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

SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. _)

Check the appropriate box:

o Preliminary Proxy Statement

o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-16(e)(2))

☒ Definitive Proxy Statement

o Definitive Additional Materials

o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

April 12, 2019

Dear Shareholder,

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), which will be held on May 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201.

The attached Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement describe the business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, as well as a representative of Crowe LLP, the accounting firm appointed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to be the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019, will be present at the Annual Meeting.

Fiscal year 2018 was a transformative year for the Company. The Company continued to effectively implement its strategy of building a relationship-driven, community commercial bank offering an array of products and services to its customers. The Company also reaffirmed its commitment to strong corporate governance and social responsibility by adhering to values of diversity and inclusion, community investment and involvement and high standards of ethics and compliance. We believe that this strategy and commitment will foster a higher performing institution.

The Company's Board of Directors has determined that an affirmative vote on each matter to be considered at the Annual Meeting is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” each of these matters.

On behalf of our Board of Directors and employees, we thank you for your continued support and hope to see you at the Annual Meeting.

Sincerely yours,

Vincent F. Palagiano	Kenneth J. Mahon
Chairman of the Board	President and Chief Executive Officer

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
300 Cadman Plaza West, 8^th Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 782-6200

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 23, 2019

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, to consider and vote upon the following:

The Board of Directors has fixed March 26, 2019 as the record date for the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of such shareholders will be available for inspection by any shareholder for any lawful purpose germane to the Annual Meeting at the Company's corporate headquarters at 300 Cadman Plaza West, 8^th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201 at any time during regular business hours for 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Patricia M. Schaubeck
Secretary

Brooklyn, New York
April 12, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Be Held on May 23, 2019

GENERAL INFORMATION

General

This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy card are being furnished to the shareholders of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”, “Dime”, “we”, “our” or “us”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Company's Board of Directors from holders of the shares of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 23, 2019 (the “Annual Meeting”) at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. This Proxy Statement, together with the enclosed proxy card, is first being mailed to shareholders on or about April 12, 2019.

Record Date

The Company's Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 26, 2019 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting (the “Record Date”). Accordingly, only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 26, 2019 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. There were 35,881,968 shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting

The notice of meeting, Proxy Statement, annual report and sample proxy card are available for review at https://materials.proxyvote.com/253922. The notice of meeting, Proxy Statement and annual report are also available on the Company's website at www.dime.com. Information on our website is not a part of this proxy statement or accompanying materials.

Voting Rights

Each holder of Common Stock on the Record Date will be entitled to one vote at the Annual Meeting for each share held on the Record Date (other than Excess Shares, as defined below). You may vote your shares of Common Stock by marking and signing the enclosed Proxy Card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, by telephone or internet by following the instructions stated on the Proxy Card or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. All properly executed proxies received by the Company on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 2019 will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated thereon. If no instructions are given, executed proxies will be voted FOR the election of each of the four nominees for Director, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019 and FOR the approval of compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

As provided in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, record holders (other than any compensation plan maintained by the Company and certain affiliates) of Common Stock who beneficially own in excess of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (such shares in excess of 10% referred to herein as “Excess Shares”) shall be entitled to cast only one-hundredth of one vote per share for each Excess Share. A person or entity is deemed to beneficially own shares owned by an affiliate or associate as well as by persons acting in concert with such person or entity. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes a majority of the Board of Directors to interpret the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation governing Excess Shares, and to determine, on the basis of information known to them after reasonable inquiry, all facts necessary to ascertain compliance with the Excess Shares provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, including, without limitation, (i) the number of shares of

Common Stock beneficially owned by any person or purported owner, (ii) whether a person or purported owner is an affiliate or associate of, or is acting in concert with, any other person or purported owner, and (iii) whether a person or purported owner has an agreement or understanding with any other person or purported owner as to the voting or disposition of any shares of Common Stock.

Management is not aware of any matters other than those set forth in the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders that may be brought before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the shares represented by all properly executed proxies on such matters in such manner as shall be determined by a majority of the Company's Board of Directors.

If you are a shareholder whose shares of Common Stock are not registered in your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from your shareholder of record to vote personally at the Annual Meeting. Examples of such documentation include a broker's statement, letter or other document that will confirm your ownership of the Common Stock.

Quorum and Vote Required

If you hold your shares in street name, it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of directors or with respect to the advisory proposal regarding the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (as defined herein). Current regulations restrict the ability of your bank or broker to vote your uninstructed shares in the election of directors and other matters on a discretionary basis. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the election of directors or the advisory vote regarding the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, no votes will be cast on your behalf. These are referred to as broker non-votes. Your bank or broker does, however, continue to have discretion to vote any uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the total number of shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, without regard to broker non-votes. The holders of Common Stock may not vote their shares cumulatively for the election of Directors. With respect to the election of the four nominees for Director, shares as to which the “WITHHOLD” box has been selected for either all or some of the nominees will be counted as being present for the matter but not as voting “for” the election of the respective nominee(s). Therefore, the proxy represented by these shares will have the same effect as voting against the respective nominee(s). Any Director nominee who does not receive more votes cast “for” than “withheld” his/her election shall immediately tender his/her resignation. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall promptly consider the resignation, possible responses (including, without limitation, actions to address the underlying causes of the vote), and make a recommendation to the Board for determination at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Board may consider factors deemed relevant in deciding whether or not to accept the offer of resignation. The Director nominee at issue will not participate in the discussion, recommendation of vote regarding the resignation tender.

Proposals 2 and 3 require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of Common Stock represented, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting, without regard to broker non-votes. Shares as to which the “ABSTAIN” box has been selected on the Proxy Card with respect to Proposals 2 and 3 will be counted as present and entitled to vote and will have the effect of a vote against these proposals.

Although the advisory vote on the compensation of Named Executive Officers is non-binding as provided by law, the Company’s Board of Directors will review the results of the vote and consider them in making future determinations concerning executive compensation.

Revocability of Proxies

A proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted by filing a written revocation of the proxy with the Company's Secretary at 300 Cadman Plaza West, 8^th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201 or by submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. A proxy also may be revoked by attending and voting at the Annual Meeting, but only if a written revocation is filed with the Corporate Secretary prior to the voting of such proxy.

