ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. announced that Christopher J. Ewing, who currently serves as the Company?s Chief Operations Officer, will separate employment with the Company effective December 31, 2023 to pursue other opportunities. In order to ensure an orderly transition, the Company and Mr. Ewing entered into a Separation and Release Agreement as of September 29, 2023, which among other items, provides for the following: Mr. Ewing will continue to serve as an executive officer of the Company until the Separation Date and will be entitled to receive such 2023 cash incentive as he is awarded by the Company?s Compensation Committee pursuant to the terms of the Company?s Executive Incentive Plan. The vesting date of certain equity awards outstanding as of the Separation Date, as specified in the Agreement, will be accelerated; Mr. Ewing?s departure will be treated as a ?termination without cause?

under the terms of that certain Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2017 between Mr. Ewing, the Company and ConnectOne Bank, entitling Mr. Ewing to a severance payment equal to $450,000 and continuation of certain insurance benefits for a period of eighteen (18) months; and Effective as of the Separation Date, the Employment Agreement is terminated (except with respect to certain provisions set forth therein with respect to competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality, which shall survive). The company announced the hiring of Dana Zeller, a leading Financial Services Executive as Chief Strategic Operations Officer. With over 20 years of experience at both banks and fintechs, Ms. Zeller brings with her an impressive track record in organizational leadership and infrastructure development, as well as a deep understanding of transformational financial services.

In her position, Ms. Zeller will play a pivotal role in supporting ConnectOne Bank?s strategic priorities, prudent growth, and people-first mission as she oversees the entire operations division of the bank. Ms. Zeller?s appointment comes on the heels of the addition of Ali Mattera as Chief Digital Officer, underscoring the company?s dedication to growth and innovation.