees — Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance — each comprisedcomposed entirely of independent directors. Membership of the committees in 2015 was as follows:

   
Name Audit Compensation Nominating
and
Corporate
Governance
Jack L. Alexander  X   X    
Larry F. Altenbaumer     Chair   X 
Henry W. Fayne  X   X    
Kenneth M. Hartwick(1)  X      X 
Betty R. Johnson(2)  X      X 
Gary R. Johnson     X   Chair 
Donald C.I. Lucky(1)     X   X 
Maurice E. Moore  X      X 
William D. Patterson  Chair   X    
Number of Meetings in 2015  6   7   4 

(1)Mr. Hartwick’s and Mr. Lucky’s appointments to the Board were effective on July 29, 2015.
(2)Effective October 19, 2015, Ms. Johnson resigned from the Board and was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Each of the three standing committees has a written charter adopted by the Board. The charters define each committee’s roles and responsibilities. The charters are available on our website atwww.myrgroup.com.under the “Investors” section. MYR Group will provide copies of these charters free of charge to any stockholder who sends a written request to our Secretary at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008.

We expect directors to regularly attend Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they serve. The Board held eleven meetings in 2017. Each of our directors serving during the year ended December 31, 2017 attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and committees on which they served. The overall aggregate director attendance for all Board and committee meetings was over 96%. All directors serving at the time of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2017 Annual Meeting”), including the director nominees, attended that meeting and all directors are expected to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting.



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In 2017, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviewed the membership of the Board’s committees and recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, the following committee membership:

  Audit Compensation Nominating and
Corporate
Governance
 
     Meetings Held in 2017    
     7   6   3    
     Current Committee Membership    
Jack L. Alexander            þ   þ    
Larry F. Altenbaumer            Chair         
Bradley T. Favreau            þ         
Henry W. Fayne       þ              
Kenneth M. Hartwick       þ              
Gary R. Johnson            þ   Chair    
William A. Koertner       Only independent directors serve on committees    
Donald C.I. Lucky            þ   þ    
Maurice E. Moore       þ        þ    
William D. Patterson       Chair              



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NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MATTERS

COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board has determined that all of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members are independent under the Nasdaq listing standards. The primary responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include (i)include: identifying and recommending to the Board individuals qualified to serve as director, (ii)director; advising the Board with respect to the Board’s size, composition, procedures and committees, (iii)committees; developing and recommending to the Board the corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, (iv)Company; overseeing the self-evaluation of the Board and Board committeesits committees; and (v) providing oversight with respect to corporate governance and ethical conduct.

Criteria for Nomination to the Board of Directors and DiversityCRITERIA FOR NOMINATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board is responsible for nominating directors for election to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying, screening, and recommending candidates to the Board for Board membership in accordance with the committee’s charter, our Certificate of Incorporation, our By-Laws, our Corporate Governance Principles and additional criteria that may be considered by the Board regarding director candidate qualifications. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also evaluates the qualifications of all candidates properly nominated by stockholders — in the same manner and using the same criteria.

Since the identification and selection of qualified directors is a complex and subjective process that requires consideration of many intangible factors, and will beis significantly influenced by the particular needs of the Board from time to time, there is not a specific set of qualifications, qualities or skills that are necessary for a nominee to possess, other than those that are necessary to meet legal requirements, the Nasdaq listing standards and the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws, Corporate Governance Principles and charters of the Board’s committees. When considering nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may take into consideration many factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s:

record of accomplishment in his or her chosen field;
depth and breadth of experience at an executive, policy-making level in business, financial services, academia, law, government, technology or other areas relevant to the Company’s activities;
personal and professional ethics, integrity and values;
commitment to enhancing stockholder value;
ability to exercise good judgment and provide practical insights and diverse perspectives;
knowledge of the Company’s industry, markets and customers;
vision, leadership and individual talents;
absence of real and perceived conflicts of interest;
ability and willingness to devote sufficient time to become knowledgeable about the Company and to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of service;
ability to attend Board and committee meetings in person;
ability to develop a good working relationship with other members of the Board; and
ability to contribute to the Board’s working relationship with senior management.

When considering nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also consider whether the candidate possesses the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, it considers appropriate in the context of the Board’s overall composition and needs. In addition, our Corporate Governance Principles specify that

Taking into consideration the recommendations of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, should consider the value of diversity on the Board in the director nominee identification and nomination process. Accordingly, while the Company does not have a specific policy regarding diversity, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s evaluation of director nominees includes consideration of their ability to contributeis responsible for nominating directors for election to the diversity of personal and professional experiences, opinions, perspectives and backgrounds on the Board. Nominees are not discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis proscribed by law. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee willWhen



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assessconsidering whether our directors, including the effectivenessnominees, should serve as a director and have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board to satisfy its responsibilities effectively in light of this approach as part of its review ofour businesses and structure, the Board’s composition as well as inBoard considers the course of the Board’s and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s self-evaluation process.recommendations and the breadth of knowledge of our industry and customers, integrity, their particular experiences, individual talents, business judgment and vision, leadership skills and what each individual would bring to the Board as a whole, including the information discussed in each of the director’s individual biographies. Additionally, the Board considered and valued that each of our directors has extensive experience as a business leader and has a strong understanding of business operations in general.

Under the heading “Proposal No. 1. Election of Directors,” we provide an overview of each nominee’s principal occupation, business experience and other directorships of publicly traded companies, together with the qualifications, experience, key attributes and skills the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board believe will best serve the interests of the Board, the Company and our stockholders.

Board and Committee Self-EvaluationsDIVERSITY

The Board and each ofOur Corporate Governance Principles specify that the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees conduct an annual self-evaluation addressing mattersCommittee should consider the value of diversity on the Board in the director nominee identification and committees consider relevantnomination process. While the Company does not have a specific policy regarding diversity, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for recommending measures to their performance. These evaluations include both a qualitative and quantitative assessment by each director of the performance ofbe taken so that the Board reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and diversity. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s evaluation of director nominees and the committee or committees on whichBoard as a whole includes the director sits.diversity of personal and professional experiences, opinions, perspectives, backgrounds, genders, ages and ethnicities. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee overseesbelieves that a diverse board strengthens Board performance and better positions the evaluationBoard to make thoughtful decisions. Accordingly, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee strives to select nominees with complementary and diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will assess the effectiveness of this approach as part of its review of the Board’s composition as well as in the course of the Board’s and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s self-evaluation process.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly reviews the size and composition of the Board, which includes identifying measures to be taken so that the Board reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and diversity, and recommends opportunities for adding diversity to the Board. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee performs the initial review of the succession plans and makes recommendations to the Board as necessary, the entire Board has the primary responsibility for Board and committee succession planning and has developed both long-term and contingency plans.



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PROPOSAL NO. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

The Board currently consists of ten directors. The directors are divided into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III. The term for each class expires at the conclusion of a three-year term. At the 20162018 Annual Meeting, the Class IIIII directors are standing for election.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, the nominationnominations of Larry F. Altenbaumer, William A. Koertner, William D. PattersonDonald C.I. Lucky and John P. Schauerman as directors (the “Nominees”),Maurice E. Moore, each for a term ending at the 20192021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2021 Annual Meeting”) or until his successor has been chosen and qualified. Current Class II director Jack L. Alexander announced his retirement effective April 1, 2018, and therefore is not standing for reelection to the Board. Accordingly, in connection with Mr. Alexander’s retirement, the Board determined that it would decrease the Board size from ten to nine directors effective April 1, 2018.

Each of the Nomineesnominees was chosen by the Board to be a director because the Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe that his qualifications, experience, background and skills, (summarized below under the subheading “Director Qualifications”), taken together, demonstrate his capacity to make a continuing meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight of the business and affairs of the Company. Accordingly, the Board believes that the continued service of each of the Nomineesnominees on the Board will serve the best interests of the Company and all of its stockholders.

If you return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, then your shares will be votedFOR the election of the Nominees.

If any Nomineenominee should be unavailable to serve due to an unanticipated event, the Board may designate another person as a substitute nominee or, in accordance with our By-Laws, act to reduce the number of directors. If the Board substitutes another nominee, the shares represented by your proxy card will be voted for the substitute nominee.

None of the Nomineesnominees are related to another or to any other director or executive officer of MYR Group or its subsidiaries by blood, marriage or adoption.

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A

VOTEFORTHE ELECTION
OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES.

Vote Required REQUIRED

On December 21, 2015, our By-laws were amended to provide for a majority vote standard in uncontested director elections. As amended, the By-lawsOur By-Laws provide that a director nominee in an uncontested election will be elected if the number of shares voted “for”FOR the director’s election exceeds 50% of the number of votes cast on the issue of that director’s election (including votes FOR or AGAINST, but excluding any votes to ABSTAIN or broker non-votes). If a director in an uncontested election fails to receive the required number of votes for re-election in an uncontested election, the director is expected to tender his or her resignation and will submit such recommendation for prompt consideration by the Board. A director whose resignation is under consideration is expected to abstain from participating in any decision regarding that resignation. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board may consider any factors they deem relevant in deciding whether to accept or reject a director’s resignation.

In a contested election, where the number of director nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, a plurality vote standard will apply, and the director nominees who receive the most FOR votes will be elected. Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement (as discussed in more detail below under “Settlement Agreement and Appointment of New Directors”), Engine Capital, L.P. and its affiliates have withdrawn their nomination letter and the Board has increased the size of the Board from nine to ten directors, including increasing the number of Class III directors from three to four. Accordingly,

In this election, because the number of director nominees does not exceed the number of directors to be elected, the election of directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting will not be a contested election. As a result, each of the Nomineesnominees will be elected if the number of shares voted for such Nominee’snominee’s election exceeds 50% of the number of votes cast on the issue of such Nominee’snominee’s election (including votes FOR or AGAINST, but excluding any votes to ABSTAIN or broker non-votes).


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SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTORS

On January 6, 2016, the Company receivedIf you return a letter from Engine Capital, L.P. and certain of its affiliates notifying the Company of Engine Capital’s intention to nominate Arnaud Ajdler and John P. Schauerman and a third nominee, Grant G. McCullagh, for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting.

On March 22, 2016, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Engine Capital, L.P. and certain of its affiliates and Mr. Ajdler (collectively, “Engine Capital”) and Mr. Schauerman to settle the proxy contest pertaining tocard without giving specific voting instructions, then your shares will be voted FOR the election of directors at the Annual Meeting. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Board increased the size of the Board from nine to ten directors, appointed John P. Schauerman to fill the vacancy on the Board as a Class III director, effective March 22, 2016, and agreed to nominate Mr. Schauerman for election to the Board as a Class III director at the Annual Meeting.nominees.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Board will increase the size of the Board from ten to eleven directors and appoint Arnaud Ajdler to fill the vacancy on the Board as a Class I director, with a term expiring at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Company’s Stockholders. The Settlement Agreement also provides that Mr. Schauerman be appointed to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit Committee, and Mr. Ajdler will be appointed to the Compensation Committee, subject to their eligibility to serve in such capacities pursuant to applicable law and stock exchange regulations.

Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Engine Capital has withdrawn its nomination of its three candidates for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting and has agreed to immediately cease all efforts related to its own proxy solicitation. Engine Capital has agreed to vote all shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by Engine Capital in favor of the Board’s Nominees at the Annual Meeting. In addition, Engine Capital has agreed to certain normal and customary standstill provisions, which expire on the earlier of (1) the date that is 15 business days prior to the deadline for the submission of stockholder nominations for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the Company’s By-laws or (2) the date that is 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to reimburse Engine Capital for its reasonable, documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses including legal expenses incurred in connection with seeking Board representation at the Annual Meeting and negotiating the Settlement Agreement, up to a maximum amount of $150,000 in the aggregate.

The foregoing is not a complete description of the terms of the Settlement Agreement. For a further description of the terms of the Settlement Agreement, including a copy of the Settlement Agreement, please see our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 23, 2016.

Director Qualifications

When considering whether our directors, including the nominees, should serve as a director and have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board to satisfy its responsibilities effectively in light of our businesses and structure, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board considered their wealth of knowledge of our industry and customers, integrity, their particular experiences, individual talents, business judgment and vision, leadership skills and what each individual would bring to the Board as a whole, including the information discussed in each of the director’s individual biographies set forth in the tables below. Additionally, the Board considered and valued that each of our directors has extensive experience as a business leader and has a strong understanding of business operations in general.

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2018 DIRECTOR NOMINEES

The following is information as of March 15, 2016,1, 2018, regarding each director who is up for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting:Meeting.

Donald C.I. Lucky

Larry F. Altenbaumer

Age: 67
Director Since: 2006
Director Class: Class III
Mr. Altenbaumer has over 40 years of experience in the energy industry. He spent nearly 34 years at Illinois Power Company (“Illinois Power”), an electric and natural gas utility. He served as President of Illinois Power from 1999 until his retirement in 2004, and served in various financial leadership positions before that, including Treasurer, Controller and Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure with Illinois Power, Mr. Altenbaumer also served as executive Vice President for Regulated Delivery for Dynegy, Inc. (“Dynegy”), a wholesale power, capacity and ancillary service provider. Illinois Power became a subsidiary of Dynegy in 2000 in a transaction led by Mr. Altenbaumer for Illinois Power. Since 2004, Mr. Altenbaumer has served as an independent consultant, providing services to organizations both inside and outside of the energy industry. Since 2005, he has served as an independent director for the Southwest Power Pool, a FERC-approved regional transmission organization covering portions of fourteen states. Since 2014, he has served as a director for Summit Utilities, a privately-held holding company that owns and operates natural gas distribution companies in Colorado, Missouri and Maine. From 2005 to 2014, he served as an advisor to ArcLight Capital Partners, a private equity firm that has invested approximately $15.3 billion in the energy sector. He is also currently serving as the executive director of the Midwest Inland Port, a regional economic development initiative based in Decatur, Illinois and is a member of the Board of Decatur Memorial Hospital. Mr. Altenbaumer received a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Illinois.
Mr. Altenbaumer serves as the chair of the Compensation committee, serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and has a 97% attendance record for all 2015 Board and committee meetings on which he serves.
      Committee Membership      
Age    Director Since Independent Nominated for Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance  
55    2015 Yes II 0    þ þ 100%   

Mr. Lucky is a construction attorney and Managing Partner at the century-old Alberta-based law firm of Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP, where he has practiced since 1988. He has advised contractors and owners in major power projects, including oil and gas, solar, wind and carbon capture, engineer procurement and construction (“EPC”) mega projects and more than 80 public-private finance infrastructure projects (hospitals, penitentiaries, water treatment and transportation) throughout Canada, the United States and Australia. Mr. Lucky has appeared as counsel at all levels of the Courts of Alberta and the Northwest Territories and in mediations and arbitrations as counsel and adjudicator. In addition to his practice of law, he taught Construction Law at the University of Alberta from 2002 to 2015 and has received numerous industry awards and recognitions in the area of construction law and otherwise, including being inducted into the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers in 2009. Mr. Lucky obtained his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees from the University of Alberta, and his Masters of Law degree from the University of Cambridge.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Throughout his career as an attorney in the construction industry, Mr. Lucky has demonstrated a detailed understanding of the legal issues and risks of our current and expanding markets. Mr. Lucky’s perspective as an academic and his involvement in various energy projects in multiple countries provides the Board with valuable new ideas and perspectives. Mr. Lucky’s experience in the construction industry, along with the wealth of knowledge he has gained through advocating for contractors, gives the Board and the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees significant insight for our strategic planning as well as an understanding and awareness of the Company’s opportunities and challenges.

Maurice E. Moore

  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Nominated for Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
67 2010 Yes II 0 þ    þ 100%

Mr. Moore has over 30 years of experience in banking, leasing and project financing, and in providing financial advisory services to the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Since 2009, Mr. Moore has served as Managing Director of Primus Financial Group, LLC, a company that he founded, which provides asset and lease financial advisory services to major U.S. commercial banks and companies engaged in the renewable energy business. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Moore served in senior leadership roles with Chase Equipment Leasing, Inc., a division of JP Morgan Chase, offering a variety of financing and lease solutions to help businesses acquire the equipment needed for daily operations. From 1986 to 2005, Mr. Moore served in various roles, including senior leadership roles, with JP Morgan Capital Corporation and its predecessor companies. Prior to serving on the Board, Mr. Moore served on the boards for West Suburban Medical Center and Community Chest of Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois, and was formerly Finance Advisory Committee Chairman for Oak Park & River Forest High School in Illinois. Mr. Moore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.



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Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Moore has substantial leadership, financial services and capital expenditures experience, and has advised a variety of clients engaged in energy and renewable energy markets. His skills in originating, negotiating and financing large capital projects serve as a guiding force concerning our capital investment and expenditure plans. In addition, his financial advisory involvement in the renewable energy space provides a diverse range of insight that contributes to the Board’s understanding of the markets in which we operate. Mr. Moore’s business acumen and participation on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees helps to broaden our exposure and understanding of successful financial practices and growth strategies.



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CLASS I AND CLASS III DIRECTORS

The following is information as of March 1, 2018 regarding Class I and Class III directors.

CLASS I DIRECTORS

Henry W. Fayne

  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
71 2007 Yes I 0 þ       95%

Mr. Fayne has more than 30 years of experience with American Electric Power (“AEP”), an electric utility company servicing five million customers in 11 states. During his tenure from 1974 to 2004, he held senior positions in both finance and operations. Mr. Fayne last served as Executive Vice President of Energy Services and was responsible for transmission, distribution and customer relations operations for the AEP system, which employed approximately 15,000 line workers. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President — Financial Services and was responsible for financial planning and budgeting, risk management, internal audits, accounting and treasury functions. After retiring from AEP in 2004, Mr. Fayne began providing advisory and consulting services to various companies, including Century Aluminum Company. In addition to serving on our Board, Mr. Fayne currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for Southwest Generation, LLC, a privately held gas-fired generating company; director and chairman of the Audit Committee of the board of directors for Murray Energy Corporation, a privately held coal mining company; and serves as a director and chairman of the Audit Committee of Summit Utilities Inc., a privately held gas distribution company. Mr. Fayne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Columbia College of Columbia University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Columbia Business School.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

With over 35 years of total industry experience, Mr. Fayne’s extensive background in financial planning, budgeting, risk management and operational experience with AEP combine to provide extremely relevant insight and guidance related to our primary operations. His substantial executive leadership expertise and consulting experience are directly relevant to our operations and activities as well as to his service on our Audit Committee, and help aid the Board’s strategic and high-level planning as well as the Board’s understanding of our customers and competitors. Mr. Fayne’s participation on a variety of private company boards provides him with a well-rounded perspective to further enhance the Board’s understanding of the industry.

Kenneth M. Hartwick

  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
55 2015 Yes I 1 þ       100%

Since 2016, Mr. Hartwick has served as Senior Vice President of Finance, Strategy, Risk & Chief Financial Officer for Ontario Power Generation, a provincial owner of power generation in Ontario, Canada. From February 2015 to March 2016, Mr. Hartwick served as the Chief Financial Officer of Wellspring Financial Corporation, a Canadian sales financing company. Prior to joining Wellspring Financial Corporation, Mr. Hartwick served for ten years as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Just Energy Group Inc., an integrated retailer of commodity products. At Just Energy Group, Inc., his role included putting in place a broad set of financing arrangements for growth in North America and the United Kingdom and the expansion of the sales organization across these locations.



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Prior to that, Mr. Hartwick held a variety of senior executive roles, gaining an extensive financial background in the energy, consumer products and capital markets areas, including the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Just Energy Group, Inc., Chief Financial Officer at Hydro One, Inc. and a partner at Ernst & Young LLP. In each of these roles, Mr. Hartwick participated in the expansion and growth of the businesses and the establishment of financial platforms to support that growth. Mr. Hartwick currently serves on the Board of Directors of Spark Energy, Inc., a publicly-traded retail energy services company. From October 2004 to March of 2016, Mr. Hartwick served on the Board of Directors of Atlantic Power Corporation, a publicly-traded power generation company in the United States and Canada. From 2014 through 2016, Mr. Hartwick served on the Board of Governors for Trent University, his alma mater. Mr. Hartwick earned his Honors of Business Administration Degree from Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Through Mr. Hartwick’s senior executive positions, including the roles of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, he brings leadership, risk management, and strategic planning experience to the Board and Audit Committee. Mr. Hartwick’s in-depth knowledge of financing initiatives as a senior executive in North American markets provides the Board with proficiencies to support business development, growth strategies and expenditure plans. Mr. Hartwick’s experience as a director of other publicly-traded companies enables him to provide insights into a variety of strategic planning, risk management, compensation, finance and governance practices. Mr. Hartwick’s leadership in the energy industry and financial sector make him a valued advisor and highly qualified to serve on our Board and Audit Committee.

Gary R. Johnson

  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
71 2007 Independent
Lead Director
 I 0    þ Chair 100%

Most recently, Mr. Johnson was Vice President and General Counsel of Xcel Energy and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Northern States Power Company. Xcel Energy, through its subsidiaries, is a leading electric and natural gas utility company offering a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to customers throughout the western and midwestern United States. Mr. Johnson occupied this position from 2000 until his retirement in 2007. From 1989 to 2000, Mr. Johnson was Vice President and General Counsel of Northern States Power Company, the predecessor to Xcel Energy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Public Administration degree from the Ohio State University. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Through his distinguished career as an executive officer and general counsel at Xcel Energy and Northern States Power Company, Mr. Johnson gained a broad understanding of the business, industry, legal issues and regulatory landscape of the electrical utility industry. Serving as the Independent Lead Director, as the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Johnson uses his vast knowledge to provide a valuable perspective that assists in the understanding of current legal and regulatory issues facing our Company and the industry.



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CLASS III DIRECTORS

Larry F. Altenbaumer

  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
69 2006 Yes III 0    Chair    94%

Mr. Altenbaumer has over 40 years of experience in the energy industry. Since 2004, he has served as an independent consultant providing services to several organizations both inside and outside the energy industry. From 2005 to 2014, he served as an advisor to ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC (“ArcLight”), a private equity firm that has invested approximately $19 billion in energy infrastructure assets. Mr. Altenbaumer retired from Illinois Power Company (“Illinois Power”), an electric and natural gas utility, in 2004 after nearly 34 years of service. He served as President of Illinois Power from 1999 until his retirement in 2004, and served in various financial leadership positions before that, including Treasurer, Controller and Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure with Illinois Power, Mr. Altenbaumer also served as Executive Vice President for Regulated Delivery for Dynegy, Inc. (“Dynegy”), a wholesale power, capacity and ancillary service provider. Illinois Power became a subsidiary of Dynegy in 2000 in a transaction led by Mr. Altenbaumer for Illinois Power. Since 2005, he has served as an independent director and currently serves as Vice Chair for the Southwest Power Pool, a Federal Energy Regulation Commission (“FERC”) approved regional transmission organization covering portions of fourteen states. Since 2014, he has served as a director for Summit Utilities, a privately-held holding company that owns and operates natural gas distribution companies in Colorado, Missouri, Maine, Arkansas and Oklahoma. In 2017, he stepped down from four years of serving as the President of the Economic Development Corporation and Macon County and then as its Executive Director of the Midwest Inland Port, a regional economic development initiative based in Decatur, Illinois. He is currently chair of the board of Illinois Health and Science Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation whose principal subsidiary is Decatur Memorial Hospital. Mr. Altenbaumer received a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Illinois in 1970.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Altenbaumer’s long record of achievement in various leadership positions at Illinois Power, including President, enables him to provide valuable insight into key aspects of successfully managing our day-to-day business and management operations. This experience and his current position as a director of the Southwest Power Pool and a member of its Human Resources Committee and Finance Committee support his role as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. His executive management roles, knowledge of our customers and competitors and range of consulting experience both inside and outside of the energy industry strengthen Mr. Altenbaumer’s ability to provide strategic leadership to help us better position ourselves for future growth and success. In addition, Mr. Altenbaumer’s board service for the Southwest Power Pool, along with the nature of his activity in support of several ArcLight portfolio companies, provide him with relevant expertise in areas related to corporate governance issues affecting U.S. publicly traded companies and arm him with a wide base of knowledge related to his membership onChairmanship of the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceCompensation Committee.

