Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 1)
 
 
Filed by the registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [   ]
 
 
Check the appropriate box:
[   ]Preliminary proxy statement
[   ]Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]Definitive proxy statement
[   ]Definitive additional materials
[   ]Soliciting material pursuant to § 240.14a-12
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
(Name of person(s) filing proxy statement, if other than the registrant)
 
 
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X]No fee required.
[   ]Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
(1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
N/A
(2)Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:
N/A
(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
N/A
(4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5)Total fee paid:
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[   ]Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
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[   ]Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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PRELIMINARY COPY – SUBJECT TO COMPLETION






April __, 2012May 8, 2014



Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial”) to be held at the Carco Theatre,Renton Community Center, located at 17171715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton, Washington, on __________, May __, 2012,Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., local time.

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement appearing on the following pages describe the formal business to be transacted at the meeting.  During the meeting, we will also report on our operations.  Directors and officers of First Financial, as well as a representative of Moss Adams LLP, our independent auditor, will be present to respond to shareholder questions.

Your vote at the annual meeting of shareholders is especially important this year.  Your Board of Directors has returned First Financial to profitability, significantly improved our performance ratios, reduced nonperforming assets, dramatically reduced our riskiest loans and deleveraged our balance sheet.  We also intend to return to paying cash dividends and begin a stock repurchase program as soon as permitted by our regulators.

As you may know, Joseph Stilwell and a group of funds he controls have nominated two people to stand for election to First Financial’s Board of Directors.  Your Board strongly urges you to support First Financial’s nominees.

It is important that your shares are represented at the meeting, whether or not you attend in person and regardless of the number of shares you own.  To make sure your shares are represented, we urge you to complete and mail the enclosed white proxy card as promptly as possible or to vote by telephone or the Internet, following the instructions on the white proxy card.  If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously voted.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

 
 Sincerely,
 
 /s/Victor Karpiak Gary F. Kohlwes  
  
 Victor KarpiakGary F. Kohlwes 
 Chairman

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
 
 

 

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
201 WELLS AVENUE SOUTH
RENTON, WASHINGTON 98057
(425) 255-4400



NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 25, 2014
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON May ___, 2012


Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of shareholders of First Financial Northwest, Inc. will be held at the Carco Theatre,Renton Community Center, located at 17171715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton, Washington, on __________, May ___, 2012,Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:

 Proposal 1.Election of threetwo directors for a term of three years;years and one director for a term of one year;

 Proposal 2.An advisory (non-binding) vote to approve our executive compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement; and

 Proposal 3.Ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as our independent auditor for 2012.2014.

We will also consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.  As of the date of this notice, we are not aware of any other business to come before the annual meeting.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 30, 2012,April 28, 2014, as the record date for the annual meeting.  This means that shareholders of record at the close of business on that date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at the meeting and any adjournment thereof.  To ensure that your shares are represented at the meeting, please take the time to vote by signing, dating and mailing the enclosed white proxy card, which is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors, and mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope.  Alternatively, you may vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the white proxy card.  The proxy will not be used if you attend and vote at the annual meeting in person.  Regardless of the number of shares you own, your vote is very important.  Please act today.
 
 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
 
/s/ JOANN E. LEE
  
 
JOANN E. LEE
SECRETARY
 
Renton, Washington
April __, 2012May 8, 2014



IMPORTANT: The prompt return of proxies will save us the expense of further requests for proxies in order to ensure a quorum.  A  white proxy card and   pre-addressed envelope  are enclosed for your convenience.  No postage is required if mailed in the United States.  You may also vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the white proxy card.


IMPORTANT: The prompt return of proxies will save us the expense of further requests for proxies in order to ensure a quorum.  A proxy card and pre-addressed envelope are enclosed for your convenience.  No postage is required if mailed in the United States.  You may also vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card.


 
 

 


 



PROXY STATEMENT
OF
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
201 WELLS AVENUE SOUTH
RENTON, WASHINGTON 98057
(425) 255-4400


ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May ___, 2012
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 25, 2014


The Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest, Inc. is using this Proxy Statement to solicit proxies from our shareholders for use at the annual meeting of shareholders.  We are first mailing this Proxy Statement and white proxy card to our shareholders on or about April __, 2012.May 8, 2014.

The information provided in this Proxy Statement relates to First Financial Northwest, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Savings Bank Northwest.  First Financial Northwest, Inc. may also be referred to as “First Financial” and First Savings Bank Northwest may also be referred to as “First Savings Bank” or the “Bank.”  References to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to First Financial and, as the context requires, First Savings Bank.



INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

Time and Place of the Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting will be held as follows:

Date:           __________, May ___, 2012
Date:Wednesday, June 25, 2014
 Time:9:00 a.m., local time
 Place:Carco Theatre, 1717Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton, Washington

Matters to Be Considered at the Annual Meeting

At the meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 Proposal 1.Election of threetwo directors for a term of three years;years and one director for a term of one year;

 Proposal 2.An advisory (non-binding) vote to approve our executive compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement; and

 Proposal 3.Ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as our independent auditor for 2012.2014.

We also will transact any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting.  As of the date of this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other business to be presented for consideration at the annual meeting other than the matters described in this Proxy Statement.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on May ___, 2012June 25, 2014

Our Proxy Statement and 20112013 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/GenPage.aspx?IID=4087275&GKP=203202.The following materials are available for review:

·       Proxy Statement;
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·       White proxy card; and
·       20112013 Annual Report to Shareholders.


Directions to attend the annual meeting, where you may vote in person, can be found online at http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=156.2818.

Who is Entitled to Vote?

We have fixed the close of business on March 30, 2012,April 28, 2014, as the record date for shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at our annual meeting.  Only holders of record of First Financial’s common stock on that date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting.  You are entitled to one vote for each share of First Financial common stock you own, unless you own more than 10 percent of First Financial’s outstanding shares.  As provided in our Articles of Incorporation, record holders of common stock who beneficially own in excess of 10 percent of First Financial’s outstanding shares are not entitled to any vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the 10 percent limit unless our Board of Directors has granted permission in advance.  On March 30, 2012,April 28, 2014, there were 18,805,16816,454,139 shares of First Financial common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the annual meeting.

How Do I Vote at the Annual Meeting?

Proxies are solicited to provide all shareholders of record on the voting record date an opportunity to vote on matters scheduled for the annual meeting and described in these materials.  This question provides voting instructions for shareholders of record.  You are a shareholder of record if your shares of First Financial common stock are held in your name.  If you are a beneficial owner of First Financial common stock held by a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”), please see the instructions in the following question.

Shares of First Financial common stock can only be voted if the shareholder is present in person or by proxy at the annual meeting.  To ensure your representation at the annual meeting, we recommend you vote by sending in the white proxy card even if you plan to attend the annual meeting.  You can also vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the white proxy card.  You can always change your vote at the meeting if you are a shareholder of record.

Voting instructions are included on your white proxy card.  Shares of First Financial common stock represented by properly executed proxies will be voted by the individuals named on the white proxy card in accordance with the shareholder’s instructions.  Where properly executed proxies are returned to us with no specific instruction as how to vote at the annual meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote the shares “FOR” the election of each of our director nominees, “FOR” advisory approval of the compensation of our executive compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as our independent auditor.  If any other matters are properly presented at the annual meeting for action, the persons named in the enclosed proxy and acting thereunder will have the discretion to vote on these matters in accordance with their best judgment.  We do not currently expect that any other matters will be properly presented for action at the annual meeting.
         You may have received a communication from Joseph Stilwell and a group of funds he controls (the “Stilwell Group”) asking you to vote using their green proxy card.  We urge you not to vote using the green proxy card.  Please vote by using the enclosed white proxy card, which is solicited on behalf of First Financial’s Board of Directors, and discard the green proxy card from the Stilwell Group.  If you have already voted using the green proxy card from the Stilwell Group, you may change your vote by promptly signing, dating and returning the enclosed white proxy card or following the instructions on the white proxy card to vote by telephone or the Internet.  Only the latest dated proxy card or vote you submit will be counted.

You may receive more than one white proxy card depending on how your shares are held.  For example, you may hold some of your shares individually, some jointly with your spouse and some in trust for your children.  In this case, you will receive three separate white proxy cards to vote.

What if My Shares Are Held in Street Name?

If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by a broker, your broker, as the record holder of the shares, is required to vote the shares in accordance with your instructions.  If you do not give instructions to your broker, your broker may nevertheless vote the shares with respect to discretionary items, but will not be permitted to vote
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your shares with respect to non-discretionary items, pursuant to current industry practice.  In the case of non-discretionary items, the shares not voted will be treated as “broker non-votes.”  The proposal to elect directors and the advisory vote to approve executive compensation are considered non-discretionary items; therefore, you must provide instructions to your broker in order to have your shares voted on these proposals.

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If your shares are held in street name, you will need proof of ownership to be admitted to the annual meeting.  A recent brokerage statement or letter from the record holder of your shares are examples of proof of ownership.  If you want to vote your shares of common stock held in street name in person at the annual meeting, you will have to get a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

How Will My Shares of Common Stock Held in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Be Voted?

We maintain the First Financial Northwest, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for the benefit of our employees.  Each participant may instruct the trustee how to vote the shares of First Financial common stock allocated to his or her account under the ESOP by completing the voting instruction sheet distributed by the administrator.  If a participant properly executes the voting instruction sheet, the administrator will instruct the trustee to vote the participant’s shares in accordance with the participant’s instructions.  Unallocated shares of First Financial common stock held in the ESOP will be voted by the trustee in the same proportion as shares for which the trustee has received voting instructions.  Allocated shares for which proper voting instructions are not received shall be voted by the trustee in the manner directed by the administrator.  The administrator of the ESOP is Crowe Horwath.

How Many Shares Must Be Present to Hold the Meeting?

A quorum must be present at the meeting for any business to be conducted.  The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the shares of First Financial common stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting as of the record date will constitute a quorum.  Proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the meeting.

What if a Quorum Is Not Present at the Meeting?

If a quorum is not present at the scheduled time of the meeting, a majority of the shareholders present or represented by proxy may adjourn the meeting until a quorum is present.  The time and place of the adjourned meeting will be announced at the time the adjournment is taken, and no other notice will be given unless the adjourned meeting is set to be held 120 days or more after the original meeting.  An adjournment will have no effect on the business that may be conducted at the meeting.

Vote Required to Approve Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at the annual meeting by holders of First Financial common stock.  Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has nominated, and our Board of Directors has ratified, the nomination of three nomineescandidates for election as directors.  As described on page 10 under “Contested Election,” the Stilwell Group intends to nominate two people for election as directors.  Only,  the three nominees for election as directors who receive the highest number of votes actually cast will be elected.  
Pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation, shareholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of directors.  Votes may be cast for or withheld from each nominee.  Votes that are withheld and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election because the three nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected.  Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each of its director nominees on the white proxy card.nominees.
Even if Joseph Stilwell is elected by shareholders, his service on the Board is dependent on regulatory approval.  Any new director added to our Board of Directors must receive approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (“Federal Reserve”).  Although Spencer L. Schneider, one of the Stilwell Group’s nominees, had received prior approval to serve on the Board, he served for five weeks and resigned abruptly.  Mr. Schneider may need to re-apply for
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approval to serve on the Board and there is no guarantee that the Federal Reserve would again grant its approval.  In addition, each of our current directors also serves as a director of our primary subsidiary, First Savings Bank Northwest.  Mr. Stilwell would need the additional approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (“Washington DFI”) in order to serve on the Bank’s Board of Directors.  Mr. Schneider had also received the approval of the FDIC and the Washington DFI to serve on the Bank’s Board, served for five weeks and resigned abruptly.  Mr. Schneider may need to re-apply for approval to serve on the Bank’s Board and, again, there is no guarantee that the FDIC and the Washington DFI would again grant their approval.

Vote Required to Approve Proposal 2: Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation

Approval of the advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at the annual meeting.  Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal.  Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the compensation of our named executive officers on the white proxy card.officers.

Vote Required to Approve Proposal 3: Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Auditor

Ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as our independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012,2014, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at the annual meeting.  Abstentions are not affirmative votes and, therefore, will have the sameno effect as a vote againston the proposal.  Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the independent auditor on the white proxy card.auditor.

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May I Revoke My Proxy?

You may revoke your proxy before it is voted by:

     •·       submitting a new proxy with a later date;

     •·       
notifying the Secretary of First Financial in writing (or if you hold your shares in street name, your broker, bank or other nominee) before the annual meeting that you have revoked your proxy; or

     •·       
voting in person at the annual meeting.

If you plan to attend the annual meeting and wish to vote in person, we will give you a ballot at the annual meeting.  However, if your shares are held in street name, you must bring a validly executed proxy from the nominee indicating that you have the right to vote your shares.



SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


The following table sets forth, as of March 30, 2012,April 28, 2014, the voting record date, information regarding share ownership of:

     •·       
those persons or entities (or groups of affiliated personpersons or entities) known by management to beneficially own more than five percent of First Financial’s common stock other than directors and executive officers;

       •  
·       
each director and director nominee of First Financial;

     •·       
each executive officer of First Financial or any of its subsidiaries named in the Summary Compensation Table appearing under “Executive Compensation” belowabove (known as “named executive officers”); and

 •  
·       
all current directors and executive officers of First Financial and its subsidiaries as a group.

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Persons and groups who beneficially own in excess of five percent of First Financial’s common stock are required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and provide us a copy of the report disclosing their ownership pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  To our knowledge, no other person or entity, other than the ones set forth below, beneficially owned more than five percent of the outstanding shares of First Financial’s common stock as of the close of business on the voting record date.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.  In accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of any shares of common stock if he or she has voting and/or investment power with respect to those shares.  Therefore, the table below includes shares owned by spouses, other immediate family members in trust, shares held in retirement accounts or funds for the benefit of the named individuals, shares held in the ESOP, and other forms of ownership, over which shares the persons named in the table may possess voting and/or investment power.  In addition, in computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to outstanding options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after the voting record dateApril 28, 2014, are included in the number of shares beneficially owned by the person and are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the person’s percentage ownership.  These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

As of April 28, 2014, the voting record date, there were 18,805,16816,454,139 shares of First Financial common stock outstanding.

 
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  Number of Shares Percent of Shares
Name Beneficially Owned (1) Outstanding (%)
      
Beneficial Owners of More Than 5%  
      
First Financial Northwest, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan 
      1,463,293 
(2) 8.89
201 Wells Avenue South     
Renton, Washington 98057     
      
First Financial Northwest Foundation      1,375,700 (3) 8.36
P.O. Box 419     
Renton, Washington 98057     
      
Craig A. White      1,362,500 (4) 8.28
136 Heber Avenue, Suite 204     
Park City, Utah 84060     
      
Joseph Stilwell      1,328,100 (5) 8.07
111 Broadway, 12th Floor
     
New York, New York 10006     
      
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 899,916   (6) 5.47
Palisades West, Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road     
Austin, Texas 78746     
      
Directors     
      
Joann E. Lee             172,940   (7) 1.05
Gary F. Kohlwes             217,540   (8) 1.32
Robert L. Anderson             157,740   (9) *
Gary F. Faull             171,940     1.04
Daniel L. Stevens 
             --
  *
Joseph W. Kiley III**               53,346     *
Kevin D. Padrick                  100,000   (10) *
Richard P. Jacobson** 25,000     *
      
Named Executive Officers     
      
Herman L. Robinson               76,198   (11) *
Simon Soh               58,944     *
Ronnie Clariza 88,962     *
Victor Karpiak***             54,527     *
Kari A. Stenslie***               34,115     *
      
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (13 persons) 1,211,252   7.37

(Footnotes appear on following page)

 
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  Number of Shares  Percent of Shares 
Name Beneficially Owned (1)  Outstanding (%) 
       
Beneficial Owners of More Than 5%   
       
First Financial Northwest, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan   1,663,892(2)  8.85 
201 Wells Avenue South        
Renton, Washington 98057        
         
First Financial Northwest Foundation  1,535,400(3)  8.16 
P.O. Box 419        
Renton, Washington 98057        
         
Craig A. White  1,362,500(4)  7.25 
136 Heber Avenue, Suite 204        
Park City, Utah 84060        
         
Joseph Stilwell  1,603,298(5)  8.53 
111 Broadway, 12th Floor
        
New York, New York 10006        
         
O-Cap Partners, L.P.  964,603(6)  5.13 
c/o Mr. Lloyd Jagai        
712 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
        
New York, New York 10019        
         
Directors        
         
Victor Karpiak (7)  253,796(8)  1.35 
Joann E. Lee  133,764(9)  * 
Gary F. Kohlwes  175,564(10)  * 
Robert L. Anderson  118,564(11)  * 
Gerald Edlund  143,564(12)  * 
Gary F. Faull  132,764   * 
M. Scott Gaspard (7)(13)  81,896   * 
Daniel L. Stevens   --   * 
         
Named Executive Officers        
         
Kari A. Stenslie  75,447   * 
Roger Elmore  101,884   * 
Herman Robinson  52,999(14)  * 
         