Solicitation of Proxies

The Company will bear the costs of soliciting proxies from its shareholders. In addition to the use of mail, proxies may be solicited by officers, Directors or employees of the Company or the Bank by telephone or other forms of communication. The Company will also request persons, firms and corporations holding shares in their names or in the names of their nominees, which are beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials to, and obtain proxies from, such beneficial owners, and will reimburse such holders for reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith.

Interests of Directors and Management in Certain Proposals

Shareholders will be asked to cast a non-binding advisory vote on Proposal 3 regarding compensation to the Company's Named Executive Officers, and the results of such advisory vote may influence future compensation decisions. As a result, the Company's senior executives have personal interests in the outcome of this proposal that are different from the interests of the Company's other shareholders. The Board was aware of these interests and took them into account in recommending that the shareholders vote in favor of Proposal 3.

Director Attendance at Annual Meetings

The Company considers Board attendance at shareholder meetings a priority. It is the policy of the Company that Directors exercise their best efforts to attend every meeting. All of the then-serving Company Directors attended the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 24, 2018.

SECUIRTY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Principal Shareholders of the Company

The following table sets forth certain information as to persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of in excess of 5% of the shares of Common Stock as of March 26, 2019. Management knows of no person, except as listed below, who beneficially owned more than 5% of the Common Stock as of March 26, 2019. Except for the column titled “Percent of Class,” and as otherwise indicated, the information provided in the table was obtained from filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Addresses provided are those listed in the filings as the address of the person authorized to receive notices and communications. For purposes of the table below and the table set forth under “Security Ownership of Management,” in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of any shares of Common Stock: (1) over which he or she has or shares, directly or indirectly, voting or investment power, and (2) of which he or she has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after March 26, 2019. As used herein, “voting power” includes the power to vote, or direct the voting of, Common Stock and “investment power” includes the power to dispose, or direct the disposition, of such shares. Unless otherwise noted, each beneficial owner has sole voting and sole investment power over the shares beneficially owned.

Security Ownership of Management

The following table sets forth information as of the Record Date with respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the Company's Directors and the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and three most highly compensated executive officers (other than the principal executive and principal financial officer) of the Company or Bank (the “Named Executive Officers” or “NEOs”) and all of the Company's Directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each person and each group shown in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock indicated.

The Company's Anti-Hedging and Pledging and Insider Trading Policies prohibit Directors and senior officers from pledging Common Stock as collateral for any loan.

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

General

The Company currently has twelve directors, divided into three classes, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible. The terms of office of the members of one class expire, and a successor class is to be elected, at each annual meeting of shareholders. In September 2018, the size of the Board was increased from eleven to twelve directors and Barbara G. Koster was appointed as a new Director.

Vincent F. Palagiano, Patrick E. Curtin, Kathleen M. Nelson and Omer S. J. Williams, whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting, have been nominated by the Board on the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors to be re-elected at the Annual Meeting for a term expiring at the annual meeting to be held in 2022, or when their successors are otherwise duly elected and qualified.

Each nominee has consented to being named in this Proxy Statement and to serve, if elected. In the event that any nominee for election as a Director at the Annual Meeting is unable or declines to serve, which the Board of Directors has no reason to expect, the persons named in the proxy card will vote with respect to a substitute nominee designated by the Board of Directors, unless the shareholder has elected to “withhold authority” with respect to all nominees.

Information as to Nominees and Continuing Directors

In February 2019, the Board determined that all of its current Directors with the exception of Messrs. Curtin, Devine, Mahon, and Palagiano were independent pursuant to its Policy Regarding Director Independence (the “Director Independence Policy”) and the listing rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. Mr. Mahon is not independent because he is an executive officer of the Company, Messrs. Devine and Palagiano are not independent because they each received compensation other than Board fees from the Company within the past three years, and Mr. Curtin is not independent because he has a family member who is a member of a law firm that received payments from third parties for providing various legal services to the Company or its subsidiaries.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (“Corporate Governance Committee”) is responsible for identifying and selecting nominees for election by the Company’s shareholders. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is authorized to retain search firm(s) to assist in the identification of candidates. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is not limited to a specific process in identifying candidates and will consider potential nominees from various sources, including recommendations from shareholders as well as Directors and officers of the Company. Individuals recommended by shareholders are evaluated in a manner identical to other potential nominees.

The Corporate Governance Committee “has adopted general criteria for nomination to the Board which establish the minimum qualifications and experience to be examined in determining candidates for election. Pursuant to the general criteria, Directors should possess personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; be committed to representing the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders and other constituencies; possess the ability to (a) exercise sound business judgment, (b) work with others as an effective group, and (c) commit adequate time to their responsibilities; be able to impartially represent the interests of the Company’s shareholders and other constituencies; possess experience and expertise relevant to the business of the Company; and possess such other knowledge, experience or skills as required or which may be useful considering the composition of the Board, the operating requirements of the Company and the long-term interests of the shareholders. The nomination guidelines promote Board diversity to respond to business needs and shareholder interests.

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 26, 2019 with respect to each nominee for election as a Director and each Director whose term does not expire at the Annual Meeting (“Continuing Director”). There are no arrangements or understandings between the Company and any Director or nominee pursuant to which such person was selected as a Director or nominee. For information with respect to security ownership by Directors, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management – Security Ownership of Management.”

NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS:

CONTINUING DIRECTORS:

Directors’ Compensation

Director compensation is established by the Board, based upon the recommendations of the Compensation and Human Resources (the “Compensation and HR”) Committee. The Compensation and HR Committee utilizes a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm and, as necessary, outside legal counsel to assist in performing its duties. The compensation consultant is instructed to analyze the Company’s performance and Outside Director pay levels. A peer group of public banks and thrifts is used for comparison of both pay level and corporate performance. The Compensation and HR Committee uses this analysis to assist it in understanding market practices and trends and to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of recommended compensation for its non-employee Directors (“Outside Directors”). The Committee also considers the input of executive management with respect to the compensation of its Outside Directors.

Cash Compensation. Fee arrangements in existence during the year ended December 31, 2018 are summarized as follows:

2004 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan was initially adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and subsequently approved by its shareholders in 2004. Amendment Number One to the 2004 Stock

Incentive Plan was adopted by the Company's Board of Directors in March 2008 and subsequently approved by its shareholders at their annual meeting held in 2004. The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan reached its ten year anniversary in May 2014, and additional awards are no longer permitted thereunder.