Bradley T. Favreau

  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
34 2016 Yes III 1    þ    94%

Mr. Favreau currently serves as Partner at Engine Capital Management, LLC (“Engine Capital Management”), which serves as the investment manager to value-oriented special situations funds that



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invest both actively and passively in companies undergoing change. Mr. Favreau has been at Engine Capital Management since 2013. His responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities as well as monitoring portfolio risk and position sizing. From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Favreau served as a director and a member of the Audit Committee of RDM Corporation, a provider of solutions for the electronic commerce and payment processing industries. Prior to Engine Capital Management, in 2011, Mr. Favreau served as a consultant at HUSCO International, a global leader in the development and manufacture of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic controls for off-highway applications. At HUSCO International, his duties included identifying and initiating supply chain improvement initiatives. Mr. Favreau has also worked as an investment professional at Apax Partners, an international private equity investment group, and in the mergers and acquisition group at UBS AG. Mr. Favreau received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Favreau’s experience at an investment firm with investments in a broad range of industries provides the Board with additional financial and operational expertise. Such knowledge assists our Company to position itself for future growth and allocate capital effectively. Mr. Favreau’s experiences as a director and member of the Audit Committee of RDM Corporation and as a consultant at HUSCO International offer the Board additional awareness and perspectives for the Company’s oversight and risk management functions. Mr. Favreau, with his financial background and experience serving on another board of directors, has proven to be a valuable asset to the Board and the Compensation Committee.

William A. Koertner

William A. Koertner

Age: 66
Director Since: 2007
Director Class: Class III
Mr. Koertner joined MYR Group in 1998 as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, responsible for all financial functions including accounting, treasury, risk management and MIS operations. He was promoted to President and CEO in December 2003. Prior to joining MYR Group, Mr. Koertner served as Chief Financial Officer for Central Illinois Public Service Company from 1995 to 1998 and President and Chief Executive Officer of CIPSCO Investment Company (“CIPSCO”) from 1995 to 1998 as well. CIPSCO manages nonutility investments and provides investment management services for affiliates. Mr. Koertner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Northern Illinois University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois.
Mr. Koertner serves as the Chairman of the Board and has a 100% attendance record for all 2015 Board meetings.
  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
68 2007 No III 0          100%

Mr. Koertner served as President and CEO of MYR Group from December 2003 until January 1, 2017 and continues to serve as the Executive Chairman. Mr. Koertner joined MYR Group in 1998 as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, responsible for all financial functions including accounting, treasury, risk management and management information systems operations. Prior to joining MYR Group, Mr. Koertner served as Chief Financial Officer for Central Illinois Public Service Company from 1995 to 1998 and President and Chief Executive Officer of CIPSCO Investment Company (“CIPSCO”) from 1995 to 1998 as well. CIPSCO manages nonutility investments and provides investment management services for affiliates. Mr. Koertner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Northern Illinois University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Through Mr. Koertner’s tenure as both President and CEO and Chief Financial Officeran executive officer of MYR Group,the Company, he has gained an in-depth understanding of our day-to-day operations and has helped to develop and set our short and long-term growth strategies. Hethat provides him a sound basis for continued leadership of the Board. His leadership of the Board has been an instrumental force in building and maintaining key customer, vendor and investor relationships that have played an integral role in helping to further understandsetting our business goals the markets in which we operate and our competitive climate, allcreating a culture of which havegood corporate governance that has contributed greatly to the growth and success of the Company. Mr. Koertner also bringsis a wealthleader in our industry in the area of financial expertisesafety and utility background to his rolehe was instrumental in the creation of the OSHA Electrical Transmission and Distribution Strategic Partnership in 2004 and served as the first chairman of its executive committee. Mr. Koertner possesses an expert understanding of financial, accounting and treasury practices, risk management and MIS operations, which allows him to provide sound guidance to the Board regarding ourgrowth strategies and management.management of the Company.



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William D. Patterson

William D. Patterson

Age: 61
Director Since: 2007
Director Class: Class III
Since 2010, Mr. Patterson has been the President of EnSTAR Management Corporation, a company that he founded to provide advisory and consulting services to utilities. From 2009 to 2010, Mr. Patterson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Development for American Water Works Company, Inc., the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Patterson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pennichuck Corporation, an investor-owned water utility holding company. From 2003 to 2005, he served as an executive advisor to Concentric Energy Advisors, a private firm located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, providing financial advisory and consulting services for utilities. His experience also includes nearly 20 years of work within the investment banking industry, serving in senior positions at E.F. Hutton, Shearson Lehman and Smith Barney, where he was managing director and co-head of the corporate finance department’s regulated utilities practice. Mr. Patterson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude. He earned his Masters
  Committee Membership 
Age Director Since Independent Class Other Public Directorships Audit Comp NCG Meeting Attendance
63 2007 Yes III 0 Chair       100%

Mr. Patterson is a retired water utility executive that is currently engaged in not-for-profit and philanthropic activities. From 2010 through 2016, Mr. Patterson provided advisory and consulting services to utilities through EnSTAR Management Corporation, a company that he founded. In 2010, Mr. Patterson retired from American Water Works Company Inc. (“American Water Works”), the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. From 2009 until his retirement in 2010, Mr. Patterson served as Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Development for American Water Works. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Patterson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pennichuck Corporation, an investor-owned water utility holding company. From 2003 to 2005, he served as an executive advisor to Concentric Energy Advisors, a private firm located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, providing financial advisory and consulting services for utilities. His experience also includes nearly 20 years of work within the investment banking industry, serving in senior positions at E.F. Hutton, Shearson Lehman and Smith Barney, where he was managing director and co-head of the corporate finance department’s regulated utilities practice. Mr. Patterson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Mr. Patterson serves as the chair of the Audit Committee, serves on the Compensation Committee and has a 100% attendance record for all 2015 Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

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Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Patterson is a financial executive and expert with 30 years of experience primarily serving the regulated utility and energy/utility infrastructure markets. As Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Patterson brings a broad-based track record of success as a banker, investor and advisor and has held senior management and independent director positions for both public and private companies. His service as a senior executive for various companies in the utility industry provides him with an unparalleled understanding and awareness of our markets and a valuable perspective in the review and analysis of financial statements and results.results, all of which makes Mr. Patterson highly qualified to serve as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

John P. Schauerman

MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Age: 59
Director Since: 2016
Director Class: Class III
Mr. Schauerman served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development of Primoris Services Corporation (“Primoris”), a specialty construction and infrastructure company, from February 2009 to May 2013, where he was responsible for developing and integrating Primoris’ overall strategic plan, including the evaluation and structuring of new business opportunities and acquisitions. Prior to that, Mr. Schauerman served as Primoris’ Chief Financial Officer from February 2008 to February 2009, during which time Primoris went public through a merger with Rhapsody Acquisition Corp. He also served as a director of Primoris from July 2008 to May 2013 and as a director of its predecessor entity, ARB, Inc. (“ARB”) from 1993 to July 2008. Mr. Schauerman joined ARB in 1993 as Senior Vice President. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Wedbush Morgan Securities, Inc., a regional investment bank focused on financing activities for middle market companies (n/k/a Wedbush Securities, Inc.). Mr. Schauerman has served on the Boards of Directors of Harmony Merger Corp., a blank check company, since March 2015 and Wedbush Securities, Inc., a leading financial services and investment firm, since August 2014. He previously served as a director of Quartet Merger Corporation, a blank check company, from November 2013 to October 2014. Mr. Schauerman holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Mr. Schauerman was appointed to the Board and to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit Committee effective March 22, 2016 pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Schauerman’s executive roles within our industry are expected to provide financial and operational experience to the Board. Mr. Schauerman’s leadership positions and experience with mergers and acquisitions is expected to provide the Board with valuable knowledge and insight into the Company’s strategic planning and growth initiatives. This experience, coupled with his public company board experience, is expected to make him a valuable addition to the Board.


 

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The following is information regarding Class I and Class II directors serving as of March 15, 2016:

Henry W. Fayne

Age: 69
Director Since: 2007
Director Class: Class I
Expiration of Term: 2017
Mr. Fayne has more than 30 years of experience with American Electric Power (“AEP”), an electric utility company servicing five million customers in 11 states. During his tenure from 1974 to 2004, he held senior positions in both finance and operations. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Energy Services and was responsible for transmission, distribution and customer relations operations for the AEP system, which employed approximately 15,000 line workers. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President —  Financial Services and was responsible for financial planning and budgeting, risk management, internal audits, accounting and treasury functions. After retiring from AEP in 2004, Mr. Fayne began providing advisory and consulting services to various companies, including Century Aluminum Company. In addition to serving on our Board, Mr. Fayne currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for Southwest Generation, LLC, a privately held gas-fired generating company; director and chairman of the audit committee of the board of directors for Murray Energy Corporation, a privately held coal mining company; sits on the board of directors of Youth and Families, a non-profit organization serving at-risk children in Franklin County, Ohio; and serves as a director of Summit Utilities Inc., a privately held gas distribution company. Mr. Fayne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Columbia College of Columbia University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Columbia Business School.
Mr. Fayne serves on the Audit and Compensation committees and has a 91% attendance record for all 2015 Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

With over 35 years of total industry experience, Mr. Fayne’s extensive background in financial planning, budgeting, risk management and operational experience with AEP combine to provide extremely relevant insight and guidance related to our primary operations. His substantial executive leadership expertise and consulting experience are directly relevant to our operations and activities as well as to his service on our Audit and Compensation Committees, and help aid the Board’s strategic and high-level planning as well as the Board’s understanding of our customers and competitors. Mr. Fayne’s participation on a variety of other boards provides him with a well-rounded perspective to further enhance the Board’s understanding of the industry.


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Kenneth M. Hartwick

Age: 53
Director Since: 2015
Director Class: Class I
Expiration of Term: 2017
Mr. Hartick currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Finance, Strategy, Risk & CFO for Ontario Power Generation, a provincial owner of power generation in Ontario. From February 2015 to March 2016, Mr. Hartwick served as the Chief Financial Officer of Wellspring Financial Corporation, a Canadian sales financing company. Prior to joining Wellspring, Mr. Hartwick served for ten years as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Just Energy Group Inc., an integrated retailer of commodity products. At Just Energy Group, Inc., his role included putting in place a broad set of financing arrangements for growth in North America and the United Kingdom and the expansion of the sales organization across these locations. Prior to that, Mr. Hartwick held a variety of senior executive roles, gaining an extensive financial background in the energy, consumer products and capital markets areas, including the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Just Energy Group, Inc., Chief Financial Officer at Hydro One, Inc. and a partner at Ernst & Young, LLP. In each of these roles, Mr. Hartwick participated in the expansion and growth of the businesses and the establishment of financial platforms to support that growth. From October 2004 to March of 2016, Mr. Hartwick served on the Board of Directors of Atlantic Power Corporation, a power generation company in the United States and Canada. Mr. Hartwick currently serves on the Board of Directors of Spark Energy, Inc., as well as the Board of Governors for Trent University, his alma mater. Mr. Hartwick earned his Honors of Business Administration Degree from Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario and is a certified public accountant.
Mr. Hartwick serves on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees. Since his appointment in July of 2015, he has a 100% attendance record for all Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Through Mr. Hartwick’s senior executive positions, including the roles of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, he brings leadership, risk management, and strategic planning experience to the Board. Mr. Hartwick’s in-depth knowledge of financing initiatives as a senior executive in North American markets provides the Board with proficiencies to support business development, growth strategies and expenditure plans. Mr. Hartwick’s experience as a director of other publicly-traded companies enables him to provide insights into a variety of strategic planning, risk management, compensation, finance and governance practices. Mr. Hartwick’s leadership in the energy industry and financial sector make him a valued advisor and highly qualified to serve as a key member of the Board, Audit Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Gary R. Johnson

Age: 69
Director Since: 2007
Director Class: Class I
Expiration of Term: 2017
Most recently, Mr. Johnson was Vice President and General Counsel of Xcel Energy and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Northern States Power Company. Xcel Energy, through its subsidiaries, is a leading electric and natural gas utility company offering a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to customers throughout the western and midwestern United States. Mr. Johnson occupied this position from 2000 until his retirement in 2007. From 1989 to 2000, Mr. Johnson was Vice President and General Counsel of Northern States Power Company, the predecessor to Xcel Energy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Minnesota and a Masters in Public Administration degree from the Ohio State University. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School.

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Mr. Johnson is the Board’s Lead Director. He serves on the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees and has a 100% attendance record for all 2015 Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Through his distinguished career as an executive officer and general counsel at Xcel Energy and Northern States Power Company, Mr. Johnson gained a broad understanding of the business, industry, legal issues and regulatory landscape of the electrical utility industry. Serving as Lead Director on the Board and the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Mr. Johnson uses his vast knowledge to provide a valuable perspective that assists the Board in its understanding of current legal and regulatory issues facing us and the industry.

Jack L. Alexander

Age: 68
Director Since: 2007
Director Class: Class II
Expiration of Term: 2018
Mr. Alexander retired from MidAmerican Energy Company (“MidAmerican”) in 2005 and provided advisory and consulting services to MidAmerican until 2007. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Alexander spent 32 years serving in various roles with MidAmerican from 1973 to 2005. He was Senior Vice President of Supply and Marketing from 2002 to 2005 and was responsible for electric generation, energy trading, marketing and sales, risk management and legislation and regulation. Prior to this, Mr. Alexander held roles in engineering, corporate planning, human resources and energy delivery. He has over 13 years of experience leading MidAmerican’s human resources function, with responsibility for labor relations, contract negotiations, compensation and benefits, employment and employee development and training. Mr. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and economics from Morningside College.
Mr. Alexander serves on the Audit and Compensation committees and has a 100% attendance record for all 2015 Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Alexander’s background as a senior executive at MidAmerican and varied industry experience in transmission and distribution, electric generation, energy trading, marketing and sales, risk management, legislation and regulation, engineering, corporate planning and human resources provide him with an extremely broad and fundamental understanding related to our operations and organizational structure, our utility customers and our transmission and distribution business sector. He also has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions including asset valuations and due diligence on a number of utility acquisitions. His knowledge and experience is extremely relevant to Mr. Alexander’s role as a member on the Audit Committee. While at MidAmerican, Mr. Alexander was responsible for the construction of over $2.0 billion of new electric generation in the state of Iowa including one of the world’s largest land-based wind energy projects. He also has experience serving as MidAmerican’s chief company spokesperson on a number of IBEW labor contract negotiations. His human resources leadership and experience in labor relations, contract negotiations, compensation and benefits, employment and employee development and training provide a unique and thorough perspective that is of great value in Mr. Alexander’s role on our Compensation Committee.


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Donald C.I. Lucky

Age: 53
Director Since: 2015
Director Class: Class II
Expiration of Term: 2018
Mr. Lucky is a construction attorney and managing partner at the century-old Alberta-based law firm of Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP, where he has practiced since 1988. He has advised contractors and owners in major power projects, including oil and gas, solar, wind and carbon capture, EPC mega projects and more than 80 public-private finance infrastructure projects (hospitals, penitentiaries, water treatment and transportation) throughout Canada, the United States and Australia. Mr. Lucky has appeared as counsel at all levels of the Courts of Alberta and the Northwest Territories and in mediations and arbitrations as counsel and adjudicator. He also teaches Construction Law at the University of Alberta and has received numerous industry awards and recognitions in the area of construction law and otherwise, including being inducted in 2009 into the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. Mr. Lucky obtained his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees from the University of Alberta, and his Masters of Law degree from the University of Cambridge.
Mr. Lucky serves on the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees. Since his appointment in July of 2015, he has a 100% attendance record for all Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Throughout his career as an attorney in the construction industry, Mr. Lucky has a detailed understanding of the legal issues and risks of our current and expanding markets. Mr. Lucky’s perspective as an academic and his involvement in various energy projects in multiple countries provides the Board with valuable new ideas and perspectives. Mr. Lucky’s experience in the construction industry with the wealth of knowledge he has gained advocating for contractors gives the Board significant insight for our strategic planning while presenting the Board an understanding and awareness of the opportunities and challenges that present the Company.

Maurice E. Moore

Age: 65
Director Since: 2010
Director Class: Class II
Expiration of Term: 2018
Since 2009, Mr. Moore has been Managing Director and sole proprietor of Primus Financial Group, LLC, a firm providing leasing and project finance advisory services to companies engaged in the renewable energy business. With more than 25 years of professional financial experience, Mr. Moore has an extensive background in originating, negotiating, syndicating and financing large capital projects in various business segments, including the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Prior to his position at Primus Financial Group, Mr. Moore served in senior leadership roles with Chase Equipment Leasing, Inc. from 2006 to 2009, a division of JP Morgan Chase offering a variety of financing and lease solutions to help businesses acquire the equipment needed for daily operations; and JP Morgan Capital Corporation, and its predecessor companies, from 1986 to 2005. Prior to serving on the Board, Mr. Moore served on the boards for West Suburban Medical Center and Community Chest of Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois, and was formerly Finance Advisory Committee Chairman for Oak Park & River Forest High School in Illinois. Mr. Moore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Brown University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Mr. Moore serves on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees and has a 96% attendance record for all 2015 Board and committee meetings on which he serves.

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Moore has substantial leadership, financial services and capital expenditures experience, and has advised a variety of clients engaged in energy and renewable energy markets. His skills in originating, negotiating and financing


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large capital projects in both similar and varying environments serve as a guiding force concerning our capital investment and expenditure plans. In addition, his financial advisory involvement in the renewable energy space provides a diverse range of insight that contributes to the Board’s understanding of the markets in which we operate. Mr. Moore’s business acumen and participation on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees help to broaden our exposure and understanding of successful financial practices and growth strategies.

Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Board is expected to appoint Arnaud Ajdler as a Class I director immediately following the Annual Meeting. The following information is accurate as of March 15, 2016:

Arnaud Ajdler

Age: 40
Mr. Ajdler is currently the Managing Member of Engine Capital Management, LLC, which serves as the investment manager to value-oriented special situations funds, that invest both actively and passively in companies undergoing change, and is the Managing Member of each of Engine Investments, LLC and Engine Investments II, LLC. Prior to founding Engine Capital Management, LLC in March 2013, Mr. Ajdler served as a Managing Director of Crescendo Partners L.P., a principal investment firm, from December 2005 to February 2013. In addition, Mr. Ajdler has served as a director of Destination Maternity Corporation, the world’s largest designer and retailer of maternity apparel, since March 2008, and as Non-Executive Chairman of its board of directors since February 2011. He has also served as a director and on the compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees of Stewart Information Services Corporation, a company that provides title insurance and real estate services worldwide, since May 2014, and as a director of StarTek, Inc., a provider of business process outsourcing services, since May 2015. Mr. Ajdler is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Business School where he teaches a course in Value Investing. He also previously served as a director and on the audit committee of Imvescor Restaurant Group, Inc., a Canadian franchisor of restaurant concepts from July 2013 to March 2016, as a director and chair of the corporate governance and nominating committee of Charming Shoppes, Inc., an apparel retailer, from 2008 until the company was acquired in June 2012, and as a director and on the compensation and human resources committee of O’Charley’s Inc., a multi-concept restaurant company, from March 2012 until the company was acquired in April 2012. Since its inception in June 2006 and until its combination with Primoris Services Corporation in July 2008, Mr. Ajdler served as a member of the board of directors and as the Secretary of Rhapsody Acquisition Corp., an OTC Bulletin Board-listed blank check company formed to effect a business combination with an operating business. From June 2004 until June 2006, Mr. Ajdler served as the Chief Financial Officer, a director and the Secretary of Arpeggio Acquisition Corporation, a specified purpose acquisition company (“Arpeggio”). Arpeggio completed its business combination with Hill International, Inc., a worldwide construction consulting firm, in June 2006, and until June 2009, Mr. Ajdler served as a director of the surviving company, a NYSE listed company. From August 2006 until the company was acquired in October 2007, Mr. Ajdler served as a director of The Topps Company, Inc., a company that provides baseball, football, hockey, entertainment, and pop culture products.
Mr. Ajdler is expected to be appointed to the Board and the Compensation Committee immediately following the Annual Meeting pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement.

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Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes and Skills:

Mr. Ajdler’s experience as a managing director of an investment firm with investments in a broad range of industries is expected to provide the Board with additional financial analysis and planning knowledge. Mr. Ajdler’s leadership positions in various industries is expected to provide the Board with new insight and perspectives. His financial background, as well as Mr. Ajdler’s significant experience serving on the boards of directors of several companies, is expected to make him a valuable asset to the Board.


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SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires our executive officers, directors and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to report their ownership of our common stock and changes in that ownership.

We reviewed copies of reports filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and written representations from reporting persons that all reportable transactions were reported. Based solely on that review, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, all filings required of our executive officers and directors were timely made in accordance with the Exchange Act.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Review, Approval and Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

We have a written policy and procedures for the review, approval and ratification of transactions with related persons, which have been adopted by the Board. Under our policy, the definition of related persons includes, among others, any person who is or was, during the last fiscal year, an executive officer, director or nominee for director of the Company, any shareholder owning more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or an immediate family member of any such person.

It is the policy of the Company to prohibit related person transactions unless the Company’s Audit Committee has determined in advance of the Company or a subsidiary entering into the transaction that it will be conducted on terms that are fair to the Company or the subsidiary and the transaction is in the best interests of the Company or the subsidiary.

Pursuant to our policy, there were no reported transactions in 2015 that qualified as a related person transaction. As a result, no reported transaction was referred to the Audit Committee or any other committee of the Board for review and no related person transaction was required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings.


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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MATTERS

The Board established the standing Compensation Committee in accordance with our By-Laws. The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee qualifies as an “independent” director as defined under the Nasdaq rules, as a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) under the Exchange Act and as an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRS Code”).

The Compensation Committee firmly believes that the compensation of our executive officers should emphasize paying for performance that contributes to our success while encouraging behavior that is in our stockholders’ long-term best interests. The Compensation Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the Company’s compensation and employee benefit plans and practices, including its executive compensation plans and its incentive-compensation and equity-based plans. To represent and assist the Board in its oversight of the Company’s compensation practices and under its charter, the Compensation Committee performs, among others, the following tasks:

reviews and recommends changes to the Company’s executive compensation philosophy, general compensation programs and executive benefit plans, including incentive-compensation programs and equity-based plans;
reviews and recommends any changes to the goals and objectives of the Company’s executive compensation plans;
evaluates annually the performance of named executive officers in light of the goals and objectives of the Company’s executive compensation plans, and determines and approves, or recommends to the Board for its approval, the compensation levels of named executive officers based on this evaluation;
evaluates the appropriate level of compensation for Board and committee service by non-employee members of the Board and determines and approves, or recommends to the Board for its approval, the level of compensation for such service;
establishes and reviews stock ownership guidelines for directors and officers; and
reviews and recommends to the Board the frequency with which the Company will conduct Say-on-Pay Votes and reviews and approves proposals regarding the Say-on-Pay Vote and the frequency of the Say-on-Pay Vote to be included in the Company’s proxy statement.

The Compensation Discussion and Analysis, included in this Proxy Statement, goes into further detail about the Compensation Committee’s processes for determining the appropriate levels of compensation for executive officers and directors.

Compensation Consultants

In order to fulfill its duties, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain, at the Company’s expense, its own advisors and compensation consultants and to approve their compensation. These external compensation consultants provide the Compensation Committee with guidance on compensation trends, program designs and market research and advice and recommendations on both executive and director compensation. They also help evaluate the competitive position of named executive officers’ and directors’ compensation, and provide advice on incentive award programs. Their findings are discussed in more detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

Compensation consultants are engaged by and report directly to the Compensation Committee on executive compensation matters and meet separately with the Compensation Committee outside the presence of management. Interaction between the compensation consultants and management is generally limited to providing necessary information and data.

The Compensation Committee has retained Mercer to serve as its compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee has reviewed the independence of Mercer’s advisory role relative to the six consultant independence factors adopted by the SEC to guide listed companies in determining the independence of their compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisers. Following its review, the


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Compensation Committee concluded that Mercer has no conflicts of interest, and provides the Compensation Committee with objective and independent executive compensation advisory services.