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (11 persons)  1,270,242   6.75 
____________
*Less than one percent of shares outstanding.
**Also a named executive officer.
***Former officer.
(1)For directors and executive officers, includes shares of restricted stock, as to which the holders have voting but not dispositive power. The amounts shown also include the following number of shares whichthat the indicated individuals have the right to acquire within 60 days of the voting record date through the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan: Mr. Karpiak, 58,764 shares; Ms. Lee, 58,764 shares; Dr. Kohlwes, 58,764Mr. Anderson and Mr. Faull, 97,940 shares each; Mr. Kiley, 10,000 shares; Mr. Anderson, 58,764Padrick, 100,000 shares (granted pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Agreement discussed in note 10 below); Mr. Robinson, 40,000 shares; Mr. Edlund, 58,764Soh, 10,000 shares; Mr. Faull, 58,764 shares; Mr. Gaspard, 30,000 shares; Ms. Stenslie, 30,000 shares; Mr. Elmore, 30,000; and Mr. Robinson, 10,000Clariza, 50,000 shares; and all executive officers and directors as a group, 601,760 shares.
(2)The ESOP has sole voting power with respect to 1,213,172987,467 shares, shared voting power with respect to 450,720475,826 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,663,8921,463,293 shares.
(3)We established the First Financial Northwest Foundation in connection with the mutual to stock conversion of First Savings Bank (previously known as First Savings Bank of Renton) for the purpose of furthering our commitment to the local community. Shares of common stock held by the Foundation will be voted in the same proportion as all other shares of common stock on all proposals considered by First Financial’s shareholders.
(4)Based solely on a Schedule 13D dated January 20,28, 2008, regarding shares owned as of that date.date, reporting sole voting and dispositive power over the shares.
(Footnotes continue on following page)
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(5)Based solely on a Schedule 13D/A13F dated February 24, 2012.10, 2014, regarding shares owned as of December 31, 2013. According to that filing, Joseph Stilwell is the managing member of Stilwell Value LLC. Stilwell Value LLC is the general partner of Stilwell Activist Fund, L.P., Stilwell Activist Investments, L.P., Stilwell Associates, L.P., Stilwell Value Partners I, L.P., Stilwell Value Partners II, L.P., Stilwell Value Partners III, L.P., Stilwell Value Partners IV, L.P., Stilwell Value Partners V, L.P., Stilwell Value Partners VI, L.P., and Stilwell Value Partners VII, L.P., (together the “Value Funds”). Joseph Stilwell is also the general partner of Stilwell Partners L.P., Stilwell Associates, L.P., Stilwell Associates Insurance Fund (“SPLP” and, together with the Value Funds, the “Funds”). The securities reported in the Form 13F are held by one or more of The S.A.L.I. Multi-Series Fund L.P., Stilwell Value LLC, Stilwell Advisers LLC and Joseph Stilwell have shared voting and dispositive power over the shares reported.Funds.
(6)Based solely on a Schedule 13D dated January 18, 2012. According to that filing, O-CAP Management, L.P.,  O-CAP Advisors, LLC, O-CAP GP, LLC, Michael E. OlshanFebruary 10, 2014, regarding shares owned as of December 31, 2013, reporting sole voting power over 868,473 shares and Jared S. Sturdivant have shared voting andsole dispositive power over 964,603 shares, O-CAP Partners, L.P. has shared voting and dispositive power over 571,226 shares, and O-CAP Offshore Master Fund, L.P. and O-CAP Offshore Fund, Ltd. have shared voting and dispositive power over 393,377899,916 shares.
(7)Also a named executive officer of First Financial.
(8)
Includes 25,000 shares owned solely by his spouse, all of which were pledged  in connection with a loan to purchase the shares.
(9)Includes 15,000 shares owned solely by her spouse.
(10)(8)Includes 25,000 shares owned solely by his spouse, as well as 5,4008,200 shares owned as custodian for a minor.
(11)(9)Includes 25,000 shares held jointly with his spouse.
(12)(10)Includes 3,100 shares owned solely by his spouse, 16,600 shares held jointly with his spouse
Represents stock options granted under the Stock Option Agreement (Agreement) between Mr. Padrick and 23,000 shares owned by companies heStilwell Value LLC dated as of March 15, 2013. The Agreement provides that the stock options awarded to Mr. Padrick vested immediately and his spouse control.
(13)Mr. Gaspard resigned effective December 31, 2011, to become President ofwill expire on the Washington Financial League. On December 22, 2011, he was appointed asearlier of: (1) a directorchange in control of First Financial, as defined in the Agreement; (2) March 15, 2016 or such other date mutually agreed to by the parties pursuant to the Agreement; and (3) in the event Mr. Padrick resigns or is removed from First Savings Bank, effective January 1, 2012.Financial’s Board of Directors.
(14)(11)Includes 500 shares owned solely by his spouse.




PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
Our Board of Directors currently consists of eight members and is divided into three classes.  Approximately one-third of the directors are elected annually to serve for a three-year period or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.  In December 2011, Robert W. McLendon and Harry A. BlencoeEffective September 1, 2013, Victor Karpiak retired and M. Scott Gaspard and Daniel L. Stevens wereRichard P. Jacobson was appointed to fill the vacancies.vacancy.  Mr. Jacobson was recommended as a director by an independent director of First Financial.   In January 2012,2014, Mr. Anderson notified the Board of Directors voted to increase its size from eight to nine directors and appointed Spencer L. Schneider,that he will retire at the requestannual meeting of Joseph Stilwell,shareholders and will not seek reelection.  The Board has amended First Financial’s Bylaws to fill the vacancy created by the increase inreduce the size of the Board.  On February 15, 2012,Board from eight to seven members, effective upon Mr. Schneider resigned and the Board voted to decrease its size to eight directors.  Messrs. Gaspard and Stevens were recommended as directors by First Financial’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.Anderson’s retirement.

The table below sets forth information regarding each director of First Financial and each Board nominee for director.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors selects nominees for election as directors.  All of our nominees currently serve as First Financial directors.  Each nominee has consented to being named in this Proxy Statement and has agreed to serve if elected.  It is intended that the proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (other than proxies in which the vote is withheld as to the nominee) will be voted at the annual meeting for the election of the nominees identified in the table below. If a nominee is unable to stand for election, the Board of Directors will select a substitute nominee.  If a substitute nominee is selected, the proxy holders will vote your shares for the substitute nominee, unless you have withheld authority.  At this time, we are not aware of any reason why a nominee might be unable to serve if elected.

We believe it is important for the Board of Directors to have input from management in overseeing our operations and in setting our policies and procedures.  As a result, First Financial’s bylaws require that the President of First Financial also be a director.  The Board of Directors has not determined what action it may take, if any, in the event Mr. Karpiak, the President of First Financial, is not re-elected by the shareholders to the Board of Directors, but it is anticipated that if this occurs the Board would amend the bylaws to remove this requirement.

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The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of Victor Karpiak, M. Scott GaspardGary F. Kohlwes, Joseph W. Kiley III and Daniel L. Stevens on the white proxy card.Richard P. Jacobson.
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Name
 
Age as of
December 31, 2011
 
Year First Elected or
Appointed Director (1)
 
Term to
Expire
 
Age as of
December 31, 2013
 
Year First Elected or
Appointed Director (1)
 
Term to
Expire
      
BOARD NOMINEES
      
Victor Karpiak 57 1998 2015
M. Scott Gaspard 58 2011 2015
Daniel L. Stevens 68 2011 2015
Gary F. Kohlwes 77 1977       2017 (2)
Joseph W. Kiley III 58 2012       2017 (2)
Richard P. Jacobson 50 2013       2015 (2)
            
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
            
Daniel L. Stevens 70 2011 2015
Gary F. Faull 67 1999 2013 69 1999 2016
Joann E. Lee 56 2005 2013 58 2005 2016
Gary F. Kohlwes 75 1977 2014
Robert L. Anderson 78 1980 2014
Gerald Edlund 75 1985 2014
Kevin D. Padrick 58 2013 2016
___________
____________
(1)IncludesFor years prior to 2007, includes prior service on the Board of Directors of First Savings Bank (previously known as First Savings Bank of Renton).
(2)Assuming election or reelection.

Information Regarding Nominees for Election.  Set forth below is the principal occupation of each nominee for director.  All nominees have held their present positions for at least five years unless otherwise indicated.

Victor KarpiakDr. Gary F. Kohlwes isserves as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial, First Financial Diversified and First Savings Bank, positions he has held since March 20, 2013, September 1, 2013 and September 1, 2013, respectively.  He is also Chairman of First Financial’s Audit/Compliance/Risk Committee and has served as a director of First Financial, First Financial Diversified and the Bank since the companies were established in 2007 as part of the mutual to stock conversion process.  Mr. Karpiak also served as Chief Financial Officer from 2007 until February 2008.  Prior to the conversion, he held the same positions with our predecessors, First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank of Renton.  Before his appointment as President of First Savings Bank of Renton in 1999, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Karpiak has served as President and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Holdings, MHC and First Financial of Renton since they were established in 2002.  In January 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank of Renton.  He has been withserved as a director of First Savings Bank since 1977. Mr. KarpiakHe was appointed in 1982 to the board position of Secretary, a position he held until May 2011.  Dr. Kohlwes retired in 1997 after 40 years in education with the last 23 years as Superintendent of Public Schools for the Renton School District.  Since 1963, he has also owned, operated and managed a commercial fishing business in Naknek, Alaska.  Dr. Kohlwes is a member of the Board of Directors of Washington Pacific Insurance, SPA, a UW Medicine Board member and Valley Medical Center Trustee.  He is a past president and a current member of the Renton Rotary Club, past President and founding director of the Renton Community Foundation and a past elected Commissioner of Valley Medical Center.  In addition, Dr. Kohlwes is a Trustee of the First Financial Northwest Foundation and serves as its Executive Director.

Joseph W. Kiley III has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial and First Financial Diversified since September 1, 2013, a director of First Financial and ChairmanFirst Financial Diversified since December 31, 2012, and President, Chief Executive Officer and director of First Savings Bank since September 17, 2012.  He previously served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of Frontier Bank, F.S.B., Palm Desert, California, and its holding company, Western Community Bancshares, Inc.  Mr. Kiley has over 20 years of executive experience at banks, thrifts and their holding companies that includes serving as president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer and director.  Mr. Kiley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from the California State University, Chico and is a former California certified public accountant.  Mr. Kiley is an active member of the Renton Rotary and is a director with the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, a past director and Resource Development Chairman of Renton River Days, a director and Secretary of the Senior Housing Assistance Group, a member of the Renton Rotary Club, and a member and past President of the Kiwanis Club of Renton.Commerce.

M. Scott GaspardRichard P. Jacobson has served as Chief Operating Officer of First Savings Bank since July 9, 2013, and as Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Northwest, First Financial Diversified and the Bank since August 9, 2013.  He was appointed as a director of First Financial, First Financial Diversified and First Savings Bank effective September 1, 2013.  Mr. Jacobson served as of January 1, 2012.  Mr. Gaspard is President of the Washington Financial League, a trade association representing community bankers in the State of Washington.  From January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2011, he was Senior Vice President, External Affairs ofconsultant to First Financial Northwestfrom April 30, 2010 to April 6, 2012.  
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Subsequently he worked as a mortgage loan originator in Palm Desert, California from July 2012 to July 2013.  Previously, he had been employed by Horizon Financial Corp. and First Savings Bank.  Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Manager of GovernmentHorizon Bank, Bellingham, Washington for 23 years, and Industry Relations at Washington Mutual, Inc. from 2003 until December 31, 2008.  Before that, Mr. Gaspardhad served as an officer of the Washington Financial League from 1979 to 2003, becoming President, in 1981.  Mr. Gaspard is a director for the statewide, non-profit Washington Community Reinvestment Association.  He is the former ChairChief Executive Officer and current trustee of the Northwest Financial Association's Employee Benefit Trust, a multi-state multiple employer trust providing benefit plans for banks, thrifts and credit unions in Washington and Oregon.  Mr. Gaspard previously served as national president of the State Association of Trade Executives and as a director of America's Community Bankers (now partHorizon Financial Corp. and Horizon Bank from January 2008 to January 2010.  Mr. Jacobson also served as Chief Financial Officer of the American Bankers Association).Horizon Financial Corp. and Horizon Bank from March 2000 until October 2008.  Between 1985 and 2008, Mr. GaspardJacobson served in several other positions at Horizon Financial Corp. and Horizon Bank, and spent two years as a Washington state licensed real estate appraiser from 1992 to 1994.  Mr. Jacobson received his Bachelor of Science,Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Puget Sound.Washington. In addition, Mr. Jacobson graduated with honors from the American Banker Association’s National School of Banking.  Mr. Jacobson is a past president of the Whatcom County North Rotary club and has served on the boards of his church, the United Way, Boys and Girls Club and Junior Achievement.

Information Regarding Incumbent Directors.  The present principal occupation and other business experience during the last five years of each director continuing in office is set forth below.

Daniel L. Stevens was appointed as a director of First Financial, First Financial Diversified and First Savings Bank effective as of January 1, 2012.  Mr. Stevens is Chairman of the Board of Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. and Home Federal Bank, Boise, Idaho, positions he has held since 2004 and 1999, respectively.  He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. from 2004 to January 2008.  He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Home Federal Bank from 1995 to January 2008, and as President of Home Federal Bank from 1995 to September 2006.  Mr. Stevens worked in the financial services industry for over 35 years and served as an executive officer or chief executive officer
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for four other mutual and stock thrifts during his career.  He is past Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.  He served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Financial Operations Committee of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.  Mr. Stevens was a director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle from 1996 until 2004. He served as a director of America’s Community Bankers, served on America’s Community Bankers’ Federal Home Loan Bank System Committee, chaired the America’s Community Bankers Credit Union Committee, and was First Vice Chair of America’s Community Bankers COMPAC Board of Governors until the merger of America’s Community Bankers and the American Bankers Association in 2007.  He is a Past Chairman of the Board of the Idaho Bankers Association, a past Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, and a former director of the Midwest Conference of Community Bankers.  He is the former director of the Boise State University Foundation, and past Chairman of the United Way of Treasure Valley and the Nampa Neighborhood Housing Services Board of Directors.

Information Regarding Incumbent Directors.  The present principal occupation and other business experience during the last five years of each director continuing in office is set forth below.

Gary F. Faull serves as a director of First Financial, First Financial Diversified and First Savings Bank, positions held since the companies were established in 2007 as part of the mutual to stock conversion process.  Prior to the conversion, he served as a director of First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank of Renton.  Mr. Faull has served as a director of First Savingsthe Bank since 1999.  He is an attorney and has been self-employed since 1974 in the law firm of Gary F. Faull Law Offices.  Mr. Faull is a member of the Renton Rotary Club, the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars, having served in Vietnam and earning a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, a past director of the Renton Community Foundation and a past president of the South King County Bar Association.  Mr. Faull is also a Trustee of the First Financial Northwest Foundation and serves as its Secretary.

Joann E. Lee serves as a director of First Financial, First Financial Diversified and Compensation CommitteeFirst Savings Bank, as well as Chair of First FinancialFinancial’s Compensation and First Savings Bank,Awards Committee, positions held since the companies were established in 2007 as part of the mutual to stock conversion process.  She was appointed Secretary of First Financial asin May 2011 and of May 2011.First Savings Bank on September 1, 2013.  Ms. Lee is also the Board’s designated Financial Expert serving on the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee.  Prior to the conversion, she served as a director of First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank of Renton since 2005.  Ms. Lee is a Certified Public Accountant and has been the owner of Joann Lee & Associates, CPAs since 2002.  Prior to that, Ms. Lee spent 11 years as a Certified Public Accountant, including an eight yeareight-year career with the independent public accounting firm of RSM McGladrey.  She also served as their Director of the Small Business Division, Puget Sound Region.  Ms. Lee is a past president and current Board member of the Renton Rotary Club, and past member of Renton YMCA Board of Directors.  She is also a member of the Renton Communities in Schools, Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce and a past president and director of the Renton Technical College Foundation.  In addition
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Ms. Lee serves as a Trustee of the First Financial Northwest Foundation and serves as its Treasurer.

Dr. Gary F. KohlwesKevin D. Padrick serves as a director and Audit Committee Chairman of First Financial and First Savings Bank, positions held since the companies were established in 2007 as part of the mutual to stock conversion process.  Prior to the conversion, he held the same positions with First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank of Renton.  He has served as a director of First Savings Bank since 1977 and was appointed in 1982 to the board position of Secretary, a position he continues to hold.  Dr. Kohlwes retired in 1997 after 40 years in education with the last 23 years as Superintendent of Public Schools for the Renton School District.  He also was actively engaged as an owner/operator of a commercial fishing business in Naknek, Alaska, since 1963, an operation he continues to oversee.  Dr. Kohlwes is a member of the Board of Directors of Washington Pacific Insurance, SPA.  He is a past president and a current member of the Renton Rotary Club, past President and founding director of the Renton Community Foundation and a past elected Commissioner of Valley Medical Center.  In addition, Dr. Kohlwes is a Trustee of the First Financial Northwest Foundation and serves as its Executive Director.

Robert L. Anderson serves as a director and Chairman of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of First Financial and First Savings Bank, positions held since the companies were established in 2007 as part of the mutual to stock conversion process.  Prior to the conversion, he served as a director of First Financial, Holdings, MHC, First Financial of RentonDiversified and First Savings Bank effective as of Renton.March 14, 2013.  Mr. Anderson has served as a director of First Savings Bank of Renton since 1980 and as Secretary of First Financial Diversified since it was established in 1980 as Savren Service
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Corporation.  HePadrick is a retired attorney who, priorlawyer and Senior Principal and co-founder of Obsidian Finance Group, LLC, a hybrid financial advisory and investment firm based in Lake Oswego, Oregon.  Prior to his retirement in 1992, served asfounding Obsidian Finance Group, LLC, Mr. Padrick was a senior partner inwith the law firm, of Anderson, Jackson & Stephens.  During his professional career, Mr. Anderson was elected as a director onMiller Nash, LLP, where he chaired the Renton School District’s Board of Directors.insolvency department and represented debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, and creditors’ committees.  He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Renton and the South King County Bar Association.  Mr. Anderson is also a past director of the Ocean Shores Library Board and is currently a member of the Ocean Shores Kiwanis and the Associated Arts of Ocean Shores.  Mr. Anderson received his Bachelor of ArtsScience degrees in mathematics and psychology, and Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Washington and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Washington School of Law.

Gerald Edlund serves as a director of First Financial and First Savings Bank, positions held since the companies were established in 2007 as part of the mutual to stock conversion process.  Prior to the conversion, he served as a director of First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank of Renton.  Mr. Edlund has served as a director of First Savings Bank since 1985 and served as Secretary of First Financial Holdings, MHC, since it was established in 2002 until the conversion.  Mr. Edlund graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Landscape Architecture.  He has been a registered landscape architect in the State of Washington since 1973 and a member of Amercian Society of Landscape Architects since 1975.  As President of Edlund Associates, Inc., a landscape design/construction firm, since 1980, he has been responsible for site design, construction, budget development and project management of commercial, municipal and residential projects.  He has a broad knowledge of the building and construction industry in the area of site design and development.  Mr. Edlund is a member of the New Horizon School Board, a member and past president of the Renton Rotary Club and a member of the Allied Arts of Renton.  He was a member of the City of Renton Arts Commission for 24 years and served on the King County Open Space Citizens’ Oversight Committee.Santa Clara.

