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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


SCHEDULE 14A Information


Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.         )


Filed by 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


CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

(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)(4) and 0-11

1.

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies



2.

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:



3.

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



4.

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:



5.

Total fee paid:



[    ]

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.


[    ]

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


1.

Amount Previously Paid:



2.

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.


3.

Filing Party:



4.

Date Filed:






CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP
7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101

Fresno, California 93720

April 12, 2011


Dear Shareholder:


In connection with the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at the Company’s corporate office at 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California we are enclosing the following:


1.

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

2.

Proxy Statement

3.

Proxy Card

It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting.  In order to ensure your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, you can vote through the internet, by telephone or by mail. Instructions regarding internet and telephone voting are included on the Proxy Card.  If you elect to vote by mail, please complete, date, sign and return the Proxy Card in the accompanying postage-paid envelope.  

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the meeting on May 18, 2011.

 

Cordially,

 
/s/ Daniel N. Cunningham

Daniel N. Cunningham
Chairman of the Board
 
 
/s/ Daniel J. Doyle

Daniel J. Doyle
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING:

THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K TO SHAREHOLDERS ARE AVAILABLE AT: WWW.CVCB.COM






NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Central Valley Community Bancorp will be held at 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California, on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. for the following purposes:

1.

To elect Directors;

2.

To ratify the appointment of Perry-Smith LLP as the Company’s independent public accountants;

3.

To adopt a non-binding advisory resolution approving executive compensation;

4.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

The names of the Board of Directors’ nominees to be directors of Central Valley Community Bancorp are set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement and are incorporated herein by reference.

The Bylaws of Central Valley Community Bancorp provide for the nomination of directors in the following manner:

Nomination for election of members of the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any shareholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors. Notice of intention to make any nominations shall be made in writing and shall be delivered or mailed to the President of the Corporation not less than 21 days nor more than 60 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided however, that if less than 21 days’ notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such notice of intention to nominate shall be mailed or delivered to the President of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed; provided further, that if notice of such meeting is sent by third class mail as permitted by Section 6 of these Bylaws, no notice of intention to make nominations shall be required.  Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:  (a) the name and address of each proposed nominee; (b) the principal occupation of each proposed nominee; (c) the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation owned by each proposed nominee; (d) the name and residence address of the notifying shareholder; and (e) the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation owned by the notifying shareholder.  Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in the discretion of the Chairman of the meeting, be disregarded and upon the Chairman’s instructions, the inspectors of election can disregard all votes cast for each such nominee.  A copy of this paragraph shall be set forth in a notice to shareholders of any meeting at which directors are to be elected.

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2011, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Every shareholder is invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. If you do not expect to be present at the Meeting, you are requested to complete and return the accompanying proxy form in the envelope provided.

Dated:  April 12, 2011


Daniel N. Cunningham
 

/s/ Daniel N. Cunningham

Chairman of the Board

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING, PLEASE

SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE

IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE

PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF
CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP
To Be Held on May 18, 2011
7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93720



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_____________________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS


The following information is furnished in connection with the solicitation of the accompanying proxy by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Central Valley Community Bancorp (the Company or Central Valley) for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Company’s corporate office located at 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.  Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2011, (the Record Date) will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.  On the Record Date, the Company had outstanding 9,491,516 shares of its common stock, of which 9,068,394 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.  This proxy statement will be first mailed to shareholders on or about April 12, 2011.

Vote By Proxy

As many of the Company’s shareholders are not expected to attend the Annual Meeting in person, the Company solicits proxies so that each shareholder is given an opportunity to vote.  Shares represented by a duly executed proxy in the accompanying form, received by the Board of Directors prior to the Annual Meeting, will be voted at the Annual Meeting.  A shareholder executing and delivering the enclosed proxy may revoke the proxy at any time prior to exercise of the authority granted by the proxy by (i) filing with the secretary of the Company an instrument revoking it or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date; or (ii) attending the meeting and voting in person.  A proxy is also revoked when written notice of the death or incapacity of the maker of the proxy is received by the Company before the vote is counted.  If a shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter on the accompanying form of proxy, the shares will be voted accordingly.  If no specification is made, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted in favor of the specified proposal.

Method of Counting Votes

Holders of common stock of the Company (Common Stock) are entitled to one vote for each share.

The proxy holders, Daniel J. Doyle and Steve McDonald, both of whom are directors of the Company, will vote all shares of Common Stock represented by the proxies unless authority to vote such shares is withheld or the proxy is revoked. However, the proxy holders cannot vote the shares of the shareholder unless the shareholder signs and returns a proxy card. Proxy cards also confer upon the proxy holders discretionary authority to vote the shares represented thereby on any matter that was not known at the time this Proxy Statement was mailed, which may properly be presented for action at the Annual Meeting, including a motion to adjourn, and with respect to procedural matters pertaining to the conduct of the Annual Meeting. The total expense of soliciting the proxies in the accompanying form will be borne by the Company. While proxies are normally solicited by mail, proxies may also be solicited directly by officers, directors and employees of the Company or its subsidiary, Central Valley Community Bank (the Bank).  Such officers, directors and employees will not be compensated for this service beyond normal compensation to them.  If Management determines that the Company should engage proxy solicitation agents to obtain sufficient votes for proposals that require a majority approval by the Company’s outstanding shares, the cost of such agents would be born by the Company.

Abstentions and broker non-votes are each included in the determination of the number of shares present and voting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present, and each is tabulated separately.   

Unless contrary instructions are indicated on the Proxy, all shares represented by valid Proxies received pursuant to this solicitation (and not revoked before they are voted) will be voted as follows:

FOR the election of all nominees for director named herein;

FOR ratification of the selection of Perry-Smith LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;

FOR the adoption of a non-binding advisory resolution approving executive compensation;

In the event a shareholder specifies a different choice on the Proxy, his or her shares will be voted in accordance with the specification so made.  In addition, such shares will, at the proxy holder’s discretion, be voted on such other matters, if any, which may come before the Meeting (including any proposal to adjourn the Meeting).  Boxes and a designated blank space are provided on the proxy card for shareholders to mark if they wish either to abstain on one or more of the proposals or to withhold authority to vote for one or more nominees for director.

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 is enclosed with this Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Vote Required

The eight (8) nominees receiving the highest number of votes of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock represented and entitled to vote at the Meeting will be elected directors of the Company.


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The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock represented and entitled to vote at the Meeting is necessary for the ratification of the selection of auditors.  Abstentions will have the effect of a vote against the proposal.

The affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at the Meeting on this proposal is required to adopt the non-binding advisory resolution approving executive compensation.  If you “abstain” from voting, it has no effect on the outcome of this proposal.


Shareholders Entitled to Vote


Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2011, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.  At the close of business on that date, the Company had outstanding 9,491,516 shares of its no par value Common Stock of which 9,068,394 will be entitled to vote.




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SHAREHOLDINGS OF CERTAIN

BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Management does not know of any person who owns, beneficially or of record, either individually or together with associates, 5 percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, except as set forth in the table below.

 

The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, the number and percentage of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by each of the Company’s directors, named executive officers and principal shareholders and by the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.  The shares “beneficially owned” are determined under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, and do not necessarily indicate ownership for any other purpose.  In general, beneficial ownership includes shares over which the director, principal shareholder or executive officer has sole or shared voting or investment power and shares which such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the Record Date. For purposes of the table below, the address for all directors and officers is 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93720.  All Directors, except for Mr. Doyle, are independent under NASDAQ independence standards. The percentage ownership is calculated based on 9,491,516 shares of outstanding Common Stock.  All of the shares referenced in the table below are voting common stock except as noted in the case of Patriot Financial Partners.


 





Shares Beneficially Owned

as of the Record Date

 

Name

Age

Positions Held With the Company

Director or Officer Since

 Number

 

Percent of Class

 

Sidney B. Cox

80

Director

2000

  60,522

(1)

*

 

Daniel N. Cunningham

74

Chairman of the Board and Director


2000

413,084


(2)

4.35%

 

Edwin S. Darden, Jr.