Compensation Risk Assessment

In reviewing and approving compensation programs, the Compensation Committee considers whether the programs are likely to promote risk-taking behavior that could adversely affect the Company. The Compensation Committee has designed the Company’s compensation programs, including the Company’s incentive compensation plans, with specific features to address potential risks while rewarding employees for achieving long-term financial and strategic objectives through prudent business judgment and appropriate risk taking. The following elements have been incorporated into our programs available for our executive officers:

A Balanced Mix of Compensation Components — The target compensation mix for the Company’s executive officers is composed of salary, annual cash incentives and long-term equity incentives, representing a mix that is not overly weighted toward short-term cash incentives.
Multiple Performance Factors — The Company’s incentive compensation plans use multiple Company-wide metrics, which encourage retention of executives and focus on the achievement of objectives for the overall benefit of the Company. The incentive compensation granted under the plans in 2015 included:
Annual cash incentive compensation that was dependent on multiple performance metrics including pretax income and safety performance.
Forty percent of the long-term incentive compensation in the form of time-based restricted stock with three-year ratable vesting.
Sixty percent of the long-term incentive compensation in the form of performance shares allocated evenly between two performance measures, return on invested capital (“ROIC”) and relative total shareholder return (“TSR”), as compared to a group of peer companies, over a three-year performance period.
Capped Incentive Awards — Annual cash incentive awards are capped at 200% of salary for our CEO and lesser amounts for our other named executive officers. The number of performance shares that can be earned is capped at 200% of target for all named executive officers.
Clawback Provisions — LTIP award agreements contain a clawback provision, which makes all LTIP awards subject to the Company’s right to recover the award in the event that it is determined that a participant engaged in conduct that contributed to any material restatement of our earnings.
Stock Ownership Guidelines — Stock ownership guidelines call for significant share ownership for our named executive officers.
Stock Retention Policy — Executive officers are expected to retain the net shares received through an exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock and performance shares if they have not reached the applicable stock ownership guidelines.
Anti-hedging and Pledging Policy — Executive officers are expected to comply with our insider trading policy that prohibits our named executive officers from hedging the economic risk of their stock ownership and holding shares of the Company’s common stock in a margin account or pledging shares as collateral for a loan.

The Compensation Committee annually performs an assessment of compensation-related risks for all of our policies and programs. These assessments include a review of multiple factors including, but not limited to, the design of compensation policies and programs, controls and approval processes and the negative discretion provided in the oversight of these programs. Periodically, the Compensation Committee retains outside consultants to assist in these assessments. In 2015, the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In the event that the Company’s risk profile was to change, the Compensation Committee would consider appropriate adjustments in policies and practices.


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Compensation Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2015

The Compensation Committee oversees our compensation program on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement.

In reliance on the review and discussion referred to above, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our Annual Meeting and incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC (“2015 Form 10-K”).

Compensation Committee:Larry F. Altenbaumer, Chair
Jack L. Alexander
Henry W. Fayne
Donald C.I. Lucky
Gary R. Johnson
William D. Patterson

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

We use a combination of cash and equity-based compensation to attract and retain non-employee directors and to compensate such directors for their service on the Board in amounts that are commensurate with their Board and committee responsibilities. The Compensation Committee reviews director compensation periodically and recommends changes to the Board when it deems them appropriate. The Compensation Committee and the Board consider analyses prepared by Mercer, the Compensation Committee’s independent executive and director compensation consultant, of reported non-employee director compensation practices at our peer companies and generally seek to target our non-employee directors’ total compensation (defined as total cash compensation and total equity compensation) at or near the median total compensation of the non-employee directors of our peers.

In October of 2013,2016, at the request of our Compensation Committee, Mercer performed and presented to the Compensation Committee a study of reported non-employee director compensation practices (the “2013“2016 Mercer Non-Employee Director Compensation Study”). In 2014,The 2016 Mercer Non-Employee Director Compensation Study included comparisons of our non-employee director compensation to a peer group of companies, which assisted the Compensation Committee with designing our non-employee director compensation program for 2017 to be competitive with the group and our markets.

According to the 2016 Mercer Non-Employee Director Compensation Study, total cash compensation compared to a group of our peers was below the 50th percentile and annual equity compensation was near the 50th percentile, which resulted in total direct compensation below the 50th percentile. The 2016 Mercer Non-Employee Director Compensation Study made the following recommendations for our non-employee directors:

increase the annual retainer from $57,000 to $80,000, with such retainer to continue to include seven in-person Board meetings and ten telephonic Board meetings;
eliminate committee meeting fees;
continue to pay cash compensation of $2,000 for attendance in-person and $1,000 for attendance telephonically for each meeting for attendance above the number of Board meetings included in the annual retainer;
increase the compensation for the chairperson of the Audit Committee to $15,000 and continue to pay $10,000 for the chairperson of the Compensation Committee and $5,000 for the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; and
increase annual equity compensation from $75,000 to $85,000.

The Compensation Committee considered this studythe 2016 Mercer Non-Employee Director Compensation Study and recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, an increase in cashthe following non-employee director compensation for our non-employee directors. The 2013 Mercer Non-Employee Director Compensation Study also recommended 2017:

an increase in equity awards (from $60,000 to $75,000), and in 2015, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, an increase in equity awards as well as an increase in the number of meetings that are included in the annual cash retainer. Compensation for our non-employee directors for service on the Board and Board committees for 2015 was as follows:

annual cash retainer of $57,000 for each U.S. non-employee member of the Board,$80,000, with such amount to include seven in-person Board meetings and ten telephonic Board meetings;
a cash retainer of $42,750 for each Canadian non-employee member of the Board, which reflects the pro-rated portion of the annual cash retainer of $57,000 for their length of service from the date of their appointment, with such amount to include the pro-rated portion of in-person and telephonic Board meetings;
for attendance above the number of meetings included in the cash retainer,additional cash compensation of $2,000 for each meeting of the Board attended in person and $1,000 for each meeting attended telephonically;
cash compensation of $1,000telephonically for attendance at each meetingabove the number of any committee (including any subcommittee), whetherBoard meetings included in person or by telephone;the retainer;
an additional $10,000$12,500 annually for each chairperson of the Audit and Compensation Committees and an additional $5,000 annually for the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee;
for U.S. directors, equity compensation in the form of time-based restricted stock grantsunits with a value of approximately $75,000. Each$75,000 with each grant vestsvesting ratably over a three-year period. Vesting of these time-based restricted stock grantsunits may be accelerated upon a change in control, as defined in the LTIP, and will be accelerated should a non-employee director resign from the Board during the vesting period, provided that such resignation is not due to the director’s breach of his or her fiduciary duty;



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for Canadian directors, equity compensation in the form of time-based phantom stock unit grants with tandem dividend equivalents with a value of approximately $56,250, which reflects the pro-rated portion of an annual grant amount of $75,000 for their length of service from the date of their appointment. Each grant is to vest ratably over a three-year period. Vesting of these time-based phantom stock unit grants may be accelerated upon a change in control, as defined in the LTIP, and will be accelerated should a non-employee director resign from the Board during the vesting period, provided that such resignation is not due to the director’s breach of his or her fiduciary duty; and

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defined in the 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2017 LTIP”), and will be accelerated should the non-employee director resign from the Board during the vesting period, provided that such resignation is not due to the director’s breach of his fiduciary duty; and
reimbursement for reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board and committee meetings.

2017 Director Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation earned by each of our directors for the year ended December 31, 2017:

Name  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)
 Total
($)(3)
   
Jack L. Alexander      90,000   74,973   164,973     
Larry F. Altenbaumer      103,500   74,973   178,473     
Bradley T. Favreau      87,000   74,973   161,973     
Henry W. Fayne      87,000   74,973   161,973     
Kenneth M. Hartwick      90,000   74,973   164,973     
Gary R. Johnson      96,000   74,973   170,973     
William A. Koertner(4)      355,096   74,973   430,069     
Donald C.I. Lucky      87,000   74,973   161,973     
Maurice E. Moore      91,000   74,973   165,973     
William D. Patterson      102,500   74,973   177,473     
(1)Our non-employee directors have the option of receiving between 10% and 60% of their annual retainer in the form of our common stock. The amounts in this column include the cash equivalent of the stock received by a director making this election. In 2017, Mr. Johnson received 662 shares of stock as a portion of his annual retainer.
(2)Each director was awarded 2,238 shares of restricted stock units on May 4, 2017. The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of those awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The awards vest ratably over three years. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and may not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 included in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(3)Messrs. Alexander, Altenbaumer, Fayne, Johnson, Moore and Patterson each held 2,833 shares of unvested restricted stock, Mr. Favreau held 1,981 shares of unvested restricted stock, Messrs. Alexander, Altenbaumer, Favreau, Fayne, Hartwick, Johnson, Lucky, Moore and Patterson each held 2,238 shares of unvested restricted stock units, and Mr. Hartwick and Mr. Lucky each held 2,615 shares of unvested phantom stock units as of December 31, 2017.
(4)Mr. Koertner stepped down as President and CEO effective January 1, 2017 and continues to be an employee and serves as the Executive Chairman. In 2017, as an employee and Executive Chairman, Mr. Koertner received a salary. As of December 31, 2017 Mr. Koertner held 20,463 shares of unvested restricted stock, 2,238 shares of unvested restricted stock units, 94,958 vested stock options and 24,680 unvested performance shares, at target.



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Director Stock Ownership

In 2011, theThe Board has established stock ownership guidelines for our non-employee directors to reinforce the importance of aligning the interests of the members of the Board with the interests of our directors and stockholders. The guidelines generally require non-employee directors to meet an equity ownership level with a value equal to or greater than four times the annual retainer within five years from the later of the enactment of the guidelines (March 31, 2011) and the date the non-employee director was appointed to the Board. The non-employeeA director has three years to meet thean incremental increase in the newminimum stock ownership level caused by an increase in the annual retainer. We have adopted retention requirements with respect to these stock ownership guidelines whereby non-employee directors are expected to retain net shares received through an exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units or phantom stock units if they have not satisfied the required equity ownership level.

The following table sets forth each non-employee director’s ownership as of March 15, 20166, 2018 for stock ownership guidelines purposes:

    
Name Share
Ownership(1)
 Market Value
($)(2)
 Ownership
Guideline
 Current
Ownership
Multiple
    Share
Ownership(1)
 Market
Value
($)(2)
 Ownership
Guideline
 Current
Ownership
Multiple
 
Arnaud Ajdler(3)  956,690   30,843,685   4.0x   541.1x 
Jack L. Alexander  14,024   452,140   4.0x   7.9x        14,457   632,783   4.0×   7.9×    
Larry F. Altenbaumer  16,161   521,037   4.0x   9.1x        17,229   754,113   4.0×   9.4×    
Bradley T. Favreau(3)       991   43,376   4.0×   0.5×    
Henry W. Fayne  13,741   443,016   4.0x   7.8x        19,414   849,751   4.0×   10.6×    
Kenneth M. Hartwick(4)        4.0x   0.0x        3,259   142,646   4.0×   1.8×    
Gary R. Johnson  17,334   558,854   4.0x   9.8x        18,931   828,610   4.0×   10.4×    
William A. Koertner(5)       340,757   14,914,934   4.0×   186.4%    
Donald C.I. Lucky(4)        4.0x   0.0x        2,259   98,876   4.0×   1.2×    
Maurice E. Moore  11,848   381,980   4.0x   6.7x        17,055   746,497   4.0×   9.3×    
William D. Patterson  13,455   433,795   4.0x   7.6x        17,619   771,184   4.0×   9.6×    
John P. Schauerman(5)  10,000   322,400   4.0x   5.7x 

(1)The amounts in this column were calculated in accordance with the stock ownership guidelines and include vested but unexercised stock options and exclude unvested restricted stock, phantom stock units and phantomrestricted stock units.
(2)The amounts in this column were calculated in accordance with the stock ownership guidelines based on the highest reported share price for the year ended December 31, 20152017 of $32.24.$43.77.
(3)PursuantMr. Favreau’s appointment to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Ajdler is expected to be appointed as a Class I director following the Annual Meeting. Includes 956,690 shares held by Engine Capital. Mr. Ajdler serves as Managing Member of Engine Capital Management, LLC and certain other affiliates of Engine Capital. Mr. Ajdler and Engine Capital share voting and dispositive power over such shares.Board was effective on April 28, 2016.
(4)Mr. Hartwick’s and Mr. Lucky’s appointments to the Board were effective on July 29, 2015. Mr. Hartwick and Mr. Lucky were each granted 1,902 shares of phantom stock units on July 30, 2015, which vest ratably over the next three years.
(5)PursuantMr. Koertner stepped down as President and CEO effective January 1, 2017 and continues to be an employee and serves as the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Schauerman’s appointment to the Board was effective on March 22, 2016.Executive Chairman.

Insider Trading Policy

Our insider trading policy, among other things, prohibits our directors from hedging the economic risk of their stock ownership, holding shares of the Company’s common stock in a margin account, or pledging shares as collateral for a loan.loan or short-selling the Company’s securities. The policy also prohibits trading in our securities outside of specified window periods and without pre-clearance. The policy also prohibits short-selling of the Company’s securities.



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2015 Director Compensation Table

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

The following table sets forthSection 16(a) of the compensation earned by eachSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires our executive officers, directors and persons who own more than 10% of our non-employee directors forcommon stock to report their ownership of our common stock and changes in that ownership.

We reviewed copies of reports filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and any written representations from reporting persons that all reportable transactions were reported. Based solely on that review, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015:2017, all filings required of our executive officers and directors were timely made in accordance with the Exchange Act except for one Form 3, which was inadvertently filed late by the Company on January 13, 2017 on behalf of Jeffrey J. Waneka.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

We have a written policy and procedures for the review, approval and ratification of transactions with related persons, which have been adopted by the Board. Under our policy, the definition of related persons includes, among others, any person who is or was, during the last fiscal year, an executive officer, director or nominee for director of the Company, any stockholder owning more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or an immediate family member of any such person.

It is the policy of the Company to prohibit related person transactions unless the Company’s Audit Committee has determined in advance of the Company or a subsidiary entering into the transaction that it will be conducted on terms that are fair to the Company or the subsidiary and the transaction is in the best interests of the Company or the subsidiary.

Pursuant to our policy, there were no reported transactions in 2017 that qualified as a related person transaction. As a result, no reported transaction was referred to the Audit Committee or any other committee of the Board for review and no related person transaction was required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings.



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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MATTERS

COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board established the standing Compensation Committee in accordance with our By-Laws. The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee qualifies as an “independent” director as defined under the Nasdaq rules, as a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) under the Exchange Act and as an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

The Compensation Committee firmly believes that the compensation of our executive officers should emphasize paying for performance that contributes to our success while encouraging behavior that is in our stockholders’ long-term best interests. The Compensation Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the Company’s compensation and employee benefit plans and practices, including its executive compensation plans and its incentive-compensation and equity-based plans. To represent and assist the Board in its oversight of the Company’s compensation practices and under its charter, the Compensation Committee performs, among others, the following tasks:

   
Name Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)
 Total
($)(3)
Arnaud Ajdler(4)  0   0   0 
Jack L. Alexander  84,000   74,971   158,971 
Larry F. Altenbaumer  93,000   74,971   167,971 
Henry W. Fayne  81,000   74,971   155,971 
Kenneth M. Hartwick(5)  44,750   56,242   100,992 
Gary R. Johnson  88,000   74,971   162,971 
Betty R. Johnson(6)  81,000   74,971   155,971 
Donald C.I. Lucky(5)  44,750   56,242   100,992 
Maurice E. Moore  83,000   74,971   157,971 
William D. Patterson  94,000   74,971   168,971 
John P. Schauerman(7)  0   0   0 
reviews and recommends changes to the Company’s executive compensation philosophy, general compensation programs and executive benefit plans, including incentive-compensation programs and equity-based plans;
reviews and recommends any changes to the goals and objectives of the Company’s executive compensation plans;
evaluates annually the performance of executive officers in light of the goals and objectives of the Company’s executive compensation plans, and determines and approves, or recommends to the Board for its approval, the compensation levels of executive officers based on this evaluation;
evaluates the appropriate level of compensation for Board and committee service on our Board and determines and approves, or recommends to the Board for its approval, the level of compensation for such service;
establishes and reviews stock ownership guidelines for directors and officers;
oversees management succession, in accordance with the Board’s Corporate Governance Principles; and
reviews and recommends to the Board the frequency with which the Company will conduct Say-on-Pay Votes and reviews and approves proposals regarding the Say-on-Pay Vote and the frequency of the Say-on-Pay Vote to be included in the Company’s proxy statement.

The “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included in this Proxy Statement goes into further detail about the Compensation Committee’s processes for determining the appropriate levels of compensation for named executive officers and directors.

COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS

In order to fulfill its duties, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain, at the Company’s expense, its own advisors and compensation consultants and to approve their compensation. These external compensation consultants provide the Compensation Committee with guidance on compensation trends, program designs and market research and advice and recommendations on both executive and director compensation. They also help evaluate the competitive position of executive officers’ and directors’ compensation, and provide advice on incentive award programs. Their findings are discussed in more detail in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

Compensation consultants are engaged by and report directly to the Compensation Committee on executive compensation matters and meet separately with the Compensation Committee outside the



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presence of management. Interaction between the compensation consultants and management is generally limited to providing necessary information and data.

The Compensation Committee retained Mercer to serve as its compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee reviewed the independence of Mercer’s advisory role relative to the six consultant independence factors adopted by the SEC to guide listed companies in determining the independence of their compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisers. Following its review, the Compensation Committee concluded that Mercer had no conflicts of interest, and could provide the Compensation Committee with objective and independent executive compensation advice.

COMPENSATION RISK ASSESSMENT

In reviewing and approving compensation programs, the Compensation Committee considers whether the programs are likely to promote risk-taking behavior that could adversely affect the Company. The Compensation Committee has designed the Company’s compensation programs, including the Company’s incentive compensation plans, with specific features to address potential risks while rewarding employees for achieving long-term financial and strategic objectives through prudent business judgment and appropriate risk taking. The following elements have been incorporated into our programs available for our executive officers:

(1)Our non-employee directors haveA Balanced Mix of Compensation Components — The target compensation mix for the optionCompany’s executive officers is composed of receiving between 10%salary, annual cash incentives and 60%long-term equity incentives, representing a mix that is not overly weighted toward short-term cash incentives.
Multiple Performance Metrics — The Company’s incentive compensation plans use multiple Company-wide metrics, which encourage retention of their annual retainerexecutives and focus on the achievement of objectives for the overall benefit of the Company. The incentive compensation granted under the plans in 2017 included:
ºAnnual cash incentive compensation that was dependent on multiple performance metrics, including pre-tax income and safety performance.
ºForty percent of the long-term incentive compensation in the form of our common stock. The amounts in this column include the cash equivalent of thetime-based restricted stock received by a director making this election. In 2015, Mr. Johnson received 972 shares as a portion of his annual retainer.with three-year ratable vesting.
(2)ºMessrs. Alexander, Altenbaumer, Fayne, Johnson, Moore and Patterson and Ms. Johnson were each awarded 2,557 sharesSixty percent of restricted stock on April 30, 2015. Mr. Hartwick and Mr. Lucky were each awarded 1,902 phantom stock units on July 30, 2015. The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of those awards in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The awards vest ratably over three years. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and may not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the non-employee directors. Assumptions usedlong-term incentive compensation in the calculationform of these amounts are included in footnote 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year endedperformance shares that will cliff-vest on December 31, 2015 included in our 2015 Form 10-K.2019 and were allocated between shares that will pay out based on the performance measures of return on invested capital (“ROIC”) and relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) as compared to a group of peer companies.
(3)We ceased grantingCapped Incentive Awards — Annual cash incentive awards are capped at 160% of salary for our CEO and lesser amounts for our other executive officers. The number of performance shares that can be earned is capped at 200% of target for all executive officers.
Clawback Provisions — Long-term incentive award agreements contain clawback provisions, which make all such equity awards subject to the Company’s right to recover the award in the event that it is determined that a participant has engaged in conduct that contributed to any material restatement of our earnings.
Stock Ownership Guidelines — Stock ownership guidelines call for significant share ownership for our executive officers.
Stock Retention Policy — Executive officers are expected to retain the net shares received through an exercise of stock options to non-employee directors after 2007. Messrs. Alexander, Altenbaumer, Fayne, Johnson and Patterson and Ms. Johnson each held 8,000 stock options as of December 31, 2015. Messrs. Alexander, Altenbaumer, Fayne, Johnson, Moore and Patterson each held 5,068 sharesthe vesting of restricted stock and Mr. Hartwickperformance shares if they have not reached the applicable stock ownership guidelines.



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Anti-hedging and Mr. Lucky each held 1,902Pledging Policy — Executive officers are expected to comply with our insider trading policy that prohibits our executive officers from hedging the economic risk of their stock ownership and holding shares of phantomthe Company’s common stock unitsin a margin account or pledging shares as of December 31, 2015.collateral for a loan.

The Compensation Committee annually performs an assessment of compensation-related risks for all of our compensation policies and programs. These assessments include a review of multiple factors including, but not limited to, the design of compensation policies and programs, controls and approval processes and the discretion provided in the oversight of these programs. Periodically, the Compensation Committee retains outside consultants to assist in these assessments. After its review in 2017, the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In the event that the Company’s risk profile was to change, the Compensation Committee would consider appropriate adjustments in policies and practices.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

The Compensation Committee oversees our compensation program on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included in this Proxy Statement.

In reliance on the review and discussion referred to above, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2018 Annual Meeting and incorporated by reference in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”).

Compensation Committee:(4)Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Ajdler is expected to be appointed as a Class I director following the Annual Meeting.Larry F. Altenbaumer, Chair
Jack L. Alexander
Bradley T. Favreau
Gary R. Johnson
Donald C.I. Lucky
(5)Mr. Hartwick’s and Mr. Lucky’s appointments to the Board were effective on July 29, 2015 and they received fees and phantom stock units which were pro-rated for their length of service.
(6)Effective October 19, 2015, Ms. Johnson resigned from the Board and was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
(7)Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Schauerman’s appointment to the Board was effective on March 22, 2016.

The information contained in the above Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as amended, except to the extent that MYR Group specifically incorporates it by reference in such filing.



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LETTER FROM OUR COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Dear Fellow Stockholder,

The Compensation Committee would like to thank Jack Alexander for his ten years of service on our Board and for his valuable role as one of the Board’s leading advocates for safety. We wish him the best in his retirement beginning April 1, 2018.

The Compensation Committee believes that the design of its compensation programs is an important driver of stockholder value creation at MYR Group by helping us attract, retain and incentivize quality talent. These programs reward success when the management team’s efforts build stockholder value and limit compensation when our performance expectations are not met. We believe that the pay of our executive officers should be linked to our long-term performance; thus, our compensation programs are designed to reward strong financial performance and safe operations. In 2017, we demonstrated our commitment to this pay-for-performance philosophy. While we exceeded our target safety performance goals, we did not meet our financial performance goals. Consequently, the Compensation Committee exercised its negative discretion under our Senior Management Incentive Plan and made no short-term incentive awards to our named executive officers for financial or safety performance in 2017.

The Compensation Committee annually reviews the performance metrics and the equity compensation vehicles used in our long-term equity compensation program to ensure they are aligned with the goals we believe will drive stockholder value. Following our analysis for 2017, we continued to use the financial performance metric of return on invested capital and the market-based metric of relative total stockholder return. We believe these metrics align the long-term equity compensation opportunities of our executive officers with stockholder value creation. In addition to this focus on long-term value, we also provide short-term incentives to employees for both financial and safety performance.

We recognize that our employees are our most important asset and we offer extensive training and professional development programs for all employees to provide them with opportunities for meaningful career paths. We have designed our compensation programs to incentivize and reward employees at all levels within the organization for their contributions to both our short-term and long-term performance.

In addition to our annual “say-on-pay” proposal, we welcome our stockholders to provide feedback on our executive compensation programs, as we believe these conversations have and will continue to improve our programs. With the positive responses to our “say-on-pay” votes over recent years and based on our annual review of best practices with our independent compensation consultant, we have maintained our fundamental compensation programs and structures. Through these review processes and stockholder feedback, we continue to endeavor to improve these programs with the objective of improving stockholder value.