Contested Election

Joseph Stilwell and a group of funds he controls have nominate d two people to stand for election to the  First Financial Board of Directors at the annual meeting.YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO RETURN ONLY THE WHITE PROXY CARD WHICH IS ENCLOSED OR TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE WHITE PROXY CARD, AND TO VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE BOARD’S NOMINEES.
The Board of Directors, on the advice of counsel, believes that the Stilwell Group’s proxy solicitation and other recent actions may be in violation of federal banking law because the Stilwell Group has failed to either make the applicable commitments or the required regulatory filings under the control regulations of the Federal Reserve.   The Federal Reserve’s control rules generally prohibit any company from controlling a savings association without seeking and obtaining prior regulatory approval to become a savings and loan holding company. Investors seeking to avoid regulation and oversight as a savings and loan holding company are required to remain passive as to their involvement and influence over the management and policies of a savings and loan holding company, and the Federal Reserve has established specific passivity standards and related commitments to allow an investor to potentially qualify as a passive investor exempt from the control rules.
The Stilwell Group has not sought advance regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve.  Furthermore, First Financial believes the conduct and publicly expressed intent of the Stilwell Group would not enable it to qualify as a passive investor under the Federal Reserve’s rules. The Stilwell Group’s recent actions that raise concerns under the Federal Reserve’s control rules include: (1) mounting a proxy contest to elect two of its nominees to our Board of Directors; (2) demanding various actions or changes in the executive management, policies and business decisions of First Financial; (3) demanding to have Mr. Schneider placed on various Board committees of First Financial and its subsidiary, First Savings Bank; (4) owning in excess of 5% of First Financial’s common stock while taking or demanding the actions described above; and (5) other actions that have the intent and effect of exerting a controlling influence over the management and policies of First Financial. These actions are inconsistent with the Federal Reserve’s established rules and guidance on permissible passive investments that are exempt from advance regulatory approval.
We have requested guidance from the Federal Reserve and plan to await a final determination from them before considering the Stilwell Group’s nominees.  Therefore, we urge you to elect the directors recommended by the Board, by completing the enclosed white proxy card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, and not signing or
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returning any other proxy sent to you by other parties.  You may also vote by telephone or Internet by following the instructions on the white proxy card.
Background and Contacts with the Stilwell Group
This section sets forth a chronology of material discussions and contacts that First Financial and its representatives had with the principals and representatives of the Stilwell Group from September 12, 2011, which is the date that the Stilwell Group filed its Schedule 13D stating it intended to seek Board representation, through April __, 2012.
•  On September 15, 2011, John F. Breyer, Jr. of Breyer & Associates PC, Counsel to First Financial (“Company Counsel”), had discussion with Spencer L. Schneider regarding the Schedule 13D that was filed by the Stilwell Group on September 12, 2011.
•  From September 19, 2011 through September 29, 2011, Company Counsel had further discussion with Mr. Schneider conveying First Financial’s goals and stating that these goals were not inconsistent with those of the Stilwell Group.
•  On October 5, 2011, a meeting was convened in Renton, Washington at First Financial’s office in connection with Mr. Stilwell’s request that Mr. Schneider be added to First Financial’s and First Savings Bank’s Boards of Directors. In addition to Mr. Schneider, the meeting was attended by Company Counsel, Mr. Victor Karpiak of First Financial and Ms. Megan Parisi and Ms. Nina Nikpour, as representatives of Mr. Stilwell.
•  On October 6 and 11, 2011, Company Counsel had follow-up discussions with Mr. Schneider on the required regulatory applications to become a director of First Financial and First Savings Bank.
•  On October 14, 2011, Company Counsel provided draft resolutions to Mr. Schneider for his review.  The resolutions were to be submitted to First Financial’s Board in connection with the regulatory applications Mr. Schneider needed to complete to become a director of First Financial and First Savings Bank.
•  On October 19, 2011, First Financial’s Board met and adopted resolutions authorizing Company Counsel and First Financial management to assist Mr. Schneider in completing his regulatory applications.
•  On October 28, 2011, Mr. Schneider contacted Company Counsel regarding the required Federal Reserve,  FDIC and Washington DFI application forms for his appointment as a director.
•  On October 30, 2011, Mr. Schneider contacted Company Counsel commenting on the difficult disclosure issues that needed to be addressed in his applications and requested that Company Counsel review his applications.  Mr. Schneider also questioned the need for filing the required applications and related financial information.  Company Counsel explained the reasons the applications and related financial information are required and sent Mr. Schneider comments on his applications.
•  On November 2, 3 and 7, 2011, Mr. Schneider followed up with Company Counsel on questions he had on his comments on the application materials.
•  On November 7, 2011, Mr. Schneider emailed Company Counsel additional questions regarding the Federal Reserve, FDIC and Washington DFI applications. Company Counsel responded to Mr. Schneider’s questions and provided Mr. Schneider the form to be used to request confidential treatment for portions of his application materials.  Mr. Schneider advised Company Counsel of the filing of an amended Schedule 13D by the Stilwell Group to reflect the addition of another Stilwell fund to the Stilwell Group.
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•  On November 8, 2011, Company Counsel had discussions with Mr. Schneider about additional information to be included in his application materials.  Company Counsel provided Mr. Schneider with these additional application materials as well as contact information for submitting these materials to the Federal Reserve, FDIC and Washington DFI.
•  On November 9, 2011, Company Counsel received materials from Mr. Schneider for his application, assembled the application materials, emailed Mr. Schneider the copies to be filed, received Mr. Schneider’s authorization for filing, and sent the filings via overnight mail to the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the Washington DFI on behalf of Mr. Schneider.
•  On November 14, 2011, Company Counsel exchanged emails with Mr. Schneider regarding FDIC forms that were missing from Mr. Schneider’s filing.
•  On November 15, 2011, Company Counsel exchanged emails with Mr. Schneider regarding the  name check form and fingerprint card required by the FDIC.
•  On November 16, 2011, Company Counsel sent a follow-up email to Mr. Schneider regarding the Federal Reserve application and telephone calls received by Mr. Schneider from the Federal Reserve.
•  On November 17, 2011, Company Counsel had discussion with Mr. Schneider and prepared a letter on his behalf to transmit additional application materials to the Federal Reserve, FDIC and Washington DFI.
•  On November 18, 2011, Company Counsel received an email from Mr. Schneider that the Federal Reserve had accepted his application. Company Counsel confirmed to Mr. Schneider that the acceptance was not an approval.  The Federal Reserve also requested confirmation from Mr. Schneider of certain information included in his application, which required correction. Company Counsel received an email from Mr. Schneider regarding supplementary materials to be provided to the Federal Reserve, FDIC and Washington DFI.
•  On November 21, 2011, Company Counsel sent the Federal Reserve Mr. Schneider’s fingerprint card in connection with the application materials being processed for Mr. Schneider’s appointment as a director of First Financial.  Similarly, Company Counsel sent the FDIC and the Washington DFI additional materials (i.e., name check form and consent for release of information and fingerprint card) on Mr. Schneider’s behalf in connection with the application materials being processed for Mr. Schneider’s appointment as a director of First Savings Bank.
•  On November 28, 2011, Company Counsel received an email sent by the Federal Reserve to Mr. Schneider that indicated the Federal Reserve had received all of the required materials in connection with Mr. Schneider’s appointment as a director of First Financial.
•  On December 1, 2011, Company Counsel followed-up with the Federal Reserve regarding Mr. Schneider’s application materials.
•  On December 9, 2011, Company Counsel emailed Mr. Schneider a letter received from the Federal Reserve-San Francisco notifying Company Counsel that the Federal Reserve was extending its review of Mr. Schneider’s application materials.
•  On December 12, 2011, Company Counsel emailed Mr. Schneider a letter received from the FDIC deeming his application complete.  Mr. Schneider required clarification of the FDIC letter and also informed Company Counsel that he had spoken with the Federal Reserve examiner regarding supplemental information that he would be filing in connection with his pending application.
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•  On December 13, 2011, Mr. Schneider emailed supplemental information to the Federal Reserve and FDIC regarding his application, with a copy of the email provided to the Washington DFI.
•  On December 14, 2011, Mr. Schneider emailed Company Counsel a copy of the Washington DFI approval of his appointment as a director of First Savings Bank.
•  On December 15, 2011, Company Counsel received the FDIC’s approval of Mr. Schneider’s appointment as a director of First Savings Bank.
•  On December 19 and December 20, 2011, Mr. Schneider emailed Company Counsel inquiring if any additional actions could be taken to obtain Federal Reserve approval in light of the non-objections received from the FDIC and Washington DFI.  Company Counsel placed a call to the Federal Reserve on December 20, 2011 regarding Mr. Schneider’s request.
•  On December 23, 2011, Mr. Schneider emailed Company Counsel the Federal Reserve approval letter. Mr. Karpiak notified Mr. Schneider that his appointment was being placed on the agenda for the Board’s January 25, 2012 meeting and requested that Mr. Schneider email a copy of his Federal Reserve application (without financials) to support the Board of Director’s review of his qualifications as a director of First Financial.
•  On December 24, 2011, Company Counsel emailed Messrs. Karpiak and Gaspard regarding two concerns that Mr. Schneider had: (1) preparation of a nondisclosure agreement (“NDA”) to allow him to share information he receives as a director with Mr. Stilwell while he is on the Board; and (2)  Mr. Stilwell’s disappointment that Mr. Schneider’s appointment to the Board was delayed until February 2012.  Mr. Schneider indicated that he and Mr. Stilwell did not want to wait until the January 2012 regularly scheduled Board meeting to be appointed as a director and would prefer a special Board meeting be called that he could attend.
•  On December 28, 2011, Mr. Schneider emailed Company Counsel a draft of the NDA for review.
•  On January 9, 2012, Company Counsel sent comments on the NDA to Mr. Schneider for review.
•  On January 10, 2012, Mr. Schneider sent the revised NDA with additional comments to Company Counsel.
•  On January 11, 2012, First Financial’s and Bank’s Boards of Directors voted to approve the appointment of Mr. Schneider to the respective Boards.  First Financial signed and returned the NDA to Mr. Schneider. Following the special Board meeting, Director Gaspard and Mr. Karpiak held a conference call with Mr. Schneider to welcome him to the Board and provide him with confidential information about specific matters the Board was addressing.
•  On January 12, 2012, Company Counsel and Mr. Schneider exchange emails regarding the timing of First Financial’s press release announcing Mr. Schneider’s appointment to First Financial and Bank’s Boards.  Company Counsel reminded Mr. Schneider that in connection with his appointment as a director he would need to file a Form 3 with the SEC within 10 days of his appointment and offered to provide him with standard information regarding his reporting obligations as a director of First Financial.  Company Counsel prepared and sent Mr. Schneider a draft Form 3 for his review.
•  Mr. Schneider emailed Mr. Karpiak and requested copies of Board packages for the past four meetings and any other relevant materials.  Mr. Schneider also emailed Mr. Karpiak’s assistant to request that the materials be sent to him via overnight mail and also provided to him via email.  Mr. Karpiak’s assistant provided Mr. Schneider with electronic access, including access codes, to the Board material.  Mr. Karpiak’s assistant also indicated to Mr. Schneider that the requested materials would be sent to him via overnight mail. Mr. Schneider responded that the December Board minutes were not included
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in the items posted securely online.  The assistant apologized and indicated that paper copies would be included in his materials being sent via overnight mail and that December had now been posted to the secure online site.
•  On January 13, 2012, Mr. Schneider contacted Mr. Karpiak asking to push the January 25, 2012 Board meeting back two days.  As a result of scheduling conflicts, the date of the meeting could not be rescheduled.
•  On January 16, 2012, Mr. Schneider emailed Mr. Karpiak’s assistant for contact information (including email addresses) for First Financial’s Board members.  The assistant responded that she was out of the office until the following day and provided a contact at First Financial from whom Mr. Schneider could obtain the requested information.  Company Counsel had further discussion with Mr. Schneider on materials he is receiving from First Financial and his Form 3 reporting requirements.
•  On January 17, 2012, Mr. Schneider emailed Mr. Karpiak regarding his January 16, 2012 request for contact information for the Board, requesting that Mr. Karpiak “assist me in getting this simple information sent to me by someone by email.”  Mr. Karpiak’s assistant, apologizing for the delay, provided Mr. Schneider with the requested information.  Mr. Schneider also contacted Mr. Karpiak to indicate that he would need to dial into the Board meeting scheduled for January 25, 2012.  Mr. Schneider emailed Mr. Karpiak, copying First Financial’s Board members, regarding where he could locate “any reference to board discussions on evaluating the alternative of finding a merger partner.”
•  On January 18, 2012, Mr. Karpiak indicated to Mr. Schneider that the Board only had informal discussions on his request to evaluate alternatives of finding a merger partner and that nothing would be referenced in Board materials.  Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Karpiak to provide a summary of the discussion and any materials First Financial’s investment banker had provided.  Mr. Schneider also requested that the matter be discussed further (as offered by Mr. Karpiak) at the January 25, 2012 Board meeting.  Mr. Schneider requested the Executive Committee minutes for the past four months. Mr. Karpiak’s assistant provided these minutes to Mr. Schneider.
•  On January 19, 2012, Mr. Schneider emailed Company Counsel regarding the NDA indicating that there may be more people from the Stilwell Group that need to be included.
•  On January 23, 2012, Mr. Schneider emailed Mr. Karpiak’s assistant to indicate that he would need to dial into the Board meeting scheduled for January 25, 2012 and requesting dial-in information.  The assistant also provided Mr. Schneider information for receiving Board fees.
•  On January 25, 2012, Mr. Schneider called into the Board meeting that he was not able to attend. As offered by Mr. Karpiak, an executive session was held to discuss merger and acquisition activity in the Company’s market area and to schedule a date for the investment banker to make a presentation to the Board.
•  On February 6, 2012, Mr. Schneider requested that Mr. Karpiak’s assistant provide him with a schedule of the Compensation and Governance Committee meetings and information on the expected duration of the scheduled February 15, 2012 meeting.  The assistant suggested to Mr. Schneider that he contact the chairs of each committee for further information and provided the general time frame for the February 15, 2012 meeting.  Mr. Schneider requested that the assistant provide him with minutes for all Compensation and Governance committee meetings since January 2011.  The assistant emailed Mr. Schneider the approved and draft minutes for the Compensation and Governance committees.
•  On February 10, 2012, Mr. Schneider asked when he could expect the board packet for the February 15, 2012 meeting and requested that the materials be delivered via overnight mail for Saturday delivery.  Mr. Karpiak’s assistant emailed Mr. Schneider that Board materials would now
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be provided to Board members electronically through iPads supplied by First Financial.  Mr. Schneider told Mr. Karpiak this is repulsive.  Mr. Schneider requested the minutes from the Board meeting that approved the iPads.  Mr. Schneider and Company Counsel had an email exchange regarding the need for the iPads.

•  On February 12, 2012, Company Counsel emailed Mr. Karpiak regarding a telephone call he received from Mr. Schneider in which Mr. Schneider stated he was upset because the draft annual meeting proxy materials indicated that he was only being nominated for a one-year term instead of a three-year term.  Mr. Schneider indicated that he wanted revised board materials sent out on February 13, 2012 to reflect that he would be nominated for a three-year term.
•  On February 13, 2012, Mr. Schneider requested a copy of the employment material referenced in the December 16, 2011 Compensation Committee minutes.  Mr. Karpiak’s assistant provided these materials to Mr. Schneider via email along with a copy of the Consent Order that had been previously requested.  Mr. Karpiak emailed the Board and indicated that he would propose that Mr. Schneider’s proposed term be changed from a one-year term to a three-year term.
•  On February 15, 2012, the Board meeting was held and Mr. Schneider demanded that the Board take three actions: (1) remove the pictures of past directors from the walls of the building; (2) serve no refreshments and only hard candies at the annual meeting of shareholders; and (3) immediately terminate the Director Emeritus Policy.  Mr. Schneider then told the Board he would step out of the room so they could discuss his demands and determine how to proceed.  The Board discussed the demands and invited Mr. Schneider to rejoin the meeting.  The Board suggested that these items be placed on the agenda for the March Board meeting (due to legal concerns regarding termination of the Director Emeritus Policy) and Mr. Schneider refused and resigned immediately.  The Stilwell Group filed materials with the SEC indicating Mr. Schneider’s resignation.
•  On February 16, 2012, Mr. Schneider sent a formal resignation letter to Mr. Karpiak.
•  On February 17, 2012, First Financial issued a press release regarding Mr. Schneider’s resignation. Company Counsel provided notice to Mr. Schneider that a Form 8-K was being filed with the SEC regarding his resignation.
•  On February 22, 2012, Mr. Stilwell sent a letter to First Financial demanding a copy of First Financial’s shareholder list.
•  On February 24, 2012, the Stilwell Group filed an amended Schedule 13D with the SEC reporting its ownership as 8.5% of First Financial’s outstanding common stock.  The filing was also filed with the SEC as proxy soliciting materials.
•  On February 28, 2012, First Financial provided Mr. Stilwell’s counsel, Mr. Schneider, a copy of First Financial’s shareholder list and related materials he had requested.  Mr. Stilwell filed a letter with the SEC that was sent to First Financial’s shareholders as soliciting materials.
•  On March 29, 2012 the Company received from Stilwell Value Partners, III, L.P. a Notice of Intent to Nominate Joseph Stilwell and Spencer Schneider as directors at the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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Director Qualifications and Experience

The following table identifies the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that the Nominating Committee considered in making its decision to nominate directors to our Board.  The fact that a particular attribute was not considered does not mean that the director lacks such an attribute.

 AndersonEdlundFaullGaspardJacobsonKarpiakKileyKohlwesLeePadrickStevens
Experience, Qualification, Skill or Attribute       
Professional standing in chosen field
Expertise in financial services or related industry  
Certified public accountant or financial expert    
Attorney    
Civic and community involvement 
Leadership and team building skills
Diversity by race, gender or culture      
Specific skills/knowledge:       
     Finance
     Technology     
     Marketing   
     Public affairs
     Human resources
     Human resourcesGovernance 
     Governance
     Compensation



MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

Board of Directors

The Boards of Directors of First Financial and First Savings Bank conduct their business through board and committee meetings.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011,2013, the Board of Directors of First Financial held 13 meetings and the Board of Directors of the Bank held 1312 meetings.  No director of First Financial or the Bank attended fewer than 75 percent of the total meetings of the boards and committees on which that person served during this period.

Committees and Committee Charters

The Board of Directors of First Financial has standing Audit,Audit/Compliance/Risk, Compensation and Awards, Nominating and Corporate Governance, Executive and AwardsExecutive committees.  The Board has adopted written charters for the Audit,Audit/Compliance/Risk, Compensation and Awards, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees, copies of which are available on our website at www.fsbnw.com.

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AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee.  The AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee consists of Directors Kohlwes (Chair), Faull and Lee.  The Committee meets at least quarterly to oversee the integrity of the financial reporting process, financial statementexternal and internal audits, third party credit reviews, determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and systemslease losses and the system of internal controls.control.  The Committee also appoints the independent auditor and retains service providers for internal audit and third party credit reviews, and reviews the audit reportvarious reports prepared by the independent auditor.auditor and the other service providers it appoints.  The AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee met 1517 times during the year ended December 31, 2011.2013.