66

Director

2001

  124,506

(3)

1.31%

 

Daniel J. Doyle



64

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director **



2000

185,600



(1)

1.95%

 

Bryan R. Hyzdu



52

Senior Vice President San Joaquin Region  **



2008

  18,507



(4)

*

 

David A. Kinross



46

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer **



2006

17,000



(5)

*

 

Steven D. McDonald

61

Secretary and Director

2000

 386,240

(6)

4.06%

 

Louis McMurray

64

Director

2000

 691,552

(7)

7.27%

 

Gary Quisenberry

59

Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business Banking **

2000

 60,000



(8)

*

 

Lydia E. Shaw

54

Senior Vice President, Consumer and Retail Banking **

2007

  9,000



(9)

*

 

William S. Smittcamp

58

Director

2000

 152,600

(1)

1.60%

 

Thomas L. Sommer

63

Senior Vice President and Credit Administrator **

2000

  72,516



(8)

*

 

Joseph B. Weirick

72

Director

2000

  94,695

(10)

1.00%

 

Patriot Financial Partners GP, L.P. Cira Center 2929 Arch Street 27th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19104

 

 

 

1,142,862

***

12.04%

 

All directors and executive officers of the Company and the Bank as a group (13 in number)

 

 

 

2,285,822

 

24.08%




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*

Beneficial ownership does not exceed one percent of common stock outstanding.

**   As used throughout this Proxy Statement, the term “executive officer” means the president, any senior vice president in charge of a principal business unit or function, and any other officer or person who performs a policy making function for the Company or the Bank. Ms. Shaw, Mr. Quisenberry and Mr. Hyzdu are officers of the Bank only.  Each executive officer serves on an annual basis and must be appointed by the Board of Directors annually pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company (or the Bylaws of the Bank, in the case of Ms. Shaw, Mr. Quisenberry and Mr. Hyzdu).

***

Patriot Financial Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Patriot Fund”) is the record holder of 753,785 shares of Common Stock and 220,731 shares of Non-voting Common Stock; Patriot Financial Partners Parallel, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Patriot Parallel Fund” and together with the Patriot Fund, the “Funds”) is the record holder of 130,215 shares of Common Stock and 38,131 shares of Non-voting Common Stock;  Patriot Financial Partners GP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and general partner of the Funds (“Patriot GP”); Patriot Financial Partners GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and general partner of Patriot GP (“Patriot LLC”); and each of  W. Kirk Wycoff, Ira M. Lubert and James J. Lynch are general partners of the Funds and Patriot GP and as members of Patriot LLC.     

(1)

Includes 24,000 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of the Record Date upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2000 Stock Option Plan (the 2000 Plan).

(2)

Includes 87,120 shares held as trustee for the Bradley and Joanne Quinn Living Trust as to which Mr. Cunningham disclaims beneficial ownership and 122,508 shares held under a power of attorney executed in favor of Mr. Cunningham by Eric Quinn as to which Mr. Cunningham disclaims beneficial ownership.  Also includes 14,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.

(3)

Includes 44,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.  

(4)

Includes 4,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan).

(5)

Includes 17,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.  

(6)

Includes 1,608 shares held by Mr. McDonald’s spouse, 28,136 shares held in a family trust, and 24,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.

(7)

Includes 52,536 shares held as Trustee of the Charles McMurray Living Trust, 52,548 shares held as Trustee of the Jed McMurray Living Trust, 498,205 shares held as Trustee of the Louis McMurray Living Trust, 64,263 shares held as Trustee of the Lou and Dena McMurray Living Trust, and 24,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.

(8)

Includes 27,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.

(9)

Includes 9,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2005 Plan.

(10)

Includes 6,116 shares owned of record by Mr. Weirick’s wife and 24,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the 2000 Plan.


PARTICIPATION IN THE TARP CAPITAL PURCHASE PROGRAM


In January 2009, the Company received $7,000,000 from the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), Capital Purchase Program pursuant to which the Company issued and sold (i) 7,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) and (ii) a warrant to purchase 158,133 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, no par value (the “TARP Warrant”).The Company’s issuance in December 2009 of $8,000,000 in equity in a private placement reduced the number of shares issuable under the TARP Warrant to 79,067 shares. The table above does not reflect Preferred Stock, shares issuable under the TARP Warrant, or shares issuable under other outstanding options.  


The terms of the Preferred Stock permit  the Treasury, under certain conditions, to appoint two members of the Board of Directors (“contingent directors”).  Descriptions herein relating to the qualification, nomination, and election of directors do not include contingent directors.   The Company is subject to certain restrictions in compensating its executives so long as any debt or equity issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program remains outstanding.

 




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MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING


PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY


The Bylaws of the Company provide a nomination procedure for election of members of the Board of Directors, which procedure is printed in full in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders accompanying this Proxy Statement.  Nominations not made in accordance therewith may, in his or her discretion, be disregarded by the Chairman of the Meeting and, upon his or her instruction, the inspectors of election shall disregard all votes cast for such nominee(s).

The Bylaws of the Company provide that the Board will consist of not less than seven (7) and not more than thirteen (13) directors.  The number of directors is set by the Board and is currently set at eight (8).  The authorized number of directors to be elected at the Meeting is eight (8).  Each director will hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.  

All Proxies will be voted for the election of the following eight (8) nominees recommended by the Board of Directors, all of whom are incumbent directors, unless authority to vote for the election of directors is withheld.  If any of the nominees should unexpectedly decline or be unable to act as a director, the Proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee to be designated by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any nominee will become unavailable and has no present intention to nominate persons in addition to or in lieu of those named below. There is no family relationship between any of the directors or principal officers.


The following is a brief account of the business experience for at least the past five years of each nominee and each executive officer of the Company.

SIDNEY B. COX retired from Producers Cotton Oil in April 1988 and is the sole owner of Cox Communications, a public relations and agricultural consulting firm.  Mr. Cox is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.

DANIEL N. CUNNINGHAM is the Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Cunningham is a Director of Quinn Group, Inc. Mr. Cunningham is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.

EDWIN S. DARDEN, JR. is a certified architect and Principal of Darden Architects, Inc., an architectural firm in Fresno, California. Mr. Darden is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.

DANIEL J. DOYLE became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company upon its organization in 2000, and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since June 1998.  From March 1995 until joining the Bank, Mr. Doyle was Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of U.S. Bank.  Prior to that, Mr. Doyle served as President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Bank of California.  Mr. Doyle is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.

BRYAN R. HYZDU resigned effective February 22, 2011.  Mr. Hyzdu served as Senior Vice President, San Joaquin Region of the Bank since November 2008.   

DAVID A. KINROSS was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in May 2006. Prior to that time, Mr. Kinross served for three years as Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Pelco, and for 13 years prior to that served in various capacities including Partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP.

STEVEN D. McDONALD is the Secretary of the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank.  Mr. McDonald is President of McDonald Properties, Inc., with interests in cattle ranching, mobile home park management and other investments.  Mr. McDonald is also the owner/broker of SDM Realty, specializing in ranch brokerage.  Mr. McDonald is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.



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LOUIS McMURRAY is President of Charles McMurray Company, a wholesale hardware company with outlets in Fresno and Sacramento.  Mr. McMurray is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.

GARY QUISENBERRY became Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business Banking of the Bank in February 2000.  For fifteen years prior to that time, Mr. Quisenberry was Senior Vice President, Business Banking Manager, Manager of Special Assets and Manager of Consumer Lending for California Federal Bank.

LYDIA E. SHAW became Senior Vice President of the Bank in October 2007.  Ms. Shaw was named manager of Consumer and Retail Banking of the Bank in December 2007.  Prior to that time, Ms. Shaw served as Vice President, Division Manager for Washington Federal Savings located in Seattle, Washington.  For eight years prior to that time, Ms. Shaw served as Director of Business Relationships for Twinstar Credit Union located in Olympia, Washington.

WILLIAM S. SMITTCAMP is the President and owner of Wawona Frozen Foods and is involved as a principal in other family-related businesses.  Mr. Smittcamp is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.

THOMAS L. SOMMER became Senior Vice President and Credit Administrator of the Company upon its organization in 2000, and was named Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank in December 1999 after serving as Vice President Manager of Credit Review and Special Assets since August 1998.  

JOSEPH B. WEIRICK was President and General Manager of Weirick and Co., operators of China Peak Ski Area, from 1964 to 1978. Mr. Weirick is presently involved in personal investments. Mr. Weirick is a long standing member of the Board of Directors. His familiarity with the Company’s personnel and operations, in addition to his knowledge of our geographic markets and our client base, were considered in re-nominating him to serve as a director of the Company.


Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Company conducts its business through meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors, Executive and Directors Resources Committee, Nominating Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and Audit/Compliance Committee, and through committees of the Bank’s Board of Directors.  The Company became the holding company for the Bank on November 15, 2000.  Currently, the Audit/Compliance Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors makes recommendations to the Audit/Compliance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.  During 2010 the Company’s Board of Directors held 14 meetings.  All Directors, except Mr. Smittcamp, attended at least 75% of the meetings during 2010.    

Executive/Directors Resources Committee

The Executive/ Directors Resources Committee performs the function of a compensation committee for the Company and the Bank.  All of the members of the Executive/ Directors Resources Committee are independent directors as defined under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. as currently in effect.  The Committee is composed of Mr. Cunningham as Chairman, and Messrs. Darden, McMurray, and Smittcamp.  The Committee adopted a charter on February 2, 2011 which outlines its policy with respect to executive and directors’ compensation and equity awards and incentive compensation awards and plans.   


In January 2009, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement (the Letter Agreement) with the United States Department of the Treasury (the Treasury) under the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (TARP). Pursuant to this Purchase Agreement, the Executive/ Directors Resources Committee will meet no less frequently than is required and will establish compensation and incentive plans that are consistent with the Treasury under the applicable TARP guidelines and any other federal law to review compensation of senior management, and to ensure that such compensation is not structured to encourage the senior management to take excessive risks in light of their job responsibilities. See Note Shareholders’ Equity in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report for further information.


A copy of the Company’s Executive/Directors Resources Committee Charter may be accessed electronically at the Company website at www.cvcb.com or by writing Cathy Ponte, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Central Valley Community Bancorp, 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93720.


The Committee held three meetings during 2010.  The Committee; (1) oversees matters relating to employment, compensation and management performance of key executive officers; (2) formally evaluates the performance of the President/CEO annually; (3) makes recommendations to the full Board for compensation and other benefits, including incentives, deferred compensation plans and stock options for the President/CEO and other key executive officers; (4) reviews and makes



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recommendations to the Board regarding retirement policies or any other policies relating to Board members; and (5) makes recommendations regarding fees, stock option grants and other benefits for the Directors.    


Nominating Committee


The Nominating Committee is composed of Mr. Cunningham as Chairman, and Messrs. Darden, McMurray, and Smittcamp.  All of the members of the Committee are independent directors as defined under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. as currently in effect.


The Committee held two meetings during 2010.  The Committee makes recommendations for the nomination of directors to the full Board.


The Committee adopted a charter which outlines its policy with respect to considering director candidates.  A copy of the Company’s Nominating Committee charter may be accessed electronically at the Company website at www.cvcb.com or by writing Cathy Ponte, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Central Valley Community Bancorp, 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93720.  The Committee considers suggestions from many sources, including shareholders, regarding possible candidates for director.  In order for shareholder suggestions regarding possible candidates for director to be considered by the Committee, such information should be provided to the Committee in writing at least 60 days prior to the date of the next scheduled annual meeting.  Shareholders should include in such communications the name and biographical data of the individual who is the subject of the communication and the individual’s relationship to the shareholder.  The Committee does not set specific criteria for directors but believes the Company is well served when its directors bring to the Board a variety of experience and backgrounds, evidence leadership in their particular fields, demonstrate the ability to exercise sound business judgment and have substantial experience in business and outside the business community in, for example, the academic or public communities.  The Committee evaluates its selection criteria and evaluation process periodically, and may in the future include additional qualifications, such as the diversity of backgrounds of candidates.    Each of the individuals nominated to serve as a director has been determined by the Committee to meet such qualifications.  The Committee considers shareholder nominees for director in the same manner as nominees for director from other sources.  As set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting that accompanies this Proxy Statement, the Company’s Bylaws require that notice of intention to make any nomination must be delivered to the President of the Corporation on a timely basis and must contain certain information.  Please refer to the Notice of Annual Meeting.  Any such notices will be forwarded to the Committee.


Strategic Planning Committee

The Committee develops, along with the Board and management, the Company’s Strategic Plan. It also is responsible for reviewing potential locations for offices of the Bank, overseeing premises-related matters, and reviewing feasibility of potential mergers/acquisitions. Members of the Strategic Planning Committee are Mr. McMurray, Chairman, and Messrs. Cunningham, Darden, Doyle, McDonald, and Smittcamp. The Committee met five times in 2010.


Audit/Compliance Committee


The Audit/Compliance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors is composed of Mr. McDonald as Chairman, and Messrs. Cunningham, Cox and Weirick.  In accordance with its charter, all of the members of the Audit/Compliance Committee are independent directors as defined under the rules of the SEC and the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. as currently in effect.  The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Cunningham is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.  


The Company’s Audit/Compliance Committee held 11 meetings during 2010.  The functions of the Audit/Compliance Committee are to recommend the appointment of and to oversee the independent registered public accounting firm who audits the books and records of the Company for the fiscal year for which they are appointed, to approve each professional service rendered by such accountants and to evaluate the possible effect of each such service on the independence of the Company’s accountants.  The Audit/Compliance Committee also reviews internal controls and reporting procedures of the Bank’s branch offices, periodically consults with the independent registered public accounting firm with regard to the adequacy of internal controls and reviews and recommends inclusion of the audited consolidated financial statements in regulatory reports.


Report of Audit/Compliance Committee


NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE COMPANY’S FILINGS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE FOLLOWING REPORT



8





OF THE AUDIT/COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE SHALL NOT BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY SUCH FILINGS AND SHALL NOT OTHERWISE BE DEEMED FILED UNDER SUCH ACTS.


The Audit/Compliance Committee of the Central Valley Community Bancorp Board of Directors (the Audit Committee) is composed of independent directors and operates pursuant to a Charter that was adopted by the Board on February 16, 2011. A copy of the Company’s Audit Committee charter may be accessed electronically at the Company website at www.cvcb.com or by writing Cathy Ponte, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Central Valley Community Bancorp, 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93720.  The members of the Audit Committee are Steven D. McDonald (Chair), Daniel N. Cunningham, Sidney B. Cox, and Joseph B. Weirick.  The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors, subject to shareholder ratification, the selection of the Company’s independent accountants.   All participants in the Audit Committee attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Audit Committee during 2010.  


The function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in its oversight of the Company’s financial reporting process. As set forth in the Charter, management of the Company is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, and maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.  The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out appropriate audits and reviews, auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


In the performance of its oversight function, the Committee has considered and discussed the consolidated audited financial statements with the independent registered public accounting firm, with, and without, management present.  The Committee has also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as currently in effect.  The Committee has also discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the quality and adequacy of the internal controls of the Company.  Finally, the Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as currently in effect, and has discussed with them their independent status. The independent registered public accounting firm did not perform any prohibited services for the Company.  


The members of the Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not experts in the fields of accounting or auditing, including in respect to auditor independence.  Members of the Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them and on the representations made by management and the independent accountants.  Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.  Furthermore, the Audit Committee’s considerations and discussions referred to above do not assure that the audit of the Company’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, that the financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America or that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm are in fact “independent”.


Based upon the reports and discussions described in this report, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Committee referred to above and in its Charter, the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT/COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Steven D. McDonald (Chairman)

Daniel N. Cunningham

Sidney B. Cox

Joseph B. Weirick

March 16, 2011






9





EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


The Executive/Directors Resources Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors reviews human resources issues and compensation relating to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and three most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of the last completed fiscal year (collectively, The Named Executive Officers” or “NEOs”) The NEOs are identified in the Summary Compensation Table, below.  


The Committee establishes the compensation plans and specific compensation of the NEOs with input from the CEO.  The Committee reviews executive compensation annually referring to periodic outside reviews of California peers as well as national peers utilizing the California Bankers Association Salary Survey, salary and benefits information from the California Department of Financial Institutions and other databases.


The Company’s compensation programs and policies are designed to enhance shareholder value by aligning the financial interest of the executive officers of the Company with those of the Company’s shareholders.  The compensation program has two goals:  To help the Company compete with other financial entities to attract and retain highly qualified individuals as executive officers; and to pay executive officers based upon their contribution to the Company’s performance and the executive officers’ estimated future contribution to the success of the Company.


The incentive plan for 2010 was designed to support the Company’s goals related to asset quality, growth and CAMELS ratings as determined in annual Safety & Soundness examinations by our state and federal regulators.  The Committee meets at least as often as required under TARP guidelines and any other federal law to review compensation of senior management, and to ensure that such compensation is not structured in any way that would encourage the senior management to take excessive risks in light of their job responsibilities.  The NEOs have agreed they will not accept any golden parachute payments that would be in violation of the TARP guidelines or any other federal law. 