2013 Equity and Incentive Plan. The 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and subsequently approved by the Company’s shareholders in 2013. The 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan provides the Company with the flexibility to make equity compensation available to Outside Directors, officers (including the CEO) and other employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, and to offer cash-based incentive compensation in a tax-efficient manner to officers (including the CEO) and employees. At December 31, 2018, 533,377 shares of Common Stock were eligible for award grants to Directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries under the 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan. On April 30, 2015, a grant of restricted stock award of 7,852 was made to Mr. Devine when he was employed as an officer of the Company. 25% of these awards vested on each of May 1, 2016, 2017, and 2018, with the remaining shares vesting on May 1, 2019. On April 30, 2018 each of our then appointed Outside Directors, were each granted 2,570 restricted stock awards which fully vest on May 1, 2019. On September 27, 2018, Ms. Koster was granted 864 restricted stock awards which fully vest on May 1, 2019. See “2018 Outside Director Compensation” on the following page.

Director Stock Purchase Plan. In 2013, the Company established the Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. Director Stock Purchase Plan (the “DSPP”). The DSPP permits Outside Directors to receive, in the form of Common Stock, all or any portion of Board, Committee Chair or Lead Director retainers that are otherwise payable in cash. Any election must be made during a period when open market trading by the Outside Director is permitted, and can only be changed or revoked during a similar period. All elections and changes are subject to Compensation and HR Committee approval. Elections are limited to a specific calendar year, and, therefore, must be renewed and approved by the Compensation and HR Committee each year. Under the DSPP, cash compensation is converted into shares of Common Stock based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the date on which the cash compensation would otherwise be paid. Messrs. Golden, Perry and Stein participated in the DSPP during the year ended December 31, 2018. See “2018 Outside Director Compensation” table on the following page.

Directors' Retirement Plan. The Company has adopted the Retirement Plan for Board Members of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Directors' Retirement Plan”), which provides benefits to each eligible Outside Director commencing on termination of Board service at or after age 65. An eligible Outside Director retiring at or after age 65 will be paid an annual retirement benefit equal to the amount of the aggregate compensation for services as a Director (excluding stock compensation) paid to him or her for the 12-month period immediately prior to termination of Board service, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of years of service, up to a maximum of 10, as an Outside Director (including service as a Director or trustee of the Bank or any predecessor) and the denominator of which is 10. An individual who terminates Board service after having served as an Outside Director for 10 years may elect to begin collecting benefits under the Directors' Retirement Plan at or after attainment of age 55, however, the annual retirement benefits will be reduced pursuant to an early retirement reduction formula to reflect the commencement of benefit payments prior to age 65. An Outside Director may elect to have benefits distributed in any one of the following forms: (i) a single life annuity; (ii) a 50% or 100% joint and survivor annuity; or (iii) a single life annuity with a 5, 10, or 15 year guaranteed term. In the event that an Outside Director dies prior to the commencement of earned benefit payments under the Directors' Retirement Plan, a 50% survivor annuity will automatically be paid to his or her surviving spouse, unless the decedent has elected otherwise. This plan was frozen to new participation effective March 31, 2005. Messrs. Cohn and Curtin are the only active Outside Directors participating in the Directors’ Retirement Plan.

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by each Outside Director during the year ended December 31, 2018:

MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Leadership Structure

Commencing January 1, 2017, the Company separated the roles of Chairman and CEO upon Mr. Palagiano’s retirement from the Company on December 31, 2016. While the Company does not mandate the separation of the Chairman and the CEO roles, the Company believes that the current separation of the roles, along with an independent Lead Director, is good governance policy and enhances Board independence and oversight. Mr. Palagiano serves as Chairman and Mr. Mahon serves as the CEO. In addition, the independent members of the Board annually elect an independent Lead Director. Kathleen M. Nelson was the Lead Director in 2018. Among other functions, the Lead Director presides at executive sessions of the outside and independent Directors and serves as a liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the independent Directors.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company faces various strategic, operating, compliance, reputational, technological and financial risks. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risk, while the Board, as a whole and through its Committees, is responsible for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board has the responsibility of satisfying itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed. To help accomplish this objective, the Board has established Audit and Risk Committees. The purpose of these committees, each meeting at least on a quarterly basis, is to assist the Board with respect to oversight of the Company’s risk: identification; measurement; control processes; and ongoing monitoring. Senior management also attends and presents reports at all Board meetings. The Chief Risk Officer attends all meetings of the Audit and Risk Committees of the Board, and presents risk management activity updates to the Risk Committee quarterly and to the Board monthly. The Board has also established a Technology Committee to assist the Board with respect to oversight and monitoring of the Company’s technology, information security, and information privacy, and a Compensation and HR Committee to assist the Board in implementing a prudent, competitive compensation program.

The Company's full Board of Directors met ten times during the year ended December 31, 2018. During 2018, no incumbent Director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of Board meetings conducted during the period for which he or she was a Director, and (ii) the total number of meetings conducted by all committees of the Board on which he or she served during the periods that he or she served.

Committees

The Company has four standing committees: Audit, Compensation and HR, Governance and Executive. In addition, the Company has a Risk Committee and a Technology Committee. Each of the Audit, Compensation and HR, Corporate Governance and Risk Committees:

In addition, the Audit, Compensation and HR and Corporate Governance Committees are comprised solely of independent directors.

The table below provides information about the current membership of these committees and the number of committee meetings held during 2018.

The Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company to assist the Board in: (1) monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, (2) monitoring Company compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and internal controls, (3) monitoring the independence and performance of the Company’s internal and independent registered public accounting firm, and (4) maintaining an open means of communication among the independent registered public accounting firm, senior management, the internal auditors, and the Board. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Perry, and Stein qualify as Audit Committee financial experts as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter, which may be viewed on the Company's website at www.dime.com by clicking “Investor Relations.” [Then in the “Investor Menu,” selecting the drop down arrow next to “Corporate Overview” and then selecting ”Governance Documents.“]

The Compensation and HR Committee. The Compensation and HR Committee recommends the compensation of the CEO to the Board for approval, approves the compensation of executive management, oversees administration of the process for determining the compensation and benefits of officers and employees of the Bank, recommends Director compensation to the Board and assists the Board in its oversight of the human resources activities of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The Compensation and HR Committee utilizes a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm, and, as necessary, outside legal counsel, to assist in performing its duties. The compensation consulting firm is instructed to analyze the Company’s performance and executive pay levels. A peer group of public banks and thrifts is used for comparison of both pay level and corporate performance. The Compensation and HR Committee uses this analysis to assist it in understanding market practices and trends and to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of recommended pay-for-performance compensation strategies. The consultant is additionally instructed to analyze and opine upon the risks associated with the Bank’s incentive compensation plans. The Compensation and HR Committee relies on legal counsel to advise on its obligations and rights under applicable corporate, securities and employment laws, to assist in interpreting the Company’s obligations under compensation plans and agreements, and to draft plans and agreements to document business decisions. The Compensation and HR Committee considers the expectations of executive management with respect to their own compensation, and their recommendations with respect to the compensation of Directors and more junior executive officers.

The Compensation and HR Committee operates pursuant to a charter, which is available on the Company's website at www.dime.com, by clicking ”Investor Relations.“ [Then in the ”Investor Menu,” selecting the drop down arrow next to “Corporate Overview,” and then selecting “Governance Documents.”]

The Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee identifies, selects and recommends to the Board, nominees for all Directorships, recommends committee memberships to the Board, establishes criteria for the selection of new Directors to serve on the Board, develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, and otherwise assumes a leadership role in the corporate governance of the Company.

The Corporate Governance Committee operates pursuant to a charter. A current copy of the charter is available on the Company's website, at www.dime.com by clicking “Investor Relations.” [Then in the “Investor Menu” selecting the drop down arrow next to “Corporate Overview,” and then selecting ”Governance Documents“.]

The Executive Committee. The purpose of the Executive Committee is to exercise all the powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company in the intervals between the meetings of the Board. The Executive Committee meets at the call of the Chairman, President or a majority of the members of the Executive Committee.

The Risk Committee. The Risk Committee assists the Board with respect to oversight of the Company’s risk: identification; measurement; control processes; and ongoing monitoring. The Risk Committee operates pursuant to a written charter. A current copy of the charter may be viewed on the Company's website at www.dime.com by clicking ”Investor Relations,“ then in the ”Investor Menu,” select the drop down arrow next to “Corporate Overview” and then select “Governance Documents.”

The Technology Committee. The Technology Committee assists the Board with respect to oversight and monitoring of the Company’s technology, information security and information privacy.

Governance and Social Highlights

The Company is committed to strong corporate governance and social responsibility. We believe that this commitment is essential to the success of the Company and promotes the interests of all the Company’s stakeholders, such as its shareholders, employees, customers and community. The table below highlights various ways the Company invested in corporate governance and social responsibility in 2018.

GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2018

Report of Audit Committee

The following Report of the Company's Audit Committee is provided in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Under rules promulgated by the SEC, the Company is required to provide certain information regarding the activities of its Audit Committee. In fulfillment of this requirement, the Audit Committee, at the discretion of the Board, has prepared the following report for inclusion in the Proxy Statement:

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

Robert C. Golden, Chair
Joseph J. Perry
Steven D. Cohn
Kevin Stein

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following individuals are executive officers of the Company and/or the Bank, holding the offices set forth opposite their names as of the Record Date:

The executive officers are elected annually and hold office until their respective successors have been elected and qualified, or until death, resignation or removal by the Board of Directors.

Biographical information of the executive officers who are not Directors of the Company or Bank is set forth below.

Stuart H. Lubow, age 61, joined the Bank in 2017 as SEVP – Business Banking, and has been a banking executive for over 37 years. In February 2018, he was promoted to SEVP and Chief Banking Officer where he has enterprise-wide role and joint responsibility for Bank management and profitability. From its inception in 2005 until its sale to Bridgehampton National Bank in June 2015, Mr. Lubow was a founder, Chairman, President, and CEO of Community National Bank. Prior to that, he was founder, President, and CEO of Community State Bank, EVP and COO of Garden State Bank, and Chief Operating Officer at Dry Dock Bank. Prior to Dry Dock Bank, Mr. Lubow held senior positions at Peoples Bank N.A., First Fidelity Bank, and Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.

Roberto S. Volino, age 48, has been with the Bank since 1999, and has over 23 years of experience with banking or related financial institutions. Mr. Volino began his career with the Bank as a securities portfolio analyst, and received several promotions prior to being named Vice President and Treasurer of the Bank in 2007. He was subsequently promoted to First Vice President and Treasurer of the Bank in 2009, to EVP and Chief Investment Officer of the Bank in 2014 and the Holding Company in 2015, and to his current title of SEVP and COO of the Bank and the Holding Company in 2017. Mr. Volino currently oversees the Company’s enterprise operations, retail banking, loan servicing, information technology and human resources. He also serves as a board member on the Rutgers University Leading Disruptive Innovation Board.

Michael J. Fegan, age 53, joined the Bank in February 2019 as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. As Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Fegan is responsible to drive the Bank’s technology efforts forward, improve the usability of existing solutions and spearhead innovation in new solutions. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Fegan served as Chief Information and Operations Officer of Investors Bank until December 2018 and prior thereto, from 2013 to 2017, was Chief Operations and Technology Officer at Bank Leumi and, from 2011 to 2013, was Chief Information Officer at Suffolk County National Bank.

Angela K. Finlay, age 40, joined the Bank in October 2016 as SVP and Director of Human Resources of the Bank, and has over 20 years of experience leading Human Resources functions in small to Fortune Global 150 companies. In February 2018 she was promoted to EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer where she is responsible for the strategy and execution of the talent initiatives of the Bank. Prior to joining Dime, Ms. Finlay was the Director of Human Resource (Global Talent Management Group) for Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. where she was responsible for the strategy and execution of HR and Talent Management activities for the Americas region (North

and South America). Prior to Mitsui, Ms. Finlay spent almost 10 years in the public accounting and consulting industry leading Human Resources functions, including an HR consulting business. In addition, she also spent time as an Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University teaching Human Resources courses. She currently holds various HR certifications, including SHRM-SCP, SPHR and CCP.