Each member of the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee is “independent” in accordance with the requirements for companies listed on Nasdaq.  In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Lee meets the definition of “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the SEC.
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Compensation and Awards Committee.  The Compensation and Awards Committee consists of Directors Lee (Chair), Kohlwes, Anderson, EdlundPadrick, Faull and Faull.Stevens.  The Committee meets at least twice a year to provide oversight regarding personnel, compensation and benefits related matters.  The Committee is also responsible for evaluating First Financial’s Chief Executive Officer and making recommendations to the full Board regarding director compensation.  Each member of the Committee is “independent,” in accordance with the requirements for companies listed on Nasdaq.  This Committee met threesix times during the year ended December 31, 2011.2013.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which currently consists of Directors Anderson (Chair), Edlund, LeePadrick and Kohlwes, assures that we maintain the highest standards and best practices in all critical areas relating to the management of the business of First Financial.  The Committee also selects nominees for the election of directors and assesses Board and committee membership needs.  The Committee meets at least twice a year.  Each member of the Committee is “independent,” in accordance with the requirements for companies quoted on Nasdaq.  This Committee met threefive times during the year ended December 31, 2011.2013.

Only those nominations made by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or properly presented by shareholders will be voted upon at the annual meeting.  In its deliberations for selecting candidates for nominees as director, the Committee considers the candidate’s knowledge of the banking business, including regulatory and compliance matters, strategic planning, finance, accounting and finance and accountingoverall best industry practices.  The Committee also considers the candidate’s involvement in community, business and civic affairs, and whether the candidate would provide for adequate representation of First Savings Bank’s market area.   Any nominee for director made by the Committee must be highly qualified with regard to some or all these attributes.  The Committee strives to have a Board with diverse experience in areas relevant to First Financial’s business.  In searching for qualified director candidates to fill vacancies on the Board, the Committee solicits its current Board of Directors for names of potentially qualified candidates.  Additionally, the Committee may request that membersuse the services of the Board of Directors pursue their own business contacts for the names of potentiallya professional search firm to solicit qualified candidates. The Committee would then consider the potential pool of director candidates, select the candidate it believes best meets the then-current needs of the Board, and conduct a thorough investigation of the proposed candidate’s background to ensure there is no past history that would cause the candidate not to be qualified to serve as one of our directors.  Although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter does not specifically provide for the consideration of shareholder nominees for directors, the Committee will consider director candidates recommended by a shareholder that are submitted in accordance with our Articles of Incorporation.  Because our Articles of Incorporation provide a process for shareholder nominations, the Committee did not believe it was necessary to provide for shareholder nominations of directors in its charter.  If a shareholder submits a proposed nominee, the Committee would consider the proposed nominee, along with any other proposed nominees recommended by members of our Board of Directors, in the same manner in which the Committee would evaluate its nominees for director.  For a description of the proper procedure for shareholder nominations, see “Shareholder Proposals” in this Proxy Statement.

As noted above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers a number of criteria when selecting new members of the Board.  Those criteria as well as having strong personal attributes, including a record of achievement and an understanding of diverse backgrounds and experience, are considered to provide for diversity on our Board of Directors.  These diversity factors are considered when the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Board are seeking to fill a vacancy or new seat on the Board.

Awards Committee.  The Awards Committee consists of Directors Lee (Chair), Kohlwes and Anderson, and is responsible for making awards under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and administering the Plan.  The Committee did not meet during the year ended December 31, 2011.

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Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee, consisting of Directors Karpiak (Chairman)Director Kiley (Chair) and any two non-employee directors, acts for the Board of Directors when formal Board action is required between regular meetings.  The Committee has the authority to exercise all powers of the full Board of Directors, except that it does not have the power to act in place of the Audit, Compensation, or Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.  The Executive Committee met three timesdid not meet during the year ended December 31, 2011.2013.
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Leadership Structure

TheIn 2013, the Board decided to separate the roles of Directors believes that ourChairman and Chief Executive Officer is best situatedwith the role of Chairman now being filled by an independent director to serve as Chairman because he is the director most familiar with our business and most capable of effectively identifying strategic priorities and leading the discussion and execution of strategy.provide more independent oversight.  To supplement information flow, the entire Management Committee, which represents all business lines, attends each Board Meeting.  The Board recognizes that independent directors and management have different perspectives and roles in developing our strategy.  Our independent directors bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside First Financial and the financial services industry, while the Chief Executive Officer brings company-specific experience anda wealth of banking expertise.  The Board believes that separating the combined roleroles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer promotes a more dynamic strategic development and execution and facilitates information flow between management and the Board,provides independent oversight, which are essentialimportant to effective governance.

One of the key responsibilities of the Board is to develop strategic direction and hold management accountable for the execution of that strategy once it is developed.  The Board believes that combining the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is in the best interest of shareholders because it provides the appropriate measures for strategic development.  To provide oversight and balance to management, the Board has established a practice of holding executive sessions consisting of non-management directors as needed.  AlthoughThe non-management directors also meet with independent service providers, such as the Board does not haveindependent auditor, credit reviewer and internal auditor, as needed.  The Chairman, or in his absence, a lead independent director, an independent director is appointed to facilitatefacilitates each executive session and as facilitator has the responsibility ofis responsible for consulting with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, acting as a liaison between management and the non-management directors.

Board Involvement in Risk Management Process

The Board of Directors and committees take an active role in overseeing management of First Financial’s risks.  The Board regularly reviews information regarding our asset quality, liquidity, operations and regulatory standings, as well as the risks associated with each.  The Compensation Committee and Awards Committee areis responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements.  To mitigate excessive risk taking by management, all incentive compensation plans remain strictly subjective and awards are made at the Committee’s sole discretion based on overall corporate performance, peer group data, management’s collective contribution and individual performance measurements.  The AuditAudit/ Compliance/Risk Committee oversees management of financial risks, inclusive ofincluding reviewing audited financial statements, engaging independent external auditors and internal auditors, and conducting discussions with management regarding quarterly and annual public filings.  Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee manages risks associated with the independence of the Board of Directors and potential conflicts of interest.  While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire Board of Directors is regularly informed through committee reports about these risks.

As a result of First Savings Bank’s improved financial condition, the Bank’s Board of Directors changed its committee structure in 2013.  The revised committee structure is intended to increase the Board’s oversight of the risk typically associated with the growth of the Bank.  In recent years, the focus has been on the oversight of the Bank’s asset quality and resolving regulatory matters, which had required the Bank to suppress its growth.  Now that the Bank is positioned for growth, additional emphasis will be placed on: (1) lending oversight through the Directors’ Loan Committee; (2) asset/liability management through a newly formed Bank Investments and Asset Liability Committee; and (3) asset classification and loan loss estimates through a newly formed Bank Internal Asset Review Committee.  It is expected that these new Bank Board committees will provide more independent Board oversight and will reduce the scope and frequency of meetings of the First Financial’s Audit/Compliance/Risk Committee.

Corporate Governance

We are committed to establishing and maintaining high standards of corporate governance.  Our executive officers and Board of Directors have worked together to establish a comprehensive set of corporate governance
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initiatives that they believe will serve the long-term interests of our shareholders and employees.  These initiatives are intended to comply with the provisions contained in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules and regulations of the SEC adopted thereunder, and the Nasdaq rules.  Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate and improve our corporate governance principles and policies as necessary and as required.

Director Independence.  Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.  In accordance with Nasdaq requirements, at least a majority of our directors must be independent directors.  The Board has determined that six of our eight directors are independent, as defined by Nasdaq.  Directors Kohlwes, Faull, Lee, Edlund, Anderson, Stevens and StevensPadrick are all independent.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.  On May 18, 2011,June 19, 2013, the Board of Directors approved the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.  The Code is applicable to each of our directors, officers, including the principal executive officer and senior financial officers, and employees and requires individuals to maintain the highest standards of
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professional conduct.  A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.fsbnw.com.

Shareholder Communication with the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors welcomes communication from shareholders.  Shareholders may send communications to the Board of Directors, First Financial Northwest, Inc., 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington  98057.  Shareholders should indicate clearly the director or director(s) to whom the communication is being sent so that each communication may be forwarded appropriately.

Annual Meeting Attendance by Directors.  First Financial encourages, but does not require, its directors to attend the annual meeting of shareholders.  All directors attended last year’s annual meeting of shareholders.

Transactions with Related Persons.  First Savings Bank has followed a policy of granting loans to officers and directors whichthat fully complies with all applicable federal regulations.  Loans to directors and executive officers are made in the ordinary course of business and on the same terms and conditions as those of comparable transactions with all customers prevailing at the time, in accordance with our underwriting guidelines, and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

All loans made to our directors and executive officers are subject to federal regulations restricting loans and other transactions with affiliated persons of First Savings Bank.  Loans and available lines of credit to all directors and executive officers and their associates totaled approximately $545,000$548,000 at December 31, 2011,2013, which was less than 0.30one percent of our equity at that date.  All loans to directors and executive officers were performing in accordance with their terms at December 31, 2011.2013.  Total deposits of directors and executive officers were approximately $3.5$1.9 million at December 31, 2011.2013.

We recognize that transactions between First Financial, First Financial Diversified or First Savings Bank and any of its directors or executive officers can present potential or actual conflicts of interest and create the appearance that these decisions are based on considerations other than theour best interest of First Savings Bank.interests.  Therefore, as a general matter, and in accordance with the Bank’sFirst Financial Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, for Employees, Officers and Directors, it is our preference to avoid such transactions.  Nevertheless, we recognize that there are situations where such transactions may be in, or may not be inconsistent with, theour best interests of First Savings Bank.interests.  Accordingly, the Bank haswe have adopted an informal policy whichthat requires itsthe Compensation and Awards Committee to review and, if appropriate, to approve or ratify any such transaction.  In the event that a member of the Committee is a participant in the transaction, then that member is required to abstain from the discussion, approval or ratification process.  Pursuant to the policy, the Committee will review any transaction in which First SavingsFinancial or the Bank is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any of the directors or executive officers had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.  After its review, the Committee will only approve or ratify those transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, theour best interests, of First Financial and First Savings Bank, as the Committee determines in good faith.

Director Edlund is a principal in the firm Edlund Associates, Inc., which is a landscape architecture company that provides design/building services.  His company has a landscape maintenance contract with First Savings Bank pursuant to which the company was paid $28,761 in 2011.
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DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION

DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION


The following table shows the compensation paid to our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Directors who are employees of First Financial or any of its subsidiaries are not compensated for their services as directors; accordingly, compensation information for Victor Karpiak,2013, other than Joseph W. Kiley III, who is our President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard P. Jacobson, our Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and Victor Karpiak, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, whose compensation is included in the section entitled “Executive Compensation.”  The directors did not receive any stock or option awards and we did not offer anyor non-equity incentive compensation during this period;period, nor did they participate in a pension plan or receive above-market earnings on deferred compensation; therefore, these columns have been omitted from the table.
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Name
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
 
Change in Pension Value
and Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Earnings
($)
 
All Other
Compensation ($)(1)
 Total ($) 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
 Option Awards ($) 
All Other
Compensation ($)(1)
 Total ($)
                
Robert L. Anderson 41,650 --   8,250 49,900 46,400       --      278   46,678
Harry A. Blencoe (2) 33,750 (3)       53,725 (4) 87,475
Gerald Edlund 42,900 --       41,511 (5) 84,411
Gary F. Faull 50,600 -- 17,250 67,850 56,000       -- 13,860   69,860
Gary F. Kohlwes 55,250 -- 18,750 74,000 61,150       -- 13,860   75,010
Joann E. Lee 47,600 -- 17,250 64,850 54,500       --   9,360   63,860
Robert W. McLendon (2) 36,600 --   1,500 38,100
Kevin D. Padrick (2) 34,617    296,810 (3) 13,500 344,927
Daniel L. Stevens 44,225       -- 18,000   62,225
M. Scott Gaspard (4)   4,700       --         --     4,700
_________________________
(1)Unless otherwise noted, consists of reimbursementsdividends received on restricted stock, a stipend for travel to and from, and attendance at conferences and training sessions. For directors who live outside of Washington, also includes a travel stipend for attendance at Board meetings.
(2)Messrs. Blencoe and McLendon submitted their resignationsMr. Padrick was appointed to the Board effective December 31, 2011.March 14, 2013.
(3)The present
Represents the grant date fair value of Director Blencoe’s supplemental retirement agreement (described below) decreased100,000 stock options granted under the Stock Option Agreement (Agreement) between Mr. Padrick and Stilwell Value LLC dated as of March 15, 2013. The Agreement provides that the stock options awarded to Mr. Padrick vested immediately and will expire on the earlier of: (1) a change in control of First Financial, as defined in the Agreement; (2) March 15, 2016 or such other date mutually agreed to by $14,248the parties pursuant to the Agreement; and (3) in 2011 and the present valueevent Mr. Padrick resigns or is removed from First Financial’s Board of his pension plan decreased by $7,000.Directors.
(4)Represents compensation received pursuant to Director Blencoe’s supplemental retirement agreement.
(5)Director Edlund is a principal in Edlund Associates, Inc., a landscape design/construction firm; represents $28,761 in indirect compensation received through his firm pursuant to a landscape maintenance contract and $12,750 in reimbursements.Mr. Gaspard resigned effective March 20, 2013.

Each director of First Financial is also a director of First Savings Bank.  The directors received no additional compensation for attendance at any meeting ofBank and First Financial’s Board of Directors during the year ended December 31, 2011.Financial Diversified.  The directors are compensated only for their service on First Savings Bank’s Board of Directors.Directors with an allocation of cost to First Financial.  Non-employee directors of First Savings Bank receive a semi-annual retainer of $10,000 ($20,000 annually), a fee of $1,200 for each Board meeting attended andin person ($600 for each meeting attended telephonically), with the Chairman receiving an additional $450 per meeting.  Committee members also receive a fee of $550 per committee meeting attended in person ($275 for each meeting attended telephonically), with the Committee Chair receiving an additional $400 per meeting.  In addition, directors receive $1,500 per day for travel to and from, and attendance at conferences, and directors who reside outside the State of Washington are compensated for travel to regular monthly Board meetings at the rate of $1,000 per meeting.

First Savings Bank’sThe Compensation and Awards Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the amount of fees paid for service on the Board.  For 2012,2014, the Committee recommended no increases in fees from the 20112013 levels.  This recommendation was accepted by the Board of Directors.

 
Director Blencoe is the former Chief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank.  In 1991, First Savings Bank entered into an Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan Participation Agreement with him to provide certain benefits upon his normal retirement, early retirement or death prior to retirement.  Director Blencoe retired effective December 31, 2004, which constituted normal retirement under the agreement.  The agreement provides him with a monthly payment of $4,477 for a total of 180 months.  As of December 31, 2011, payments will continue for 96 months, or 8 years.  In the event of Director Blencoe’s death before all payments are made, First Savings Bank will continue making the payments to his designated beneficiary until a total of 180 payments have been made.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis

In this section, we will give an overview of our compensation program, the material compensation decisions we have made under the program and the material factors that we considered in making those decisions.  Following this discussion, in the section entitled “Executive Compensation,” we provide a series of tables containing specific information about the compensation earned or paid in 2011, 2010 and 2009 to the following officers, who are known as our named executive officers:

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Joseph W. Kiley III, President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard P. Jacobson, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Herman L. Robinson, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
Simon Soh, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
Ronnie Clariza, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
Victor Karpiak, Chairman,former President and Chief Executive Officer
Kari A. Stenslie, former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Roger Elmore, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
M. Scott Gaspard, Former Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Herman Robinson, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
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All compensation matters concerning our executive and non-executive officers are made at the sole discretion of the Compensation and Awards Committee, which is comprised of all independent directors.  Compensation determinations are made based on the Compensation and Awards Committee’s independent review of management recommendations and peer group surveys, for both base salary and total compensation.  The peer group data is derived from the Northwest Financial Industry Survey prepared by Milliman, Inc., a global firm of consultants and actuaries serving the full spectrum of business, governmental and financial organizations since 1947, and in association with the Washington Financial League, the Washington Bankers Association and the Oregon Bankers Association.  Mr. Karpiak’sIn addition, the Compensation and Awards Committee engaged a compensation consultant in 2013 to review officer and non-officer compensation.  The results of this review are discussed below.

The Chief Executive Officer’s role is limited to providing information regarding the executive and non-executive officers to the Compensation and Awards Committee Chair, which includes salary and bonus histories for the past three years, performance highlights, level of responsibility and compensation recommendations for each officer.  Mr. KarpiakThe Chief Executive Officer does not provide any recommendation with respect to his individual compensation.  Salary levels are provided as a specific dollar amount and are based on a range between the 50th and 75th percentile of the peer group data provided by the above-referenced survey relative to the officer’s responsibilities and professional development.  Following receipt of this information, the Compensation and Awards Committee Chair reviews the selected materials along with supplemental information independently acquired.  HerThe Chair's analysis is then incorporated into a summary packet whichthat is provided to the Compensation and Awards Committee for their review prior to a regularly scheduled meeting.  At the committeeCommittee meeting, the Chair makes salary and bonus recommendations whichthat are considered by the committee,Committee, however, the Compensation and Awards Committee makes the final decision and may adjust the compensation levels until a unanimous agreement is reached.  In theirits deliberations, the Compensation and Awards Committee focuses on corporate performance, position emphasis, retention issues and management development.  To further supplement theirits analysis, the Compensation and Awards Committee will useuses the services of compensation consultants on an as needed basis.
 
The discussion below is intended to help you understand the detailed information provided in the executive compensation tables and put that information into context within our overall compensation program.

2011 Executive2013 Compensation Highlights.

The Board of Directors of First Financial, at its January 2013 meeting, elected to freeze the Pentengra Defined Benefit Plan effective, March 31, 2013.  Freezing the plan eliminates all future benefit accruals for employees.  Each employee’s accrued benefit was determined as of March 31, 2013.

In light of2013, the challenging operating environment, the cash compensation of our named executive officers has remained stable over the last several years.  The Compensation and Awards Committee did not retainretained the services of a consulting firm, third party compensation specialist, Meyer-Chatfield Compensation Advisors, Inc.  They were engaged to initially review non-officer incentive plans, which is still in 2011.  The Committee concluded that hiringprogress in early 2014, as well as analyze officer cash and incentive plans.  Meyer Chatfield is currently performing a consulting firm in 2011 was not warranted as they had determined that no bonuses or otherfull market, industry-specific, benchmarking analysis of the Company’s incentive plans for both officers and non-officers, and will continue to review cash compensation would be paid and no salary increases would be made for the named executiveour officers for 2012.  For Messrs. Karpiak, Gaspard and Robinson, 2011 base salary was the same as 2010.  Ms. Stenslie and Mr. Elmore had very modest increases in base salary.  Bonuses and equityto ensure competitive compensation have not been awarded since 2008, other than in connection with the hiring of new officers.within our industry.