Salaries, non-equity incentives, and perquisites of executive officers are paid in cash and reviewed annually.  The long-term compensation components (equity incentives and post-termination benefits) are reviewed in the context of the other compensation provided to executives, but adjustments to long-term compensation are not necessarily made annually.


Equity compensation and post-termination benefits are intended to provide retention incentives to executives, and are not specifically intended to reward current performance.  Salary, incentive and perquisite compensation are related to, and affected by, current performance.


Stock options are awarded to encourage key employees to remain with the Company and provide employees with a long-term interest in the Company’s overall performance.  The Company intends to retain the flexibility necessary to provide total cash compensation in line with competitors’ practices, the Company’s compensation philosophy and the Company’s best interests, including compensation that may not be deductible for tax purposes.


Components of Executive Officer Compensation


The primary components of executive compensation are base salaries, incentive compensation and long-term compensation, which includes 401(k) match and profit sharing, equity compensation, health and welfare benefits and benefits from a salary continuation plan.  


BASE SALARIES:


Base salaries for our executive officers are based on the scope of their responsibilities as well as review of competitive compensation data from a comparison group of financial services companies.  The Committee approves and the Board of Directors ratifies, the annual base salary for the CEO, CFO and other NEOs.  Base salaries are reviewed annually, and increased from time to time to realign salaries with market levels after taking into account individual responsibilities, performance and experience.  Salary ranges and midpoints for all employees are based on market analysis within the banking industry in California.  


The base salary for the CEO for 2010 was determined by (i) examining the Company’s performance against its preset goals, (ii) comparing the Company’s performance against its peer group competitors, (iii) evaluating the effectiveness and performance of the CEO, and (iv) comparing the base salary of the CEO to that of other chief executive officers in the Company’s peer group.  The total compensation received by the Company’s CEO is detailed in the Summary Compensation Table.  




10





INCENTIVE COMPENSATION:


The Committee determines the amount of annual incentive compensation payable to executive officers, if performance goals are met, subject to a maximum limit on the incentive compensation.


The CEO’s annual incentive compensation was based on an incentive target multiplied by a performance modifier. The incentive target for 2010 was $162,000 (55% percent of his base salary at January 1, 2010). Seventy percent (70%) of the incentive represents Bank performance, including criteria for net income, direct expenses, operating revenue, loans, deposits, investment management, classified loans to capital, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) loan goals, classified loans and past due loans, and 30% of the incentive target represents subjective judgment of management performance in such areas as strategic planning leadership, marketing, regulatory compliance, community involvement, franchise value and stockholder relations. The total incentive target attained can be adjusted up or down based on a performance modifier. The performance modifier was determined based on the outcome of regulatory exams, regulators’ rating for the Bank and outside and internal audit outcomes. Mr. Doyle’s 2010 incentive compensation totaled $154,000, consisting of 57.3% of his incentive target for the Bank’s performance component in 2010 and, for outstanding performance, his incentive for the management component was 37.5% of his 2010 incentive target. See the Summary Compensation Table below for further information.


The Company has a Senior Management Incentive Plan (SMIP) to provide annual incentive compensation to attract, retain, and motivate key executives of the Company, other than the CEO.  The SMIP is tied to financial achievements for the Bank and Company which are set annually.  The executive must be employed on the last day of the fiscal year to receive payment under the SMIP.  The Committee has discretion to determine which executives are eligible to participate in the SMIP, to determine the bases for and the amount of any incentive awards and to consider any additional or extraordinary performance factors for a particular participant.  Where an executive is responsible for a particular business unit or division, performance goals are weighted based on operational performance of those units.  Where an executive has broader corporate responsibilities, such as the CFO, goals are based on particular objectives set by the Committee.  For 2010, Messrs. Kinross, Quisenberry and Sommer, and Ms. Shaw’s total incentive compensation was based on a target bonus of 30% of their base salary as of February 1, 2010 which was weighted 50% for targeted Company level thresholds of performance and 50% for individual targeted performance thresholds. For Mr. Hyzdu total incentive compensation was based on a target bonus of 25% of his base salary at February 1, 2010 and weighted 50% for targeted Company level thresholds of performance and 50% for individual targeted performance thresholds.  Bank performance thresholds include consolidated net income and total direct Bank non-interest expenses.  Individual thresholds include, loans, deposits, net charge offs, classified loans to capital, past due loans, CRA goals, investments, and a management component.  The total target bonus attained can be adjusted up or down based on a performance modifier.  The performance modifier is based on the outcome of regulatory exams, regulators’ rating for the Bank and outside and internal audit outcomes.


Incentive compensation payments for 2010 for each executive officer are detailed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 15.


LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION:


401(k)/Profit Sharing Plan:


The Company adopted a 401(k) Plan for benefit of all employees and incorporates a safe harbor matching contribution provision.  The CEO and other senior management executives participate in the 401(k) Plan to the same extent as all other employees, subject to limitations imposed by regulation. The Company contributes a percentage matching contribution to the same degree as all other employees. The matching contribution is 100% on all deferred amounts up to 3% of eligible compensation and a 50% match on the next 2% of eligible compensation.  The Profit Sharing Plan is a cash-based incentive profit sharing program.  The Company may, but is not required to make annual contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan based on the recommendation of the Committee.  The cash incentive is paid by March 1st of each year.  The percentage of the Company’s contribution is recalculated each year based upon the recommendation of the Committee.   Once they are eligible to participate, all employees are 100% vested, immediately, in both the 401(k) match and the Profit Sharing Plan. 401(k) and profit sharing contributions to the NEOs for 2010 are detailed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 15.


Equity Compensation:


The Company’s compensation philosophy encourages ownership of the Company’s Common Stock to retain and motivate key executives and to provide a direct link with the interest of the shareholders of the Company.  In general, stock-based award grants are determined based on (i) the impact the executive may have had on the Bank’s  and Company’s earnings and stock price, (ii) the ability of the executive to provide enhanced opportunities for the success of the Bank and Company (iii) extraordinary deeds performed that warrant extraordinary rewards, (iv) prior award levels for the executive, (v) total awards received to date by the individual executives, (vi) the total stock-based award to be made and the executive’s percentage participation in that award, (vii) the executive’s direct ownership of Company’s Common Stock, (viii) the number of awards vested and non-vested,  and (ix)



11





the options outstanding as a percentage of total shares outstanding.  Stock-based awards are issued at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Periodically the Directors determine a pool of the number of stock-based awards to be granted and management makes recommendations to the Directors to determine how many are granted to executive officers and others in the Company and the Directors make a final approval of the grants.


The Central Valley Community Bancorp 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan).  The 2005 Plan awards in the form of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock.  The plan allows for performance awards that may be in the form of cash or shares of the Company, including restricted stock.  All awards are issued at market value, at the sole discretion of the Committee and generally have vesting periods of five years. The maximum number of shares that can be issued under the 2005 Plan is 476,000; to date there are 107,900 shares of common stock reserved for issuance for options already granted to employees and 368,100 remain reserved for future grants. The Company also has a total of 599,229 shares reserved for issuance under options granted under prior option plans.


In 2010, options to purchase 83,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted at exercise prices between $5.30 and $5.76.  All options were granted with an exercise price equal to the market value on the grant date.


See Notes Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Share-based Compensation to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report for further information relating to all equity compensation plans.


Additional information on long-term awards for executive officers is shown in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table on page 16.  


Health and Welfare Benefits:


The Company offers health and welfare programs to all eligible employees.  The programs include medical, wellness, pharmacy, dental, vision, life insurance and accidental death and disability.  The NEOs received up to $12,000 each in 2010 from the Bank for health and welfare benefits.


Salary Continuation Agreements:


Each of the Named Executive Officers is a party to a salary continuation agreement that will provide for an annual payment for a period of time following retirement from service as an executive of the Bank.  The salary continuation agreements terminate upon the executives’ death prior to retirement, voluntary termination of service prior to retirement, or involuntary termination of service for cause.  The salary continuation agreements provide for payment of a lump sum in the event of a change of control of the Company, defined as the cumulative transfer of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock of the Company.  Each person’s annual benefit is determined at the time of retirement, on the basis of (i) the individual’s age upon retirement, (ii) the percentage of benefit vested upon retirement, and (iii) the maximum annual benefit assigned in the individual’s Salary Continuation Agreements.  Additional information on the details of each participant’s benefit under the agreements is shown in the Pension Benefits Table on page 18 and the Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control section on page 20.  The Salary Continuation Agreements and the termination provisions under the CEO’s Employment Agreement are subject to non-competition covenants.