On behalf of the Compensation Committee,

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

Larry F. Altenbaumer
Chair of the Compensation Committee



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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

IntroductionINTRODUCTION

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the “CD&A”) describes the objectives, principles and material components of our executive officer compensation program for the following current and former officers who are named in the Executive Compensation Tables below and who are referred to as our “named executive officers.

Named Executive Officers

Our named executive officers for 20152017 were as follows:

William A. Koertner, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer;
NameTitle
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.President and CEO
Betty R. JohnsonSenior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer(1);
Tod M. Cooper, Senior Vice President;
Gerald B. Engen, Jr., Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary;
Tod M. CooperPaul J. Evans, formerSenior Vice President and Chief FinancialOperating Officer and Treasurer(2); and— Transmission & Distribution
Richard S. Swartz, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Gerald B. Engen, Jr.(1)Ms. Johnson was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief FinancialLegal Officer and Treasurer effective October 19, 2015.Secretary
Jeffrey J. Waneka(2)Mr. Evans served as ourSenior Vice President and Chief FinancialOperating Officer and Treasurer until October 19, 2015.— Commercial & Industrial

Executive Summary

20152017 Company Performance

MYR Group is a leadingholding company of specialty contractor servingelectrical construction service providers that was established through the merger of long-standing specialty contractors. Through our subsidiaries, we serve the electrical utility infrastructure, marketcommercial and industrial construction markets throughout the United States and western Canada withand have the experience and expertise to complete electrical installations of any type and size. Our Transmission and Distribution (“T&D”) segment provides comprehensive services on electric transmission and distribution (“T&D”) networks and substation facilities includeincluding design, engineering, procurement, construction, upgrade, maintenance and repair services. Our transmission and distributionT&D customers include investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, private developers, government-funded utilities, independent power producers, independent transmission companies, industrial facility owners and other contractors. We also provide commercialOur Commercial and industrialIndustrial (“C&I”) segment provides electrical contracting services such asincluding the design, installation, maintenance and repair of commercial and industrial wiring, installation of traffic networks and the installation of bridge, roadway and tunnel lighting for general contractors, commercial and industrial facility owners, local governments and developers throughout the western and northeastern United States.developers.

Our Company had the following significant achievements in fiscal year 2015:

We hadIn 2017, we recorded record revenues of approximately $1.062$1.403 billion, an increase of 12.5%22.8 percent from 2014.
2016. Our net income in 2017 was $21.2 million, which included a net Tax Act benefit of $7.8 million, compared to $21.4 million in 2016. We ended 2017 with our backlog at December 31, 2015 was $450.9$679.1 million an increasecompared to $688.8 million at the end of 4.0% over our backlog on December 31, 2014.
We acquired E.S. Boulos Company, one of New England’s largest and most experienced electrical contractors, which expanded our T&D presence and established a C&I presence in the northeast United States.
We repurchased a total of 1,183,862 shares under our share repurchase program, returning approximately $27.0 million to stockholders.
Engineering News-Record recognized us as one of the nation’s top five specialty electrical contractors for the 21st consecutive year.

2016.

Pay For Performance

We have designed our compensation programs to reward our key executive officers for their contributions to our short-term and long-term performance and to be competitive with programs offered by companies with which we compete for executive officer talent. We believe that the pay of our named executive officers should be directly linked to performance; thus our compensation programs are designed to reward strong financial performance and safe operations. In 2017, while exceeding our targets for safety performance, we did not meet our threshold financial performance. Consequently, consistent with our pay-for-performance practice, the Compensation Committee exercised its negative discretion under the Senior Management Incentive Plan (amended and restated as of May 1, 2014) (the “SMIP”) and did not award short-term cash bonuses to our named executive officers.



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performance and safe operations. In fiscal 2015, we did not meet our target performance goals for financial performance, resulting in below-target cash incentive and performance share payouts to our executive officers.

2015 Target Performance-Based Compensation

We endeavor to maintain strong compensation practices, which requires effective governance standards with respect to the oversight of our executive compensation policies and practices. Although we do not use a specific formula to determine the mix of performance-based and fixed compensation paid to our named executive officers, our emphasis on pay-for-performance resulted in performance-based compensation (which we define as performance share awards and cash awards tied to performance) representing a significant part of our named executive officers’ target compensation in 2015. In 2015, performance-based compensation represented approximately 58% of the target Total Direct Compensation for our CEO and an average of approximately 50% for our other named executive officers, as shown in the charts below:

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

As shown below for 2015, the target Total Direct Compensation for our CEO and named executive officers compared favorably with the Peer Group (as discussed below under “Use of Compensation Consultants and Peer Groups”):

  
 2015 Target
Total Direct
Compensation
($ in 000s)(1)
 Median Peer Group
Total Direct
Compensation
Based on Mercer’s
2014 Report
($ in 000s)
Chief Executive Officer $2,456  $2,354 
Other named executive officers (average) $969  $973 

(1)2015 target total direct compensation includes base salary, target bonus under our Senior Management Incentive Plan (the “SMIP”) and target equity awards under our LTIP, which are valued in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of equity awards and vesting details are included in footnote 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 included in our 2015 Form 10-K.

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Key Features of Our Compensation Practices and PhilosophyOUR COMPENSATION

We adhere to executive compensation best practices

þCompetitive Pay.  We provide our executive officers with total compensation opportunities at levels that are competitive with our peer companies, and we reward outstanding performance and the achievement of strategic goals;goals.
þCapped Incentive Awards.  Annual cash incentive awards are capped at 200%160% of target for our CEO and lesser amounts for our other named executive officers and the number of performance shares that can be earned is capped at 200% of target for all named executive officers;officers.
þIndependent Compensation Consultant.  Our Compensation Committee has engaged its own independent compensation consultant, which performs an annual comprehensive market analysis of our executive compensation programs and pay levels;levels.
þPeer Companies.  We conduct a rigorous peer group assessment and maintain a peer group that provides a valuable comparison for compensation decisions;decisions.
þClawback Policy.  We includeLong-term incentive award agreements contain clawback provisions, in our LTIP award agreements, which subjectmakes all such equity awards under the LTIPsubject to the Company’s right to recover awardsthe award in the event that it is determined that a participant has engaged in conduct that contributed to any material restatement of our earnings; andearnings.
þRisk Assessment.  The Compensation Committee performed a risk assessment and determined that no element of our compensation programs was reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company.

What we do to align executive compensation with
the interests of our shareholders

What we do to align executive compensation with the interests of our stockholdersþ
What we don’t do

þ

Pay for Performance.  We grantedgrant equity awards under our LTIP that provide a mix of retention-based awards and awards that will reward our executives for the achievement of long-term performance goals that are intended to maximize stockholder value;

value.

þSay on Pay.  We annually put our named executive officer compensation to an advisory vote of our stockholders and received a positive response of over 97% of the votes cast on this proposal at our 2015 Annual Meeting;
þStock Ownership Guidelines.  We have stock ownership guidelines, with a stock retention feature, for our named executive officers; and
þStockholder Input.  We encourage open dialogue with stockholders to solicit input and feedback on our compensation practices and policies.


What we don’t do

No Hedging and Pledging.  We have an insider trading policy that prohibits our named executive officers from hedging the economic risk of their stock ownership and holding shares of the Company’s common stock in a margin account or pledging shares as collateral for a loan;loan.

þ

“Say on Pay”.  We annually put our named executive officer compensation to an advisory vote of our stockholders and received a positive response of over 96% of the votes cast on this proposal at our 2017 Annual Meeting.

No Gross-ups Going Forward.  Since 2011, we have maintained a policy that does not include gross-up payments for excise taxes in new employment agreements; andagreements.

þ

Stock Ownership Guidelines.  We have stock ownership guidelines, with a stock retention feature, for our named executive officers.

No Single Trigger.  Our employment agreements with our named executive officers provide for additional severance payments and benefits only on a so-called “double trigger” basis, for termination without cause or for good reason following a change of control.

þ

Stockholder Input.  We encourage open dialogue with stockholders to solicit input and feedback on our compensation practices and policies.



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Objectives of our Compensation ProgramsCOMPONENTS OF OUR COMPENSATION

Pay ComponentObjectiveKey Features

Base Salary

To provide a fixed level of cash compensation to reward demonstrated experience, skills and competencies relative to the market value of the job.

Varies based on skills, experience, level of responsibility and other factors.

Adjustments are considered annually based on individual performance, level of pay relative to the market and internal pay equity.




Short-Term Incentives



To reward for annual corporate performance.


To align named executive officers’ interest with those of our stockholders by linking compensation with annually established financial and safety performance goals.

To retain named executive officers by providing market-competitive compensation.

Annual incentive payments are cash awards based on financial, safety and individual performance objectives.

Annual cash incentive awards are capped at 160% of salary for our CEO and lesser amounts for our other named executive officers.




Long-Term Incentives




To align named executive officers’ interests with long-term stockholder interests by linking part of their compensation to long-term corporate performance.

To provide opportunities for wealth creation and stock ownership, which promote retention and enable us to attract and motivate our named executive officers.

To retain named executive officers through multi-year vesting of equity grants and multi-year performance periods.

Targeted at levels that will provide total direct compensation (salary plus annual incentive plus equity awards) competitive with our Peer Group’s total direct compensation.

Utilizes different equity types, including restricted stock and performance shares to balance multiple objectives.


Restricted stock awards generally vest over three-year periods. Performance shares granted in 2017 will cliff-vest on December 31, 2019 and the number of shares that can be earned is capped at 200% of target.

Profit Sharing Contributions to Diversified Holdings Savings Plan


To reward annual corporate performance for our employees, including our named executive officers.

Contribute up to 10% of salary depending on the profitability of the Company, up to the maximum allowed by the plan.

401(k) Matching Contributions to Diversified Holdings Savings Plan

To provide certain retirement income for our employees, including our named executive officers.

Provide a match of 100% of an employee’s contributions up to the first 6% of the employee’s salary, up to the maximum allowed by the plan.

Executive Perquisites

To attract and retain named executive officers.

Limited programs offering perquisites such as a company vehicle or car allowance and financial planning services.



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OBJECTIVES OF OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM

We seek to maintain the competitiveness of our executive compensation program with those of our peers and competitors. Adjustments to both overall compensation and the individual components of compensation are based on various factors, including results of compensation benchmarking studies, general economic conditions, the effects of inflation or other economic forces, changes in our business operations and the related


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financial results, results fromof our stockholder vote on our Say-on-Pay proposal and changes in the compensation practices of our competitors. We also take into account each executive officer’s individual performance when making compensation adjustments.

The primary objectives of our executive compensation program are to:

attract and retain the most talented and dedicated executives possible;
reward accountability and performance by linking compensation to the achievement of financial and safety performance goals;
motivate executive leadership and promote behavior that aligns our executive officers’ interests with those of our stockholders;
encourage our executives to develop business and build a backlog of profitable business to ensure our long-term success;
encourage our executives to develop business models and systems that seek out strategic opportunities, which benefit usthe Company and our stockholders;
encourage our executives to develop and maintain an understanding of our industry’s competitive environment and position ourselves as a leader within our industry; and
encourage our executives to implement a culture of legal and regulatory compliance and a commitment to operating our business with the highest standards of professional conduct, ethics and compliance.

Management’s RoleCOMMUNICATIONS WITH STOCKHOLDERS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

At our 2017 Annual Meeting, our stockholders voted on an advisory resolution regarding the compensation of our named executive officers, which was approved by more than 96% of the votes cast on the proposal (the “Say-on-Pay proposal”). These results demonstrated strong stockholder support for our overall executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee considered this favorable vote and determined that our current practices and processes did not require any significant modifications to address stockholder concerns. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of these annual advisory votes when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

In addition to our annual Say-on-Pay proposal, stockholders are encouraged to provide feedback on our corporate governance policies and our executive compensation programs, including their various components. We have reached out to and engaged in conversations with some of our larger stockholders regarding our compensation programs and philosophy, and have generally received positive feedback on our practices. We believe that these conversations have and will better situate our Company to modify our compensation programs to address stockholder concerns on an ongoing basis. Management reports to the Compensation Committee on issues or concerns our stockholders provide with respect to our executive compensation programs. We encourage stockholders to reach out to the Board or the Compensation Committee with any feedback on our executive compensation programs. For more information on providing feedback and the related procedures, please see “Corporate Governance — Communications with the Board and Reporting of Concerns” in this Proxy Statement.



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2017 TARGET PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION

We endeavor to maintain strong compensation practices, which requires effective governance standards with respect to the oversight of our executive compensation policies and practices. Although we do not use a specific formula to determine the mix of at-risk pay that is performance-based and fixed compensation paid to our named executive officers, our emphasis on pay-for-performance resulted in at-risk performance-based compensation (which we define as performance share awards and cash awards tied to performance) representing a significant part of our named executive officers’ target compensation in 2017. In 2017, at-risk performance-based compensation represented approximately 52% of the target total direct compensation for our CEO and an average of approximately 48% for our other named executive officers, as shown in the charts below:

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

As shown below for 2017, the target total direct compensation for our CEO and other named executive officers was generally below the Peer Group median (as discussed below under “Peer Groups, Pay Mix and Use of Compensation Consultants”):

      2017 Target Total
Direct Compensation
($ in 000s)(1)
 Median Peer Group Total
Direct Compensation
Based on Mercer’s
2016 Report
($ in 000s)
 
Chief Executive Officer(2)       $2,006   $3,053    
Other named executive officers(3)       $1,044   $1,065    
(1)2017 target total direct compensation includes base salary, target bonus under our Senior Management Incentive Plan and target equity awards, which are valued in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of equity awards and vesting details are included in footnote 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 included in our 2017 Form 10-K.
(2)Mr. Swartz was appointed President and CEO effective January 1, 2017.
(3)Represents the average of Ms. Johnson, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Engen. Mr. Waneka was not included in Mercer’s 2016 named executive officer compensation report as he was not a named executive officer at that time.



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MANAGEMENT’S ROLE IN DETERMINING COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee oversees the executive compensation program for our named executive officers, as discussed under “Compensation Committee Matters.” Our management also plays an important role in setting the compensation of our named executive officers by initially recommending various aspects of incentive compensation, including financial performance goals, safety performance goals and strategic goals relating to each named executive officer. Management also makes recommendations regarding the salary, cash bonus and equity awards for our named executive officers (other than with respect to our CEO). While our management makes recommendations as to the goals and awards for named executive officers’ incentive compensation (other than with respect to our CEO), the Compensation Committee has final authority and complete discretion to ultimately set the compensation of our named executive officers.

At the request of the Compensation Committee, our CEO presents to the Compensation Committee his evaluation of the performance of our other named executive officers and his recommendations regarding their compensation. The Compensation Committee considers these evaluations and recommendations in determining our named executive officers’ salaries and the amounts that may be paid under our incentive plans.

To assist the Compensation Committee, management also prepares information “tally sheets.”sheets”. The purpose of the tally sheets is to provide the Compensation Committee the information on key elements of actual realized compensation and potential realizable compensation for our named executive officers so that the Compensation Committee may fully evaluate our total compensation packages. Further, the Compensation Committee discusses compensation decisions with Mercer, its independent compensation consultant, and deliberates on such decisions without management present.

Use of Compensation Consultants and Peer GroupsPEER GROUPS, PAY MIX AND USE OF COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS

The Compensation Committee believes that it is appropriate to utilize compensation benchmarking studies of our peer and competitor companies to establish initial compensation targets because the competitiveness of our compensation practices greatly influences our ability to attract, motivate and retain top executive officer talent, which is an important determinant of our business success. However, the Compensation Committee believes compensation benchmarking studies should be considered only as a point of reference for measurement and not as the determinative factor for our named executive officers’ compensation. The results of the studies do not supplant the significance of the individual performance of our named executive officers that the Compensation Committee considers when making compensation decisions.


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Because the information provided by compensation benchmark studies is just one of the pieces of information that is used in setting executive compensation, the Compensation Committee has discretion in determining the nature and extent of their use. Further, the Compensation Committee has discretion to determine the frequency of performing benchmarking and other studies.

We annually compare our compensation program with those companies in a peer group that the Compensation Committee evaluates together with Mercer (the “Peer Group”). The companies selected for inclusion in the Peer Group, which are listed below, were selected on the basis of a number of factors, including similar industry characteristics, organization size, financial characteristics such as revenues, total assets and market capitalization, as well as companies we compete against for talent. At the time of selection, all of the companies were publicly traded U.S. companies in the construction, engineering and commercial services industries with annual revenue between approximately one-thirdone-half and threetwo times our annual revenue.



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During our 20142016 review of the makeup of our Peer Group, we removed Michael BakerFurmanite Corporation, as it was no longer publicly traded and executive compensation data was no longer available, and replaced it with Furmanite CorporationMcDermott International, Inc., given its industry characteristics and revenue. The companies included in the Peer Group for the evaluation of 20152017 executive compensation levels were:

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PEER GROUP FOR 2017

•  Aegion Corporation

 

•  Matrix Service Company

Peer Group

•  Ameresco, Inc.

•  Newpark Resources, Inc.

Aegion Corporation
Ameresco, Inc.

•  Astec Industries, Inc.
Cal Dive International,

•  Orion Marine Group, Inc.

•  Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

•  Primoris Services Corporation

•  Dycom Industries, Inc.
Furmanite Corporation

•  Sterling Construction Company, Inc.

•  Granite Construction Incorporated

•  Team, Inc.

•  Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
Integrated Electrical Services,

•  Tetra Tech, Inc.

•  IES Holdings, Inc.

•  TRC Companies, Inc.

•  Layne Christensen Company

 Matrix Service Company
Newpark Resources, Inc.
Orion Marine Group, Inc.
Pike Corporation
Primoris Services Corporation
Sterling Construction Company Inc.
Team, Inc.
Tetra Tech, Inc.
TRC Companies, Inc.
Willbros Group Inc.

In October 2014,2016, Mercer performed and presented to the Compensation Committee an executive compensation study (the “Mercer Executive Compensation Review”). The Mercer Executive Compensation Review included comparisons of our executive compensation programs to the Peer Group, which assisted the Compensation Committee with designing our executive compensation program for 20152017 to be competitive with the groupPeer Group and our markets. According to the Mercer Executive Compensation Review, MYR Group was positioned atnear the 54th and 47th percentile inPeer Group median of annual revenue, total assets, and market capitalization, respectively, ofas indicated in the Peer Group. chart below:

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

The Compensation Committee generally seeks to target total executive compensation at or near the median total compensation of the Peer Group and allows business and individual performance to determine whether actual pay is above or below the median. The Compensation Committee believes that this review of Peer Group programs provides valuable information during the Compensation Committee’s review and design of both the named executive officers’ overall compensation levels and individual components of compensation, including the allocation of compensation between long-term and short-term compensation and cash and non-cash compensation.

Communications with Stockholders on Executive Compensation

At our 2015 Annual Meeting, our stockholders voted on an advisory resolution regarding the compensation of our named executive officers, which was approved by more than 97% of the votes cast on the proposal (the “Say-on-Pay proposal”). These results demonstrated strong stockholder support for our overall executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee considered this favorable vote and determined that our current practices and processes did not require any significant modifications to address stockholder concerns. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of these annual advisory votes when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

In addition to our annual Say-on-Pay proposal, stockholders are encouraged to provide feedback on our corporate governance policies and our executive compensation programs, including its various components.

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From time to time, we have reached out to and engaged in conversations with some of our larger stockholders regarding our compensation programs and philosophy and have generally received positive feedback on our practices. We believe that these conversations have and will better situate our Company to modify our compensation programs to address stockholder concerns on an ongoing basis. Management reports to the Compensation Committee on issues or concerns our stockholders provide with respect to our executive compensation programs. We encourage stockholders to reach out to the Board or the Compensation Committee with any feedback on our executive compensation programs. For more information on providing feedback and the related procedures, please see “Corporate Governance — Communications with the Board” in this Proxy Statement.

Summary of Key 2015 Compensation Elements

This table summarizes the material elements of our 2015 compensation program for our named executive officers.

Compensation ElementObjectivesKey Features
SalaryTo provide a fixed level of cash compensation to reward demonstrated experience, skills and competencies relative to the market value of the job.Varies based on skills, experience, level of responsibility and other factors.
Adjustments are considered annually based on individual performance, level of pay relative to the market and internal pay equity.
Senior Management Incentive Plan AwardsTo reward annual corporate performance.Annual incentive payments are cash awards based on financial and safety performance objectives.
To align interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders by linking compensation with financial and safety performance.Annual cash incentive awards are capped at 200% of salary for our CEO and lesser amounts for our other named executive officers.
To retain named executive officers by providing market-competitive compensation.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (Equity) AwardsTo align named executive officers’ interests with long-term stockholder interests by linking part of each named executive officer’s compensation to long-term corporate performance.Targeted at levels that will provide total direct compensation (salary plus annual incentive plus equity awards) competitive with our Peer Group’s total direct compensation.
To provide opportunities for wealth creation and stock ownership, which promotes retention and enables us to attract and motivate our named executive officers.Utilizes different equity types, including restricted stock and performance shares to balance the multiple objectives.
To retain named executive officers through multi-year vesting of equity grants and multi-year performance periods.Restricted stock awards generally vest over three-year periods. Performance shares are earned over a three-year performance period and the number of shares that can be earned is capped at 200% of target.

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Compensation ElementObjectivesKey Features
Profit Sharing Contributions to Diversified Holdings Savings PlanTo reward annual corporate performance for our employees, including our named executive officers.Contribute up to 10% of salary depending on the profitability of the Company.
401(k) Matching Contributions to Diversified Holdings Savings PlanTo provide certain retirement income for our employees, including our named executive officers.Provide a match of 100% of an employee’s contributions up to the first 6% of such employee’s salary, up to the maximum allowed by the plan.
Financial Planning ServicesTo attract and retain named executive officers.Use of a financial planning service.
Executive PerquisitesTo attract and retain named executive officers.Use of a Company vehicle or a car allowance.
2017 COMPENSATION DECISIONS AND ACTIONS

Analysis of 2015 Compensation Decisions and Actions2017 Base Salary

Salary

Salary is a critical element of our named executive officers’ compensation because it provides them with a base level of guaranteed monthly income as compensation for services provided to us.

The Compensation Committee generally reviews the salaries of the named executive officers annually. To assist with that review, the Compensation Committee often will refer to the salaries in effect for comparable officers at companies in the Peer Group. The Compensation Committee has typically considered such review, as well asalso considers internal comparables, individual performance and level of responsibility, economic conditions and the Company’s financial performance in reviewing salary levels. When market or merit increases are warranted, changes in salary are generally made effective during our second quarter.

When setting salaries for our named executive officers for 2015,2017, the Compensation Committee considered the Mercer Executive Compensation Review, as well asindividual promotional adjustments to reflect increased responsibilities and certain other factors, including those specified above. As a result, the Compensation Committee made market-based salary increasesthe following decisions related to base salaries for certainour named executive officers as outlined in the table below:2017:

   
Named Executive Officer 2014 Base Salary 2015 Base Salary Percentage Increase
Mr. Koertner $600,000  $615,000   2.5
Ms. Johnson(1)    $350,000    
Mr. Cooper $315,000  $330,750   5.0
Mr. Engen $344,000  $354,000   2.9
Mr. Evans(2) $331,000  $341,000   3.0
Mr. Swartz $380,000  $392,000   3.2
Named Executive Officer    2017
Base Salary
 2016
Base Salary
 Percentage Increase 
Mr. Swartz(1)       $565,000   $500,000   13.0   
Ms. Johnson       $380,000   $360,000   5.6   
Mr. Cooper(2)       $365,000   $344,000   6.1   
Mr. Engen       $380,000   $365,000   4.1   
Mr. Waneka(3)       $280,000   $250,750   11.7   

(1)Effective October 19, 2015, Ms. Johnson resignedJanuary 1, 2017, Mr. Swartz was promoted from the Board and was appointed SeniorExecutive Vice President and Chief FinancialOperating Officer to President and Treasurer.CEO.
(2)Effective January 1, 2017, Mr. Evans served as ourCooper was promoted from Senior Vice President to Senior Vice President and Chief FinancialOperating Officer and Treasurer until October 19, 2015.T&D.

Senior Management
(3)Effective January 1, 2017, Mr. Waneka was promoted from President of subsidiary company Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer C&I.