Conrad J. Gunther, age 72, joined the Bank in 2016 as EVP – Business Banking and has been a banking executive for over 40 years. In February 2018, he was promoted to EVP and Chief Lending Officer (“CLO”). He also serves as a Director for CVD Equipment Corp. Most recently, Mr. Gunther served as EVP and CLO of First Central Savings Bank, a community bank with $525 million in assets. Previous to First Central Savings Bank, Mr. Gunther was First EVP and CLO of Community National Bank. Prior to that, he was founder and President of E-Bill Solutions, Inc., a sales and marketing organization for credit card processing and prior to E-Bill, held senior positions at The Allied Group, North Fork Bancorp, and European American Bank, as well as served as a Director and consultant for Reliance Bancorp.

Michael A. Perez, age 51, joined the Bank in September 2016 as SVP and Director of Retail Banking. He was promoted to EVP and Chief Retail Officer in February 2018. In this role, he manages the operation, strategic direction, and leadership of the Bank’s retail banking division. Mr. Perez currently oversees initiatives on overall customer experience and business needs of retail banking clients. Prior to joining Dime, he was a Managing Director at Citibank where he was responsible for building and leading Citibank’s banking strategy in the U.S., and has over 29 years of banking experience. He serves on the Board of Trustees of St. John’s Preparatory High School and is the former Co-Chair of the New York City March of Dimes Executive Committee. He has served as the Chair for the March of Babies Walk and volunteers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Christopher Porzelt, age 52, joined the Bank in November 2017 and was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of the Bank. Mr. Porzelt has over 25 years of audit and financial services experience and joins the bank from EisnerAmper LLP, where he was Managing Director of the Consulting Services Group. In this role, Mr. Porzelt engaged with financial services companies to protect value and enhance outcomes and performance through practical and cost-effective solutions, including the coordination and utilization of people, processes and technology, as well as the translation of complex challenges and regulatory requirements into sound strategies. Prior to this, he was Managing Director and Global Head of American International Group’s Property Casualty Global Financial Controls Unit. Previously, Mr. Porzelt was an Audit Partner in the Financial Services Practice at both Deloitte and Arthur Andersen where he led audit and consulting engagements for a broad group of companies, ranging in size from de novos to Fortune 100 companies.

Avinash Reddy, age 34, is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Reddy is responsible for the Company’s strategic, financial, capital and liquidity planning and investor relations. From 2017 to January 2019, Mr. Reddy served as Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Development and Treasurer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Reddy held several investment banking roles with firms including Evercore Partners, from 2011 to 2014, Barclays Capital, from 2008 to 2011 and Lehman Brothers, from 2005 to 2008.

Patricia M. Schaubeck, age 58, an attorney admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey, joined the Company and the Bank in March 2018 as EVP and General Counsel, serving as the chief legal officer to the Company and the Bank. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Schaubeck served as General Counsel to Sun Bancorp and to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sun National Bank, in New Jersey from September 2014 to January 2018. Previously, Ms. Schaubeck served as General Counsel to Suffolk Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suffolk County National Bank, in New York from June 2012 through August 2014, and, prior thereto, she served as General Counsel to State Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, State Bank of Long Island, in New York, from June 2007 through January 2012. Previously, Ms. Schaubeck was associated with various New York City and Long Island, New York law firms where she represented financial institutions and real estate clients.

Leslie S. Veluswamy, age 34, is Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company and the Bank. Ms. Veluswamy, a certified public accountant, is responsible for financial accounting, budgeting and tax administration. From July 2016 to January 2019, Ms. Veluswamy served as Senior Vice President and Director of Financial Reporting for the Company and Senior Vice President and Head of Public Disclosure for the Bank. Prior to July 2016, from 2014 to 2016, Ms. Veluswamy was Assistant Controller with the insurance brokerage company, Crystal and Company, and, from 2008 to 2014, Ms. Veluswamy was an auditor with the public accounting firm of Crowe LLP, where her last position was as Manager.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This compensation discussion and analysis (the “CD&A”) describes our executive compensation program and explains how the Compensation and Human Resource Committee (the “Compensation and HR Committee”) made its compensation decisions for our named executive officers (also referred to in this CD&A as “NEOs”) listed below for fiscal year 2018.

Executive Summary

Non-Interest bearing deposits and relative shareholder returns continue to improve with upward trends. In addition to surpassing our loan growth goals for our relationship-based Business Banking division, a milestone event occurred with the conversion of our core computer system to a commercial bank platform in July 2018.

CEO Mahon, and Senior EVPs Lubow and Volino have now completed their second year together. Notably, the executive suite has only two members who have been with Dime longer than three years. We have new executives in Commercial and Residential Lending, Retail Banking, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Training, Technology, Information Security, Legal and Compliance, Risk, and Corporate Development among other functions. The over-arching takeaway is that there has been a virtual re-make of the entire management structure at Dime in less than two years. These are all highly qualified professionals who bring professionalism and experience from long and successful careers (primarily in banking) and with whom we plan to go forward and build long-term value for our shareholders.

The Company also added one new director, Ms. Barbara Koster, Chief Information Technology officer with Prudential.

2018 Financial Performance/Strategic Highlights

2018 Key Compensation Decisions

In light of the important achievements in 2018, the Compensation and HR Committee set the total compensation packages for the NEOs in line with their responsibilities and roles at Dime.

Governance Best Practices

The Compensation and HR Committee, with the assistance of our independent compensation consultant, routinely reviews our compensation practices to ensure they support our compensation philosophy, are risk appropriate, market competitive and align our executives with shareholder interests. To further these objectives we:

Say on Pay Results

At the Company’s 2018 annual shareholder’s meeting, we received strong support for our executive compensation programs with 94.1% of the votes by shareholders cast in favor of a non-binding resolution to approve NEO compensation. The Compensation and HR Committee regarded the results of this vote as support of its approach to NEO compensation and, therefore, did not change its overall executive compensation policies or programs as a consequence of the shareholder vote. The Company continues to seek annual shareholder feedback on our compensation programs and encourages shareholder feedback.