Severance Plan:


Each NEO other than the CEO is a party to a severance pay plan to provide transitional benefits if employees who are terminated involuntarily without cause, laid off, or terminated as a result of a reduction in force under this plan are paid in a lump sum based on two weeks pay for each year of service with a minimum 12 weeks and a maximum 26 weeks.  See Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control section on page 20.


Executive Compensation Waiver:


As a result of the Company’s participation in the Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Program, each NEO voluntarily waived any claim against the United States or the Company for any changes to their compensation or benefits that are required to comply with the regulation issued by the Department of the Treasury.  The regulation may require modification of the compensation, bonus, incentive and other plans, arrangements, policies and agreements (including so-called golden parachute agreements) that the NEO has with the Company or in which the NEO participates as they relate to the period the United States holds any equity or debt securities of the Company acquired through the TARP Capital Purchase Program.




12




Employment Agreements:


The Bank has an employment agreement with Daniel J. Doyle, the Company and Bank’s CEO,  The agreement was originally formed in 1998 and renews automatically for one-year terms, unless terminated by either party not later than sixty days prior to expiration. Under the employment agreement, the Board of Directors sets Mr. Doyle’s salary for each year.


Under the agreement, Mr. Doyle is entitled to receive incentive compensation, based on the achievement each year of certain performance goals.  The goals and the target amount of the incentive are established at the beginning of each year by the Board, and the evaluation of the achievement of the goals and the amount of bonus payable with respect to each year are determined by the Board following the conclusion of the year.  For 2010, Mr. Doyle’s incentive compensation was determined as described above.

The employment agreement with Mr. Doyle also provides for: (a) a Bank-paid membership in a local country club; (b) an automobile allowance of $1,000 per month; (c) participation in medical, dental and similar plans offered by the Bank for Mr. Doyle and his dependents, as well as Bank-paid term life insurance coverage of at least $100,000; and (d) five weeks of vacation annually.  See the Summary Compensation Table.


Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Doyle is entitled to certain benefits for involuntary termination by the Company for reasons other than cause.

·

For early termination upon disability, Mr. Doyle shall receive his then current base salary for 180 days from the date of his first absence due to disability, should the Board, at its option terminate the employment agreement.  

·

For a change in ownership or effective control of the Company, Mr. Doyle would be eligible to receive a lump sum termination payment equal to the average total cash compensation paid to Mr. Doyle during the most recent three fiscal years multiplied by two.  

·

If the Company terminates the employment agreement without cause, Mr. Doyle is entitled to receive up to 24 monthly payments, at his annual base salary rate at the time of termination, provided that if Mr. Doyle obtains other comparable employment within the 24 month period, payments will cease.


Mr. Doyle also has an Executive Salary Continuation Agreement with the Bank.  In the event of involuntary termination for reasons other than cause he is entitled to receive the following:


·

Change in control lump sum payment equal to the present value of 100% of the normal retirement benefit that he would have received had he been employed by the Bank until December 31, 2011.  His change in control benefit as of December 31, 2010 is estimated at $1,786,000.

·

For early termination upon disability, he would receive an annual benefit equal to the early retirement benefit or normal retirement benefit that he would have received had he retired from the Bank.  As of December 31, 2010 he would receive an annual disability benefit based on early retirement of $150,000 for 15 years, paid monthly. The disability benefit will be increased each year by 3% to account for cost of living increases.


In the event of a termination of Mr. Doyle by the Company “for cause”, Mr. Doyle would forfeit benefits under the Executive Salary Continuation Agreement.


As a result of the Company’s participation in the Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Program, Mr. Doyle voluntarily waived any claim against the United States or the Company for any changes to his compensation or benefits that are required to comply with the regulation issued by the Department of the Treasury.  The regulation may require modification of the compensation, bonus, incentive and other plans, arrangements, policies and agreements (including so-called golden parachute agreements) that Mr. Doyle has with the Company or in which he participates as they relate to the period the United States holds any equity or debt securities of the Company acquired through the TARP Capital Purchase Program.


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation:


No member of the Executive/Directors Resources Committee serves or has served as an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, and there are no common participants between the compensation committee of any other entity and the Company.


Executive/Directors Resources Committee Report


The Executive/Directors Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the C D & A) with management.  Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommends to the Board of Directors that the C D & A be included in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.



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The Compensation Committee certifies that it has reviewed with senior risk officers the senior executive officer incentive compensation arrangements.  Based on the analysis of the incentives, potential risks, and the evaluation of factors to mitigate such potential risks, the Committee determined that the Company’s executive compensation program does not encourage the SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the Company, and that no changes to the program were required.


SUBMITTED BY THE EXECUTIVE/DIRECTORS RESOURCES COMMITTEE

OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS



Daniel N. Cunningham

Chairman of the Executive/Directors Resources Committee

Edwin S. Darden, Jr.

Louis McMurray

William S. Smittcamp

March 29, 2011





14





SUMMARY COMPENSATION


The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our CEO, our CFO and four other NEOs for services rendered to the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  Bonuses are paid under the Company’s applicable incentive compensation guidelines and are generally paid in the year following the year in which the bonus is earned.


Summary Compensation Table

Name and
Principal
Position

Year

Salary($)

Option
Awards
($)(1)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
(2)

All Other
Compensation
($)

Total ($)


Daniel J. Doyle, President and Chief Executive Officer

2010

$295,000

 

$12,933

 $153,750

 $ 62,343

 (3)

 $524,026

 

2009

295,000

 

        -

 135,850

  62,205

 

 493,055

Bryan R. Hyzdu, Senior Vice President, San Joaquin Region (9)

2010

192,074

 

6,466

13,877

33,453

(4)

245,870

 

2009

192,074

 

-

28,185

31,405

 

251,664

David A. Kinross, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

2010

175,000

 

6,466

27,064

26,776

 (5)

235,306

 

2009

171,400

 

-

33,114

27,179

 

231,693

Gary Quisenberry, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business Banking

2010

185,600

 

6,466

33,218

33,158

 (6)

258,442

 

2009

182,000

 

-

24,197

33,980

 

240,177

Lydia E. Shaw, Senior Vice President, Consumer and Retail Banking

2010

149,000

 

6,466

21,280

30,229

(7)

206,675

 

2009

146,000

 

-

25,567

30,483

 

202,050

Thomas L. Sommer,

Senior Vice President, Credit Administrator

2010

175,000

 

6,466

27,779

 34,148

(8)

243,393

 

2009

171,400

 

-

27,009

 33,511

 

231,920

 

(1)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  Additional discussion is set out in Notes Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Share-based Compensation of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report that accompanies this proxy statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(2)

Value represents annual incentive compensation.  Further explanation of how the incentive was calculated, is set out in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis under the section entitled



15






Incentive Compensation on page 11.

(3)

Includes for 2010, Director’s fees of $21,400, $12,000 auto allowance, $11,170 group insurance benefit allowance, $9,800 contributed to the Bank’s 401(k)Plan for Mr. Doyle’s account and $4,809 country club membership dues.

(4)

Includes for 2010, $12,000 auto allowance, $10,911 group insurance benefit allowance, and $8,810 contributed to the Bank’s 401(k)Plan for Mr. Hyzdu’s account.

(5)

Includes for 2010, $6,000 auto allowance, $12,000 group insurance benefit allowance, and $8,323 contributed to the Bank’s 401(k)Plan for Mr. Kinross’ account.

(6)

Includes for 2010, $12,000 auto allowance, $6,540 group insurance benefit allowance, $8,381 contributed to the Bank’s 401(k)Plan for Mr. Quisenberry’s account and $5,400 country club membership dues.

(7)

Includes for 2010, $12,000 auto allowance, $10,565 group insurance benefit allowance, and $6,973 contributed to the Bank’s 401(k)Plan for Ms. Shaw’s account.

(8)

Includes for 2010, $6,000 auto allowance, $11,555 group insurance benefit allowance, $8,069 contributed to the Bank’s 401(k)Plan for Mr. Sommer’s account and $6,225 country club membership dues.

(9)

Mr. Hyzdu was Senior Vice President San Joaquin Region until February 22, 2011.


In September 2010, the Company granted options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock as described in the following table.