Additionally, in 2013, the Board and management also took steps to control health care costs in 2014, and beyond, by engaging Kibble and Prentice, an employee benefits consulting firm.  Kibble and Prentice conducted a full market review to ensure competitive rates and benefit plan options for all employees and dependents.  On January 1, 2014, First Savings Bank implemented new healthcare benefit plans that not only meet the Affordable Health Care Act requirements, but also offer more cost effective options to employees, including additional benefit offerings in 2014 as outlined below.  In 2013, First Savings Bank also eliminated its major medical program as a cost savings measure, and implemented competitive long-term and short-term disability coverage benefit plans in 2013.

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Compensation Philosophy and Objectives.  Our overall goal in compensating executive officers is to attract, retain and motivate key executives of proven ability who are critical to our future success.  We believe that short-term incentive compensation paid to executive officers should be directly aligned with ourFirst Savings Bank's performance and that compensation should be structured to ensure achievement of financial and operational goals along with other factors that impact corporate value.  Our long-term incentive is in the form of an employee stock option plan, which is tied to longevity.

Our compensation decisions with respect to executive officer salaries and incentive compensation, are influenced by: (1) the executive’s level of responsibility and function within the organization; (2) the overall performance and profitability of First Savings Bank; and (3) our assessment of the competitive marketplace, including other peer companies.  Our philosophy is to focus on total direct compensation opportunities through a mix of base salary and annual incentive compensation.

Compensation Program Elements.  The compensation program for executive officers consists of the elements described below.

Pay Element What It Rewards Purpose
     
Base Salary Core competence in the executive’s role relative to skills, experience and contributions to First Financial and First Savings Bank Provide fixed compensation based on competitive market price
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Pay ElementWhat It RewardsPurpose
     
Annual Incentive Compensation Contributions toward First Savings Bank’s achievement of specified pre-tax profit Provides annual performance based cash incentive compensation
     
Long-term Incentive (Equity-based)
Compensation
 Management development through retention and attracting new talent Provides resources for implementation of corporate objectives, goals and growth strategies
     
Retirement Benefits Executive officers are eligible to participate in employee benefit plans available to our eligible employees, including both tax-qualifiedtax- qualified and nonqualified retirement plans  
     
  The Chief Executive Officer has a supplemental retirement agreement whichthat entitles him to additional retirement benefits subject to meeting certain minimum age and service requirements Provides a long-term incentive for the retention of key officers
     
Additional Benefits and Perquisites Executives participate in employee benefit plans, including pay protection via disability pay, generally available to our employees, including medical insurance These benefits are a part of our broad-based total compensation program
     
  The Chief Executive Officer receivesand the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer receive a car allowance Assists in executive responsiveness for community based travel requirements

The Compensation and Awards Committee of First Savings Bank has the responsibility for establishing and reviewing our compensation philosophy and objectives.  In this role, the Committee has sought to design a compensation structure that attracts and retains qualified and experienced officers and, at the same time, is reasonable and competitive.  Although First Savings Bank became a stock savings bank as a result of the mutual holding company reorganization in 2002, compensation paid to employees, officers and directors has consisted primarily of cash compensation, salary and bonuses, and retirement benefits; however, inbenefits.  In 2008, shareholders approved our 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and we expectexpected that equity-based compensation willwould be a more significant
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component of management development in the future.  As a result of the challenging operating environment over the past several years, however, equity compensation has been awarded primarily to new or newly-promoted officers.

Pay Philosophy and Competitive Standing.  In general, we seek to provide competitive pay by targeting a range between the 50th and 75-75th percentilespercentile relative to a peer group for total compensation opportunities, including salaries and incentive compensation.  ToIt is First Saving Bank’s intent to achieve the percentile positioning for the total cash compensation component and yet maintain an effective efficiency ratio, and excellent asset quality, and a satisfactory regulatory standing; therefore, in the future, we will emphasize the fixed salaryperformance-based compensation over a fixed-salary pay with less opportunity for performance-based bonuses.structure.

With the assistance of Milliman, Inc., we receive and analyze competitive market data contained in the Northwest Financial Industry Salary Survey every year.  The data is independently collected by Milliman and represents approximately 102 Northwest financial institutions ranging in asset size from $38$40 million to $9.4several billion.  The data is then grouped by collective asset sizes with the information adequately reflecting the complexities and compensation levels of peer group institutions.  We compare compensation paid to our named executive officers with compensation paid to executive officers in comparable positions at similar size stock and mutual institutions.  OurDuring 2013, our peer group consistsconsisted of the following financial institutions:institutions, with locations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho:

American West BankMountain West Bank
 Bank of the CascadesPacific Continental Bank
 Banner
Bank of the Pacific
Peoples Bank
 Cascade BankFirst Federal of Port AngelesWashington Trust Bank
Cashmere Valley BankWest CoastRiverview Community Bank
 Heritage BankSkagit State Bank
Home Federal BankTimberland Bank
Kitsap Bank
Whidbey Island Bank
 Kitsap Bank
Olympia Federal
Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association

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The peer group institutions range in asset size from $887$588 million to $4.3$1.7 billion, with an average asset size of $1.8 billion.  They are located in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.approximately $998 million.  The peer group was selected based on asset size and geographic location. The Compensation Committee primarily uses the information from institutions of over $1 billion in assets but may consider information of smaller institutions as well.

Base Salary.  Mr. KarpiakThe Chief Executive Officer makes initial base salary recommendations for employees to the Compensation and Awards Committee Chair that are based on individual salary history and the peer group data contained in the survey prepared by Milliman.  Given the independence of the data on which Mr. Karpiak bases histhese recommendations his recommendationsare made, historically there have hadbeen only slight modifications by the Compensation and Awards Committee.  For 2012,2013, the Compensation and Awards Committee reviewed the recommendations and established executive management salaries in accordance with theirits independent philosophy.  For 2012,2013, the Compensation and Awards Committee determinedapproved the base salaries of Messrs. Karpiak, ElmoreRobinson, Soh and Robinson and Ms. StenslieClariza and submitted these determinations to the full Board of Directors for review.  Mr. Karpiak, the only named executive officer who is also a memberMessrs. Kiley and Jacobson’s base salary was determined as part of the Board,recruiting process.  Mr. Kiley did not participate in Board discussions regarding his own compensation.  In setting base salary,salaries, the Compensation and Awards Committee used the information provided by Milliman, and also considered each executive’s experience and tenure, our overall annual budget for merit increases and the executive’s individual performance and changes in responsibility.  The determination of the named executive officers’ base salarysalaries is a subjective determination with no specific criteria considered and, consequently, no particular weight is given to any single factor.  The 20122013 base salary for Mr. Clariza is $140,000, and in early 2014, salaries for Messrs. Karpiak, Elmore and Robinson and Ms. Stenslie are $396,300; $175,000;Soh were raised to $210,000 and $200,000, and $180,000, respectively, reflecting no increases from 2011 salaries, as a result of the Compensation Committee’s determination that their compensation levels are in line with our peer group.respectively.  The Compensation and Awards Committee believes that the base salaries paid to each member of the senior management team is commensurate with the individual’s duties, performance and range for the industry compared to our peer group.  Salary levels are reviewed annually and base salary is not targeted at any particular percentage of total compensation.

Annual Incentive Compensation.  Mr. Karpiak makes initial recommendations to the Compensation Committee that are based on the peer group data contained in the survey prepared by Milliman.  Given the independence of the data on which Mr. Karpiak bases his recommendations, his recommendations have experienced a low modification rate by the Compensation Committee.  OurThe Annual Incentive Plan provides ouris intended to provide executive officers and staff with an opportunity to earn annual cash bonusesincentives based on our corporate performance as measured by our earnings, asset quality, loan growth, financial condition and loan growth.satisfactory regulatory standing.  The annual cash bonusesincentive payments are determined at the discretion of the Compensation and Awards Committee, based on the individual’s performance with percentages and dollar amounts set without guarantee or commitment. The determinationrecommendations of the individual’s performance is a subjective determination using various measures, including but not limited to leadership, personal effortsChief Executive Officer.  In recent years, the downturns in economy and corporate commitment.  Due to the current economic climate and the strain onpoor asset quality impactinghad impacted earnings the Compensation Committee determined once again no bonuses would be paidnegatively.  Accordingly, incentive payments were not awarded to any staff or executive management.officer from 2009 to 2012.  However, as a result of the new management team's efforts towards First Financial’s return to profitability in 2013, its improved asset quality and complete removal of regulatory directives, the
17

Compensation and Awards Committee approved a discretionary bonus for all employees as of December 31, 2013.  The Compensation and Awards Committee is currently considering whether to re-institute the Annual Incentive Plan for future fiscal years.

Long-term Incentive Compensation.  A key component of management stability and institutional growth is the ability of a company to provide long-term incentives for its personnel.  In 2008, the Board of Directors adopted the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, which was then approved by shareholders.  Under the plan, directors, officers and employees may receive awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units.  We believe that stock ownership by our officers is a significant factor in aligning the interests of the officers with those of shareholders.  The ability to offer equity-based compensation provides a means for attracting and retaining directors and employees, and also provides an incentive to directors and employeesofficers to improve the long-term performance and market value of First Financial.  Equity-based compensation serves as a long-term incentive because it generally has a five-year vesting schedule.

In connection with the adoption of theThe 2008 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Board appointed anCompensation and Awards Committee, which consists of the Chairs of the three independent Board committees (the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees).  The Awards Committee makes all awards under the Equity Incentive Plan.plan.  The Committee makes its determinations on a discretionary basis, giving consideration to the following factors: corporate performance, professional tenure, contributory value, and anticipated future management role with respect to developing and implementing corporate objectives, financial goals and growth incentives.  In 2011, no equity awards were made.2013, Mr. Jacobson was granted 25,000 shares of restricted stock and 60,000 stock options as part of his employment package.  Mr. Kiley was granted 50,000 shares of restricted stock and 50,000 stock options as part of his employment agreement in September 2012 and was granted another 50,000 stock options in September 2013.  The Compensation and Awards Committee anticipates utilizing available awards primarily as part of incentive packages to attract additional senior management personnel, when appropriate.
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Retirement Benefits.  First Savings BankFinancial maintains, as part of its retirement benefit programs, the First Savings Bank Profit Sharing 401(k)Northwest Savings Plan (the “401(k) plan”) for the benefit of all of its eligible employees, including the named executive officers.officers, of First Financial and its subsidiaries, First Savings Bank and First Financial Diversified.  The 401(k) plan is intended to be a tax-qualified retirement plan under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Employees of First Savings Bank who have completed one year of serviceFinancial and who have attained age 18its subsidiaries  are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.plan on the first of the month, following 60 days from hire.  Generally, participants direct the investment of the plan assets.

For 2011,2013, participants could contribute up to $16,500$17,500 of their annual compensation through a pre-tax salary reduction election.  Participants 50 years of age or more could elect to make an additional $5,500 pre-tax salary reduction election.  First Savings BankFinancial matches the first 6six percent of a participant’s pre-tax salary reduction contribution at the rate of 50 percent.  To be eligible for a matching contribution, the participant must be actively employed onduring the pay period for which the match is allocated.  Participants are, at all times, 100 percent vested in their salary reduction contributions; however, their related matching contributions are subject to a five-year vesting period.period with 20 percent vesting each year.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011,2013, First Savings BankFinancial incurred a matching contribution-related expense of $150,478$155,000 in connection with the 401(k) plan.  For the 401(k) plan’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011,2013, employees contributed $453,408$510,600 to the 401(k) plan.

First Savings Bank is a participating employer in a multiple-employer defined benefit plan (the “pension plan”), which provides a benefit upon retirement to eligible employees.  The Board voted to freeze all accumulated pension plan benefits as of March 31, 2013, which means that employees with less than one year of service as of that date, or new employees hired subsequently, will not be eligible to participate in the plan and no new benefits will accrue to current participants under the plan after that date.  Upon completion of five years of employment with First Financial or its subsidiaries, a participant is 100 percent vested.  There is no provision for partial vesting.   A participant’s full benefit under the pension plan is payable at age 65 with at least five years of benefit service, which is considered normal retirement.  Early retirement benefit payments are available under the pension plan to participants upon attainment of age 45 and completion of five years of benefit service.

First Savings Bank also maintains an executive supplemental retirement agreement, in which Mr. Karpiak  participates.plan for the benefit of certain executives.  The agreementplan is intended to provide supplemental benefits upon his normal retirement or death prior to retirement.  First Savings Bank entered into a participation agreement under the plan with Mr. Kiley effective July 1,
18

2013. The agreement provides for an annual pension of $78,000 upon attaining age 60.  The benefit commences following Mr. Karpiak’s separation from service, subject to a six-month delay to comply with federal tax laws affecting nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and$28,000 if he is paid in monthly installments over 15 years.  In the event of his death prior to retirement but while still employed by First Savings Bank Mr. Karpiak’s designated beneficiary would receive a lump sum benefit of $200,000.upon attaining age 65.

Additional Benefits and Perquisites.  At First Savings Bank,Financial, an important part of our total compensation plan is the employee benefits program.  We offer a comprehensive and flexible benefits plan on a non-discriminatory basis to support the basic health, welfare and retirement needs of all of our employees, including our named executive officers.  The elements of the benefits plan include group policies for medical/dental/vision plans, paid time off (“PTO”) for vacation and illness, (including vacation leave not taken),disability, life insurance, FSA/HSA pre-tax savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, bereavement leave and training.  We provide medical coverageIn January 2014, our benefit plans were changed to more cost effective offerings, with two choices: a base qualified, high-deductible health plan, which is at no cost to employees, with the employee, beingand a base buy-up option, the difference of which is charged to the employee.  Additionally, employees are responsible for a portion50 percent of thetheir dependent’s premium.  Ourpremiums.  The Chief Executive Officer receivesand Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer receive an automobile allowance.  The Compensation and Awards Committee believes this benefit is appropriate because it assists the Chief Executive Officerthem in fulfilling histheir employment obligations.

The named executive officers, along with all eligible employees, participate in our ESOP.  Each eligible participant is allocated the same proportion that the participant’s compensation for the plan year bears to the total compensation of eligible participants for that year, subject to certain limitations regarding how much compensation is taken into account and how much can be allocated to a participant for a year.

Additional Considerations.  Market data, individual performance, retention needs and internal pay equity have been the primary factors considered in decisions to materially adjust compensation materially.compensation.  The accounting and tax treatment of compensation generally has not been a factor in determining the amounts of compensation for our executive officers.  However, the Compensation and Awards Committee and management have considered the accounting and tax impact of various program designs to balance the potential cost to First Savings BankFinancial with the benefit/value to the employee.

Role of Executive Officers in Determining Compensation.  Our Chief Executive Officer recommends to the Compensation and Awards Committee Chair base salary and actual bonus payouts for our named executive officers and all other officers (other than himself).  Mr. KarpiakOur Chief Executive Officer makes these recommendations to the committee based on data and analysis provided by Milliman in association with the Washington Financial League, the Washington Bankers Association and the Oregon Bankers Association, and qualitative judgments regarding individual performance.  Mr. Karpiakperformance and input from officers at all levels of management throughout First Savings Bank.  Our Chief Executive Officer is not involved with any aspect of determining his own compensation as that function is performed by the Compensation and Awards Committee utilizing independent data contained in the Northwest Financial Industry Salary Survey prepared by Milliman in association with the Washington Financial League, the Washington Bankers Association and the Oregon Bankers Association.
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The compensation paid to Mr. KarpiakKiley is determined by the Compensation and Awards Committee based upon, among other factors, a review of First Savings Bank’s performance in comparison to the peer group included in the Northwest Financial Industry Salary Survey prepared by Milliman.  The final compensation level is based on the peer group analysis contained in the survey and consideration is also given to First Savings Bank’s asset size, balance sheet complexity, corporate direction and management structure.  No particular weight is given to any of these factors by the Compensation and Awards Committee and the final compensation level is based on a subjective determination by the Compensation and Awards Committee. Mr. Kiley’s compensation was determined as part of a competitive recruiting process that involved the advice of an executive search firm.

Shareholder Votes on Executive Compensation

Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we were required to include in last year’sour 2011 annual meeting proxy statement and present at the 2011 annual meeting two non-binding shareholder resolutions on executive compensation.  The first resolution, also known as a say-on-pay vote, asked the shareholders to approve on an advisory basis the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in last year’s proxy statement.  Over 80% of the shares present at last year’s annual meeting voted in favor of approving the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement.  The Compensation Committee considered this vote as affirming its approach to executive compensation and used a similar approach as the prior year when it met to analyze and establish appropriate levels of 2012 executive compensation.

The second resolution on executive compensation at last year’s annual meeting allowed shareholders to cast an advisory vote on how often future shareholder votes on executive compensation should be held.  Shareholders were given the choice of conducting an advisory vote on executive compensation every year, every two years or every three years.  Approximately 57%57 percent of the shares present at the meeting voted in favor of holding an annual vote on executive compensation.  Although the shareholder vote on the frequency of future votes on executive compensation was non-binding, the Board of Directors and Compensation
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and Awards Committee heeded shareholder opinion and will present an advisory vote to approve executive compensation annually.  It isWe will continue to hold annual advisory votes until the Board and Compensation and Awards Committee decide to hold the next shareholder advisory vote on the frequency of advisory votes, which must occur at least once every six years.  The advisory vote to approve executive compensation will be included in the proxy statement for the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders.

Nearly 67 percent of the shares present at the 2013 annual meeting voted in favor of approving the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement.  The Compensation and Awards Committee considered this Proxy Statementvote as “Proposal 2 – Advisory Voteaffirming its approach to Approve  Executive Compensation.”executive compensation and used a similar approach as the prior year when it met to analyze and establish appropriate levels of 2014 executive compensation.