Our Compensation Philosophy

The goals of the executive compensation program are to enable the Company to attract, develop and retain an executive team capable of maximizing the Company’s performance for the benefit of its shareholders. The Company’s executive compensation philosophy is, consistent with prudent banking business practices, to provide competitive target compensation opportunities with actual amounts earned commensurate with its financial performance and the generation of long-term value for shareholders through dividends and stock price appreciation. To accomplish these goals, the Company sets a base salary to provide a reasonable level of predictable base income and near- and long-term performance-based compensation to provide the NEOs with clear opportunities to increase the value of their compensation by positive contribution to stockholder interests. Pay opportunities are targeted at market median with the ability to increase or decrease actual pay earned based on our performance. The pay elements are intended to balance an appropriate mix of risk and return. Annual incentive awards are designed to provide incentives to encourage efforts to attain near-term goals, which do not encourage excessive risk taking. Long-term performance-based and time-vested restricted stock awards align executive’s interests with the Company’s shareholders and serve to retain executives over the long term.

Pay Mix

Our compensation program consists of three primary components: (i) base salary, (ii) cash-based, annual incentive awards (“AIP”), and (iii) equity-based, long-term incentive awards (“LTI”). We also offer certain retirement and other benefits. During 2018, the Company was a party to employment agreements with Messrs. Mahon, Lubow and Gunther, and a party to change in control agreements with Messrs. Volino and Rizzo. The target pay mix for the CEO and average NEO for 2018 is illustrated in the following charts:

Executive Compensation Program Components and 2018 Pay Decisions

Components of our NEO Compensation Program

Base Salary

The Company seeks to pay competitive base salaries that provide a reasonable level of recurring income to reflect each executive’s role. Executive base salary levels are generally reviewed on an annual basis in comparison to market benchmarking and adjusted as appropriate, with no guarantee of annual increases. Base salaries are targeted at market median with the ability to reflect performance, experience, contribution and unique roles. The Company desires to compensate executives fairly while being sensitive to managing fixed costs.

For 2018 NEO base salaries, the Compensation and HR Committee considered prevailing market conditions, individual contributions, Company performance, and competitive market perspective conducted by a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm. The salary increase for Mr. Rizzo was increased to reflect his expanded role as Principal Financial Officer. The salary increases for Messrs. Lubow, Volino, and Gunther were increased to be in-line with peer competitors based on market data provided by our independent compensation consultant.

2018 Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”)

Our 2018 Annual Incentive Plan, also referred to as our AIP, is a short-term incentive plan administered under our 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan to provide our NEOs with the opportunity to earn an annual cash award based on the achievement of pre-defined corporate, strategic, and individual performance goals. We designed our 2018 AIP to encourage teamwork and collaboration while recognizing the unique roles/contributions each executive has in driving our strategic plan and business performance.

The following table sets forth the award opportunities for each of our NEOs under the 2018 AIP⁽¹⁾.

Target dollars noted in the above chart represent the payout level for performance at threshold, target, and stretch, with payout at threshold equal to 50% of the target opportunity and stretch equivalent to a payout of 150% of target. Performance below threshold results in no payout under the AIP.

The performance goals were established by the Compensation and HR Committee early in 2018 to assist the Company in meeting its growth and profitability objectives for the year, which were rooted in the formal capital plan reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors (the “Capital Plan’). The three significant corporate financial measures (“Corporate Measures”) were: Reported Pre-Tax Earnings (25%), Non-Interest Expense (50%), and High Quality Deposits (25%). The Compensation and HR Committee also reserves the ability to consider other qualitative measures of performance and to adjust corporate earnings to reflect extraordinary or one-time events in considering the payout for the Corporate component of the AIP.

The Corporate Measures and weighting for the participating NEOs were as follows:

For all of our NEOs who participated in the 2018 AIP, the performance criteria used for the 2018 AIP includes individual/strategic goals, although the weighting varies by role.

For Mr. Mahon, the 2018 AIP was based 75% on the Corporate goals as described above and 25% on individual/strategic goals. The Compensation and HR Committee’s review of Mr. Mahon’s leadership and guidance in order to accomplish the strategic plan goals for the year, as well as the attainment of the items summarized in the “2018 Financial Performance/Strategic Highlights”, determined that he satisfied 100% of his individual/strategic goals.

For Mr. Lubow, who has departmental responsibility for Business Banking, the 2018 AIP award was based 50% on the Corporate Goals and 50% on individual/strategic goals. In connection with the Compensation and HR Committee’s review of Mr. Lubow’s 2018 performance, the Compensation and HR Committee recognized his efforts in the continued buildout of Business Banking, which included strong growth of both the relationship-based loan portfolio and in non-interest bearing checking accounts. Additionally, Mr. Lubow oversaw the successful launch of the Company’s residential lending business. The Compensation and HR Committee awarded Mr. Lubow with 100% of his individual/strategic performance target under the 2018 AIP.

For Mr. Volino, the 2018 AIP was based 50% on the Corporate Goals and 50% on individual/strategic goals. As COO of the Company, Mr. Volino was charged with oversight of various projects that played a key role in the achievement of the Corporate Goals, such as the core system conversion and firm-wide initiatives to improve efficiency. Mr. Volino also devoted significant time focusing on the retail business transformation and the shift to business accounts from consumer accounts. The Compensation and HR Committee considered these efforts and awarded Mr. Volino with 100% of his individual/strategic performance target under the 2018 AIP.

For Mr. Gunther, who has responsibility to oversee the Company’s lending business, the 2018 AIP was based 25% on Corporate Goals and 75% on individual/strategic goals. Mr. Gunther played a key role in the managing the growth of both the relationship-based loan portfolio and in non-interest bearing checking accounts. His oversight of the SBA loan business also helped the Bank to achieve “Preferred Lender” designation by the SBA, which will enable the Bank to make SBA lending approvals more rapidly in the future. The Compensation and HR Committee determined that Mr. Gunther satisfied 100% of his 2018 AIP individual/strategic goals.

Results of the Corporate Measures relative to the pre-established objectives were as follows:

To balance incentives to achieve financial results against the need to discourage excessive risk-taking, the Compensation and HR Committee also considered Company performance on supplemental measures, including efficiency ratio, non-performing assets (in dollars and as a percentage of average total assets), net charge-offs (in dollars and as a percentage of average loans) and capital ratios, relative to historical and peer results.

Based upon the overall financial results, consideration of individual performance of the NEO’s individual goals, and the supplemental risk-based performance, the Compensation and HR Committee approved the annual incentive payouts in the table below. All NEOs were determined by the Compensation and HR Committee to achieve 100% of their individual performance goals. No negative risk adjustments were used. Based on the weight allocation between Company and individual performance, the approved payouts were determined below.