Name







Grant Date
(1)

All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options
(#)




Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards
($/Sh)




Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards

($)(2)

Daniel J. Doyle

9/15/2010

5,000

$5.76

$12,933

Bryan R. Hyzdu (3)

9/15/2010

2,500

$5.76

$ 6,466

David A. Kinross

9/15/2010

2,500

$5.76

$ 6,466

Lydia E. Shaw

9/15/2010

2,500

$5.76

$ 6,466

Gary Quisenberry

9/15/2010

2,500

$5.76

$ 6,466

Thomas L. Sommer

9/15/2010

2,500

$5.76

$ 6,466


(1)

The options were granted from the 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan.  The right to exercise stock options vests on an annual basis over a five-year period from the grant date.  All options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant.  The options have a term of ten years, subject to earlier termination in certain events related to termination of employment.  

(2)

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model was used to estimate the fair value of the options in this column.  For more details see Notes Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Share-based Compensation in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report.

(3)

Due to Mr. Hyzdu’s resignation none of these options will vest.




16





Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End


The following table shows outstanding stock option awards classified as exercisable and unexercisable as of December 31, 2010 for the persons named in the Summary Compensation Table above.


Name

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#)  Exercisable  

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(#)  Unexercisable

Option Exercise Price
($)

Option
Expiration
Date

Daniel J. Doyle, President and Chief Executive Officer

40,000

-

$3.44

1/17/2011

 

10,000

-

$8.63

6/18/2013

 

10,000

-

$13.50

7/20/2015

 

3,000

2,000 (1)

$6.70

4/23/2017

 

-

5,000 (4)

$5.76

9/15/2020

David A. Kinross, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

12,000

3,000 (2)

$6.70

5/1/2016

 

1,500

1,000 (1)

$6.70

4/23/2017

 

-

2,500 (4)

$5.76

9/15/2020

Lydia E. Shaw, Senior Vice President, Consumer and Retail Banking

9,000

6,000 (3)

$6.70

10/01/2017

 

-

2,500 (4)

$5.76

9/15/2020

Thomas L. Sommer, Senior Vice President, Credit Administrator

8,000

-

$4.32

6/20/2011

 

8,000

-

$5.68

9/18/2012

 

4,000

-

$8.63

6/18/2013

 

5,000

-

$13.50

7/20/2015

 

1,500

1,000 (1)

$6.70

4/23/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

2,500 (4)

$5.76

9/15/2020

Gary Quisenberry, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business Banking 

8,000

-

$4.32

6/20/2011

 

8,000

-

$5.68

9/18/2012

 

4,000

-

$8.63

6/18/2013

 

5,000

-

$13.50

7/20/2015

 

1,500

1,000 (1)

$6.70

4/23/2017

 

-

2,500 (4)

$5.76

9/15/2020

Bryan R. Hyzdu, Senior Vice President, San Joaquin Region

4,000

6,000 (5)

$6.70

05/22/2011

 

-

2,500 (5)

$5.76

05/22/2011

(1)

Stock options vest at the rate of 20% per year, with vesting dates of 4/23/2011 and 4/23/2012.

(2)

Stock options vest at the rate of 20% per year, with vesting dates of 5/01/2011.

(3)

Stock options vest at the rate of 20% per year, with vesting dates of 10/01/2011 and 10/1/2012.



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(4)

Stock options vest at the rate of 20% per year, with vesting dates of 9/15/2011, 9/15/2012, 9/15/2013, 9/15/2014, and 9/15/2015.

(5)

Due to Mr. Hyzdu’s resignation, none of these options will vest.


Pension Benefits


The following table discloses the estimated present value (based on a discount rate of 6.00%) of total benefits if the participant retires at normal retirement age.




Name



Plan Name

Number of Years Credited Service (#) 

Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($) 

 

Daniel J. Doyle,

President and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (1)

N/A

 $1,786,000 (5) (6)

 

 

Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan (1)

N/A

See Note (6)

 

David A. Kinross,

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (2)

N/A

 $ 595,000  (5) (7)

 

 

Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan (2)

N/A

See Note (7)

 

Lydia Shaw,

Senior Vice President, Consumer and Retail Banking

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (3)

N/A

$ 595,000  (5) (8)

 

 

Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan (3)

N/A

See Note (8)

 

Thomas L. Sommer,

Senior Vice President, Credit Administrator

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (2)

N/A

 $ 595,000  (5) (9)

 

 

Second Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (4)

N/A

 $ 119,000      (10)

 

 

Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan (2)

N/A

See Note (9)

 

Gary Quisenberry,

Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business Banking

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (2)

N/A

 $ 595,000  (5) (9)

 

 

Second Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (4)

N/A

 $ 119,000      (11)

 

 

Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan (2)

N/A

See Note (9)

 

Bryan R. Hyzdu,

Senior Vice President,

San Joaquin Region

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement (12)

N/A

 $ 189,049 (5) (12)

 




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(1)

Effective December 31, 2006.

(2)

Effective March 1, 2007.

(3)

Effective January 2, 2008.

(4)

Effective April 1, 2010

(5)

The method used to calculate the retirement benefit, based on assumptions used for financial reporting purposes under generally accepted accounting principles, is a present value calculation using a discount rate of 6.00%. See Notes Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Share-based Compensation in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report for further details on Salary Continuation Plans.

(6)

Under the terms of Mr. Doyle’s agreement he became eligible for normal retirement on December 31, 2010. His retirement benefit is $150,000 per year, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which adjusts for inflation at 3% each year. In the event of death, the Salary Continuation Agreement immediately terminates. Additionally, under the terms of Mr. Doyle’s Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan, his beneficiaries are entitled to receive certain benefits in the event of his death. The division of the death proceeds to Mr. Doyle’s beneficiaries should he be employed by the Bank at the time of death would be (i) a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the normal retirement benefit under his Salary Continuation Agreement or (ii) 100% of the total death proceeds of the policy, whichever amount is less. The division of the death proceeds to Mr. Doyle’s beneficiaries should he be retired from the Bank at the time of death would be a lump sum payment equal to the present value of 100% of the sum of all remaining payments that would have been made under his Salary Continuation Agreement, but for the insured’s death, or 100% of the total death proceeds of the policy, whichever amount is less.

(7)

Under the terms of Mr. Kinross’ Salary Continuation Agreement for normal retirement, if he retires on or after December 31, 2026, he is eligible to receive an annual benefit equal to $50,000 per year, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which adjusts for inflation at 3% each year.  If Mr. Kinross retires on or after May 20, 2024 and prior to December 31, 2026, he is eligible for an early retirement benefit.  The amount of early retirement benefit would be based on the present value of the early retirement benefit payments, payable over 15 years in monthly installments, and increased 3% annually for inflation.  In the event of death, the Salary Continuation Agreement immediately terminates.  Additionally, under the terms of Mr. Kinross’ Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan, his beneficiaries are entitled to receive certain benefits in the event of his death.  Should he be employed by the Bank at the time of death, his beneficiaries are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the retirement benefit provided for in the Executive Salary Continuation Agreement or 100% of the total insurance policy proceeds, whichever amount is less.  Should he be retired from the Bank at the time of death, his beneficiaries are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of 100% of the sum of all remaining payments that would have been made under his Executive Salary Continuation Agreement or 100% of the total proceeds, whichever amount is less.

(8)

Under the terms of Ms. Shaw’s Salary Continuation Agreement for normal retirement, if she retires on or after December 31, 2020, she is eligible to receive an annual benefit equal to $50,000 per year, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which adjusts for inflation at 3% each year.  If Ms. Shaw retires on or after March 29, 2016 and prior to December 31, 2020, she is eligible for an early retirement benefit.  The amount of early retirement benefit would be based on the present value of the early retirement benefit payments, payable over 15 years in monthly installments, and increased 3% annually for inflation.  In the event of death, the Salary Continuation Agreement immediately terminates.  Additionally, under the terms of Ms. Shaw’s Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan, her beneficiaries are entitled to receive certain benefits in the event of her death.  Should she be employed by the Bank at the time of death, her beneficiaries are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the retirement benefit provided for in the Executive Salary Continuation Agreement or 100% of the total insurance policy proceeds, whichever amount is less.  Should she be retired from the Bank at the time of death, her beneficiaries are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of 100% of the sum of all remaining payments that would have been made under her Executive Salary Continuation Agreement or 100% of the total proceeds, whichever amount is less.