Compensation and Awards Committee Report

The Compensation and Awards Committee of First Savings Bank’sthe Board of Directors has submitted the following report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement:

We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statementabove with management.  Based on the Committee’s review of and the discussion with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constituteare the Committee:

Themembers of the Compensation and Awards Committee:
 
 Joann E. Lee (Chair)Dr. Gary F. KohlwesFaull 
 Robert L. AndersonGerald EdlundDr. Gary F. Kohlwes 
 Gary F. FaullKevin D. Padrick Daniel L. Stevens 

This report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

Compensation Policies and Risk

We believe that risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on First Financial.  In addition, the Compensation and Awards Committee believes that the mix and design elements of the executive compensation package do not encourage management to assume excessive
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risks.  As described in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation decisions are subjective, based on peer group compensation data, institutional profitability, management development, market measurements and overall corporate performance.  The primary objective of the Compensation and Awards Committee is for management to be fairly compensated without introducing incentive clauses and their unintended consequences.compensated.  We have accomplished this by maintaining base salaries in the upper tier range of published peer groups, by providing excellent employee medical and other related benefits, by granting personal days off and by offering participation in our ESOP.

Incentive compensation remains subjective and is typically determined by the Compensation and Awards Committee after their analysis of profitability, asset quality trends, peer group performance, satisfactory regulatory standing and current market conditions.  Excessive risk- takingrisk-taking is further mitigated in that total incentive compensation reflects a percentage of net income as a basis of the bonus pool and further limitations include using a percentage of base salary as a maximum, with other restrictions in place for highly compensated individuals.  This approach ensures that every employee benefits from the performance of First Financial.
 

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Executive Compensation

Summary Compensation Table.  The following table shows information regarding 2011, 2010 and 2009 compensation forpaid to our named executive officers.  We do not currently offer any non-equity incentive compensation; therefore, this column has been omitted fromofficers in the table.years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 
Name and Principal Position
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Salary
($)
 
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
 
Option
Awards
($)(1)
 
Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)(2)
 
All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
 
Total
 ($)
               
Victor Karpiak 2011 396,300           --           -- 578,476 42,211 1,016,987         
Chairman, President and 2010 396,300           --           -- 267,513 40,792  704,605         
   Chief Executive Officer 2009 388,500           --           -- 363,408 98,093 850,001         
               
Kari A. Stenslie 2011 180,000           --           --   39,000 30,540 249,540         
Vice President and 2010 175,000           --           --   20,000 24,713 219,713         
   Chief Financial Officer 2009 158,000           --           --   11,000 33,649 202,649         
               
Roger Elmore 2011 175,000           --           --   58,000 31,075 264,075         
Senior Vice President and 2010 170,000           --           --   23,000 25,149 218,149         
   Chief Administrative
   Officer
 2009 162,000           --           --   19,000 50,666 231,666         
               
M. Scott Gaspard (4) 2011 191,250           --           --   46,000 29,170 266,420         
Senior Vice President and 2010 191,250           --           --   30,000 29,089 250,339         
   External Affairs Officer 2009 197,767 267,200 107,360   23,000 20,688 616,015         
               
Herman Robinson (5) 2011 200,000           --           --   16,000 21,559 237,559         
Senior Vice President and 2010 108,637 128,960   64,000           --   1,615 303,212         
  Chief Lending Officer              
 
Name and Principal Position
 
 
 
Year
 
 
Salary
($)
 
 
Bonus
($)
 
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
 
Option
Awards
($)(1)
 
Change in
Pension
Value and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compen-
sation
Earnings
($)(2)
 
All Other
Compen-
sation
($)(3)
 
Total
($)
                 
Joseph W. Kiley III (4) 2013 425,000 42,500           -- 229,192 246,550 37,100 980,342
President and Chief 2012 123,958        -- 400,500 128,885          -- 13,650 666,993
   Executive Officer                
                 
Richard P. Jacobson (5) 2013 126,000 13,200 272,000 178,086          -- 13,177 602,463
Executive Vice President,                
   Chief Operating Officer and                
   Chief Financial Officer                
                 
Herman L. Robinson 2013 200,000 35,000           -- --     3,000 47,358 285,358
Senior Vice President and 2012 200,000        --           -- --   29,000 44,462 273,462
  Chief Credit Officer 2011 200,000        --           -- --   16,000 21,559 237,559
                 
Simon Soh (6) 2013 190,000 19,000           -- --           -- 44,943 253,943
Senior Vice President and 2012 153,133        -- 260,480 131,275   12,000 27,758 584,646
   Chief Lending Officer                
                 
Ronnie Clariza (7) 2013 125,000 12,500           -- -- -- (8) 27,928 165,428
Senior Vice President and                
   Risk Management Officer                
                 
Victor Karpiak (9) 2013 125,000        --           -- -- 221,635 134,932 481,567
Former President and 2012 365,975        --           -- -- 295,548 50,798 712,321
   Chief Executive Officer 2011 396,300        --           -- -- 578,476 42,211 1,016,987
                 
Kari A. Stenslie (10) 2013 127,500        --           -- -- -- (11)49,322 176,822
Former Vice President and 2012 180,000        --           -- --   39,000 40,607 259,607
   Chief Financial Officer 2011 180,000        --           -- --   39,000 30,540 249,540
________________________
(1)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 1110 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in First Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.2013.
(2)ReflectsUnless noted otherwise, reflects the increase in actuarial present values of each executive officer’s accumulated benefits under our Pension Plan and, with respect to Mr.Messrs. Kiley and Karpiak, our Supplemental Retirement Plan. These values are set according to accounting requirements and do not reflect any increases in the officer’s benefit upon retirement.
(3)Please see the table below for more information on the other compensation paid to our named executive officers in 2011. Amounts2013.
(4)Mr. Kiley was hired effective September 17, 2012.
(5)Mr. Jacobson was hired effective July 9, 2013.
(6)Mr. Soh was not a named executive officer in 2010 and 2009 have been recalculated to be consistent with 2011 presentation. Previously, the amount First Financial had expensed for the ESOP loan payment2011.
(7)Mr. Clariza was included,not a named executive officer in addition to the2012 or 2011.
(8)The present value of the ESOP shares allocated during the period. accumulated benefit under Mr. Clariza’s pension plan account decreased by $17,000 in 2013.
(9)Mr. Karpiak retired effective September 1, 2013.
(10)Ms. Stenslie was separated from First Financial effective September 15, 2013.
(11)The recalculated figures appropriately include only thepresent value of the ESOP shares allocated.accumulated benefit under Ms. Stenslie’s pension plan account decreased by $14,000 in 2013.

 
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(4)Mr. Gaspard resigned effective December 31, 2011, to become President of the Washington Financial League. On December 22, 2011, he was appointed as a director of First Financial and First Savings Bank, effective January 1, 2012.
(5)Mr. Robinson was hired effective June 1, 2010.
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings.This section describes the method of calculating the amounts in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the table above and explains the relevance of these amounts.  The values in this column represent the change in the present value from the prior year of the funds necessary to fully fund the pension and deferred compensation arrangements for the named executive officers.  The calculations are dictated by accounting principles and are significantly impacted by changes in interest rates.  An independent company administers the plans and calculates the actuarial present values, including the estimated interest rate used in the calculation. For 2011, even though no additional benefits have been provided to the named executive officers, the interest rate assumptions used to calculate the amounts necessary to fully fund these obligations declined considerably from the prior year, and therefore the amounts shown in this column increased accordingly.

In an attempt to better illustrate this topic, consider the following example: assume First Financial has an agreement in place with an executive officer that provides the officer with a retirement benefit of $50,000 for a period of 10 years following retirement.  If interest rate assumptions were not part of the equation, First Financial would need to ensure that it had $500,000 available ($50,000 per year times 10 years of retirement payments) to disburse to the officer over the 10 year period.  In this example, First Financial would accrue for that benefit each year to ensure it will have exactly $500,000 at the officer’s retirement date.  However, because interest rates are required to be part of the equation (and rates are above zero), it is assumed that there will be interest earned on the retirement funds, both during the time of the executive officer’s employment and during the post-retirement payout period.  Therefore, the amounts necessary to be set aside to fully fund the retirement obligation are lower (in some cases, significantly lower) when interest rates are part of the equation, since thebecause actual interest earned on those funds willto partially fund the retirement payments.payments is lower than those used to calculate the minimum required contribution.  When interest rates fluctuate from year to year, the amounts necessary to fully fund the retirement obligation change,amount of minimum required contribution changes and can change dramatically.  When rates decline during the year, more money needs to be set aside by First Financial since less interest will accrue to the funds, and when interest rates increase, lower amounts are necessary.

In the Summary Compensation Table, the lowerleveling of the interest rate assumptions used for 20112013 compared to 20102012 resulted in required increasesa reduction in the change in accumulated pension valuebenefits compared to account for the lower level of interest rates.2012.  In the case of Mr. Karpiak, the lowersustained higher level of interest rates resulted in the present value of accumulated benefits for his pension and Supplemental Retirement Agreement decreasing by $247,000 for 2013 from 2012 and increasing by $578,476.  This was solely a result of the significantly lower level of interest rates, as no additional benefits were provided to Mr. Karpiak.  The same is true$287,000 for each of the other named executive officers.2012 from 2011.

All Other Compensation.  The following table sets forth details of “All other compensation,” as presented above in the Summary Compensation Table.  The amounts reflected constitute contributions by First Financial or First Savings Bank for 2011.2013.

Name 
401(k) Plan
Contribution ($)
 
ESOP
Contribution ($)
 
Company Car
Allowance ($)
 Total ($) 
401(k)
Plan
Contribu-
tion ($)
 
ESOP
Contribu-
tion ($)
 
Company
Car Allow-
ance ($)
 
Housing
($)
 
Dividends
on
Unvested
Restricted
Stock ($)
 
Severance
Compen-
sation
($)
 
Board
Fees ($)
 Total ($)
                        
Joseph W. Kiley III       --         -- 10,800 25,500 5,600           --         --   37,100
Richard P. Jacobson 1,177         --   2,500   4,000 2,000           --         --   13,177
Herman L. Robinson 5,295 40,271         --         -- 1,792           --         --   47,358
Simon Soh 5,444 35,915         --         -- 3,584           --         --   44,943
Ronnie Clariza 3,894 23,522         --         --    512           --         --   27,928
Victor Karpiak 5,944 30,267 6,000 42,211 1,574         --         --         --    768 103,500 28,550 134,932
Kari A. Stenslie 4,153 26,387 -- 30,540 3,808         --         --         --    512   45,002         --   49,322
Roger Elmore 5,249 25,826 -- 31,075
M. Scott Gaspard 2,016 27,154 -- 29,170
Herman Robinson 5,076 16,483 -- 21,559

Employment Agreement for Chief Executive Officer.Agreements.  WeFirst Savings Bank entered into an amended employment agreement with Victor KarpiakJoseph W. Kiley III and an initial employment agreement with Richard P. Jacobson on October 17, 2007.December 2, 2013.  Mr. Kiley’s agreement is retroactive to the date of the original agreement of August 14, 2012, and Mr. Jacobson’s agreement is effective as of July 9, 2013, the date he was hired.  The agreement hasagreements each have an initial term of three years and on each anniversary of October 17, 2007,the effective date of the agreement, the term of the agreement will be extended for an additional year, unless notice is given byprovided that within the Board to Mr. Karpiak, or vice versa, at least 90 days prior to theday period ending on such anniversary, date.  The current base salary level for Mr. Karpiak is $396,300, which is paid by First Savings Bank and may be increased at the discretion of theBank’s Board of Directors ordoes not inform the executive in writing that the agreement will not be extended.  The agreements provide for an authorized committeeannual base salary of $425,000 for Mr. Kiley and $264,000 for Mr. Jacobson.  Mr. Kiley’s salary shall be reviewed by the Bank’s Board of Directors each December during the term of the Board.agreement.  Under the agreement, Mr. Karpiak isagreements, the executives are eligible to participate in all Bank plans of First
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Financial and First Savings Bank relating to pension, retirement, thrift, profit-sharing, savings, group or other life insurance, hospitalization, medical and dental coverage, travel and accident insurance,
22

education, cash bonuses, and other retirement or employee benefits or combinations thereof as well as any equity-based plans in which First Financial’s or the Bank’s executive officers are eligible to participate.  Mr. Kiley’s agreement and Mr. Jacobson's job offer letter provide for temporary housing, relocation expenses and an automobile allowance.  The agreement providesemployment agreements provide that compensation may be paid in connection with the termination of Mr. Karpiak’sthe executive’s employment under a variety of scenarios, as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination.”

Severance Arrangements.Transition and Separation Agreements  We.  On August 10, 2012, First Financial, First Savings Bank and First Financial Diversified entered into a change in control severancetransition agreement with Roger Elmore on October 17, 2007, M. Scott Gaspard on January 21, 2009, and Kari Stenslie on January 20, 2010.  Each agreement has a term of three years, with the exception of Mr. Gaspard’s, which was terminatedVictor Karpiak to facilitate executive succession in connection with his resignation.  On each anniversary date,proposed retirement.  The agreement defined Mr. Karpiak’s responsibilities and compensation during the term of each agreement may be extended for an additional year at the discretion of the Board or an authorized committee of the Board.  The severance agreements would provide for a severance paymenttransition period, effective with his resignation on September 17, 2012 as President and other benefits if the participants are involuntarily terminated because of a change in control of First Financial Northwest or First Savings Bank, as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination.”
         In connection with the conversion, we established the First Savings Bank Northwest Employee Severance Compensation Plan.  The plan provides eligible employees with severance pay benefits in the event of a change in controlChief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank orand concluding with his retirement.  Under the agreement, on September 17, 2012, Mr. Karpiak began a reduced work schedule that corresponded to his obligations under the transition agreement.  Until his retirement on September 1, 2013, Mr. Karpiak’s annualized salary was $125,000 under the transition agreement.  In addition, the transition agreement provided that Mr. Karpiak would continue to be compensated as a director and Chairman of First Savings Bank in compliance with the procedures for compensating directors described in “Directors’ Compensation.”
In connection with Mr. Karpiak’s retirement, First Financial, First Savings Bank and First Financial Diversified entered into a separation agreement with him, effective September 1, 2013.  Under the agreement, the employment agreement between Mr. Karpiak and the Bank and the transition agreement described above terminated as described belowof September 1, 2013.  The separation agreement provides that Mr. Karpiak receive severance compensation in an amount of $181,106, payable until March 31, 2014, in equal amounts each payroll period in accordance with the Bank’s regular payroll practices.  In addition, the agreement also provides that Mr. Karpiak will receive, from September 1, 2013, until March 31, 2014, substantially the same group life insurance, hospitalization, medical, dental, prescription drug and other health benefits, and long-term disability insurance (if any) on the same terms as if he had not terminated employment.  The agreement also provides that Mr. Karpiak was fully vested in the benefit under “Potential Payments Upon Termination.”his executive supplemental retirement agreement as of September 1, 2013.  Between September 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, Mr. Robinson is coveredKarpiak has agreed to be available to First Financial, First Savings Bank and First Financial Diversified for consultation by this plan.telephone, or upon reasonable request, in person.  The agreement contains customary confidentiality, non-disparagement, cooperation, and release and waiver of claims provisions.

Outstanding Equity AwardsKari Stenslie, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial and First Savings Bank since February 2008, separated from First Financial and First Savings Bank effective September 15, 2013 (the “separation date”) as a result of a reorganization of senior executives.  In connection with her departure, Ms. Stenslie entered into two separation agreements with the Bank, which provided for certain terms related to her separation from First Financial and the Bank.  Under the first agreement, Ms. Stenslie received compensation based on her regular wages through the separation date, plus any accrued but unused paid time off and vacation, less all lawful and authorized deductions and withholdings on or before the next regular pay date after the separation date.  Ms. Stenslie was on garden leave from August 15, 2013, until the separation date, during which time she received 50 percent of her regular salary.  The first agreement also provided for continued vesting through the separation date of the restricted stock awarded to Ms. Stenslie on September 10, 2008.  In addition, Ms. Stenslie was eligible to participate in the Bank’s group medical/dental plan and other benefits plans and programs until the last day of September 2013.  The second agreement provided that Ms. Stenslie was entitled to receive 12 weeks of salary, subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings and all authorized deductions.  These amounts were paid in one lump sum to Ms. Stenslie.

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards.  The following table shows information regarding grants of plan-based awards made to our named executive officers for 2013.

Name 
Grant
Date
 
All Other Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of Stock
or Units (#)
 
All Other
Awards: Number
of Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
 
Exercise or
Base Price of
Option Awards
($/Sh)
 
Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
and Option
Awards ($)
           
Joseph W. Kiley III 09/18/13         -- 50,000 10.69 229,192
           
Richard P. Jacobson 07/17/13 25,000         -- -- 272,000
  07/17/13         -- 60,000 10.88 178,086
           
Herman L. Robinson --         --         -- --           --
           
Simon Soh --         --         -- --           --
           
Ronnie Clariza --         --         -- --           --
           
Victor Karpiak --         --         -- --           --
           
Kari A. Stenslie --         --         -- --           --

Mr. Kiley’s employment agreement provides for initial grants of 50,000 shares of First Financial restricted stock and options to purchase 150,000 shares of First Financial common stock (50,000 granted on September 19, 2012 and 2013 and 50,000 to be granted on September 19, 2014, provided he is still employed by First Savings Bank on that date), vesting at a rate of 20 percent per year.  The agreement requires the Bank to provide Mr. Kiley with a supplemental executive retirement plan, which was finalized on June 19, 2013.  Mr. Jacobson’s employment agreement provides for grants of 25,000 shares of First Financial restricted stock and options to purchase 60,000 shares of First Financial common stock, vesting at a rate of 20 percent per year.

Outstanding Equity Awards.The following information with respect to outstanding stock and option awards as of December 31, 2011,2013, is presented for the named executive officers.

   Option Awards (1) Stock Awards (1)   Option Awards (1) Stock Awards (1)
Name 
Grant
Date
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
 
Option
Expira-
tion Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 
Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)
 
Grant
Date
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
 
Option
Expira-
tion
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)
 
Market Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)
                            
Joseph W. Kiley III 09/18/13 
       --
 50,000 10.69 09/18/23 
       --
 
         --
 09/19/12 10,000 40,000   8.01 09/19/22 40,000 414,800
              
Richard P. Jacobson 07/17/13 
       --
 60,000 10.88 07/17/23 25,000 259,250
              
Herman L. Robinson 06/23/10 30,000 20,000   4.03 06/23/20 12,800 132,736
              
Simon Soh 10/17/12 10,000 40,000   8.14 10/17/22 25,600 265,472
              
Ronnie Clariza 07/03/08 50,000 
       --
   9.78 07/03/18 
       --
 
         --
              
Victor Karpiak 07/03/08 58,764 39,176 9.78 07/03/18          –            – -- 
       --
 
       --
 -- -- 
       --
 
         --
 08/21/08 
         –
         –     – -- 38,400 226,560              
              
Kari A. Stenslie 07/03/08 30,000 20,000 9.78 07/03/18          –            – -- 
       --
 
       --
 -- -- 
       --
 
         --
 09/10/08 
         –
         –     – -- 12,800   75,520
              
Roger Elmore 07/03/08 30,000 20,000 9.78 07/03/18          –            –
 09/10/08 
         –
         –     – -- 12,800   75,520
              
M. Scott Gaspard 01/21/09 30,000 20,000 8.35 01/21/19          –            –
 01/21/09 
         –
         –     – -- 12,800   75,520
              
Herman Robinson 06/23/10 10,000 40,000 4.03 06/23/20          –            –
 06/23/10 
         –
         –     – -- 25,600 151,040
_____________________
(1)Awards vest pro rata over a five-year period from the grant date, with the first 20 percent vesting one year after the grant date.