2018 Long Term (Equity) Incentive (“LTI”) Program

The foundation of our compensation philosophy is pay for performance, therefore we have designed a Long Term Incentive Program, also referred to as our LTI, that aligns our executives with our long-term performance and resulting shareholder value. We believe our 2018 LTI is an effective means of creating a link between the interests of our shareholders, our financial performance and retaining executive management.

Below are the target LTI opportunities for the four NEOs participating in the 2018 Program.

The 2018 LTI were granted as 60% of performance share awards (“PSAs”) and 40% as time-vested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”).

The PSAs were granted at target and vest based on 3-year (i.e. 2018 – 2020) ROAA percentile compared to a broad Bank Industry Index with an additional negative modifier if our Total Shareholder Return (“TSRs”) falls

below the 30th percentile. The PSAs are performance based and will only vest based on performance related to our profitability and relative shareholder returns. The remaining 40% of the LTI were granted in the form of time-vested RSA with 4 year incremental vesting (i.e. 25% per year). The RSAs support our goal of executive ownership and shareholder alignment as well as provides powerful retention of key executives. The LTI is administered under the Company’s 2013 Equity and Incentive Plan.

The following table sets forth the performance goals for the PSAs. Once the defined threshold level of performance is achieved, payouts can vary from 50% of the target for the threshold level of performance to a maximum payout of 150% of the target for stretch performance. Payouts will be interpolated between these points.

The following table sets forth the 2018 LTI opportunities for each NEO:

The Compensation and HR Committee does not have discretion to increase the size of the payout or to award compensation if the goals are not met, but may exercise negative discretion considering the Company’s performance relative to peers and other relevant factors. PSA’s are awarded as shares of Common Stock in the first quarter of 2021 if the NEO is employed on December 31, 2020 and based on actual performance. If an NEO’s employment terminates prior to the end of a performance period due to death, disability or retirement, the Company’s obligation will be prorated for performance as of the date of termination and paid at the end of the performance period unless the Compensation and HR Committee determines otherwise. The Compensation and HR Committee may provide for immediate payout in the case of death. In the event of a change of control, performance will be assessed through the change of control date and a prorated payment made as soon as possible after that date. If the actual performance results cannot be calculated, the target will be used.

Payout Under 2016 - 2018 LTI Program.

Our LTI program in 2016 included both a cash component and an equity-based long-term incentive of 60% granted as performance share awards and 40% granted as time-vested restricted stock awards. The time-vested restricted stock awards vest 25% per year and will continue to vest through 2019.

Payouts under the performance-based cash and equity components that vest based on performance over a 3 year period, January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2018 are described below.

The cash component was based on relative TSR compared to the compensation peer group selected in 2016. The established performance goals, actual achievement levels and LTI earned for the measurement period are shown in the following table:

The PSAs consisted of two metrics, cumulative core EPS and ROAE, each split evenly. The performance period was January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Actual performance was assessed in March 2019 and certified by the Compensation and HR Committee for payout in March 2019. The established performance goals, actual achievement levels and PSAs earned for the measurement period are shown in the following tables:

The cash payments made under the 2016 – 2018 LTI Program were as follows⁽¹⁾:

Executive Agreements

Employment and Change in Control Employment Agreements

During 2018, the Bank and the Company maintained employment agreements with Messrs. Mahon, Lubow and Gunther that protected both the Company and those individuals in the event of certain separation events. In 2019, the Company entered into Change in Control Employment Agreements (“Change in Control Agreements”) with Messrs. Lubow, Volino, Gunther and Rizzo. The Change in Control Agreements with Messrs. Lubow and Gunther replace their prior employment agreements. The Change in Control Agreements with Messrs. Volino and Rizzo replace their prior retention agreements. The employment agreement for Mr. Mahon generally protects Mr. Mahon in the event of certain terminations of employment within three years following a change in control. The Change in Control Agreements generally protect the covered individuals in the event of certain terminations of employment within two years following a change in control. The Compensation and HR Committee believes the terms of our employment agreements are in line with industry standards and are necessary to maintain a stable management team. See “Executive Compensation - Agreements with Our Named Executive Officers Upon Termination of Service and Change in Control” for additional information on the agreements.

Retention Agreements with Other NEOs

During 2018, the Bank and the Company maintained Retention Agreements with Messrs. Volino and Rizzo. See “Executive Compensation - Agreements with Our Named Executive Officers Upon Termination of Service and Change in Control” for additional information on the agreements.

Retirement Benefits and Perquisites

Retirement Plan.The Bank maintains the Retirement Plan of Dime Community Bank (the “Retirement Plan”), a noncontributory, tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan for all eligible employees. Only Messrs. Mahon and Rizzo are participants in the plan as all participant benefits under the Retirement Plan were frozen effective April 1, 2000, and no benefits have been accrued under the Retirement Plan since that date.

KSOP. The KSOP allows eligible employees, including the NEOs, to supplement their retirement savings with elective deferral contributions that we match at specified levels. The KSOP also provides for additional discretionary employer contributions, subject to the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) contribution limits.

Benefit Maintenance Plan (“BMP”). The BMP is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that provides our NEOs with supplemental retirement benefits. We believe the benefits provided through the BMP reflect competitive practices for similarly-situated officers employed by our peers whose tax-qualified retirement benefits are limited by the Code. The Compensation and HR Committee reviews the BMP design periodically with due consideration given to prevailing market practices, overall executive compensation philosophy and cost to the Company. See “Executive Compensation - Pension Benefits” for information on the terms of the BMP. With the exception of Mr. Rizzo, the NEOs and certain other officers are eligible to participate in the BMP.

The Compensation and HR Committee believes that perquisites should be limited in scope and have a business-related purpose. The Compensation and HR Committee periodically reviews perquisites to ensure alignment with the desired philosophy. The Compensation and HR Committee approves specific perquisites or benefits for individuals based on the needs of the position.

In 2018, perquisites for all of the NEOs included either an automobile allowance or the right to use a Company automobile, which are represented under “Executive Compensation - Summary Compensation Table” under Footnote 7.