(9)

Under the terms of Messrs. Sommer and Quisenberry’s Salary Continuation Agreements for normal retirement, if they retire on or after December 31, 2012 or December 31, 2015, respectively, they are eligible to receive an annual benefit equal to $50,000 per year, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which increases for inflation at 3% each year.  Mr. Sommer became eligible for an early retirement benefit as of December 31, 2009.  As of December 31, 2010, his early retirement benefit would be $40,000 per year, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which increases for inflation at 3% each year.  If Mr. Quisenberry retires on or after May 26, 2011 and prior to December 31, 2015 he is eligible for an early retirement benefit.  The amount of early retirement benefit for Messrs. Sommer and Quisenberry would be based on the month of retirement which would be discounted by the number of months left for full retirement, the early retirement benefit would be payable over 15 years in monthly installments, increased 3% annually for inflation.  In the event of death, the Salary Continuation Agreement immediately terminates.  Additionally, under the terms of Messrs. Sommer and Quisenberry’s Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan, their beneficiaries are entitled to receive certain benefits in the event of death.  Should  they be employed by the Bank at the time of death, their beneficiaries are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of the retirement benefit provided for in the Executive Salary Continuation Agreement or 100% of the total insurance policy proceeds, whichever amount is less. Should they be retired from the Bank at the time of death, their beneficiaries are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to



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the present value of 100% of the sum of all remaining payments that would have been made under their Executive Salary Continuation Agreement or 100% of the total proceeds, whichever amount is less.

(10)

Under the terms of Mr. Sommer’s Second Executive Salary Continuation Agreement for normal retirement, if he retires on or after April 1, 2016, he is eligible to receive an annual benefit equal to $10,000, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which adjusts for inflation at 3% each year. If he retires on or after April 1, 2013 and prior to April 1, 2016, he is eligible for an early retirement benefit based on the present value of the early retirement benefit payments, payable over 15 years in monthly installments and increased 3% annually for inflation.  These payments are in addition to Mr. Sommer’s Executive Salary Continuation Agreement dated March 1, 2007 as described above.

(11)

Under the terms of Mr. Quisenberry’s Second Executive Salary Continuation Agreement for normal retirement, if he retires on or after April 1, 2018, he is eligible to receive an annual benefit equal to $10,000, payable in monthly installments, over a 15 year period which adjusts for inflation at 3% each year. If he retires on or after April 1, 2013 and prior to April 1, 2018, he is eligible for an early retirement benefit based on the present value of the early retirement benefit payments, payable over 15 years in monthly installments and increased 3% annually for inflation. These payments are in addition to Mr. Quisenberry’s Executive Salary Continuation Agreement dated March 1, 2007 as described above.

(12)

Subsequent to the acquisition of Service 1st, the Company assumed the liability for Mr. Hyzdu’s benefits under his Salary Continuation Agreement (the Agreement) with Service 1st Bancorp. The benefits under the Agreement became 100% vested upon the change in control. The Agreement provides for an annual retirement benefit payment, after Mr. Hyzdu attains the age of 65, of $37,164 annually, payable in equal monthly installments over a 15 year period.  Mr. Hyzdu resigned February 22, 2011. He is no longer eligible for benefits under his Endorsement Split Dollar Insurance Agreement due to his resignation.


Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control


Executive Salary Continuation Agreements and the Bank’s Severance Pay Plan require the Company to provide compensation to the CFO and other NEOs in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control of the Company.  The CEO is not eligible for severance pay under the Severance Pay Plan and the amount of compensation payable to the CEO under his Executive Salary Continuation Agreement is explained above under his Employment Agreement.  The CFO and NEOs qualify for benefits under certain circumstances.


Under the Executive Salary Continuation Agreements, if the executive is disabled prior to retirement or termination of employment, he is entitled to an annual disability benefit equal to the executive’s accrual balance payable monthly for 15 years increased annually 3% for cost of living increases.  The CFO and other NEOs are eligible for early involuntary termination benefits payable at normal retirement age.  Involuntary termination means the executive’s employment terminates by action of the Bank prior to retirement, and such termination of employment is not for cause.  In the event the executive’s employment terminates for cause prior to retirement, their Executive Salary Continuation Agreement immediately terminates and the executive forfeits all benefits under the agreement.  Upon a change in control the Bank shall pay the executive a lump sum payment equal to the present value of 100% of the benefit that the executive would have received had the executive been employed until normal retirement.  The Bank’s Severance Pay Plan for Senior Vice Presidents provides two weeks pay per year of service with a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 26 weeks.  See details on the Bank’s Severance Pay Plan on page 14.  In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a merger or change in control, unexercised stock options vest immediately.  See the Outstanding Equity awards at Fiscal Year-End table on page 16 for a break down of options outstanding.


Compensation of Directors


The Board of Directors of the Company has not approved payment of fees in connection with attendance at Company Board or Board Committee meetings.

The Chairman of the Board of the Bank receives $30,700 annual fee and all other directors (including employee directors) of the Bank receive an annual fee of $22,000.  The fees paid to directors are based on comparable amounts paid by other financial institutions in the Company’s geographic market area.

Aggregate Bank directors’ fees in the sum of $184,700 were paid (including amounts deferred under Deferred Compensation Agreements between the Bank and certain of its directors) during the year ended December 31, 2010.  

Deferred Compensation Agreements


Five of the Bank’s non-employee directors have entered into deferred compensation agreements with the Bank, electing to defer some or all of their fees in exchange for the Bank’s promise to pay a deferred benefit in the future.  A deferred compensation agreement allows a non-employee director to reduce current taxable income in exchange for larger payments at retirement, when the recipient could be in a lower tax bracket.  Deferred director fees are expensed by the Bank and are set aside in a separate liability account.  Credited on the account balance at a rate determined annually by the Board of Directors, interest on deferred fees



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continues to accrue until the director’s service terminates and payment of benefits commences.  Payment of accrued benefits, represented by the account balance, can be made in a lump sum or in installments, at each participating director’s election. After retirement, benefit payments are taxable income to the participating director and are deductible expenses to the Bank as they are paid.  The deferred compensation arrangement with non-employee directors is an unfunded plan, which means that a participating director has no rights beyond those of a general creditor of the Bank, and no specific Bank assets are set aside for payment of account balances.  A director whose service terminates for cause forfeits all accrued interest and is entitled solely to the fees previously deferred.

The Bank has a universal life insurance policy insuring the life of each participating director. The Bank is the owner of each policy. Each non-employee director who has entered into a deferred compensation agreement has also entered into a related Split Dollar Agreement and Endorsement. Under the latter Split Dollar Agreement and Endorsement, the Bank and each participating director agree to a division of death benefits under the life insurance policies. A Split Dollar Agreement and Endorsement provides that a director’s designated beneficiary(ies) is entitled at the director’s death to receive life insurance proceeds:

(a)

In an amount intended to approximate the projected deferred compensation agreement account balance at the director’s retirement, if the director dies before terminating service with the Bank.

(b)

In an amount intended to approximate the deferred compensation agreement account balance remaining unpaid, if the director dies after terminating service with the Bank.

In either case, the Bank’s obligations under a deferred compensation agreement are extinguished by the director’s death. The Bank is entitled to any insurance policy death benefits remaining after payment to the director’s beneficiary(ies). The Bank expects to recover in full from its portion of the policies’ death benefits all life insurance premiums previously paid by the Bank. The policies serve informally as a source of financing for the Bank’s deferred compensation obligations arising out of a director’s death before retirement, as well as an investment to finance post-retirement payment obligations. Although the Bank expects the policies to serve as a source of funds for death benefits payable under the deferred compensation agreements, as noted above the directors’ contractual entitlements are not funded. These contractual entitlements remain contractual liabilities of the Bank, payable after the directors’ termination of service.

The information on Directors’ compensation in the table below is for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  

Name

Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)

Option
Awards

 ($) (2)

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($) (3)

All Other
Compensation

($) (4)

Total ($)

Daniel N. Cunningham

 $  30,700

 $   12,933

 $    1,460

 $   10,975

 $  54,608

Sidney B. Cox

22,000

12,933

-   

-   

          34,933

Edwin S. Darden, Jr. (1)

22,000

12,933

728

 266

          35,199

Steven D. McDonald

22,000

12,933

1,203

2,816

          37,749

Louis McMurray

22,000

12,933

1,203

3,774

          38,707

William Smittcamp (1)

22,000

12,933

1,244

 2,370

          37,303

Joseph B. Weirick

22,000

12,933

-   

-   

          34,933


(1)

In 2010, 100% of fees earned were deferred under the Directors’ deferred compensation agreements as discussed above.