24

Option Exercises and Stock Vested.  The following table shows the value realized upon exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards for the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2013.

  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name 
Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
 
Value Realized on
Exercise ($)
 
Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
 
Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
         
Joseph W. Kiley III         --         -- 10,000 106,100
Richard P. Jacobson         --         --         --           --
Herman L. Robinson         --         --   6,400   65,344
Simon Soh         --         --   6,400   68,096
Ronnie Clariza         --         --   6,400   70,272
Victor Karpiak 97,940 80,752 19,200 201,792
Kari A. Stenslie 50,000 52,922   6,400   70,272

Pension Benefits.  The following table provides information as of December 31, 2013, regarding participation in plans that provide specified retirement payments and benefits to the named executive officers.
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Name
 
 
 
Plan Name
 
Number of
Years Credited
Service (#)(1)
 
Present Value
of Accumulated
Benefit ($)(2)
 
Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
  ($)
 
 
 
Plan Name
 
Number of
Years Credited
Service (#)(1)
 
Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($)(2)
 
Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($)
        
Joseph W. Kiley III Supplemental Retirement Agreement   1.25   246,550 --
        
Richard P. Jacobson -- -- 
           --
 --
        
Herman L. Robinson Pension Plan   1.83     48,000 --
        
Simon Soh Pension Plan   1.58     15,000 --
        
Ronnie Clariza Pension Plan   8.67     47,000 --
                
Victor Karpiak Pension Plan 30.833 1,593,000 -- Pension Plan 32.08 1,686,000 --
 Supplemental Retirement Agreement 15.000 896,792 -- Supplemental Retirement Agreement 15.00    877,705 --
                
Kari A. Stenslie Pension Plan   2.833 70,000 -- Pension Plan   4.08     95,000 --
        
Roger Elmore Pension Plan   6.167 122,000 --
        
M. Scott Gaspard Pension Plan 
      29.917 (3)
 99,000 --
        
Herman Robinson Pension Plan 0.583 16,000 --
___________________
(1)For the Pension Plan, reflects years credited, and for the supplemental retirement agreement, reflects benefit period.
(2)Pension Plan accumulated benefits are based on the present value of accumulated future payments over an anticipated post retirement life of 20 years using a 4.404.95 percent discount rate. Supplemental retirement agreement accumulated benefits reflect the present value of 180 future annual payments at the eligibility date using a 2.5 percent discount rate.
(3)Mr. Gaspard previously participated in the plan through another employer.

First Savings Bank is a participantparticipating employer in a multiple-employer sponsoreddefined benefit plan (the “pension plan”), which provides a benefit upon retirement to eligible employees of First Savings Bank.  In general,Bank, First Financial and First Financial Diversified.  Until March 31, 2013, all employees except those under specific agreement, who meetmet the minimum requirements of one year of service, attainment of age 21 and completecompletion of 1,000 hours of service in the 12 consecutive months following enrollment arewere eligible to participate.  The Board of Directors voted to freeze all accumulated benefits as of March 31, 2013.  As of that date, employees with less than one year of service, or new employees hired subsequently, may not participate in the plan and no new benefits accrued to participants after that date.

Upon completion of five years of employment with First Savings Bank, the employee isFinancial or its subsidiaries, participants are 100 percent vested.  There is no provision for partial vesting.  The service amounts shown in the table above represent actual years of service with First Savings Bank unless otherwise noted.  Nocredited service; no additional years of credited service have been granted to any named executive officer under the pension plan.

Several forms of benefit payments are available under the pension plan.  The pension plan offers a life annuity option, a 100 percent joint and survivor option with a ten-year certain feature, a 50
25

percent joint and survivor benefit option and a customized option.  The benefit option must be elected by the participant before benefit payments begin.  Benefits are based upon two percent for those employed prehired prior to January 1, 2010, and one percent for those employed posthired on or after January 1, 2010, times the number of years of service with First Savings Bank,Financial and its subsidiaries times the average of the participant’s eligible salary during the five years he or she was most highly compensated.  Salary is defined as base rate of pay and does not include overtime, bonuses and other compensation.  A participant’s full benefit under the pension plan is payable at age 65 with at least five years of benefit service, which is considered normal retirement.  Early retirement benefit payments are available under the pension plan to participants upon attainment of age 45 and completion of five years of benefit service.  Annual benefits are reduced three percent for each year of payment before normal retirement based on the benefit formula described above.  As of December 31, 2011, Messrs. Karpiak and Elmore2013, no named executive officers were eligible for early retirement benefits.

The executive supplemental retirement agreement providesagreements provide benefits in addition to those provided by the pension plan.  Mr. Karpiak’sKiley’s agreement provides for an annual pension of $78,000$28,000 if he is still employed by First Savings Bank upon attaining age 60.65.  His benefit will commence following his separation from service, subject to a potential six-month delay to comply with federal tax laws affecting nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and will be paid in monthly installments over 15 years.  In the event of Mr. Karpiak’sKiley’s death prior to retirement but while still employed by First Savings Bank, his designated beneficiary would receive a lump sum benefit of $200,000.  As of December 31, 2011,2013, Mr. KarpiakKiley was not eligible for retirement benefits under the agreement.  Mr. Karpiak’s agreement provides for an annual pension of $78,000.  Pursuant to the terms of his separation agreement, Mr. Karpiak is vested in his benefit and First Savings Bank began paying it on April 1, 2014, in monthly installments for 15 years.

Benefits earned under the agreementagreements are paid from First Savings Bank’s assets.  It is management’smanagement and the Board of Directors' intent to informally fund those payments with its bank-owned whole life insurance policies.   The aggregate death benefit coverage from the policies is $3.1$3.6 million.  First Savings Bank is the beneficiary of these policies, and no participants will derive any personal benefits as a result of these policies.
29


Potential Payments Upon Termination

We have entered into agreements with the named executive officers that provide for potential payments upon disability, termination and death.  These agreements are discussed in further detail following the table below.  In addition, the pension plan and executive supplemental retirement agreement discussed above provide for payments upon early retirement or normal retirement.  The following table shows, as of December 31, 2011,2013, the value of potential payments and benefits following a termination of employment under a variety of scenarios.
 
  
Involuntary
Termination
($)
  Involuntary Termination Following Change in Control ($)  Early Retirement ($)  Normal Retirement ($)  Disability ($)  Death ($) 
                   
Victor Karpiak                  
Employment Agreement (1)  792,600   1,184,937   --   --   --   -- 
Pension Plan  --   --   1,463,572   1,364,577   --   -- 
Supplemental Retirement Agreement  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
Equity Incentive Plan (2)  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
                         
Kari A. Stenslie                        
Severance Agreement  --   538,200   --   --   --   -- 
Pension Plan (3)  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
Equity Incentive Plan (2)  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
                         
Roger Elmore                        
Severance Agreement  --   523,250   --   --   --   -- 
Pension Plan  --   --   99,323   248,072   --   -- 
Equity Incentive Plan (2)  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
                         
M. Scott Gaspard (4)
                        
Severance Agreement  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
Pension Plan  --   --   64,845   58,512   --   -- 
Equity Incentive Plan (2)  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
                         
Herman Robinson                        
Employee Severance Compensation Plan  --   200,000   --   --   --   -- 
Pension Plan (5)  --   --   --   15,299   --   -- 
Equity Incentive Plan (6)  18,700   93,500   --   --   --   93,500 
___________
26

   
Involuntary
Termination
($)
 
Involuntary Termination Following
Change in
Control ($)
  
Annual Early Retirement
Benefit ($)
  
Annual 
Normal
Retirement
Benefit ($)
  
Disability ($)
  
Death ($)
 
                  
Joseph W. Kiley III                 
Employment Agreement 425,000 1,270,750  --  --  212,500  35,417 
Supplemental Retirement
  Agreement
           -- --  --  28,000  --  200,000 
Equity Incentive Plan           -- 414,800  --  --  414,800  414,800 
                  
Richard P. Jacobson                 
Employment Agreement 264,000 789,360  --  --  132,000  22,000 
Equity Incentive Plan           -- 259,250  --  --  259,250  259,250 
                  
Herman L. Robinson                 
Severance Agreement   200,000  --  --  --  -- 
Pension Plan           -- --  --(1) 3,667  --  44,004(2)
Equity Incentive Plan           -- 132,736  --  --  132,736  132,736 
                  
Simon Soh                 
Pension Plan           -- --  1,276(3) 2,385  --  15,312 
Equity Incentive Plan           -- 265,472  --  --  265,472  265,472 
                  
Ronnie Clariza                 
Pension Plan           -- --  3,679(3) 15,525  --  44,148 
                  
Victor Karpiak                 
Supplemental Retirement
  Agreement
           -- --  --  78,000  --  200,000 
Pension Plan           -- --  131,445(3) 233,925  --  1,777,340 
                  
Kari A. Stenslie                 
Pension Plan           -- --  7,472(3) 14,233  --  89,664 
_________
(1)Assumes two years remaining on Agreement.
(2)The exercise price of unvested stock options and the value of restricted stock exceeded the closing price of First Financial’s common stock on December 31, 2011.
(3)Ms. Stenslie is not yet eligible for early retirement benefits under the Pension Plan as it requires five years’ employment prior to vesting.
(4)Resigned effective December 31, 2011.
(5)Mr. Robinson has reached normal retirement age for purposes of the Pension Plan.
(6)(2)RepresentsDoes not include active service death benefit, which was terminated effective April 1, 2013.
(3)Under the difference betweenterms of the option exercise price of $4.03 per share andPension Plan, the market value of $5.90 per share at December 31, 2011.executive may elect an early retirement benefit upon retirement prior to age 65, or may elect to have the full retirement benefit paid when the executive attains age 65.

Employment Agreement for Chief Executive Officer.Agreements.  Victor Karpiak’sThe employment agreement providesagreements with Joseph W. Kiley III and Richard P. Jacobson provide for payments in the event of disability, death or termination.  If Mr. Karpiakeither executive becomes entitled to benefits under the terms of our then-current disability plan, if any, or becomes otherwise unable to fulfill his duties under the employment agreement, he shall be entitled to receive such group and other disability benefits as are then provided for executive employees.  In the event of Mr. Karpiak’seither executive’s disability, his employment agreement will not be suspended, except that the obligation to pay his salary shall be reduced in accordance with the amount of any disability income benefits he receives such that, on an after-tax basis, he realizes from the sum of disability income benefits and his salary the same amount as he would realize on an after-tax basis from his salary if he had not become disabled.  Upon a resolution adopted by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors or an authorized committee, we may discontinue payment of Mr. Karpiak’sthe executive’s salary beginning six months after a determination that he has become entitled to benefits under
30

the disability plan or is otherwise unable to fulfill his duties under the employment agreement.  If Mr. Karpiak’s disability does not constitute a disability within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, then payments under the employment agreement will not begin until the earlier of the executive’s death or the sixth month anniversary of his separation from service.

In the event of either Mr. Karpiak’sKiley’s or Mr. Jacobson’s death while employed under thean employment agreement and prior to any termination of employment, we will pay to his estate, or such person as he may have previously designated, the salary whichthat was not previously paid to him and whichthat he would have earned if he had continued to be employed under the agreement through the last day of the month in which he died, together with the benefits provided under the employment agreement through that date.

Mr. Karpiak’sThe employment agreementagreements also providesprovide for benefits in the event of hiseither Mr. Kiley’s or Mr. Jacobson’s involuntary termination.  If Mr. Karpiak’sKiley’s or Mr. Jacobson’s employment is terminated for any reason other than cause, or change in control, or he terminates his own employment because of a material diminution of or interference with his duties, responsibilities or benefits, including any of the following actions unless consented to:
27

(1) a requirement that he be based at any place other than Renton, Washington, or within a radius of 35 miles from the location of First Financial’s administrative offices; (2) a material demotion; (3) a material reduction in the number or seniority of personnel reporting to him or a material reduction in the frequency with which, or in the nature of the matters with respect to which such personnel are to report to him; (4) a 20 percent or more reduction in his salary or a material adverse change in his perquisites, benefits or vacation;base salary; (5) a material permanent increase in the required hours of work or his workload; or (6) the failure of the BoardsFirst Savings Bank Board of Directors to elect himMr. Kiley as President and Chief Executive Officer or any action byof the Boards removing him from this office,Bank, we must pay to Mr. Karpiak during the remaining term ofcertain benefits.  The executive would receive his employment agreement the salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the date of termination over the one-year period beginning on his date of termination.  We would also be required to provide Mr. Karpiakthe executive during the remaining termone-year period beginning on his date of his agreementtermination substantially the same group life insurance, hospitalization, medical, dental, prescription drug and other health benefits, and long-term disability insurance (if any) for the benefit of Mr. Karpiakthe executive and his dependents and beneficiaries who would have been eligible for such benefits if he had not suffered involuntary termination.

If Mr. Karpiak’sKiley’s or Mr. Jacobson’s employment is terminated during the year following the effective date of a change in control of First Financial or First Savings Bank, or he terminates his own employment following a change in control for any of the reasons listed in the previous paragraph, we must pay him a lump sum equal to 299 percent of his base amount (as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code) and must provide, during the remaining termone-year period beginning on his date of the employment agreementtermination, substantially the same group life insurance, hospitalization, medical, dental, prescription drug and other health benefits, and long-term disability insurance (if any) for the benefit of the executive and his dependents and beneficiaries who would have been eligible for such benefits if he had not suffered involuntary termination.

Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code provides that severance payments that equal or exceed three times the individual’s base amount are deemed to be “excess parachute payments” if they are conditioned upon a change in control.  Individuals are subject to a 20 percent excise tax on the amount of such excess parachute payments.  If excess parachute payments are made, First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank would not be entitled to deduct the amount of such excess payments.  Mr. Karpiak’sKiley’s and Mr. Jacobson’s employment agreementagreements provides that severance and other payments that are subject to a change in control will be reduced to the extent necessary to ensure that no amounts payable to the executive will be considered excess parachute payments.

Severance Agreement.  We have entered into a severance agreement with Mr. Elmore and Ms. Stenslie.Robinson.  If First Savings Bank terminates an executive’shis employment, other than for cause, or an executivehe terminates his or her own employment within 12 months following a change in control of First Financial or First Savings Bank for any of the reasons described above in the discussion of Messrs. Kiley’s and Jacobson’s employment agreements, Mr. Karpiak’s employment agreement, the executiveRobinson would be entitled to payment and benefits.  The agreements require that First Savings Bank: (1) pay the executive’shis salary through the day of termination, including the pro rata portion of any incentive award; (2) pay for the remaining term of the agreement the executive’shis life, health and disability coverage; and (3) pay in a lump sum an amount equal to 299100 percent of the executive’shis base amount (as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code).  Any payments to an executive under the severance agreementMr. Robinson are subject to reduction pursuant to Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code to avoid excess parachute payments.
31


Employee Severance Compensation Plan.First Savings Bank previously established the First Savings Bank Northwest Employee Severance Compensation Plan to provide eligible employees with severance pay benefits in the event of a change in control of First Savings Bank or First Financial.  Mr. Robinson is covered byFinancial based on length of employment and position.  In 2013, the Compensation and Awards Committee recommended the elimination of this plan.  Potential benefits underSubsequently, the plan are based on an employee’s position with First Savings Bank.

UnderBoard of Directors eliminated the plan, in the event of a change in control of First Savings Bank or First Financial Northwest, eligible employees who are terminated or who terminate their employment within one year for reasons specified under the severance plan will be entitled to receive a severance payment.  If a participant whose employment has terminated has completed at least one year of service, the participant will be entitled to a cash severance payment equal to three months for service of one to two years, six months for service of two to three years, and six months plus one month for each year of continuous employment over three years up to a maximum of one and one-half times the participant’s annual compensation.  A participant who is an assistant vice president of First Savings Bank prior to the change in control will receive a minimum payment equal to one-half of the participant’s annual compensation.  Individuals who are vice presidents and above of First Savings Bank prior to the change in control will receive a minimum payment equal to the participant’s annual compensation.plan.

Equity Incentive Plan.  The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan provides for accelerated vesting of awards in the event of a recipient’s death or disability, or a change in control.  The plan provides that with respect to outstanding and unvested stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards, the vesting date shall be accelerated to the date of the recipient’s death or disability, or the earliest date of the change in control.

Compensation and Awards Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The members of the Compensation and Awards Committee are Directors Lee, Kohlwes, Anderson, EdlundFaull, Padrick and Faull.Stevens.  None of the members of the Compensation and Awards Committee of the First Financial Board of Directors has served as an officer or employee of First Financial or any of its subsidiaries or had any relationships otherwise requiring disclosure.


28

PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY VOTE  TO APPROVE  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), we are required to include in this Proxy Statement and present at the meeting a non-binding shareholder resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC.  This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the compensation of First Financial’s executives as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.  The proposal will be presented at the annual meeting in the form of the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve the compensation of First Financial Northwest, Inc.’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and related material in First Financial’s Proxy Statement for the 20122014 annual meeting of shareholders.

This vote will not be binding on our Board of Directors or Compensation and Awards Committee and may not be construed as overruling a decision by the Board or create or imply any additional fiduciary duty on the Board.  It will also not affect any compensation paid or awarded to any executive.  The Compensation and Awards Committee and the Board may, however, take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

The purpose of our compensation policies and procedures is to attract, retain and motivate key executives of proven ability who are critical to our future success.  As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the Compensation and Awards Committee believes that the executive compensation for 20112013 is reasonable and appropriate, reflecting the peer group data range between the 50th and 75th percentile for base salaries.  The subjective approach taken by the Committee, which focuses on fair compensation, without introducing incentive clauses and their unintended consequences, has effectively fulfilled the objective of retaining and attracting key executives with proven ability.  During this challenging economic period, our compensation program was modified with a reduction of some benefits and the elimination of all bonuses; however, it still enabled us to replace certain management personnel with highly
32

experienced individuals greatly contributing to improved asset quality and earnings.  The fair compensation model committed to by the Compensation and Awards Committee encourages a culture of teamwork with recognition that the performance of the CompanyFirst Financial is shared by all.  This, in turn, has proven to promote longevity with limited personnel turnover creating efficiencies that are aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders.  The Compensation and Awards Committee will continue to review all elements of the executive compensation program and take any steps it deems necessary to continue to fulfill objectives outlined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.