2017 Short-Term Incentive Plan Compensation

Awards

The granted pursuant to our SMIP isare designed to provide our named executive officers with cash performance awards payable annually to reward the achievement of certain financial and safety performance goals established annually by the Compensation Committee that we believe are strongly linked to stockholder value creation. An important factor in our decision to pay our SMIP awards in cash rather than in equity has been to help ensure that our compensation program remains competitive with the compensation programs of our direct competitors, which include private companies that primarily pay their executives with cash. Our SMIPcompetitors. In December of 2016, the Compensation Committee established performance targets are measured againstbased on financial performance and safety performance goals that are established annually by the Compensation Committee and that encourageencouraged our named executive officers to increase stockholder value by focusing on growth in revenue and earnings and safety in operations.


TABLE OF CONTENTS These performance goals were the basis for awards used in the SMIP for 2017 performance.

The amount of the payout for each named executive officer under the SMIP is dependentawards for 2017 depended on athe percentage of each named executive officer’s salary that the Compensation Committee determinesdetermined to be subject to the plan andaward, our performance measured against the financial and safety performance goals established by the Compensation Committee pursuant toand an assessment of the SMIP. named executive officer’s individual performance.



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The basic formula for calculating the 2017 SMIP payout is as follows:

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

The Compensation Committee determinesdetermined the percentage of each named executive officer’s salary to be subject to an award under the plan based on position, market pay levels and our overall compensation philosophy, which emphasizes performance-based compensation. In connection with its reviewNo payouts under the 2017 SMIP awards would be made unless the threshold levels for performance goals were achieved. Achievement of the percentage ofperformance goals above the maximum level would not result in any additional payments above the maximum payout level. Any payouts under the 2017 SMIP awards would be calculated by the straight-line mathematical interpolation between threshold and target and between target and maximum levels for performance between threshold and target and between target and maximum levels.

In 2017, each named executive officer’s salary that should be subject to an award under the plan for 2015 and taking into account the Mercer Executive Compensation Review, the Compensation Committee maintained the same threshold, target and maximum payable awards as in 2014 for all named executive officers, as these levels were determined to be comparable to the Peer Group.

Each named executive officer’s 2015 incentive opportunity under the SMIP is provided in the table below:

   
 Performance Rating(1)
Named Executive Officer(2) 75% of Goals
(Threshold)
 100% of Goals
(Target)
 150% of Goals
(Maximum)
   (incentive opportunity as a percentage of salary)
Mr. Koertner  42.5  102.5  200.0
Messrs. Cooper and Engen  35.0  71.0  125.0
Mr. Swartz  36.0  76.0  135.0
Mr. Evans  33.5  65.0  110.0

(1)There is no payout under the SMIP as to each performance goal unless 75% of the performance goal is achieved. The SMIP provides for a range of payouts based upon the achievement of our performance goals determined by linear interpolation between achievement levels.
(2)Ms. Johnson was not eligible to participate in the program for 2015, but will participate in the SMIP in 2016.

Each named executive officer’s 2015 award pursuant to the SMIP was based on pretaxpre-tax income as the financial performance goal and total case incident rate and lost time caseincident rate and the avoidance of a catastrophic accident resulting in a fatality as the safety performance goals. We chose these particular metrics because we believe they are strongly correlated with our success which isand are consistent with our compensation objectivephilosophy of linking named executive officers’ compensation with performance. The performance goals are intended to be challenging and ambitious but also realistic enough to be reasonably attainable given a concerted effort by our named executive officers in consideration of current market and competitive conditions and trends. The pre-established definition of pre-tax income provided for adjustments for the impact of specified unusual or non-recurring events, subject to the Compensation Committee’s negative discretion. In 2017, no adjustments were made for any such specified unusual or non-recurring events.

The performance goals for target, threshold and maximum, as well as the actual level of performance achieved for SMIP plan year 2015, are displayed in the following table (dollars in thousands):

    
   Threshold Target Maximum 2015 Results
Pretax Income $39,000  $52,000  $78,000  $44,299 
Total Case Rate  2.64   1.98   1.32   1.85 
Lost Time Case Rate  0.53   0.40   0.27   0.34 
Catastrophic Accident  0   0   0   0 

The following table shows the weightingIn connection with its review of the performance goals, based onpercentage of each individual named executive officer’s level of responsibility within the Company, that were applied to that named executive officer’s salary that should be subject to determine payout for awardsan award under the SMIP in 2015:2017 and taking into account the Mercer Executive Compensation Review, the Compensation Committee set the following target, maximum and threshold award opportunities based on the achievement of financial and safety performance goals, subject to the weighting percentages set forth below:

     2017 SMIP Opportunity
(Percent of Base Salary)(1)(2)
  
   Pre-tax Income Total Case Rate Lost Time
Incident Rate
 Total Payout at Target Total Payout at Maximum Total Payout at Threshold  
Mr. Swartz       56.0  12.0  12.0  80.0  160.0  40.0    
Ms. Johnson and Messrs. Cooper, Engen and Waneka       45.5  9.75  9.75  65.0  130.0  32.5    
(1)If any catastrophic accident resulting inThe SMIP provides for a fatality occurs, thererange of payouts based upon the achievement of performance goals determined by linear interpolation between achievement levels. There is no award for this criterion; however, if no such event occurs, payout will be madeunder the SMIP unless 75% of target performance is achieved. Payout maximum is achieved at the “No Event” percentage150% of salary.target performance.
(2)Ms. Johnson was not eligibleAt the discretion of the Compensation Committee, payouts are subject to participate inup to a 20% reduction based on an assessment of the program for 2015, but will participate in the SMIP in 2016.named executive officer’s individual performance.



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The table below sets forth for SMIP plan year 2015For 2017, the annual incentive opportunities forlevels of threshold, target and maximum performance, levels, as well asand the Company’s actual performance are shown in the following table:

      Threshold Target Maximum 2017 Results 
Pre-tax Income ($000)       $36,647   $48,862   $73,293   $24,640    
Total Case Incident Rate       2.43   1.82   1.21   1.31    
Lost Time Incident Rate       0.42   0.32   0.21   0.16    

The Compensation Committee has negative discretion to withhold or reduce payment of an award amountunder our SMIP regardless of whether we or our named executive officers have successfully met the goals set under the SMIP. In 2017, while exceeding our targets for safety performance, we did not meet our threshold financial performance. Consequently, consistent with our pay-for-performance practice, the Compensation Committee exercised its negative discretion under the SMIP and did not award short-term cash bonuses to our named executive officers.

Payouts earned for 2015. The actual payout amounts are computedunder the SMIP through achievement of financial and safety performance goals would have been subject to a reduction of up to 20 percent based on actual 2015an assessment of each named executive officer’s individual performance as outlined above.throughout the year, including consideration of talent development and successor preparation, contributions toward strategic initiatives, internal controls, business development, acquisition integration and information technology initiatives. At the beginning of 2018, the Compensation Committee conducted a review of the named executive officers’ performance, with input from the human resources department and other applicable departments, and provided each named executive officer with constructive performance assessments in respect to their individual performance expectations.

           
 Pretax Income
(% of Salary)
 Total Case Rate
(% of Salary)
 Lost Time Case Rate
(% of Salary)
 Catastrophic
Accident(1)
(% of Salary)
Named Executive Officer(2) Thres. Target Max Thres. Target Max Thres. Target Max Event(1) No Event
Mr. Koertner  17.5   64.5   140.0   2.5   9.0   20.0   2.5   9.0   20.0   0   20.0 
Mr. Cooper  17.5   45.5   87.5   2.5   6.5   12.5   2.5   6.5   12.5   0   12.5 
Mr. Engen  17.5   45.5   87.5   2.5   6.5   12.5   2.5   6.5   12.5   0   12.5 
Mr. Evans  17.5   42.0   77.0   2.5   6.0   11.0   2.5   6.0   11.0   0   11.0 
Mr. Swartz  17.5   48.5   94.5   2.5   7.0   13.5   2.5   7.0   13.5   0   13.5 

(1)Ms. Johnson was not eligible to participate in the program for 2015, but will participate in the SMIP in 2016.
(2)As part of Mr. Evans’ separation with the Company, he received a payout in accordance with the termination provisions in his employment agreement and did not receive a payout under the SMIP. For Mr. Evans, the salary displayed is his base salary.

2017 Long-Term Incentive Compensation

We believe that long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that rewards and encourages our named executive officers to foster our long-term success. We believe that an effective method to reward and encourage such success is through the use of stock-based awards. The purposes of the LTIPour long-term incentive plan are to attract, motivate and retain our key employees and non-employee directors upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the financial success and growth of our business largely depends, to provide additional incentiveincentives to our employees and directors through stock ownership and other rights that promote and recognize our financial success and growth, and to align management’s interests with those of our stockholders. As part of the LTIP,our long-term incentive plan, we include a “change in control” provision that more closely aligns our interests with those of the named executive officers in the event of a change in control by allowing the Compensation Committee to adjust the LTIPlong-term incentive equity awards to maintain and protect the rights of the participants in the LTIP in caseevent of a change in control. Under

All equity awards granted to named executive officers in 2017 were made under the terms2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of May 1, 2014) (the “2007 LTIP”). The 2017 LTIP was approved by stockholders on April 27, 2017. The 2017 LTIP succeeded the 2007 LTIP in its entirety. No grants were made under the 2007 LTIP after March 31, 2017.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine who will receive awards under the LTIP, the amounts of thelong-term equity awards and the nature, amounts and limitations on those awards. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to cancel outstanding grants and substitute new grants of the same or different number of shares of stock and having exercise prices that may be the same or different than the exercise price of the cancelled grants or amend the terms of outstanding grants, provided that such amendment does not impair the rights of the grantee without the grantee’s consent. Our long-term incentive plans prohibit the repricing of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval.

For 2015,2017, the Compensation Committee considered the market data with respect to each named executive officer in the Mercer Executive Compensation Review, compensation levels of executive officers of our Peer Group, and compensation objectives of retention, and stockholder value creation and



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individual and corporate performance. As a result of this review, in March of 2017, the Compensation Committee approved equity award compensation to our named executive officers under our 2007 LTIP in 2015 and allocated forty percentapproved the following mix of the compensation to time-based restricted stock, thirty percent to ROIC-based performance shares and thirty percent to TSR-based performance shares. equity awards:

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

The Compensation Committee elected this mix of equity awards because it represented an appropriate balance of the types of incentives provided withby the different types of equity instruments. For example, restricted stock provides a benefit by helping to retain key employees and performance shares are designed to vary the level of rewards a named executive officer receives dependent upon actual corporate performance and market results that are critical to stockholders.

Time-Based Restricted Stock

The forty percent of the equity compensation award granted as time-based restricted stock will vest evenly over a three-year period beginning on the first anniversary of the grant. The number of shares of restricted stock was determined by dividing the amount of the equity compensation award allocated to restricted stock by the closing price of our common stock on the date of the grant.

ROIC Performance Shares

The thirty percent of the equity compensation award granted as ROIC-based performance shares can be earned based on the achievement of an average ROIC that is measured over athe three-year performance period. Weperiod that starts on January 1, 2017 and ends on December 31, 2019. For purposes of the ROIC-based performance shares granted in 2017, we define ROIC as net income plus net interest net of taxes, less any dividends divided by stockholders’ equity plus net debt (totalinvested capital (funded debt less cash and marketable securities)securities plus total stockholders’ equity) at the beginning of each fiscal year in the performance period. The number of ROIC-based performance shares earned can vary from zero to 200% of the target number of performance shares. period computed as follows:


ROIC =  
Net Income + (Net Interest x (1 – Tax Rate)) – Dividends

Funded Debt – Cash and Marketable Securities + Total Stockholders’ Equity

The target number of ROIC-based


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performance shares was determined by dividing the amount of the equity compensation award allocated to ROIC performance by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The definition of ROIC provides for adjustments for the impact of specified unusual or non-recurring events, subject to the Compensation Committee’s negative discretion.



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The number of ROIC-based performance shares earned can vary from zero to 200 percent of the target number of performance shares granted. The potential award levels are as follows:follows (straight-line mathematical interpolation between threshold and target and between target and maximum levels):

 
2017 ROIC Performance Performance
Shares Earned
(% of Target)
Equal to or Above the Maximum  200
Equal to the Target  100
Equal to the Threshold  50
Below the Threshold  0

TSR Performance Shares

The thirty percent of the equity compensation award granted as TSR-based performance shares can be earned based on the TSR of the Company’s stock compared to the TSR of a peer group over a three-yearthe performance period.period of March 23, 2017 to December 31, 2019. We define TSR as the change in the fair market value, adjusted for dividends, of the Company’sa company’s common stock. The numbermeasurement of TSR-basedchange in fair market value over the performance shares earned can vary from zero to 200%period is based on the average closing price of common stock for the target number20 days preceding the grant date of performance shares.March 23, 2017 and the 20 days preceding December 31, 2019. The target number of TSR-based performance shares was determined by dividing the amount of the equity compensation award allocated to TSR performance by the closing pricefair value of the Company’s common stock ongrant calculated by a Monte Carlo simulation. The number of TSR-based performance shares earned can vary from zero to 200 percent of the datetarget number of grant.performance shares granted. The potential award levels are as follows:follows (straight-line mathematical interpolation between 25th percentile and 50th percentile and between 50th percentile and 75th percentile):

 
Relative TSR Performance Performance
Shares Earned
(% of Target)
75th Percentile or Higher  200
50th Percentile  100
25th Percentile  25
Less than 25th Percentile  0% 

The Compensation Committee selected the TSR peer group based on criteria that included each company’s industry and operational comparability. The 20152017 TSR peer group includes allwas comprised of companies that are in either the peer group used in the Performance Graphstock performance graph in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 or the Peer Group used to set 20152017 executive compensation. The 2014 TSR peer group included Argan,McDermott International, Inc., URS Corp. and Tutor Perini Corp., and those companies were was removed from the TSR peer group because they didfrom the prior year as it is not appearincluded in either the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K or the 20152017 executive compensation Peer Group. Furmanite Corporation was added to the 2015 executive compensation Peer Group, therefore it was included in the 2015 TSR peer group. In order to be counted in the final TSR calculations, a company must remain publicly traded during the entire performance period.



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The peer group of companies used for evaluating the Company’s relative TSR performance for the 20152017 grant of TSR-based performance shares wasare as follows:

TSR PEER GROUP FOR 2017

•  Aegion Corporation

 

•  Matrix Service Company

TSR Peer Group

•  Ameresco, Inc.

•  Newpark Resources, Inc.

Aegion Corporation
Ameresco, Inc.

•  Astec Industries, Inc.
Cal Dive International,

•  Orion Marine Group, Inc.

•  Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

•  Primoris Services Corporation

•  Dycom Industries, Inc.
Emcor

•  Quanta Services, Inc.

•  EMCOR Group
Furmanite Corporation(1)

•  Sterling Construction Company, Inc.

•  Granite Construction Incorporated

•  Team, Inc.

•  Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
Integrated Electrical Services,

•  Tetra Tech, Inc.

•  IES Holdings, Inc.

•  TRC Companies, Inc.

•  Layne Christensen Company

 Mastec, Inc.
Matrix Services Company
Newpark Resources, Inc.
Orion Marine Group, Inc.
Primoris Services Corporation
Quanta Services, Inc.
Sterling Construction Company Inc.
Team, Inc.
Tetra Tech, Inc.
TRC Companies, Inc.

•  Willbros Group Inc.

•  Mastec, Inc.

2017 Grants of Equity Awards

(1)Team, Inc. acquired all of the outstanding shares of Furmanite Corporation in 2015. As a result, Furmanite is no longer publicly traded and will be excluded from the final TSR calculation.

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In 2015,With respect to each named executive officer, the Compensation Committee considered the Mercer Executive Compensation Review, compensation levels of executive officers of our Peer Group, compensation objectives of retention and stockholder value creation and individual and corporate performance, and approved equity award grants to our named executive officers in the following amounts based on grant-date fair value, consistent with the presentation in the 20152017 Summary Compensation Table:

    
 Value of 2015 Equity Grants by Grant Type
Named Executive Officer Nominal Value
of Equity
Awards
($)
��Value of
Restricted
Stock
($)
 Value of ROIC
Performance
Shares
($)(1)
 Value of TSR
Performance
Shares
($)(1)
William A. Koertner(2)  1,210,809   413,976   310,497   486,336 
Betty R. Johnson(3)  199,993   199,993       
Tod M. Cooper(2)  380,147   129,990   97,477   152,680 
Gerald B. Engen(2)  398,848   136,384   102,273   160,191 
Paul J. Evans(4)  350,937   119,976   89,997   140,964 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.(2)  501,846   171,580   128,693   201,573 
  Value of 2017 Equity Grants by Grant Type 
Named Executive Officer    Value of
Restricted
Stock
($)
 Value of
ROIC
Performance
Shares
($)(1)
 Value of TSR
Performance
Shares
($)(1)
 Total Value
of Equity
Awards
($)
 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       395,477   296,598   296,601   988,676    
Betty R. Johnson       169,976   127,492   127,473   424,941    
Tod M. Cooper       169,976   127,492   127,473   424,941    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.       169,976   127,492   127,473   424,941    
Jeffrey J. Waneka       109,984   82,478   82,493   274,955    

(1)Target awards are shown. The ROIC-based and TSR-based performance shares aremay be earned over a performance period of three years and vest onending December 31, 2017.2019. The values of the performance shares have been calculated taking into consideration the probable outcome of the respective performance conditions as of the grant date. The ROIC-based performance shares are valued at the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Because TSR is a market-based performance metric, the Company used a Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate the fair value of the grant of TSR-based performance shares in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, which resulted in a fair value of $47.24$58.34 per share.
(2)The restricted stock granted to Messrs. Koertner, Cooper, Engen and Swartz vest ratably over a three-year period.
(3)The restricted stock granted to Ms. Johnson upon her appointment as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer will cliff vest on October 19, 2020.
(4)Mr. Evans’ restricted stock vested on October 19, 2015, the date of his termination, per the terms of his restricted stock award agreement. At the end of the performance period, he will receive a pro-rata share of the performance shares earned based on the number of whole months he was employed during the performance period, per the terms of his performance shares award agreement.

2015 Performance Shares Vesting in 2017

The Compensation Committee madegranted performance share awards in 2013 for2015 which could be earned based on achievement compared to a target level of ROIC, defined as net income, less dividends, divided by stockholders’ equity plus net debt (total debt less cash and marketable securities) measured over a period that started on January 1, 2015 and ended on December 31, 2017 (“2015 ROIC”) and the TSR of the Company’s stock compared to the TSR of a peer group over a performance period running fromthat



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started on January 1, 2013 through2015 and ended on December 31, 2015 (the “2013 Performance Period”). The2017 and otherwise contained terms consistent with the performance shares granted in 20132017 described above. The 2015 ROIC threshold, target and maximum goals were earned based on7.5%, 12.0% and 15.0%, respectively. The Compensation Committee exercised its negative discretion to exclude the relative achievementpositive impacts of the Tax Act and the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09,Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (see footnote 1,Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 included in our 2017 Form 10-K) in its calculation of the three-year average of 2015 ROIC. After this exercise of negative discretion, the three-year average 2015 ROIC was 7.6% and 50.9% of the target levelROIC performance shares awarded were earned. For the 2015 performance share awards based on TSR, the TSR of return on equity (“ROE”) setthe Company’s stock ranked at the beginning40.6th percentile of the 2013 Performance Period. We define ROE as net income divided by total shareholders’ equity at the beginning of the period. The number of performance shares earned from this award was dependent on the actual level of ROE achieved for the 2013 Performance Period,TSR peer group and the number of earned shares could have varied between 0% (for performance below threshold; 50% for performance at threshold) and 200%71.8% of the target number. However, in no case could the earned number of shares have exceeded 200% of the target number. The ROE target for the 2013 Performance Period was 12.0%. Based on the three-year average ROE of 11.5% for the 2013 Performance Period, 91.4% of the targetTSR performance shares awarded were earned. The chart below shows the performance share payouts in 2017 for each of our named executive officers that were awarded performance shares in 2013:2015:

Named Executive Officer    Award
Type
 Target
Award
(Shares)
 Earned
Award
(Shares)
 Award
Value at
Vesting(1)
($)
 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       ROIC   4,267   2,174   72,199    
          TSR   4,267   3,063   101,722    
Named Executive Officer Target Award
(Shares)
 Earned Award
(Shares)
 Award Value at
Vesting(1)
($)
William A. Koertner  16,207   14,815   305,633 
Tod M. Cooper  1,012   925   19,083        ROIC   3,232   1,647   54,697    
       TSR   3,232   2,320   77,047    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  4,051   3,703   76,393        ROIC   3,391   1,728   57,387    
Paul J. Evans(2)  4,051   3,394   70,018 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  4,727   4,321   89,142 
       TSR   3,391   2,434   80,833    
Jeffrey J. Waneka       ROIC   994   506   16,804    
       TSR   994   713   23,679    

(1)Award value was based on the closing stock price of $20.63$33.21 on February 18, 2016,March 6, 2018, the vesting date.

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(2)Mr. Evans’ earned award represents a pro-rata share of the granted award based on the number of whole months served during the performance period, per the terms of his performance shares award agreement.

2016 Performance Shares Vesting in 2018

The Compensation Committee also awarded performance shares in 2014 for the performance period running from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016. These performance shares will2016 that can be earned based on the achievement of thecompared to a target level of ROIC measured over a period that started on January 1, 2016 and relativewill end on December 31, 2018 and TSR forof the Company’s stock compared to the TSR of a peer group over a performance period that started on March 24, 2016 and will end on December 31, 2018 and otherwise contain terms consistent with the performance shares granted in 20152017 described above.

We do not publicly disclose futurespecific, forward-looking target levels of ROIC for outstanding performance share awards because these target levels relate to executive compensation to be earned and/or paid in future years, do not reflect a fair understanding of the performance shares granted because that information constitutesnamed executive officers’ compensation for 2017 and constitute confidential commercial or financial information, the disclosure of which could cause us competitive harm with regard to short-term strategies and goals. We intend to disclose this information after the conclusion of the applicable performance period. AWhen establishing the applicable target levels for the ROIC performance measure, we specifically considered how likely it will be for us to achieve the target levels. We believe that the threshold level will be appropriately difficult to attain, and that the target level will require considerable and increasing collective effort on the part of our employees, including our named executive officers, to achieve. Achievement of the maximum level is considered to be a stretch goal given current market conditions.

Under the terms of the grant agreements, a named executive officer may earn a pro-rata share of performance shares in the event of his or her death, disability, retirement after reaching normal retirement age (as such is defined in the Social Security Act of 1935, as amended) or termination



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without “cause” or for “good reason.” The vesting of performance shares may be accelerated in the event of a named executive officer’s termination without “cause” or for “good reason” following a “change in control.” Additional information regarding these awards may be found in the 20152017 Summary Compensation Table, the 20152017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table and under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Other Compensation

At its discretion, the Compensation Committee may authorize profit sharing contributions to the Diversified Holdings Savings Plan (our 401(k) plan) accounts of our employees, including our named executive officers, subject to applicable limitations. For 2015,2017, we paid 2% of salary inmade no profit sharing contributions.

Additionally, our employees, including our named executive officers, receive matching contributions under our 401(k) plan. We match 100% of an employee’s contributions up to the first 6% of such employee’s salary, up to the maximum allowed by the plan.

Each named executive officer is eligible to utilize the financial planning service offered by the Company as a perquisite. In 2015,2017, only Ms. Johnson and Mr. Engen elected to use this service.

Each named executive officer is also eligible to participate in all other benefit plans and programs that are or in the future may be available to our other executive employees, including any health insurance or health care plan, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, vacation and sick leave plan and other similar plans. In addition, each named executive officer is eligible for certain other benefits that are generally available to our employees, including reimbursement of business and entertainment expenses, reimbursement of relocation expenses and perquisites, including the choice of a car allowance or the use of a company car with a gas card. The Board may revise, amend or add to the executive officer’s benefits and perquisites as it deems advisable.

The benefits described in this section are paid to remain competitive in the marketplace. Amounts relating to certain of these benefits may be found in the “All Other Compensation” column of the 20152017 Summary Compensation Table.

Exercise of Discretion in Executive Compensation Decisions

The Compensation Committee has complete discretion to withhold payment of an award under our SMIP regardless of whether we or our named executive officers have successfully met the goals set under the SMIP. For 2015, the Compensation Committee did not exercise such discretion in the payment or non-payment of SMIP awards to our named executive officers.

