Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. We will provide to any person without charge, upon written request, addressed to our corporate headquarters, attention Corporate Secretary, a copy of such code of ethics.
Board of Directors Leadership Structure and Independence
Our Board of Directors leadership structure is currently comprised of (i) an Executive Chairman, (ii) President of the Company, and (iii) Chairman for each of our Compensation Committee and Audit Committee.
From time to time, the entire Board of Directors reviews the Company’s leadership structure, including the positions of Executive Chairman and President. Mr. E.J. Elliott currently serves as Executive Chairman. Mr. Elliott has held this position since 1968 and is intimately familiar with our history, current business and future objectives. By serving as our Executive Chairman, Mr. Elliott is able to provide strong and consistent leadership, vision and direction as we pursue our plans.
Board of Directors Oversight of Risk
Our Board of Directors oversees risk to help ensure a successful business at the Company. While the Executive Chairman, President, Chief Financial Officer, and other members of our senior leadership team are responsible for the day-to- day management of risk, our Board of Directors is responsible for appropriate risk oversight and assisting management in addressing specific risks, such as strategic and competitive risks, financial risks, legal risks, and operational risks. The Company’s President is the Company’s principal executive officer.
The Board of Directors believes that its leadership structure facilitates its oversight of risk by combining committees and a majority independent Board of Directors composition, with an experienced Executive Chairman who has detailed knowledge of our business, history, and the complex challenges we face. The Executive Chairman’s in-depth understanding of these matters and involvement in the day-to-day management of the Company positions them to promptly identify and raise key risks to the Board of Directors and focus the Board of Directors’ attention on areas of concern. The independent committee chairs and other directors also are experienced professionals or executives who can and do raise issues for Board of Directors consideration and review, and are not hesitant to challenge management. The Board of Directors believes there is a well-functioning and effective balance between the non-management directors and the Executive Chairman and President, which enhances risk oversight.
The Board of Directors exercises its oversight responsibility for risk both directly and through its three standing committees. Throughout the year, the Board and each committee spends a portion of their time reviewing and discussing specific risk topics. The Board of Directors is kept informed of each committee’s risk oversight and related activities through non-member attendance at committee meetings and committee meeting minutes available to all directors. Strategic, operational and competitive risks are presented and discussed at the Board of Directors’ regular quarterly meetings. On at least an annual basis, the Board of Directors conducts a review of our long-term strategic plans and other members of senior management report on our top risks and the steps management has taken or will take to mitigate these risks. As needed between Board of Directors meetings, our Executive Chairman reports to the Board of Directors on the critical issues we face and the recent developments in our business units, including identified risks.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our financial risks. The Audit Committee meets with our President, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and the independent auditor to discuss our major financial risk exposures, financial reporting, internal controls, and credit and liquidity risk. The Audit Committee meets regularly in separate executive sessions with the independent auditor to facilitate a full and candid discussion of risk and other issues.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing compensation risk and ensuring executive compensation is aligned with performance. The Compensation Committee is charged with monitoring equity-based compensation plans. At this time, we do not maintain any equity-based compensation plans.
The Nominating Committee oversees risk related to our overall governance, including Board of Directors and committee composition, Board of Directors size and structure, director independence, ethical and business conduct and our corporate governance profile and ratings. The Nominating Committee also is engaged in overseeing risks associated with succession planning for the Board of Directors and management.
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