Executive Compensation Process

Role of the Compensation and HR Committee

The Compensation and HR Committee consists of three independent members of the Board. The Chairman of the Compensation and HR Committee presents a summary of each meeting during the Board meetings. The Compensation and HR Committee met five times during the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Compensation and HR Committee’s primary responsibilities include the following:

The Compensation and HR Committee, with the assistance of management and its independent compensation consultant, reviews its philosophy and executive compensation programs annually.

Role of Management

In order for the Compensation and HR Committee to make decisions regarding base salary, annual and long-term incentives, and other aspects of the Company’s benefit programs, members of Management and Human Resources (“HR”) are asked to provide input on Corporate objectives and individual performance goals. Input from members of Management and HR are considered to be suggestions and recommendations for the Compensation and HR Committee’s consideration.

Role of the Compensation Consultant and Advisors

The Compensation and HR Committee utilizes legal counsel, as necessary, and a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm, to assist in performing its duties. The Compensation and HR Committee relies on legal counsel to advise on its obligations and rights under applicable corporate, securities and employment laws, to assist in interpreting the Company’s obligations and rights under compensation plans and agreements, and to draft plans and agreements to document business decisions. Meridian Compensation Partners LLC (“Meridian”) served as independent advisor to the Compensation and HR Committee for benchmarking and decisions related to the 2018 compensation program.

The Compensation and HR Committee evaluated the independence of both the compensation consulting firm and legal counsel to assess whether their work raised conflicts of interest under NASDAQ listing standards and SEC rules. Based on this review, Meridian and legal counsel were both determined to be independent and their work did not raise any conflicts of interest.

Benchmarking and Peer Group

In making executive compensation decisions, the Compensation and HR Committee seeks to maintain a strong linkage between pay and corporate performance, both in absolute terms and in relation to a designated peer group. The Compensation and HR Committee uses a peer group to review pay program competitiveness and to assess corporate performance. The members of our peer group are reviewed each year to determine relevance of the peer set.

The table below shows how the peer group was chosen and how it is used:

The peer group utilized was comprised of the following companies in 2018:

In addition to the peer group, the Compensation and HR Committee considers market data from published industry surveys to supplement the proxy data and provide data for executives who are not NEOs.

Other Compensation Policies/Practices

Stock Ownership and Retention Requirement - The Company has a policy that requires executives to own shares of Common Stock with an aggregate value tied to a multiple of their base salary. Mr. Mahon’s guideline is to own shares with an aggregate value of at least equal to 500% of his annual rate of base salary. Senior Executive Vice Presidents are required to own with an aggregate value at least equal to 300% of their annual rate of base salary, Executive Vice Presidents are required to own shares with an aggregate value at least equal to 200% of their annual rate of base salary. The stock ownership requirement is phased in ratably over five years for newly appointed executive officers. Shares owned directly and in vested retirement accounts, shares in vested accounts under the Company’s BMP and unvested restricted stock awards count toward these limits. Unexercised stock options do not count toward these requirements. The following table indicates the stock ownership requirement applicable to each NEO based on the salary of each NEO and the stock price, as well as the stock ownership of each, as of the Record Date:

The Company’s policy further requires that each executive officer who is not in full compliance with the Company’s stock ownership guidelines must retain 100% of the net shares (after taxes and acquisition costs) acquired through stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting until he or she attains full compliance with the ownership guidelines.

Recoupment/Clawback Policy - The Company has adopted a policy permitting it to seek recovery of certain performance-based compensation in the event of a financial restatement due to the Company’s material non-compliance with the financial reporting requirements of the federal securities laws. In the event of such a restatement, performance-based compensation paid during the prior three years will be reviewed to determine if the right to, or amount of, the compensation was based on the achievement of performance goals derived from the financial statements and if so, whether the right to, or amount of, the compensation would be different based on the financial restatement. If, based on this review, an overpayment has occurred, the Company may require the recipient to repay the excess amount. This policy applies to the Company’s and Bank’s executive officers.

Restrictions on Hedging and Pledging - Executive officers and Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from: (i) entering into transactions designed to hedge or offset a decrease in the market value of Common Stock; and (ii) pledging, hypothecating, or otherwise encumbering shares of Common Stock as collateral for indebtedness.

Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatment

Section 162(m) - Under Section 162(m) of the Code (“Section 162(m)”), the Company is generally prohibited from deducting certain forms of compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the other “covered employees” as defined in Section 162(m). An exception to this $1,000,000 deduction limitation was available with respect to compensation that qualified as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), which required compliance with certain requirements set forth in Section 162(m) and the applicable regulations. As a result of new tax legislation that went into effect on December 22, 2017, this exception for performance-based compensation was no longer available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, unless such compensation qualifies for certain transitionary relief contemplated in the new tax legislation.

The Company has believed that it was generally in the Company’s best interests to design compensation arrangements that were intended to satisfy the requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m). Accordingly, the Company took appropriate actions, to the extent feasible, that were designed and intended to preserve the deductibility of annual incentive and long-term performance awards previously granted to its executive officers who are covered by Section 162(m). However, notwithstanding this general policy, the Company also believes there may be circumstances in which the Company’s interests are best served by maintaining flexibility in the way compensation is provided, whether or not compensation is fully deductible.

As a result of the new tax legislation, compensation paid in excess of $1 million to individuals who, following December 31, 2017, are subject to Section 162(m) is not expected to be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code, unless the compensation qualifies for transitionary relief. Therefore, certain compensation paid under our AIP and certain of our long-term equity awards originally designed with the intent that the amounts would qualify as “performance-based compensation” may not be deductible in the future. Although the Compensation and HR Committee will continue to analyze the impact that Section 162(m) and the potential lack of deduction associated with amounts paid in excess of the deduction limitation may have on the Company, the Compensation and HR Committee continues to retain the flexibility to make decisions with respect to the Company’s compensation programs that are based on factors other than Section 162(m) and related tax consequences. This flexibility may include amending or modifying the design elements of our historical compensation programs to the extent those design elements were principally adopted in an effort to comply with Section 162(m).

Sections 4999 and 280G - Section 4999 of the Code imposes a 20% excise tax on certain “excess parachute payments” made to “disqualified individuals” in connection with a change in control. Under section 280G of the Code, such excess parachute payments are also nondeductible to the Company. If payments that are contingent on a change of control to a disqualified individual (which includes the NEOs) exceed three times the individual’s “base amount” (as defined in the Code), they constitute “excess parachute payments” to the extent they exceed one time the individual’s base amount.