The Compensation Committee has the authority and discretion to determine who receives and the nature of equity compensation grants under our LTIP. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to cancel outstanding grants and substitute new grants of the same or different number of shares of stock and having exercise prices that may be the same or different than the exercise price of the cancelled grants or amend the


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terms of outstanding grants, provided that such amendment does not impair the rights of the grantee without the grantee’s consent. The LTIP prohibits the repricing of outstanding stock options or SARs without stockholder approval.

Employment Agreements, Severance Benefits and Change in Control Provisions

In connection with our private placement in 2007, we entered into employment agreements with each of the individuals serving as named executive officers at the time. These employment agreements (the “Legacy Employment Agreements”) remain in place with Messrs. Koertner, EngenSwartz and Swartz.Engen. Mr. Swartz’s employment agreement was amended and restated in April 2017 to replace the excise tax gross-up provisions in favor of a modified cut-back approach, which is consistent with the provisions that the Company has included in new employment agreements since 2011. Ms. Johnson entered into an employment agreement (the “Johnson Employment Agreement”) in connection with her appointment as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in October 2015. Mr. Cooper entered into an employment agreement (the “Cooper Employment Agreement”) in April 2015 in connection with his appointment as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Evans is no longer employed by the Company.Waneka entered into an employment agreement in connection with his appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer C&I in December 2017. The Legacy Employment Agreements,employment agreements for Messrs. Swartz, Cooper, Engen and Waneka and Ms. Johnson Employment Agreement(each an “Employment Agreement” and Cooper Employment Agreement (collectively,collectively, the “Employment Agreements”) provide for severance payments and benefits upon a termination of a named executive’s employment without “cause” or resignation for “good reason,” as further described below under “Executive Compensation Tables — Employment Agreements.” We compete for executive talent in a highly competitive market in which companies routinely offer similar benefits to named executive officers. We view the cash severance and continuation of health and welfare benefits provided by these agreements as appropriate for the named executive officers who may not be in a position to readily obtain comparable employment within a reasonable period of time due to the restrictive covenants, including a one-year non-compete covenant, in the Employment Agreements.

In addition, the Employment Agreements provide for additional severance payments and benefits upon a termination of a named executive’s employment without “cause” or resignation for “good reason” within one year following a change in control (in other words, only on a so-called “double trigger” basis). We believe that providing change in control benefits reduces the potential reluctance of our named



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executive officers to pursue potential change in control transactions that may be in our best interest while simultaneously preserving neutrality in negotiating and executing transactions that are favorable to us. Since 2011, the Compensation Committee has maintained a policy that it will not include gross-up payments for excise taxes as a result of a change in control pursuant to any new employment agreement. Accordingly, the Johnson Employment Agreementemployment agreements for Messrs. Swartz, Cooper and Cooper Employment AgreementWaneka and Ms. Johnson do not include any provisions to provide gross-up payments for excise taxes as a result of a change in control. Details regarding severance payments and benefits payable upon a termination of a named executive officer’s employment following a change in control are described under “Executive Compensation Tables — Employment Agreements” and “— Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

The terms of Mr. Koertner’s employment are governed by his amended and restated employment agreement (the “Koertner Employment Agreement”) entered into in January 2017 when he stepped down from his roles of President and CEO and continued the role of Executive Chairman. The term of the Koertner Employment Agreement ends on March 31, 2018.

Deductibility of Executive Compensation

In developing the compensation packages for the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee considered the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the IRS Code. Section 162(m) generally disallows a tax deduction for compensation that we paypaid to our CEO or any of the next three most highly compensatedcertain executive officers (other than our Chief Financial Officer) to the extent that the compensation for any such individual exceeds $1,000,000 in any taxable year. However, prior to recent Code amendments, this deduction limitation doesdid not apply to compensation that qualifiesqualified as “performance-based” under Section 162(m). In order to maintain flexibility in making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible under Section 162(m) of the IRS Code. Portions of the compensation we paypaid to certain of the named executive officers in 2017 may not be deductible due to the application of Section 162(m) of the IRS Code and, with the elimination of the “performance-based” exception and the expansion of the definition of “covered employees”, the Compensation Committee may from timeis likely to time approve compensation that is not deductible under Section 162(m) if it determines that it is in our best interest to do so.


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Stock Ownership Guidelines and Retention

In order to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders, we require our named executive officers to attain levels of beneficial stock ownership measured based on a multiple of his or her annual base salary, as set forth below:

PositionStock
Ownership
Guideline
Chief Executive Officer5x base salary
All Other Named Executive Officers3x base salary

The stock ownership guidelines require named executive officers to attain levels of beneficial stock ownership within five years from the later of March 31, 2011 and the date of the named executive officer’s appointment to a position subject to the guidelines and three years from the effective date of an increase in compensation. We have adopted retention requirements with respect to these stock ownership guidelines whereby named executive officers are expected to retain the net shares received through an exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock and performance shares if they have not reached the applicable stock ownership guidelines.



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The following table sets forth each named executive officer’s ownership value as of March 15, 2016:6, 2018:

    
Name Share
Ownership(1)
 Market Value
($)(2)
 Ownership
Guideline
 Current
Ownership
Multiple
William A. Koertner  346,044   11,156,459   5.0x   18.1x 
Betty R. Johnson(3)  17,156   553,116   3.0x   1.6x 
Tod M. Cooper(4)  14,146   456,067   3.0x   1.4x 
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  84,477   2,723,539   3.0x   7.7x 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  64,166   2,068,712   3.0x   5.3x 
Name    Share
Ownership(1)
 Market
Value
($)(2)
 Ownership
Guideline
 Current
Ownership
Multiple
 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.(3)       68,985   3,019,473   5.0×   5.3×    
Betty R. Johnson(4)       18,284   800,291   3.0×   2.1×    
Tod M. Cooper(5)       18,568   812,721   3.0×   2.2×    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.       40,745   1,783,409   3.0×   4.7×    
Jeffrey J. Waneka(6)       7,989   349,679   3.0×   1.2×    

(1)The amounts in this column were calculated in accordance with the stock ownership guidelines and include vested but unexercised stock options and exclude unvested restricted stock and unvested performance shares.
(2)The amounts in this column were calculated in accordance with the stock ownership guidelines based on the highest reported share price for the year ended December 31, 20152017 of $32.24.$43.77.
(3)Effective October 19, 2015, Mr. Swartz became subject to the CEO ownership guideline in 2017 upon his appointment as President and CEO.
(4)Ms. Johnson resigned frombecame subject to the Board and was appointedstock ownership guidelines for other named executive officers in 2015 upon her appointment as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
(4)(5)Mr. Cooper became subject to the stock ownership guidelines for other named executive officers in 2015.2015 upon his appointment as Senior Vice President.
(6)Mr. Waneka became subject to the stock ownership guidelines for other named executive officers in 2017 upon his appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer C&I.

Trading Restrictions

We also have an insider trading policy which, among other things, prohibits named executive officers from hedging the economic risk of their stock ownership, holding shares of the Company’s common stock in a margin account, or pledging shares as collateral for a loan.loan or short-selling the Company’s securities. Among other restrictions, the policy also prohibits trading in our securities outside of specific window periods and without pre-clearance. The policy also prohibits short-selling of the Company’s securities.

Clawback Arrangements

Each of the agreements underlying equity awards granted to our named executive officers under our 2007 LTIP and 2017 LTIP permits the Compensation Committee to cause us to recover shares of common stock or cash paid to the named executive officer with respect to the applicable award if:

we restate any part of our financial statements for any fiscal year or years covered by the respective award due to a material noncompliance with any applicable financial reporting requirement; and
the Compensation Committee determines that the respective named executive officer is personally responsible for causing the restatement as a result of his or her personal misconduct or any fraudulent activity on the part of the named executive officer.

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For grants of restricted stock, and phantom stock units, we may recover any shares that vested within the period of 18 months prior to the restatement or the net proceeds of any sales of such shares. With respect to performance shares, the amount of any cash or shares recoverable is limited to the amount by which the payments exceeded the amount that would have been paid to the named executive officer had our financial statements for the applicable restated fiscal year or years been initially filed as restated, as reasonably determined by the Compensation Committee. In the case of stock options, to the extent an applicable named executive officer exercises a stock option within a period of 18 months prior to the restatement, we may recover from the named executive officer any equity acquired by the named executive officer or any net proceeds of any exercises and sales.



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ConclusionCONCLUSION OF THE CD&A

We have designed and administer our compensation programs in a manner that emphasizes the retention of our named executive officers and rewards them appropriately for positive results. We monitor the programs in recognition of the dynamic marketplace in which we compete for talent and will continue to emphasize pay-for-performance and equity-based incentive plans that reward our named executive officers for results aligned with the interests of our stockholders.



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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

2015 Summary Compensation Table2017 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table shows the compensation earned by our named executive officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013:2017, 2016 and 2015:

        
Name and Principal Position Year Salary
($)
 Bonus(1)
($)
 Stock
Awards(2)
($)
 Option
Awards(2)
($)
 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan Comp(3)
($)
 All Other
Comp(4)
($)
 Total
($)
William A. Koertner
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
  2015   611,250      1,210,809      494,729   36,825   2,353,613 
  2014   600,000      1,109,590      866,337   41,100   2,617,027 
  2013   592,500      799,978   399,996   710,763   37,200   2,540,437 
Betty R Johnson
Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
  2015   67,308   101,826   199,993         8,650   377,777 
   
   
Tod M. Cooper
Senior Vice President
  2015   326,813      380,147      189,108   24,536   920,604 
   
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Chief
Legal Officer and Secretary
  2015   351,500      398,848      203,393   32,530   986,271 
  2014   341,500      365,553      316,669   38,750   1,062,472 
  2013   330,780      199,958   99,996   282,064   30,600   943,398 
Paul J. Evans(5)
Former Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
  2015   280,854      350,937         1,192,911   1,824,702 
  2014   328,500      321,584      271,091   39,092   960,267 
  2013   315,750      199,958   99,996   242,812   37,200   895,716 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.
Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
  2015   389,000      501,846      238,776   28,699   1,158,321 
  2014   376,500      459,903      376,007   37,500   1,249,910 
  2013   361,000      233,324   116,658   330,532   30,600   1,072,114 
Name and
Principal Position
    Year Salary
($)
 Bonus(1)
($)
 Stock
Awards(2)
($)
 Option
Awards
($)
 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Comp(3)
($)
 All Other
Comp(4)
($)
 Total
($)
 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.
President and CEO
     2017   563,750      988,676         20,867   1,573,293    
     2016   431,277      649,935      338,944   26,670   1,446,826    
     2015   389,000      501,846      238,776   28,699   1,158,321    
Betty R. Johnson
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
     2017   375,000      424,941         31,300   831,241    
     2016   357,500      399,955      244,187   30,450   1,032,092    
     2015   67,308   101,826   199,993         8,650   377,777    
Tod M. Cooper
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer T&D
     2017   364,596      424,941         16,200   805,737    
     2016   340,687      349,962      232,054   23,850   946,553    
     2015   326,813      380,147      189,108   24,536   920,604    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
     2017   376,250      424,941         26,274   827,465    
     2016   362,250      349,962      246,741   25,441   984,394    
     2015   351,500      398,848      203,393   32,530   986,271    
Jeffrey J. Waneka
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer C&l
     2017   279,423      274,955         20,695   575,073    

(1)Represents the $100,000 sign-on cash bonus Ms. Johnson received upon her appointment on October 19, 2015 and amounts reimbursed to Ms. Johnson for COBRA payments.
(2)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards, including restricted stock and performance shares (Stock Awards column), and stock option awards (Option Awards column) granted under the 2007 LTIP during the applicable period in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts and vesting details are included in footnote 1213 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152017 included in our 20152017 Form 10-K. The values of the performance shares have been calculated taking into consideration the probable outcome of the respective performance conditions as of the grant date. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the officers. Below is a breakout of the 20152017 performance share grant date fair values assuming probable performance and maximum performance (in the case of maximum, based on the maximum number of shares multiplied by the fair value on the grant date):

  
Named Executive Officer Probable
Performance
($)
 Maximum
Performance
($)
    Probable
Performance
($)
 Maximum
Performance
($)
 
William A. Koertner  796,833   1,593,666 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       593,199   1,186,398    
Betty R. Johnson       254,965   509,930    
Tod M. Cooper  250,157   500,314        254,965   509,930    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  262,464   524,928        254,965   509,930    
Paul J. Evans  230,961   461,922 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  330,266   660,532 
Jeffrey J. Waneka       164,971   329,942    



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(3)Represents the dollar value of the cash awards earned under our SMIP for fiscal 2015, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 for Messrs. Koertner,Swartz, Cooper Engen and Swartz.Engen. Represents the dollar value of the cash awards earned under our SMIP for fiscal 2017 and 2016 for Ms. Johnson as Ms. Johnson was not eligible to participate in the programSMIP until 2016. Represents the dollar value of the cash awards earned under our SMIP for 2015, but will participate in the SMIP in 2016.fiscal 2017 for Mr. Waneka. For further details regarding the SMIP, see

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“Compensation “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Analysis of 20152017 Compensation Decisions and Actions — Senior Management2017 Short-Term Incentive Plan Awards”Compensation” above.
(4)The following supplemental table describes the items of compensation reported in this column for fiscal 2015:2017:

     
Name 401(k)
Matching
Contribution
($)
 Profit
Sharing
Contribution
($)
 Automobile
and Other
Travel
Expenses
($)(A)
 Financial
Planning
Services
($)
 Termination
Payment
($)(B)
    401(k)
Matching
Contribution
($)
 Automobile
and Other
Travel
Expenses
($)(a)
 Financial
Planning
Services
($)
 
William A. Koertner  18,000   12,225   6,600       
Betty R Johnson  5,654   1,346   1,650       
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       16,200   4,667       
Betty R. Johnson       16,200   6,600   8,500    
Tod M. Cooper  18,000   6,536                 16,200          
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  18,000   7,030      7,500           16,200   1,574   8,500    
Paul J. Evans  16,851            1,176,060 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  18,000   7,780   2,919       
Jeffrey J. Waneka       16,200   4,495       

(A)a.Represents the named executive officer’s personal use of a company automobile or automobile and fuel allowance and related expenses and reimbursementreimbursements for certain personal travel-related expenses.
(B)As part of Mr. Evans’ separation from the Company, he received a payout in accordance with the termination provisions in his employment agreement.
(5)The nominal value of Mr. Evans’ 2015 stock awards in the 2015 Summary Compensation Table includes the value of his restricted stock award and performance shares award, assuming probable performance. At the end of the performance period, Mr. Evans will receive a pro-rated portion of the performance shares earned, based on his employment for 9 full months of the 36 month performance period, per the terms of his performance shares award agreement. The value of his pro-rated performance shares award, assuming probable performance to targets, was $57,740 and at maximum performance would be $115,480.

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2017 GRANTS OF CONTENTS

2015 Grants of Plan-Based AwardsPLAN-BASED AWARDS

The following table sets forth the estimated future payouts for grants of awards made to each of the named executive officers under the SMIP and 2007 LTIP for 2015:2017:

                Estimated Future
Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards(1)
 Estimated Future
Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards(2)
 All Other Stock Awards(3)
(#)
 All Other Option
(#)
 Exercise or Base Price
of Option Awards
($/sh)
 Grant Date Fair Value
of Stock and Awards(4)
($)
  
Name Grant
Date
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(2)
 All Other
Stock
Awards(3)
(#)
 All Other
Option
Awards(4)
(#)
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards(4)
($/sh)
 Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(5) ($)    Grant
Date
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
Threshold ($) Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
William A. Koertner     259,781   626,531   1,222,500                      
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.            226,000   452,000   904,000                                       
  3/24/15            10,295   20,590   41,180            796,833        3/23/17                  6,294   12,589   25,178                  593,199    
  3/24/15                     13,726         413,976        3/23/17                                 10,007         395,477     
Betty R. Johnson                       8,861         199,993             123,500   247,000   494,000                                       
       3/23/17                  2,705   5,411   10,822                  254,965    
       3/23/17                                 4,301         169,976     
Tod M.
Cooper
     114,384   232,037   408,516                                  118,625   237,250   474,500                                       
  3/24/15            3,232   6,464   12,928            250,157        3/23/17                  2,705   5,411   10,822                  254,965    
  3/24/15                     4,310         129,990        3/23/17                                 4,301         169,976     
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.     123,025   249,565   439,375                                  123,500   247,000   494,000                                       
  3/24/15            3,391   6,782   13,564            262,464        3/23/17                  2,705   5,411   10,822                  254,965    
  3/24/15                     4,522         136,384        3/23/17                                 4,301         169,976     
Paul J. Evans                                 
Jeffrey J. Waneka            91,000   182,000   364,000                                       
  3/24/15            2,984   5,968   11,936            230,961        3/23/17                  1,750   3,501   7,002                  164,971    
  3/24/15                     3,978         119,976        3/23/17                                 2,783         109,984     
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.     140,040   295,640   525,150                      
  3/24/15            4,267   8,534   17,068            330,266 
  3/24/15                     5,689         171,580 

(1)The target amounts represent the potential cash payout if performance is at target levels under the SMIP. For further details regarding the SMIP, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Analysis of 20152017 Compensation Decisions and Actions — Senior Management2017 Short-Term Incentive Plan Awards”Compensation” above. Actual amounts awarded under the SMIP that were paid in 2016 and2017 are disclosed in the 20152017 Summary Compensation Table. Mr. Evans will not receive a payout under the non-equity incentive plan based on the terms of his separation agreement.
(2)These columns contain theReflect performance-based awards only and are split evenly betweenincludes both ROIC-based performance shares and TSR-based performance share awards. The “Target” column represents the number ofperformance shares payable if the target ROIC and TSR levels are met. The “Threshold” column represents the number of shares payable if the minimum performance target is met. The “Maximum” column represents the maximum number of shares payable if the maximum performance target is exceeded. Themay be earned over a performance period for these shares is January 1, 2015 throughending December 31, 2017. At the end of the performance period, Mr. Evans will receive a pro-rated portion of the performance shares earned, based on his employment for 9 full months of the 36 month performance period, per the terms of his performance shares award agreement.2019.
(3)AllThis column contains the restricted stock awards were granted under the LTIP.only. The restricted stock awards granted on March 24, 2015 to Messrs. Koertner, Cooper, Engen and Swartz23, 2017 under the 2007 LTIP will vest ratably over a three-year period. The restricted stock awarded to Ms. Johnson will cliff vest on October 19, 2020. Mr. Evans’ restricted stock, which was granted on March 24, 2015, vested on October 19, 2015, the date of his termination, per the terms of his restricted stock award agreement.
(4)No stock options were awarded in 2015.
(5)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock and performance shares granted under the 2007 LTIP during the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152017 in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The values of the performance shares have been calculated taking into consideration the probable outcome of the respective performance conditions as of the grant date. The fair value per share of the restricted stock

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and ROIC-based performance awards granted on March 24, 201523, 2017 was $30.16.$39.52. The fair value per share of the TSR-based performance awards granted on March 24, 2015,23, 2017, which are



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based on a market-based measure, was $47.24$58.34 which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts and vesting details are included in footnote 1213 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152017 included in our 20152017 Form 10-K. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and may not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the officers.

Employment AgreementsEMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

Under each Employment Agreement, the officer is eligible to receive salary, an annual target bonus, as defined under the SMIP, severance pay under certain conditions, use of a company car and gas card or a car allowance in accordance with the Company’s policy, and is eligible to participate in all incentive, 401(k), profit sharing, health and welfare benefit plans, policies and arrangements applicable generally to our other similarly-situated executive officers. Subject to prior notice, each Employment Agreement automatically renews annually for an additional one-year term.

Each Employment Agreement contains non-competition covenants restricting the ability of the named executive officer to compete with us, to solicit our clients or to recruit our employees during the term of his or her employment and for a period of one year thereafter and prohibiting him or her from disclosing confidential information and trade secrets at any time during or after his or her employment.

Each Employment Agreement generally terminates upon the named executive officer’s:

death;
disability;
termination for “cause”cause by the Company or for “good reason”without good reason by the employee (as both are defined in the Employment Agreements and generally described below);employee;
termination without cause or for good reason; or
termination without cause or for good reason following a “Change in Control” (as defined in each Employment Agreement and generally described below).



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If termination results from any of the foregoing, each named executive officer would beis entitled to all compensation earned and all benefits and reimbursements due through the date of termination. Additionally, if termination results from any of the reasons below, the named executive officer would be entitled to the following additional payments and/or benefits:

Reason for TerminationPotential Payment(s)
Disability

•  

Long-term disability benefits pursuant to the terms of any long-term disability policy provided to similarly-situated employees of the Company in which the named executive officer participates.

WithoutTermination by the Company without cause or resignation by the employee for good reason

•  

Lump-sum payment of twice the named executive officer’s base salary and target annual incentive.

•  

Company-funded benefit continuation coverage for the named executive officer and eligible dependents for a period of two years, subject to forfeiture in the event the named executive officer breaches the restrictive covenants or becomes reemployed in the two-year period following his or her termination.


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Reason for TerminationPotential Payment(s)
Without by the Company without cause or resignation by the employee for good reason within 12 months following a change in control, a so-called “double trigger” provision

•  

Lump-sum payment of three times the named executive officer’s base salary and target annual incentive.

•  

Company-funded benefit continuation coverage for the named executive officer and eligible dependents for a period of two years, subject to forfeiture in the event the named executive officer becomes reemployed in the two-year period following his or her termination.

•  

Gross-upUnder his legacy employment agreement, Mr. Engen would be entitled to gross-up payments for excise taxes, under the Legacy Employment Agreements (thetaxes. The Company does not includeprovide for such payments in new employment agreements and the employment agreements for named executive officers).

Messrs. Swartz, Cooper and Waneka and Ms. Johnson do not include such payments.

Each Employment Agreement for the named executive officers generally defines “cause” as a named executive officer’s:

material breach of the non-competition provisions of the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement;
commission of a criminal act by the named executive officer against the Company, including but not limited to fraud, embezzlement or theft;
conviction or plea of no contest or nolo contendre to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or
failure or refusal to carry out, or comply with, in any material respect, any lawful directive of the Board that is not cured within 30 days after the receipt of written notice from the Company.

“Good reason” for a named executive officer’s resignation exists under each Employment Agreement if, among other things, suchthe named executive officer’s base salary and/or annual target bonus opportunity is reduced, his or her duties are materially reduced, he or she is required to relocate to a work site more than 50 miles from his or her current work site or if the Company materially breaches a material provision of the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement and fails to cure such breach within 30 days of the receipt of written notice of the breach.

Each Employment Agreement for the named executive officers generally defines a “change in control” as the occurrence of a “change in the ownership of the Company,” a “change in the effective control of the Company” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets” as defined in Treasury Regulation §§



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§§1.409A-3(i)(5)(v), (vi) and (vii), respectively. As described above, if a named executive officer is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason within 12 months following a “change in control,” the named executive officer would be entitled to all compensation earned and all benefits and reimbursements due through the date of termination, as well as toa lump-sum payment ofequal to three times the named executive officer’s base salary, three times target annual incentive and company-funded benefit continuation coverage for the named executive officer and eligible dependents for a period of two years, subject to forfeiture in the event the named executive officer becomes reemployed in the two-year period following his or her termination and, under the Legacy Employment AgreementsMr. Engen’s employment agreement only, gross-up payments for any excise taxes incurred under Sections 280G.280G of the Code.


TABLE OF CONTENTSThe foregoing descriptions of the terms of the Employment Agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of such agreements that the Company has filed with the SEC.

“Change in control” is similarly defined in the 2007 LTIP and the 2017 LTIP. Under the terms of the LTIPlong-term incentive plans, award agreements may provide for the effect of a change in control, which may include any one or more of the following:following effects in connection with a change in control:

the acceleration or extension of time periods for purposes of exercising, vesting in or realizing gain from any award granted under the 2007 LTIP and the 2017 LTIP;
the waiver or modification of performance or other conditions related to the payment or other rights under an award;
provision for the cash settlement of an award for an equivalent cash value, as determined by the Compensation Committee; or
other modifications or adjustments to an award as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate to maintain and protect the rights and interests of plan participants upon or following a change in control.