(2)

Represents aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  On September 15, 2010, the directors were each granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  All options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date.  In accordance with ASC 718, the fair value was estimated on the date of grant using an option pricing model.  For more detail see Notes Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Share-based Compensation in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report, which are incorporated herein by reference. At December 31, 2010, the aggregate number of option awards outstanding for each director was as follow:  Sidney B. Cox 50,000; Daniel N. Cunningham 20,000; Edwin S. Darden, Jr. 50,000; Steven D. McDonald 30,000; Louis McMurray 30,000; William S. Smittcamp 50,000; and Joseph B. Weirick 50,000.

(3)

Represents above market interest on deferred fees under the Directors’ deferred compensation agreements.



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(4)

Represents the imputed dollar values for insurance coverage under the Split Dollar Agreement and Endorsement plan discussed above.   



CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS


There have been no material transactions, except as disclosed below, since January 1, 2010, nor are there any currently proposed transactions, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was or is to be a party, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any director, executive officer, five-percent shareholder or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had, or will have, a direct or indirect material interest.  

During the normal course of business, the Bank enters into loans with related parties, including executive officers and directors.  These loans are made with substantially the same terms, including rates, collateral and repayment terms, as those prevailing at the same time with unrelated parties, and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or represent other unfavorable features. See Note Loans to Related Parties in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report for detail on outstanding loans and commitments to related parties.

In June 2010, Patriot Financial Partners exchanged 1,359 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for 258,862 shares of non-voting common stock.  The Company’s Board of Directors approved this transaction which was part of the original agreement at the time of the original investment.

Policy and Procedures on Related Person Transactions

The Board of Directors of the Company has not adopted a related party transactions policy.  The Company adopted a written code of ethics to promote the highest ethical standards within the Company.  Under the code of ethics, Company personnel are expected to make immediate disclosure of situations that might create a conflict of interest, or the perception of a conflict of interest, which includes transactions involving entities with which such personnel are associated.  The Board of Directors recognizes that related party transactions present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest and/or improper valuation (or the perception thereof).  Such transactions, after full disclosure of the material terms to the Board, must be approved by the members of the Board who are not parties to the specific transaction to determine that they are just and reasonable to the Company at the time of such approval, with those members of the Board (if any) who have an interest in the transaction abstaining.  Such procedures are consistent with the terms of California corporate law.


CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT


The successful business operation and reputation of Central Valley Community Bancorp is built upon the principles of fair dealing and ethical conduct of all our employees.  Shareholders and our employees look to and have the expectation that our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and all senior officers set the highest standards of conduct to promote:

·

Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

·

Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that are filed with, or submitted to, the Securities Exchange Commission, and in other public communications made by the Company;

·

Compliance by Central Valley Community Bancorp with all applicable laws and regulations and the conduct of the Company’s business by its directors, officers and employees in accordance with the letter, spirit, and intent of all relevant laws and that they will refrain from any illegal, dishonest, or unethical conduct;

·

The prompt internal reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of any violations of the code; and

·

Accountability for adherence to the code.

Our reputation for integrity and excellence requires careful observance of the spirit and letter of all applicable laws and regulations, as well as a scrupulous regard for the highest standards of conduct and personal integrity.  The continued success of Central Valley Community Bancorp is dependent upon our shareholders’ and customers’ trust and we are dedicated to preserving that trust.

A copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics and Conduct may be requested by writing Cathy Ponte, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Central Valley Community Bancorp, 7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93720 and may also be accessed electronically at the Company website at www.cvcb.com.




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SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION


Shareholders may send recommendations for director nominees or other communications to the Board of Directors or any individual director at the following address.  All communications received are reported to the board or the individual directors:


Board of Directors (or Executive/Directors Resources and Nominating Committee, or name of individual director)

C/o Cathy Ponte

Assistant Corporate Secretary

Central Valley Community Bancorp

7100 N. Financial Drive, Suite 101

Fresno, California 93720


While the Board has not adopted a formal process regarding shareholder communications, all communications received are reported to the board or the individual directors, and the Board historically has not encountered inadequacies in handling such communications in this fashion.


DIRECTOR ATTENDANCE AT SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS


The Company does not have a policy which specifically addresses director attendance at shareholder meetings.  However, seven directors were in attendance at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 19, 2010.  


REIMBURSEMENT AND TAX SHARING AGREEMENT


The Company has entered into an agreement with the Bank pursuant to which the Bank has agreed to reimburse the Company for certain expenses incurred by the Company in rendering management services on terms and conditions consistent with the requirements of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W. In addition, the Company has entered into a tax sharing agreement with the Bank providing for the allocation of tax obligations among the Company and the Bank in compliance with regulatory requirements.


SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE


Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).  Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.  To the best knowledge of the Company, there are no greater than ten-percent holders of the Company’s Common Stock.  

Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 4 and 5 were required for those persons, the Company believes that for the 2010 fiscal year, the officers and directors of the Company complied with all applicable filing requirements.

PROPOSAL NO. 2

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


The firm of Perry-Smith LLP, which served the Company as independent registered public accounting firm for 2010, has been selected by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company to be the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2011. All Proxies will be voted “FOR” ratification of such selection unless authority to vote for the ratification of such selection is withheld or an abstention is noted. If the nominee should unexpectedly for any reason decline or be unable to act as independent public accountants, the Proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee to be designated by the Audit Committee.

Representatives from the accounting firm of Perry-Smith LLP will be present at the meeting, will be afforded the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.


Audit Fees


The following presents fees billed for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 for professional services rendered by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and fees billed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for other services rendered to the Company.



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FEES

2010

2009

Audit Fees (1)

$   233,000

$  217,000

Audit-Related Fees (2)

18,000

20,000

Tax Fees (3)

39,000

71,000

All Other Fees (4)

26,000

19,000


(1)

Audit fees include professional services in connection with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, review of consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports and services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements as well as travel related costs.  

(2)

Audit-related fees represent fees for professional services such as the audit of the Company’s salary deferral plan and technical accounting, consulting and research.

(3)

Tax service fees consist of compliance fees for the preparation of original and amended tax returns and tax payment-planning services.  Tax service fees also include fees relating to other tax advice, tax consulting and planning other than for tax compliance and preparation.  

(4)

All other fees consisted primarily of consulting services for the Company’s strategic plan.   

The Audit/Compliance Committee has determined that the provision of services, in addition to audit services, rendered by Perry-Smith LLP and the fees paid there for in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were compatible with maintaining Perry-Smith LLP’s independence.

The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm, subject to the de minimus exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PERRY-SMITH LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL REQUIRES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED AND VOTING AT THE MEETING.

PROPOSAL 3


NON-BINDING ADVISORY RESOLUTION APPROVING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


As a result of the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, the ARRA requires the Company to submit to the shareholders a non-binding vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer compensation, and the accompanying narrative disclosure in this proxy statement.


This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives the Company’s shareholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the Company’s executive pay program and policies through the following resolution:


“Resolved, that the shareholders approve the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and related material in this proxy statement.”


This vote shall not be binding on the board of directors and will not be construed as overruling a decision by the board nor create or imply any additional fiduciary duty by the board.  However, the Executive/Directors Resources Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ADOPTION OF THE NON-BINDING ADVISORY RESOLUTION APPROVING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.  APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL REQUIRES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES CAST AT THE MEETING.  ON THIS MATTER, ABSTENTIONS WILL HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE VOTING.



SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS


The 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held on May 16, 2012.  December 7, 2011 is the date by which shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting must be received by management of the Company at its principal executive office for inclusion in the Company’s 2012 proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that



24





meeting under SEC rules.  Submission of a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included.  Notice of any business item proposed to be brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder under the Company’s Bylaws must be received by the Company not less than ten days or more than 60 days before the annual meeting.  If the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is held on schedule, the Company must receive notice of any proposed business item no earlier than March 17, 2012, and no later than May 6, 2012.  If the Company does not receive timely notice, the Company’s Bylaws preclude consideration of the business item at the Annual Meeting.




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OTHER MATTERS


The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to come before the Annual Meeting.  If any other matter not mentioned in this proxy statement is brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies with respect thereto and in accordance with their judgment.


Dated:  April 12, 2011
Fresno, California

For the Board of Directors

 
/s/ Daniel N. Cunningham

Daniel N. Cunningham
Chairman of the Board



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