29

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

AUDIT/COMPLIANCE/RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

The AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee of the First Financial Board of Directors reports as follows with respect to First Financial’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:2013:

      •·       the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee has completed its review and discussion of the 20112013 audited financial statements with management;

      •·       
the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee has discussed with the independent auditor, Moss Adams LLP, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards (��(“SAS”) No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T;

      •·       the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee has received written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditor required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor’s communications with the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent auditor the independent auditor’s independence; and

      •·       the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee has, based on its review and discussions with management of the 20112013 audited financial statements and discussions with the independent auditor, recommended to the Board of Directors that First Financial’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011,2013, be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constitute the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee:

AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee:

Dr. Gary F. Kohlwes (Chairman)
Joann E. Lee
Gary F. Faull

This report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.



SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10 percent of First Financial’s common stock to report their initial ownership of the common stock and any subsequent changes in that ownership to the SEC.  Directors, executive officers and greater than 10 percent shareholders are required by regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.  The SEC has established filing deadlines for these reports and we are required to disclose in this Proxy Statement any late filings or
33

failures to file.  Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms we have received and written representations provided to us by the above referenced persons, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011,2013, all filing requirements applicable to our reporting officers, directors and greater than 10 percent shareholders were properly and timely complied with.with, except for one late filing on Form 3 covering one transaction by Mr. Clariza.


PROPOSAL 3 – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
30

 
PROPOSAL 3 – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR


The AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Moss Adams LLP as First Financial’s independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2012,2014, and that appointment is being submitted to shareholders for ratification.  Moss Adams LLP served as our independent auditor for the year ended December 31, 2011,2013, and a representative of the firm is expected to attend the annual meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as our independent auditor.

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to First Financial and First Savings Bank for professional services rendered by Moss Adams LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20112013, and 2010.2012.

 Years Ended 
Years Ended
December 31,
 December 31, 2013 2012
 2011  2010    
Audit Fees
 $310,000  $284,000 $312,000 $306,000
Audit-Related Fees
  22,000   11,500 21,000 21,000
Tax Fees
  78,000   49,500 29,000 50,000
All Other Fees
  --   -- -- --

The AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor and the estimated fees for these services in connection with its annual review of its charter.  In considering non-audit services, the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee will consider various factors, including but not limited to, whether it would be beneficial to have the service provided by the independent auditor and whether the service could compromise the independence of the independent auditor.  All of the services provided by Moss Adams LLP in the year ended December 31, 2011,2013, were approved by the AuditAudit/Compliance/Risk Committee.



MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
 
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the annual meeting other than those matters described in this Proxy Statement.  However, if any other matters should properly come before the meeting, it is intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies.

We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies.  We have engaged Regan & Associates, Inc.In addition to assist in the distribution and solicitation of proxies for a fee of $55,000.  Regan & Associates, Inc. expects that approximately 15 of its employees will assist in the solicitation.  Ourthis mailing, our directors, officers and employees may also supplement the proxy solicitor’s solicitation ofsolicit proxies personally, electronically or by telephone without additional compensation.  We will also reimburse brokers and other nominees for their expenses in sending these materials to you and obtaining your voting instructions.  Appendix A sets forth information relating to our directors, director nominees and officers, which individuals are considered “participants” in the solicitation under the rules of the SEC by reason of their position as directors or director nominees or because they may be soliciting proxies on our behalf.
34


       As a result of the actions by the Stilwell Group, we estimate we may incur approximately $250,000 of additional expense in furtherance of, and in connection with, the solicitation in excess of that normally spent for an annual meeting.  This expense is comprised of attorneys fees, public relations fees, and printer costs incurred in connection with the preparation and filing of preliminary proxy materials with the SEC and the preparation of additional disclosures in the proxy statement as required by SEC rules governing proxy contests and additional proxy solicitation materials, and the fees of Regan & Associates, Inc., of which we estimate that approximately $115,000 of expense has been incurred to date.  This estimate does not include the costs represented by salaries and wages of First Financial officers and employees engaged in the solicitation process, costs we would normally incur in an uncontested director election or any costs associated with any potential litigation that may arise in connection with the proxy solicitation.  Furthermore, the actual amount of additional expense we may incur could be materially different from what we currently estimate, depending on possible actions that might be taken by the Stilwell Group in connection with its proxy contest.  

Our Annual Report to Shareholders, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, has been mailed to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date.  Any shareholder who has not received a copy of the Annual Report may obtain a copy by writing to the Secretary, First Financial Northwest, Inc., 201 Wells Avenue South, P.O. Box 360, Renton, Washington 98057.  The Annual Report is not to be treated as part of the proxy solicitation material or as having been incorporated herein by reference.

31

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS


Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at next year’s annual meeting of shareholders must be received at the executive office at 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057, no later than December __, 2012,January 8, 2015, in order to be eligible for inclusion in our printed proxy materials.  Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Securities Exchange Act, and as with any shareholder proposal (regardless of whether included in our proxy materials), our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Our Articles of Incorporation provide that in order for a shareholder to make nominations for the election of directors or proposals for business to be brought before a meeting, a shareholder must deliver notice of such nominations and/or proposals to the Secretary not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date of the meeting; provided that if less than 31 days’ notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such written notice must be delivered not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to shareholders.  We anticipate that, in order to be timely, shareholder nominations or proposals intended to be made at the annual meeting must be made by April __, 2012.May 23, 2014.  As specified in the Articles of Incorporation, the notice with respect to nominations for election of directors must set forth certain information regarding each nominee for election as a director, including the person’s name, age, business address and number of shares of common stock held, a written consent to being named in the Proxy Statement as a nominee and to serving as a director, if elected, and certain other information regarding the shareholder giving such notice.  The notice with respect to business proposals to be brought before the annual meeting must state the shareholder’s name, address and number of shares of common stock held, a brief discussion of the business to be brought before the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any interest of the shareholder in the proposal.
 
 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
 
/s/ JOANN E. LEE
  
 
JOANN E. LEE
SECRETARY

Renton, Washington
April __, 2012
35

 Annex A

INFORMATION CONCERNING PARTICIPANTS
IN FIRST FINANCIAL’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

The tables following the captions “Directors and Nominees” and “Officers and Employees” set forth the name and business address of our directors and nominees, and the name, present principal occupation and business address of our officers and employees who, under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, are considered to be “participants” in our solicitation of proxies from our shareholders in connection with our 2012 annual meeting of shareholders (these persons are referred to below as “Participants”).

Directors and Nominees

The principal occupations of our directors and nominees who are Participants in our solicitation of proxies are set forth under the section above titled “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” of the Proxy Statement. The name and business addresses, and address of the organization of employment, of our directors and nominees are as follows:

NameBusiness Address
Robert L. Anderson
c/o First Financial Northwest, Inc.SECRETARY
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057
Gerald Edlund
Edlund Associates, Inc.
15005 SE 171st Street, Renton, Washington 98058
Gary F. Faull
Gary F. Faull Law Offices
321 Burnett Avenue South, Suite 201, Renton, Washington 98057
M. Scott Gaspard
Washington Financial League
1501 Capitol Avenue South, Olympia, Washington 98501
Victor Karpiak
First Financial Northwest, Inc.
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057
Gary F. Kohlwes
c/o First Financial Northwest, Inc.
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057
Joann E. Lee
Joann Lee & Associates, CPAs,
555 South Renton Village Place, Suite 770, Renton, Washington 98057
Daniel L. Stevens
c/o First Financial Northwest, Inc.
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057

Officers and Employees

The principal occupations of our executive officers and employees who are Participants in our solicitation of proxies are set forth below. The principal occupation refers to such person’s position with First Savings Bank Northwest, and the business address for each person is First Financial Northwest, Inc., 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057.

NamePrincipal Occupation
Roger ElmoreSenior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Herman RobinsonSenior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
Kari A. StenslieVice President and Chief Financial Officer
Amy FarnhamAssistant Vice President, Investor Relations
Marva BradleyVice President, Deposit
Lonnie MalmassariAssistant Vice President, Deposit

A-1


Information Regarding Ownership of First Financial Northwest, Inc. Securities by Participants

The number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, as of March 30, 2012 by the Participants listed above under “Directors and Nominees” and “Officers and Employees” is set forth under the “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” section of the Proxy Statement  for those Participants who are directors and named executive officers.  The number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, as of March 30, 2012 by the Participants listed above under “Officers and Employees” who are not named executive officers is set forth below.  None of the Participants own any shares of our common stock of record but not beneficially. None of the Participants beneficially  owns any securities of any subsidiary of First Financial.
Number of SharesPercent of Shares
NameBeneficially Owned (1)Outstanding (%)
Amy Farnham    5,357  *
Marva Bradley  57,126  *
Lonnie Malmassari  17,482  *
________
*             Less than one percent of shares outstanding.
(1)The amounts shown also include the following number of shares which the indicated individuals have the right to acquire within 60 days of the voting record date through the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan: Ms. Bradley, 30,000 shares and Ms. Malmassari, 9,000 shares.
Information Regarding Transactions in First Financial Northwest, Inc. Securities by Participants

The following table sets forth information regarding acquisitions and dispositions of our securities by each of the participants listed above under “Directors and Nominees” and “Officers and Employees” during the past two years. Unless otherwise indicated, all transactions were in the public market or pursuant to our equity compensation plans and none of the purchase price or market value of those shares is represented by funds borrowed or otherwise obtained for the purpose of acquiring or holding such securities.

NameDate
Number
of Shares
Transaction Description
Roger Elmore12/31/11  4,468Acquisition – ESOP allocation
09/12/11  1,885Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
12/31/10  4,377Acquisition – ESOP allocation
Gary F. Faull12/14/10  1,500Acquisition – Open market purchase
05/12/10  1,000Acquisition – Open market purchase
M. Scott Gaspard12/31/11  4,602Acquisition – ESOP allocation
12/31/10  5,294Acquisition – ESOP allocation
12/08/1010,000Acquisition – Open market purchase
Victor Karpiak12/31/11  5,130Acquisition – ESOP allocation
02/24/11  5,762Acquisition – Open market purchase
12/31/10  5,579Acquisition – ESOP allocation
11/16/10  7,261Acquisition – Open market purchase
05/07/10  5,000Acquisition – Open market purchase
03/09/10  4,302Acquisition – Open market purchase
Gary F. Kohlwes12/16/10  2,400Acquisition – Open market purchase
12/15/10  4,200Acquisition – Open market purchase
12/14/10  3,500Acquisition – Open market purchase
12/13/10  2,500Acquisition – Open market purchase
03/09/10  2,400Acquisition – Open market purchase
A-2


Name
Date
Number
of Shares
Transaction Description
Herman Robinson12/31/11  2,793Acquisition – ESOP allocation
06/23/11  2,294Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
12/01/10  2,500Acquisition – Open market purchase
11/29/10  2,500Acquisition – Open market purchase
11/11/10  2,000Acquisition – Open market purchase
11/10/10  3,000Acquisition – Open market purchase
11/09/10
     500
Acquisition – Open market purchase
06/23/1032,000Acquisition – Grant of restricted stock
06/23/1050,000Acquisition – Grant of stock option
Kari A. Stenslie12/31/11  4,472Acquisition – ESOP allocation
09/12/11  1,885Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
12/31/10  4,581Acquisition – ESOP allocation
05/07/10  4,000Acquisition – Open market purchase
Amy Farnham12/31/11    908Acquisition – ESOP allocation
12/31/10    973Acquisition – ESOP allocation
Marva Bradley12/31/112,379Acquisition – ESOP allocation
10/27/114,298Disposition – Open market sale
09/09/116,400Acquisition – Grant of restricted stock
09/10/112,102Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
02/28/114,298Disposition – Open market sale
12/31/102,332Acquisition – ESOP allocation
09/10/106,400Acquisition – Grant of restricted stock
09/10/102,102Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
01/28/104,298Disposition – Open market sale
Lonnie Malmassari12/31/111,298Acquisition – ESOP allocation
  9/15/111,000Acquisition – Grant of restricted stock
  9/15/11   326Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
    6/1/11   900Disposition – Open market sale
    3/3/11   674Disposition – Open market sale
12/31/101,358Acquisition – ESOP allocation
  9/15/101,000Acquisition – Grant of restricted stock
  9/15/10   326Disposition – Surrender of shares for tax withholding
Miscellaneous Information Concerning Participants

Except as described in this Annex A or otherwise disclosed in the Proxy Statement, to our knowledge:
      •  No associate of any Participant beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, any securities of First Financial.

      •  No Participant beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, any securities of First Financial.

      •  No Participant owns any securities of First Financial of record that such Participant does not own beneficially.

      •  Since the beginning of our last fiscal year, no Participant or any of his or her associates or immediate family members was a party to any transaction, or is to be a party to any currently proposed transaction, in which (a) First Financial was or is to be a participant, (b) the amount involved exceeded

A-3

or exceeds $120,000 and (c) any such Participant, associate or immediate family member had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
 
      •  No Participant or any of his or her associates has any arrangements or understanding with any person with respect to any future employment by First Financial or its affiliates, or with respect to any future transactions to which First Financial or any of its affiliates will or may be a party.
Renton, Washington
      •   No Participant is, or was within the past year, a party to any contract, arrangement or understanding with any person with respect to any securities of First Financial, including but not limited to, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees against loss or guarantees of profit, division of losses or profits, or the giving or withholding of proxies.
May 8, 2014

      •  No Participant has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the annual meeting other than with respect to each director nominee, such nominee’s interest in election to the Board.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
A-432

 
PRELIMINARY COPY

REVOCABLE PROXY

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY __, 2012
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 25, 2014

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints the official Proxy Committee of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial”) with full powers of substitution, as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, to vote all shares of common stock of First Financial whichthat the undersigned is entitled to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders, to be held at the Carco Theatre,Renton Community Center, located at 17171715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton, Washington, on ________, May ___, 2012,Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, as indicated.

FORWITHHELD
1.
The election as director of the nominees listed below
(except as marked to the contrary below).
[   ][   ]
Three-year term:
Gary F. Kohlwes
Joseph W. Kiley III
One-year term:
Richard P. Jacobson
INSTRUCTIONS:  To withhold your vote for any
individual nominee, write the nominee’s name on the line
below.


FORAGAINSTABSTAIN
2.Advisory (non-binding) approval of the compensation of our named executive officers.[   ][   ][   ]

3.The ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as the independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2014.[   ][   ][   ]
4.In their discretion, upon such other matters as may
properly come before the meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” all of the proposals.


This proxy will be voted as directed, but if no instructions are specified, this proxy will be voted for the election of each of the nominees named on the reverse and for each of the other proposals.propositions stated.  If any other business is presented at the annual meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, this proxy will be voted by those named in this proxy in their best judgment.  At the present time, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the annual meeting.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This proxy may
Should the undersigned be revokedpresent and elect to vote at any time before it is voted by: (1) notifying the Secretary of First Financial in writing before the annual meeting that this proxy has been revoked; (2) duly executing a new proxy relating to the same shares with a later date,or at any adjournment thereof, and submitting such proxyafter notification to the Secretary of First Financial at or before the annual meeting; or (3) attendingmeeting of the annual meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the annual meeting will not in and of itself constitute revocation of a proxy). Ifshareholder’s decision to terminate this proxy, is properly revoked as described above, then the power of suchsaid attorneys and proxies shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect.

The undersigned acknowledges receipt from First Financial prior to the execution of this proxy of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, and the 20112014 Annual Report to Shareholders.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID WHITE ENVELOPE
OR PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE

(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. – ANNUAL MEETING, MAY ___, 2012

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT


You can vote in one of three ways:Dated: _________________________, 2014



1.________________________________________________________________________
Call toll free 1-___-___-____ on a touch-tone phone. There is NO CHARGE to you for this call.
PRINT NAME OF SHAREHOLDERPRINT NAME OF SHAREHOLDER

OR

2.________________________________________________________________________
Via the Internet at https://www.proxyvotenow.com/_______ and follow the instructions.
SIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDERSIGNATURE OF SHAREHOLDER

OR

3.Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed white envelope.


Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card.  When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title.  If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.

PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

REVOCABLE PROXY
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
[X]Please mark votesAnnual Meeting of Shareholders
as in this example  May ___, 2012
    With-  For all
1.The election as director                                  For    hold    Except
of the nominees listed below,                [  ]      [  ]        [  ]
each for a three-year term:
Victor Karpiak
M. Scott Gaspard
Daniel L. Stevens
INSTRUCTIONS:  To vote for all nominees, mark “FOR.” To withhold authority to vote for all nominees, mark “WITHHOLD.” To withhold authority to vote for one or more nominees, but not all nominees, mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and write the name(s) of the nominee(s) for whom you wish to withhold authority to vote on the line below.Please complete, date, sign and mail this proxy promptly in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.  You may also vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card.
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                        Date
Please be sure to date and sign
this proxy card in the box below.
Sign above                                      Co-holder (if any) sign above
2.
3.
4.
                                                                         For   Against Abstain
Advisory (non-binding) approval of the         [   ]      [   ]        [   ]
compensation of our named executive
officers.
       For   Against Abstain
The ratification of the appointment of                    [   ]      [   ]        [   ]
Moss Adams LLP as the independent
auditor for the year ending December 31, 2012.
In their discretion, upon such other matters as may properly come before the annual meeting, or any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees named above and “FOR” each of the other proposals.
Mark here if you plan to attend the meeting [   ]
Mark here for address change and note change [   ]

Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card.  When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title.  If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FOLD AND DETACH HERE IF YOU ARE VOTING BY MAIL

PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

Shareholders of record have three ways to vote:
1.By mail;
2.By telephone (using a touch-tone phone); or
3.By Internet.

A telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed, dated and returned this proxy. Please note telephone and Internet votes must be cast prior to _:__ _.m., May __, 2012. It is not necessary to return this proxy if you vote by telephone or Internet.

VOTE BY TELEPHONE: Call toll-free on a touch-tone phone anytime prior to _:__ _.m., May __, 2012
1-___-___-____
VOTE BY INTERNET anytime prior to _:__ _.m., May __, 2012
https://www.proxyvotenow.com/_______