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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2015 Fiscal Year EndOUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2017 FISCAL YEAR END

The following table sets forth for each named executive officer outstanding equity awards as of the end of the 20152017 fiscal year:

         
Name
(a)
 Grant
Date
 OPTION AWARDS STOCK AWARDS
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(# Exercisable)
(b)(1)
 Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(# Unexercisable)
(c)
 Option
Exercise
Price
($) (d)
 Option
Expiration
Date (e)
 Number of
Shares of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#) (f)
 Market
Value of
Shares of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (g)(2)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares That
Have Not
Vested
(#) (h)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares That
Have Not
Vested
($) (i)(2)
William A. Koertner  12/20/07   110,000        13.00   12/20/17                   
    3/24/10   28,679        17.18   3/24/20                   
    3/24/11   25,258        24.18   3/24/21                   
    3/23/12   35,635        17.48   3/23/22                   
    3/25/13   22,710   11,355   24.68   3/25/23                   
    3/24/11                       2,481(3)   51,133         
    3/23/12                       6,864(3)   141,467         
    3/25/13                       9,724(3)   200,412         
    3/24/14                       11,165(3)   230,111         
    3/24/15                       13,726(3)   282,893         
    3/24/14                                 25,120(4)   517,723 
    3/24/15                                 20,590(5)   424,360 
Betty R.
Johnson
  12/20/07   8,000        13.00   12/20/17                   
    10/19/15                       8,861(7)   182,625         
Tod M. Cooper  12/20/07   9,212        13.00   12/20/17                   
    3/24/10   1,911        17.18   3/24/20                   
    3/24/11   1,403        24.18   3/24/21                   
    3/23/12   2,969        17.48   3/23/22                   
    3/25/13   1,419   710   24.68   3/25/23                   
    3/24/11                       137(3)   2,824         
    3/23/12                       572(3)   11,789         
    3/25/13                ��      607(3)   12,510         
    8/12/13                       6,708(8)   138,252         
    3/24/14                       2,427(3)   50,020         
    3/24/15                       4,310(3)   88,829         
    3/24/14                                 5,460(4)   112,531 
    3/24/15                                 6,464(5)   133,223 
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  12/20/07   32,000        13.00   12/20/17                   
    3/24/10   9,559        17.18   3/24/20                   
    3/24/11   7,296        24.18   3/24/21                   
    3/23/12   10,294        17.48   3/23/22                     
    3/25/13   5,677   2,839   24.68   3/25/23                     
    3/24/11                       716(3)   14,757           
    3/23/12                       1,983(3)   40,870           
    3/25/13                       2,431(3)   50,103         
    3/24/14                       3,678(3)   75,804         
    3/24/15                       4,522(3)   93,198           
    3/24/14                                 8,276(4)   170,568 
    3/24/15                                 6,782(5)   139,777 
     OPTION AWARDS   STOCK AWARDS
Name (a)    Grant
Date
 Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(# Exercisable) (b)(1)
 Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(# Unexercisable)
(c)
 Option Exercise Price
($) (d)
 Option Expiration
Date
(e)
   Number of Shares of Stock That
Have Not Vested
(#) (f)
 Market Value of Shares of Stock That
Have Not Vested
($) (g)(2)
 Equity
Incentive Plan Awards:
Number of Unearned Shares That
Have Not Vested
(#) (h)
 Equity Incentive Plan Awards:
Market or Payout Value
of Unearned Shares That
Have Not Vested
($) (i)(2)
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       3/24/11   8,419        24.18   3/24/21                   
     3/25/13   9,935        24.68   3/25/23                           
       3/25/13                          945(3)   33,765              
     3/24/15                          1,896(3)   67,744              
       3/24/16                          5,170(3)   184,724              
     9/1/16                          3,988(6)   142,491              
       3/23/17                          10,007(3)   357,550              
     3/24/16                                    10,088(4)   360,444    
         3/23/17                                     12,589(5)   449,805     
Betty R. Johnson       10/19/15                          8,861(7)   316,604              
     3/24/16                          4,353(3)   155,533              
       3/23/17                          4,301(3)   153,675              
     3/24/16                        8,495(4)   303,526    
        3/23/17                                     5,411(5)   193,335     
Tod M. Cooper       3/25/13                          202(3)   7,217              
     8/12/13                          6,708(8)   239,677              
       3/24/15                          1,437(3)   51,344              
     3/24/16                          3,809(3)   136,096              
       3/23/17                          4,301(3)   153,675              
     3/24/16                                    7,433(4)   265,581    
        3/23/17                                     5,411(5)   193,335     
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.       3/25/13                          810(3)   28,941              
     3/24/15                          1,507(3)   53,845              
       3/24/16                          3,809(3)   136,096              
     3/23/17                          4,301(3)   153,675              
       3/24/16                                    7,433(4)   265,581    
       3/23/17                               5,411(5)   193,335     
Jeffrey J. Waneka     3/24/10   573        17.18   3/24/20                           
       3/24/11   420        24.18   3/24/21                           
     3/23/12   1,484        17.48   3/23/22                           
       3/25/13   709        24.68   3/25/23                           
     3/25/13                          67(3)   2,394              
       3/24/15                          442(3)   15,793              
     3/24/16                          816(3)   29,156              
       3/23/17                          2,783(3)   99,437              
     3/24/16                                    1,592(4)   56,882    
        3/23/17                                     3,501(5)   125,091     

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Name
(a)
 Grant
Date
 OPTION AWARDS STOCK AWARDS
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(# Exercisable)
(b)(1)
 Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(# Unexercisable)
(c)
 Option
Exercise
Price
($) (d)
 Option
Expiration
Date (e)
 Number of
Shares of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#) (f)
 Market
Value of
Shares of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (g)(2)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares That
Have Not
Vested
(#) (h)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares That
Have Not
Vested
($) (i)(2)
Paul J. Evans(6)  1/3/12   23,734        19.46   1/17/16                     
    3/25/13   8,516        24.68   1/17/16                     
    3/24/14                                 4,246(4)   87,510 
    3/24/15                                 1,492(5)   30,750 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  12/20/07   32,000        13.00   12/20/17                     
    3/24/10   9,559        17.18   3/24/20                     
    3/24/11   8,419        24.18   3/24/21                     
    3/23/12   11,878        17.48   3/23/22                     
    3/25/13   6,623   3,312   24.68   3/25/23                     
    3/24/11                       827(3)   17,044           
    5/12/11                       6,688(9)   137,840           
    3/23/12                       2,288(3)   47,156           
    3/25/13                       2,836(3)   58,450           
    3/24/14                       4,627(3)   95,362           
    3/24/15                       5,689(3)   117,250           
    3/24/14                                 10,412(4)   214,591 
    3/24/15                                 8,534(5)   175,886 

(1)The options in column (b) with an option expiration date of December 20, 2017 were granted under the stockholder-approved LTIP and vested ratably over a four-year period. The options with an expiration date of January 17, 2016 were granted under the stockholder-approved LTIP and vested upon the executive’s termination, as per the terms of his stock option agreement. All other options were granted under the stockholder-approved 2007 LTIP and vest orwere fully vested ratably over a three-year period.and exercisable as of December 31, 2017.
(2)The closing price of $20.61$35.73 of the Company’s shares on December 31, 201529, 2017 was used to determine the market values shown in columns (g) and (i).



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(3)The restricted stock awards granted on March 24, 2010, March 24, 2011, March 23, 2012 and March 25, 2013 vest ratably over a five-year period while the restricted stock awards granted on March 24, 20142015, March 24, 2016, and March 24, 201523, 2017 vest ratably over a three-year period. These restricted stock awards are subject to certain clawback provisions.
(4)These performance share awards will cliff vest on December 31, 2016,2018 and are split evenly between the achievement of certain specified levels of the Company’s ROIC over a performance measurement period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 and the Company’s relative TSR compared to the TSR of a peer group of companies from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016.companies. These performance stock awards are subject to certain clawback provisions. Target award shown: ROIC-based awardawards may be earned between threshold (50% of target) and maximum (200% of target) and TSR-based award may be earned between threshold (25% of target) and maximum (200% of target), although the minimum payout for either award is zero.
(5)These performance share awards will cliff vest on December 31, 2017,2019 and are split evenly between the achievement of certain specified levels of the Company’s ROIC over a performance measurement period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 and the Company’s relative TSR compared to the TSR of a peer group of companies from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017.companies. These performance stock awards are subject to certain clawback provisions. Target award shown: ROIC-based awardawards may be earned between threshold (50% of target) and maximum (200% of target) and TSR-based award may be earned between threshold (25% of target) and maximum (200% of target), although the minimum payout for either award is zero.

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(6)UponThis restricted stock award was granted to Mr. Evans’ separation from the Company, pursuantSwartz upon his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The award will vest ratably over a three-year period. This restricted stock award is subject to his stock option award agreements, all of his unvested stock options immediately vested. His stock options were exercisable over the 90 day period after his separation, which ended on January 17, 2016. He is entitled to a pro-rated payout of his performance share awards based on the number of the full months of his employment during the measurement period, as specified in his performance shares award agreement.certain clawback provisions.
(7)This restricted stock award was granted to Ms. Johnson upon her appointment as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The award will cliff vest on October 19, 2020. This restricted stock award is subject to certain clawback provisions.
(8)This restricted stock award was granted to Mr. Cooper upon his appointment as Senior Vice President. The award will cliff vest on August 12, 2018. This restricted stock award is subject to certain clawback provisions.
(9)This restricted stock award was granted to Mr. Swartz upon his promotion to Chief Operating Officer. The award will cliff vest on May 12, 2016. This restricted stock award is subject to certain clawback provisions.



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2015 Option Exercises and Stock Vested2017 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

The following table sets forth for each named executive officer the activity for stock option exercises and vesting of stock awards during the year ended December 31, 2015:2017:

      Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name Option Awards Stock Awards    Number of
Shares Acquired
Upon Exercise (#)
 Value Realized
Upon Exercise
($)(1)
  Number of
Shares Acquired
Upon Vesting
(#)(2)
 Value Realized
Upon Vesting
($)(3)
 
Number of
Shares Acquired
Upon Exercise
(#)
 Value Realized
Upon Exercise
($)(1)
 Number of
Shares Acquired
Upon Vesting
(#)(2)
 Value Realized
Upon Vesting
($)(3)
William A. Koertner  69,632   1,861,448   32,463   842,875 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.                16,117   569,913    
Betty R. Johnson       4,000   75,544      2,177   84,250    
Tod M. Cooper        2,958   80,728        8,412   156,430      9,010   327,143    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  10,894   171,601   9,030   238,334        19,853   458,139      11,216   412,023    
Paul J. Evans        22,404   528,141 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  11,577   284,139   10,522   277,654 
Jeffrey J. Waneka                2,469   88,975    

(1)Amounts reflect the difference between the exercise price of the option and the market price of our common stock at the time of exercise.
(2)The amounts shown include restricted stock that vested on March 23, March 24, and March 25, 2015 and2017, performance shares awarded under our LTIP for the 2013 Performance Period which endedin 2015 that vested on December 31, 2015. For2017 and, for Mr. Evans, the amount shown also includesSwartz, restricted stock that vested on January 3, 2015 and October 19, 2015.September 1, 2017.
(3)The amounts shown are calculated based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of vesting.



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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in ControlPOTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

As described above under “Employment Agreements,” our named executive officers have severance and change in control clauses in their Employment Agreements. The following table summarizes and quantifies the compensation that would have become payable to each current named executive officer upon termination or a change in control (and qualifying termination) on December 31, 2015,2017, given the named executive officers’ compensation and service levels as of such date:

    
Name Benefit Termination
due to
Disability(1)
 Termination
without Cause or for Good Reason(2)
 Termination
without Cause or
for Good Reason
within 12 months
following a
Change in
Control(3)
    Benefit Termination
due to
Disability(1)
 Termination
without Cause
or for Good
Reason(2)
 Termination
without Cause or
for Good Reason
within 12 months
following a Change
in Control(3)
 
William A. Koertner  Severance pay(5)
   269,654   2,490,750   3,736,125 
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       Severance pay(4)
   247,731   2,034,000   3,051,000    
  Welfare benefits   22,806   105,240   105,240      Welfare benefits   9,732   51,848   51,848    
  Accelerated equity(6)
   1,355,305   1,355,305   1,848,099      Accelerated equity(5)   1,162,366   1,162,366   1,596,523    
  Total(4)
   1,647,765   3,951,295   5,689,464      Total(6)   1,419,829   3,248,214   4,699,371    
Betty R. Johnson(7)  Severance pay(5)
   145,385   700,000   1,050,000 
Betty R. Johnson     Severance pay(4)
   162,962   1,254,000   1,881,000    
  Welfare benefits                 Welfare benefits   9,732   49,040   49,040    
  Accelerated equity(6)
   182,625   182,625   182,625      Accelerated equity(5)   884,810   884,810   1,122,673    
  Total(4)
   328,010   882,625   1,232,625        Total(6)
   1,057,504   2,187,850   3,052,713    
Tod M. Cooper  Severance pay(5)
   145,021   1,131,165   1,696,748        Severance pay(4)   160,038   1,204,500   1,806,750    
  Welfare benefits   12,384   57,144   57,144      Welfare benefits   9,732   47,336   47,336    
  Accelerated equity(6)
   413,319   413,319   549,978      Accelerated equity(5)   523,911   523,911   748,687    
  Total(4)
   570,724   1,601,628   2,303,870        Total(6)   693,681   1,775,747   2,602,773    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  Severance pay(5)
   155,215   1,210,680   1,816,020      Severance pay(4)
   166,615   1,254,000   1,881,000    
  Welfare benefits   23,184   115,656   115,656        Welfare benefits   9,732   49,880   93,373    
  Accelerated equity(6)
   422,745   422,745   585,077      Accelerated equity(5)
   606,697   606,697   831,473    
  Total(4)
   601,144   1,749,081   2,516,753        Total(6)
   783,044   1,910,577   2,805,846    
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  Severance pay(5)
   171,877   1,379,840   2,069,760 
Jeffrey J. Waneka     Severance pay(4)   122,769   924,000   1,386,000    
  Welfare benefits   23,184   117,408   117,408        Welfare benefits   9,732   45,368   45,368    
  Accelerated equity(6)
   659,325   659,325   863,579        Accelerated equity(5)   138,362   138,362   224,528    
  Total(4)
   854,386   2,156,573   3,050,747        Total(6)   270,863   1,107,730   1,655,896    

(1)Represents the amount of salary continuation and other benefits to which the named executive officer is entitled under the terms of our long-term disability policy for a period of 180 days from the date of termination due to long-term disability. After six months of salary continuation, as provided by us, the named executive officer will be eligible for benefits under the terms of our long-term disability insurance plan, which provides a benefit equal to 60% of the named executive officer’s monthly base salary (up to a maximum monthly benefit of $10,000) until age 65 or older, as defined in the plan.
(2)Represents the sum of (a) twice the sum of the named executive officer’s base salary and target annual incentive (for 2015,2017, the target annual incentive was 102.5% of annual salary for Mr. Koertner, 76.0%80.0% of annual salary for Mr. Swartz and 71.0%65.0% of annual salary for Ms. Johnson and Messrs. Cooper, Engen and Engen)Waneka) and (b) the estimated cost of two years of company-funded benefit continuation coverage for the named executive officer and eligible dependents under our welfare benefit plans in which the named executive officer is a participant for a period of two years.participant.

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(3)Represents the sum of (a) three times the sum of the named executive officer’s base salary and target annual incentive (for 2015,2017, the target annual incentive was 102.5% of annual salary for Mr. Koertner, 76.0%80.0% of annual salary for Mr. Swartz and 71.0%65.0% of annual salary for Ms. Johnson



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and Messrs. Cooper, Engen and Engen)Waneka) and (b) the estimated cost of two years of company-funded benefit continuation coverage for the named executive officer and eligible dependents under our welfare benefit plans in which the named executive officer is a participant for a period of two years.participant.
(4)The amounts shown above do not include any gross-up payment which may be due with respect to the excise tax imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the IRS Code. Based on the following assumptions: a termination of employment without cause (or for good reason) on December 31, 2015 and a per share value on that date of $20.61 would have entitled these named executive officers to the following gross-up payments: $983,504 (Mr. Engen) and $1,057,889 (Mr. Swartz). Ms. Johnson and Mr. Cooper are not eligible to receive such gross-up. The foregoing does not take into account any values that could be attributed to a covenant not to compete. A covenant not to compete would reduce the amounts subject to an excise tax (and therefore potentially any amount necessary to gross up the executive in respect of such excise tax). Each of our executives is subject to a one-year non-compete.
(5)Severance pay includes the named executive officer’s base salary and target annual incentive applicable to the type of severance or change in control payment shown.
(6)(5)Accelerated equity reflects the amount of compensation that each named executive officer would receive upon the accelerated vesting of any outstanding unvested stock-based awards as of the date of termination. Equity award agreements between the Company and a person who was a named executive officer at the time of the award contain an accelerated vesting clause. Equity awards made before an officer becomes a named executive officer are not subject to a similar accelerated vesting clause and will be forfeited upon termination. The compensation amount shown is based upon (a) the amount of unvested stock options and unvested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015,2017, (b) the amount of performance shares outstanding as of December 31, 20152017 that are expected to be earned prorated for the length of service completed as of December 31, 20152017 for termination without cause or resignation for good reason or all performance shares outstanding for termination without cause or resignation for good reason within 12 months following a change of control and (c) the closing market price of a share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global MarketNasdaq on December 31, 2015,29, 2017, which was $20.61$35.73 per share. The compensation amount for the unvested stock options is calculated by multiplying the amount of unvested stock options outstanding times the difference between the closing market price and the exercise or strike price of the option. The compensation amount for the unvested restricted stock is calculated by multiplying the number of shares of unvested restricted stock times the closing market price. The compensation amount for the unvested performance shares for termination without cause or resignation for good reason is calculated by multiplying the unvested performance shares by the closing price and then multiplying that amount by the percentage earned (number of months the executive worked from date of grant to date of termination divided by the number of months in the vesting period for the performance shares). The compensation amount for unvested performance shares for termination without cause or resignation for good reason within 12 months following a change of control is calculated by multiplying the unvested performance shares by the market closing price on the date of termination.
(7)(6)OnOnly Mr. Engen’s employment agreement includes a provision to provide gross-up payments for excise taxes which may be imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code as a result of a change in control. However, based on the following assumptions: a termination of employment without cause (or resignation for good reason) on December 31, 2015, Ms. Johnson was2017 and a per share value on the latest closing date in 2017 of $35.73, Mr. Engen would not yet eligiblehave been entitled to participate in the SMIP and was not eligible to receive the health insurance portion of welfare benefits.a gross-up payment.

2017 PAY RATIO

Mr. Evans left the Company on October 19, 2015. His employment agreement provided for severance benefits consisting of an aggregate cash payment of $1,176,060, representing severanceWe believe our compensation programs must be consistent and health insurance. In addition, the vestings of 14,270 shares of restricted stock and 8,772 non-qualified stock options held by Mr. Evans were accelerated in connection with his termination, per the terms of his award agreements. Mr. Evans will also receiveinternally equitable. The following is a pro-rata share of any performance shares earned at the endreasonable estimate, prepared under applicable SEC rules, of the performance periods, based onratio of the numberannual total compensation of whole months he was employed duringour CEO to the performance periods, per his performance shares award agreements.annual total compensation of our median employee. We identified the median employee by calculating the salary or wages of each full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employee paid in 2017 through December 24, ranking the salary or wages of all employees except for the CEO from lowest to highest. We applied a Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate to the compensation elements paid in Canadian currency for our Canadian employees.

The ratio between the pay of our CEO to the pay of our median employee is 18.8:1. The annual total compensation for our median employee for 2017 is $85,140. The annual total compensation of our CEO is $1,599,221. The difference between this annual total compensation and the annual total compensation found in “Executive Compensation Tables — 2017 Summary Compensation Table” is due to the inclusion of nondiscriminatory health and welfare benefit plans that are not required to be included in the Summary Compensation Table.



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PROPOSAL NO. 2. ADVISORY RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE
COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE ADVISORY RESOLUTION REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

As required under Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are asking stockholders to approve an advisory resolution on the compensation of our named executive officers as reported in this Proxy Statement. As described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement, the Compensation Committee has designed our executive compensation program to align each named executive officer’s compensation with our short-term and long-term performance and to provide the compensation and incentives needed to attract, motivate and retain the named executive officers who are crucial to our success. We urge stockholders to read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and the related tables and narratives, which describe in more detail how our named executive officer compensation policies and procedures operate and how they achieve our compensation objectives. All of this information provides detailed discussion and analysis of the compensation of our named executive officers including the following:

We pay for performance.We align executive compensation with short-term and long-term Company-wide, business unit and individual performance. Generally, we target about half of our named executive officer compensation as performance-based compensation. In fiscal 2015,2017, while exceeding our targets for safety performance, we did not meet our target performance goals forthreshold financial performance, resulting in below-targetperformance. Consequently, consistent with our pay-for-performance practice, the Compensation Committee exercised its negative discretion and did not award short-term cash incentive and performance share payoutsbonuses to our named executive officers.
We have compensation practices that ensure leadership, decision-making and actions that are aligned with our short- and long-term goals without taking inappropriate or unnecessary risks.risks.  The practices are discussed in detail in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and include:
We have stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers;
We have a long-standing insider trading policy, which prohibits, among other activities, the pledging of and hedging transactions with respect to our common stock;
We offer limited executive officer perquisites; and
We periodically review the risk profile of our compensation programs and have significant risk mitigators, such as limits on incentive awards, stock holding requirements and clawback provisions.
ºstock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers;
ºa long-standing insider trading policy, which prohibits, among other activities, the pledging of and hedging transactions with respect to our common stock;
ºa practice of offering limited executive officer perquisites; and
ºregular review of the risk profile of our compensation programs and the inclusion of significant risk mitigators in those programs, such as limits on incentive awards, stock holding requirements and clawback provisions.
The Compensation Committee acts prudently in making decisions.All members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors. The Compensation Committee has established a thorough process for the review and approval of compensation program design, practices and amounts awarded to our executive officers. The Compensation Committee engaged and received advice from an independent, third-party compensation consultant, and, using that advice, selected a peer group of companies to compare to our named executive officers’ compensation.

We ask our stockholders to participate annually in this review and indicate their support for our named executive officer compensation set forth in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “Say-on-Pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy,



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policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. We are asking our stockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the 2018 Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20162018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis,Analysis”, the 20152017 Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and disclosures.”


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The Say-on-Pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board. Our Board and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the named executive officer compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we expect to consider our stockholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any compensation actions are necessary to address those concerns.



MYR GROUP INC. |THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTEFORTHE APPROVAL OF THE
ADVISORY RESOLUTION REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THIS2018 PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE
COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE RULES OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.


 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board established the standing Audit Committee in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The Board has determined that all of the Audit Committee members are independent within the meaning ofas required by the Nasdaq’s listing standards and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. The Board has also determined that all committee members are financially literate within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules and that Mr. Patterson is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations. None of the Audit Committee members have participated in the preparation of our financial statements during the past three years.

The Board values the integrity of MYR Group’s financial statements and internal controls. The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in monitoring the integrity of MYR Group’s financial statements, MYR Group’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the independence and performance of MYR Group’s internal and external auditors. To represent and assist the Board in its oversight of the Company’s financial statements and under ourits charter the Audit Committee performs, among other tasks, the following duties:

review of the audit plans and findings of our independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit staff, as well as the results of regulatory examinations and tracking management’s corrective action plans where necessary;
review of our financial statements, including any significant financial items and/or changes in accounting policies, with our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm;
review of our financial risk and control procedures, compliance programs and significant tax, legal and regulatory matters; and
annual appointment ofappoint annually our independent registered public accounting firm, evaluation ofevaluate its independence and performance and settingset clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm.firm; and
review periodic reports from management on cyber security measures, security controls, data privacy and security initiatives.

The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of complaints received by the Company. The Audit Committee encourages employees and outsiders to report concerns about our accounting controls, auditing matters or anything else that appears to involve financial or other wrongdoing. To report such matters, you should call the Company’s fraud hotline number at 1-800-461-9330. All complaints received are confidential and anonymous and will be retained for the Company’s records. At least annually, the Audit Committee reviews the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and its charter. During this review, the Audit Committee is able to analyze its responsibilities and progress as well as ensure that these documents comply with current regulatory requirements.

Pre-Approval PoliciesPRE-APPROVAL POLICIES

Consistent with the requirements of the SEC and the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation for and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit Committee has established procedures to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.

During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before we engage the independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or



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more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decision to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.


TABLE OF CONTENTS All of the services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017, as described below, were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the foregoing pre-approval policies and procedures.

Independent Auditors’ FeesINDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ FEES

MYR Group’s financial statementsOn June 28, 2017, the Audit Committee appointed Crowe to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year endedending December 31, 2015 were audited by EY, an2017. In connection with the appointment of Crowe, on June 28, 2017, the Audit Committee dismissed Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Aggregate fees paid for professional services rendered by our independent auditors in 2017 for Crowe and EY and in 2016 for 2015 and 2014,EY, were as follows:

  
 2015 2014    2017 2016 
Audit Fees $724,947  $737,574       $931,833  $999,980    
Audit-Related Fees                    
Tax Fees  60,000   55,000        5,685   76,105    
All Other Fees                    
Total $784,947  $792,574       $937,518  $1,076,085    

In the above table, in accordance with the SEC rules, “Audit Fees” are fees that we paid to EY for the audit of our annual financial statements included in the 20152017 Form 10-K, review of financial statements included in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and for services that are normally provided by the auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

“Audit-Related Fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. “Tax Fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

As noted above and as previously reported, on June 28, 2017, the Audit Committee Reportappointed Crowe to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Year Endedfiscal year ending December 31, 2017. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the subsequent interim period through June 28, 2017, neither the Company, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Crowe, regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to our Stockholders:

a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company by Crowe that Crowe concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or a “reportable event” (within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

EY’s audit reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the subsequent interim period through June 28, 2017, (i) there were no “disagreements” (within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) with EY on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to EY’s satisfaction, would have caused EY to make reference to the



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subject matter of the disagreements in connection with their reports; and (ii) there were no “reportable events” (within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

In accordance with Item 304(a)(3) of Regulation S-K, the Company requested that EY furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not EY agrees with the Company’s statements relating to EY included in Item 4.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2017. EY furnished the requested letter, stating its agreement with such statements, and a copy is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s June 30, 2017 8-K.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

As part of our activities, we reviewed and discussed MYR Group’s audited financial statements with management. Additionally, we received Crowe’s and EY’s written disclosures and a letterletters dated March 3, 2016,7, 2018 and March 9, 2017, respectively, as required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB, regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’sfirms’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and have discussed with Crowe and EY itstheir independence. We also reviewed and discussed with Crowe and EY the matters required to be discussed underStatement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees), as adopted by the PCAOB in Rule 3200T. Based upon this review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our 20152017 Form 10-K.

Audit Committee:William D. Patterson, Chair
Jack L. Alexander
Henry W. Fayne
Kenneth M. Hartwick
Maurice E. Moore

The information contained in the above Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as amended, except to the extent that MYR Group specifically incorporates it by reference in such filing.



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PROPOSAL NO. 3. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF CROWE HORWATH LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the selection, retention, termination and oversight of our independent auditors. EY, an independent registered public accounting firm, has served as our independent auditors since 2010.

The Audit Committee appointed EYCrowe as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.2018. The Audit Committee and the Board are requesting, as a matter of policy, that stockholders ratify the appointment of EYCrowe as our independent auditors. The Board and the Audit Committee are not required to take any action as a result of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. However, if the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee may investigate the reasons for such rejection. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may direct the appointment of a different independent auditor at any time.

We expect that representatives of EYCrowe will be present at the 2018 Annual Meeting, that they will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire and that they will have an opportunity to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE



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OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY BE PRESENTED AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

Neither the Board nor management knows of any business, other than that described in this Proxy Statement, that may be presented for action at the 2018 Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, your proxy authorizes the persons named as proxies to vote on such matters in accordance with the Board’s recommendation or, if no recommendation is given, in accordance with the proxies’ best judgment.



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OWNERSHIP OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table shows the number of shares of MYR Group common stock beneficially owned (as defined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) as of March 15, 20166, 2018 by each director and named executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. None of the common stock owned by these individuals is subject to any pledge. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the named individuals has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

     
Name of Beneficial Owner Common
Stock
 Restricted
Stock(1)
 Options and
Phantom
Stock(2)
 Total
Beneficial
Ownership
 Percentage    Common
Stock
 Restricted
Stock
Awards(1)
 Options,
Phantom
Stock and
Restricted
Stock
Units(2)
 Total
Beneficial
Ownership
 Percentage 
Named Executive Officers and Directors
                                                          
William A. Koertner  239,048   43,960   233,637   516,645   2.7
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.       60,884   22,006   18,354   101,244     *    
Betty R. Johnson  12,382   8,861   8,000   29,243          18,284   17,515      35,799     *    
Tod M. Cooper  5,713   14,761   17,624   38,098          18,568   16,457      35,025     *    
Gerald B. Engen, Jr.  53,047   13,330   67,665   134,042          40,745   10,427      51,172     *    
Richard S. Swartz, Jr.  31,508   22,955   71,791   126,254   
Arnaud Ajdler(3)  956,690         956,690   4.9
Jeffrey J. Waneka       6,253   4,108   3,186   13,547     *    
Jack L. Alexander  9,250   5,068   8,000   22,318          14,457   2,833   2,238   19,528     *    
Larry F. Altenbaumer  11,387   5,068   8,000   24,455          17,229   2,833   2,238   22,300     *    
Bradley T. Favreau       991   1,981   2,238   5,210     *    
Henry W. Fayne  8,967   5,068   8,000   22,035          19,414   2,833   2,238   24,485     *    
Kenneth M. Hartwick        1,902   1,902          3,259      4,853   8,112     *    
Gary R. Johnson  12,560   5,068   8,000   25,628          18,931   2,833   2,238   24,002     *    
Donald C.I. Lucky        1,902   1,902   
William A. Koertner(3)       293,191   20,463   97,196   410,850   2.5   
Donald C.l. Lucky       2,259      4,853   7,112     *    
Maurice E. Moore  11,848   5,068      16,916          17,055   2,833   2,238   22,126     *    
William D. Patterson(4)  9,067   5,068   8,000   22,135          18,005   2,833   2,238   23,076     *    
John P. Schauerman(5)  10,000         10,000   
All executive officers and directors as a group (15 persons)  1,375,271   145,051   498,884   2,019,206   10.4       549,525   109,955   144,108   803,588   4.9   

*Percentage less than 1% of outstanding common stock.
(1)The shares of unvested restricted stock belonging to William A. Koertner,Richard S. Swartz, Jr., Betty R. Johnson, Tod M. Cooper, Gerald B. Engen, Jr. and Richard S. Swartz, Jr.Jeffrey J. Waneka vest as disclosed in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 20152017 Fiscal Year End” table. The shares of restricted stock belonging to Jack L. Alexander, Larry F. Altenbaumer, Bradley T. Favreau, Henry W. Fayne, Gary R. Johnson, Maurice E. Moore and William D. Patterson vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant and for restricted stock that was granted in 2014 and 2015, vesting iswould be accelerated whenif the director leaves the Board.
(2)This column reflects shares of common stock that may be acquired within 60 days of March 15, 20166, 2018 by the exercise of stock options held by the named executive officer or director, the vesting of restricted stock units held by the directors and the vesting of phantom stock units held by Mr. Hartwick and Mr. Lucky. Mr. Hartwick and Mr. Lucky’s phantom stock units vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant or when the director leaves the Board. The shares of restricted stock units belonging to the directors vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant and vesting would be accelerated if the director leaves the Board.
(3)PursuantUnvested restricted stock belonging to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Ajdler is expectedWilliam A. Koertner includes 3,241 shares that vest ratably over a five-year period and 17,222 shares that vest ratably over a three-year period. These restricted stock awards are subject to be appointed as a Class I director following the Annual Meeting. Includes 956,690 shares held by Engine Capital. Mr. Ajdler serves as Managing Member of Engine Capital Management, LLC and certain other affiliates of Engine Capital. Mr. Ajdler and Engine Capital share voting and dispositive power over such shares.clawback provisions.
(4)Common stock includes 386 shares in a trust in which Mr. Patterson is a beneficiary.
(5)Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Schauerman’s appointment to the Board was effective on March 22, 2016.



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The following table displays information about persons we knowknown to us to be the beneficial owners of 5% or more of our issued and outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2015:2017:

  
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership Percent of
Stock
BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd St.
New York, NY 10022
  2,156,648(1)   10.4
Royce & Associates, LLC
745 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10151
  1,654,992(2)   8.0
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
Building One
6300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, Texas 78746
  1,435,280(3)   6.9
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner    Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership Percent of Common Stock 
BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd St.
New York, NY 10055
       2,163,292(1)   13.1   
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
6300 Bee Cave Road
Building One
Austin, Texas, 78746
       1,386,327(2)   8.4   
Macquarie Group Limited
50 Martin Place
Sidney, New South Wales, Australia
       935,173(3)   5.7   
The Vanguard Group
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
       911,656(4)   5.5   
Victory Capital Management Inc.
4900 Tiederman Rd. 4th Floor
Brooklyn, OH 44144
       840,557(5)   5.1   

(1)Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on January 8, 2016.19, 2018, BlackRock, Inc. stated in its 13G/A filing that, of the 2,156,6482,163,292 shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2015,2017, it has sole voting power with respect to 2,100,2922,113,857 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 2,156,6482,163,292 shares.
(2)Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by Royce & Associates, LLC with the SEC on January 19, 2016. Royce & Associates stated in its 13G/A filing that it had sole power to vote and dispose of all the reported shares.
(3)Based on the Schedule 13G filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP with the SEC on February 9, 2016.2018. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP stated in its 13G filing that it furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment manager or sub-adviser to certain other commingled funds, group trusts and separate accounts (such investment companies, trusts and accounts, collectively referred to as the “Funds”). In certain cases, subsidiaries of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP may act as an adviser or sub-adviser to certain Funds. In its role as investment advisor, sub-adviser and/or manager, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP or its subsidiaries (collectively, “Dimensional”) may possess voting and/or investment power over the securities of the Issuer that are owned by the Funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of the Issuer held by the Funds. As of December 31, 2017, Dimensional Funds Advisors LP has sole voting power as to 1,376,0851,335,916 shares and sole dispositive power as to 1,435,2801,386,327 shares. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.
(3)Based on the Schedule 13G filed by Macquarie Group Limited on February 14, 2018, Macquarie Group Limited’s beneficial ownership is due to Macquarie Group Limited’s ownership of Macquarie Bank Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc. and Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust. Macquarie Group Limited’s Schedule 13G indicates that, as of December 31, 2017, Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust and Macquarie Investment Management Holdings Inc. have sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to 934,265 shares.
(4)Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group on February 13, 2018, The Vanguard Group stated that, of the 911,656 shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2017, it has sole voting power with respect to 23,595 shares, shared voting power with respect to 4,309 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 884,843 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 26,813 shares.
(5)Based on the Schedule 13G filing by Victory Capital Management Inc. with the SEC on February 9, 2018, Victory Capital Management, Inc. stated that, of the 840,557 shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2017, it has sole voting power with respect to 815,727 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 840,557 shares.



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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING
AND VOTING

Why amWHY AM I receiving these proxy solicitation materials?RECEIVING THESE PROXY SOLICITATION MATERIALS?

We are providing you these materials in connection with the Board’s solicitation of proxies to be voted at our 20162018 Annual Meeting. These materials provide information regarding the voting procedures and the matters to be voted on at the 2018 Annual Meeting. We began distributing these materials on or around March 23, 2016,8, 2018, to all stockholders entitled to vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting. These materials are also available on our website atwww.myrgroup.com.

In addition, copies of the 20152017 Annual Report to Stockholders orand this Proxy Statement will be sent free of charge to any stockholder who sends a written request to Secretary at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 or by calling 303-853-7621.

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING?

The Board established March 1, 2016,February 28, 2018, as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the 2018 Annual Meeting. Stockholders owning our common stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of the 2018 Annual Meeting and vote their shares at the 2018 Annual Meeting. At the close of business on the Record Date, 19,415,08616,467,474 shares of our common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

What vote is required to approve each proposal?WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH PROPOSAL?

With respect to the election of directors, you may vote FOR, AGAINST OR ABSTAIN with respect to each of the nominees. On December 21, 2015, our By-laws were amended toOur By-Laws provide for a majority vote standard in uncontested director elections.elections as will be held at the 2018 Annual Meeting. As amended, the By-lawsBy-Laws provide that a director nominee in an uncontested election will be elected if the number of shares voted “for”FOR the director’s election exceeds 50% of the number of votes cast on the issue of that director’s election (including votes FOR or AGAINST, but excluding any votes to ABSTAIN or broker non-votes). If a director in an uncontested election fails to receive the required number of votes for re-election in an uncontested election, the director is expected to tender his or her resignation and will submit such recommendation for prompt consideration by the Board. A director whose resignation is under consideration is expected to abstain from participating in any decision regarding that resignation. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board may consider any factors they deem relevant in deciding whether to accept or reject a director’s resignation.

You may vote FOR, AGAINST, or ABSTAIN with respect to the advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers and the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. In order to be approved, each of these two proposals requires the affirmative FOR vote of a majority of those shares present (either in person or represented by proxy) and entitled to vote on those proposals. Any ABSTAIN vote will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST a matter.

What effect do broker non-votes have on the proposals?WHAT EFFECT DO BROKER NON-VOTES HAVE ON THE PROPOSALS?

A broker is entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial holder on “routine” matters without instructions from the beneficial holder of those shares. On the other hand, absent instructions from the beneficial holders of such shares, a broker will not be entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial holder on “non-routine” proposals, such as the election of directors. This would be a “broker non-vote” and these shares will not be counted as having been voted on the applicable proposal. Consequently, if your shares are held by a broker on your behalf (that is, in “street name”), and you do not instruct your broker as to how to vote on Proposals Nos. 1 and 2, the broker may not exercise discretion to vote for or against such proposal. With respect to Proposal No. 3, the broker may exercise its discretion to vote for or against that proposal in the absence of your instruction. We strongly encourage you to instruct your bank or broker on how you would like to vote so your vote can be counted on all proposals.



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How will my shares be voted?HOW WILL MY SHARES BE VOTED?

Your shares will be voted as you direct if you vote by signing and returning the enclosed proxy card. If you sign and return the enclosed proxy card but do not specify how you would like your shares voted, they will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations on all matters or, if no recommendation is given, in accordance with the proxies’ best judgment.


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What is the quorum requirement?WHAT IS THE QUORUM REQUIREMENT?

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to validly hold the 2018 Annual Meeting. A quorum will be present if at least a majority of our outstanding shares on the Record Date are represented at the 2018 Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e.(i.e., when a stockholder does not provide voting instructions to their broker or nominee) will count for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

CanCAN I change my vote?CHANGE MY VOTE?

If you would like to change your vote after submitting your proxy and prior to the 2018 Annual Meeting, you can revoke your proxy and change your proxy instructions by (a) signing and submitting another proxy card with a later date or (b) voting at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Alternatively, you may provide a written statement of your intention to revoke your proxy to our Secretary at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008. If your shares are held in street name (i.e.(i.e., your shares are held in an account through your broker), you should contact your bank or broker for specific instructions on how to change your vote.

What if

WHAT IF I wish to attend the Annual Meeting?WISH TO ATTEND THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING?

Attendance at the meeting is limited to the Company’s stockholders and its invited guests. If you hold shares in your name, please be prepared to provide proper identification, such as a driver’s license. If you hold your shares through a bank or broker (i.e., in “Street-name”), you will need proof of ownership, such as a recent account statement or letter from your bank or broker, along with proper identification.

Even if you wish to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting, we urge you to cast your vote using the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible. If you choose to vote in person at the 2018 Annual Meeting, it will revoke any previous proxy submitted. If you hold your shares in Street-name and wish to vote in person at the meeting, you must provide a legal proxy obtained from your bank or broker.

Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting?WHO WILL BEAR THE COST OF SOLICITING VOTES FOR THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING?

MYR Group bears the cost of soliciting your vote. In addition to mailing these proxy materials, our directors, officers or employees may solicit proxies or votes in person, by telephone or by electronic communication. They will not receive any additional compensation for these solicitation activities. We may enlist the help of banks and brokerage houses in soliciting proxies from their customers and reimburse the banks and brokerage houses for related out-of-pocket expenses. We retained Morrow & Co.,Sodali LLC to aid in soliciting votes for the 2018 Annual Meeting for a total fee of $10,000$7,500 plus reasonable expenses.

I received only one set of proxy materials. Is it possible to obtain duplicates?RECEIVED ONLY ONE SET OF PROXY MATERIALS. IS IT POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN DUPLICATES?

Unless you advised otherwise, if you hold your shares in street name and you and other residents at your mailing address share the same last name and also own shares of our common stock in an account at the same broker, bank or other nominee, we delivered a single Notice of Meeting or set of proxy materials to your address. This method of delivery is known as householding. Householding reduces the number of mailings you receive, saves on printing and postage costs and helps the environment. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate voting instruction forms. We will deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of the Notice of Meeting or set of proxy materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the materials was delivered. A stockholder who wishes to receive a separate copy of the Notice or proxy



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materials for the 2018 Annual Meeting should submit this request by contacting Morrow & Co.,Sodali, LLC by email at myrteam@morrowco.com,myrteam@morrowsodali.com, in writing at 470 West Avenue, 3rd Floor,Suite 3000, Stamford, CT 06902 or by calling 1-800-662-5200. If you would like to opt out of householding, please contact your broker, bank or other nominee. Beneficial owners sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials and who wish to receive a single copy of these materials in the future will need to contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all stockholders at the shared address in the future.

If you are a registered stockholder, we sent you and each registered stockholder at your address separate Notices or sets of proxy materials.


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Who counts the vote?WHO COUNTS THE VOTE?

As the appointed independent tabulator, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC will receive the proxies and tabulate the votes cast. American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC will act as the independent inspector of election and will certify the results. Your vote will not be disclosed to our directors, officers or employees, except (a) as necessary to meet legal requirements and to assert or defend claims for or against us; (b) in the case of a contested proxy solicitation; (c) if you provide a comment with your proxy or otherwise communicate your vote to us or (d) as necessary to allow the independent inspector of election to certify the results.

How doHOW DO I find out the voting results?FIND OUT THE VOTING RESULTS?

Voting results will be included in a current Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC after the 20162018 Annual Meeting. This Form 8-K will also be available on our website atwww.myrgroup.com.

MayMAY I ask questions at the Annual Meeting?ASK QUESTIONS AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING?

Yes. As a stockholder, during the voting, you may,Yes, in accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures prescribed by the Chairman of the 2018 Annual Meeting for the conduct of the 2018 Annual Meeting,Meeting. As a stockholder, during the voting, you may ask questions and make remarks related to the matters being voted on. The Chairman of the 2018 Annual Meeting will entertain stockholders’ questions and comments of a general nature following the voting that are submitted in accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures prescribed by the Chairman of the Annual Meeting for the conduct of the Annual Meeting.voting.



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20172019 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Stockholder Proposals and Nominations for the 2017 Annual MeetingSTOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING

Under our By-Laws, a stockholder may nominate a candidate for election as a director or propose business for consideration at an annual meeting of stockholders by delivering written notice that contains certain required information to our Corporate Secretary. We must receive this written notice not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. However, if the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days of such anniversary, we must receive stockholder proposal submissions no later than the close of business on the 10 th day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or other public disclosure was made. Accordingly, to be considered at the 20172019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we must receive a stockholder’s written notice of nomination or proposal on or after December 29, 201627, 2018 and not later than January 28, 2017.26, 2019.

Under SEC Rule 14a-8, a stockholder may submit a proposal for possible inclusion in a proxy statement for an annual meeting of stockholders by submitting the proposal and other required information to our principal executive offices. We must receive the proposal no later than 120 calendar days before the one-year anniversary date of our proxy statement for the previous year’s annual meeting. If we change the date of an annual meeting by more than 30 days from the date of the previous year’s annual meeting, then the deadline is a reasonable time before we print and send our proxy materials for the annual meeting. Accordingly, to be considered for inclusion in our 20172019 proxy statement, we must receive a stockholder’s submission of a proposal on or before November 23, 2016.8, 2018.

Stockholder proposals must be sent to our Corporate Secretary at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008. For additional information about the stockholder proposal submission process, please see our By-Laws which are available on the Investor RelationsInvestors page of our website atwww.myrgroup.com, under “Corporate Governance.”

2015 Annual Report and2017 ANNUAL REPORT AND SEC FilingsFILINGS

Our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152017 are included in our 20152017 Form 10-K, which we will make available to stockholders at the same time as this Proxy Statement. Our Annual Report2017 Form 10-K and this Proxy Statement are posted on our website atwww.myrgroup.com, and are available from the SEC at its website atwww.sec.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet or have not received a copy of our Annual Report,2017 Form 10-K, you may request a copy of it without charge by writing to our Corporate Secretary, at MYR Group Inc., 1701 Golf Road, Suite 3-1012, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008.

 By Order of the Board of Directors
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March 23, 20168, 2018 Gerald B. Engen, Jr.
Senior Vice President,
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary



MYR GROUP INC. |2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 

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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF MYR GROUP INC. April 26, 2018 GO PAPERLESS e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2018 The MYR Group Inc. Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K are available at http://investor.myrgroup.com/financial-information/annual-reports Please sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible. Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. 00003333000000001000 1 042618 Thesharesrepresentedbythisproxy,whenproperlyexecuted,willbevotedasdirectedor,ifnodirectionisgiven,willbevoted“FOR''eachofthenomineesnamedinProposal1and“FOR''Proposals2and3.TheProxiesareherebyauthorizedtovoteinaccordancewiththeirbestjudgmentonanyothermatterthatmayproperlycomebeforethe2018AnnualMeetingoranypostponementsoradjournmentthereof.IMPORTANTIn order that there may be a proper representation at the meeting, we urge you to sign, date and mail the proxy card even if you plan on attending the 2018 Annual Meeting. If you are present in person you may, if you wish, vote personally on all matters properly brought before the meeting. If you hold your shares in Street-name and wish to vote in person at the meeting, you must provide a legal proxy obtained from your bank or broker. PROPOSALNO.1:ELECTION OF THE TWO CLASS II NOMINEES, EACH TO SERVE A TERM OF THREE YEARS. DONALD C.I. LUCKY MAURICE E. MOORE PROPOSALNO.2:ADVISORY RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. PROPOSALNO.3:RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CROWE HORWATH LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018. FORAGAINSTABSTAINTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORSRECOMMENDSTHATYOUVOTE“FOR''THEELECTIONOFEACHOFTHENOMINEESNAMEDINPROPOSAL1&“FOR”PROPOSALS2&3.PLEASESIGN,DATEANDRETURNPROMPTLYINTHEENCLOSEDENVELOPE.PLEASEMARKYOURVOTEINBLUEORBLACKINKASSHOWNHEREx MARK “X'' HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. To change the address on your account, please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method. Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date: Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give fulltitle as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.


 
 

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The Board of Directors of MYR GROUP INC. Cordially invites you to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Thursday, April 26, 2018 9:00 a.m. Local Time Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel 1551 North Thoreau Drive Schaumburg, IL 60173 0 MYR GROUP INC. REVOCABLE PROXY FOR THE MYR GROUP INC. 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON APRIL 26, 2018 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned stockholder of MYR Group Inc. (the “Corporation”) hereby appoints Richard S. Swartz, Gerald B. Engen, Jr. and Betty R. Johnson (the “Proxies”), and each of them, with the full power of substitution to vote all shares of the Corporation which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation to be held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173 on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. local time, or at any postponements or adjournments thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess, as if the undersigned was present personally at the 2018 Annual Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof, upon the proposals on the reverse side and on such other matters as may properly come before the 2018 Annual Meeting. This proxy revokes all prior proxies given by the undersigned stockholder. (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side.) 1.1 14475